So true, especially with some fluff top. My tiny little 43 prints horribly AIWB, whereas my 92 (not so) Compact disappears in my modded JMCK 2.5.Originally Posted by UniSol
So true, especially with some fluff top. My tiny little 43 prints horribly AIWB, whereas my 92 (not so) Compact disappears in my modded JMCK 2.5.
I think I mentioned I tried that a few weeks ago with a G34. It was surprisingly...doable.
That’s an option, as are the pre-made foam wedges from Mastermind, JMCK, Keepers, and the slightly different take by Darkstar. There’s also Melody’s gel insert as mentioned, and I’ve previously also used thicker foam Scholl’s inserts. I still use those for some small gun applications.
My current favorite option is pieces of yoga block cut to the exact size and shape I want, and attached using Velcro tape from Target (original idea credit to Scott Jedlinski). Yoga block is very dense and resists shrinking over time, yet is soft enough to be comfortable. One block is enough material for probably dozens of applications (I use it for mag carriers and IWB sheaths as well). You’ll probably need to super glue the Velcro tape to the wedge because it doesn’t stick to the foam well otherwise, but with that step added this has been working for me for years now.
Also, second to the recent comments on length. I’m carrying a 4” 1911 in a government length holster, and previously carried a 4” P99 in holsters for a 5” PPQ, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Yes, I use my Junk Carry Pillows on all of my holsters. It’s what makes AIWB truly comfortable for me. The trick is having a wedge that matches the stiffness of your body. It turns out that the materials properties of the human ass have been studied quite extensively in the design of seat cushions. For example, this study. You want a wedge that's about as soft as your ass.
Last edited by Clusterfrack; 12-26-2020 at 11:41 AM.
“There is no growth in the comfort zone.”--Jocko Willink
"You can never have too many knives." --Joe Ambercrombie
Said holster arrived today. Thoughts?
Holster is a used DSG Hitchhiker, in orange, lefty, for my G48. @orionz06
I left it setup as I received it, it has the DSG foam teardrop shaped pad, centered on the backer. The holster has a single metal clip, attached to the upper of the three lower holes. The DSG wing is attached. Pants are a size 34", about 2" bigger than I wear these days (32"). T-Shirt is a Hanes size XL, typical for me in FL. My G48 is unmodified, except for a Tau Industries Striker Control Device aka "Gadget" and Ameriglo tritium sights, front and rear. The G48 is my EDC.
Comfort standing is great, sitting is "ok", actually. The belt (MMT Specialist) ended up being not nearly as tight as I thought it might be. In fact, I'd say it was a bit loose, but I spent a minute or three playing with the tension so that it was tight enough to hold my pants up, but loose enough to give slightly when I was sitting. I don't know if this is normal? Grip and draw are positive. Just did a very few dry unloaded so far. Will put it on the timer next chance I get.
It's clear the 24.6 lb weight loss I've had since October has made this possible. There's no way I'd have room to shove a gun down the front of my pants before. I think the more I lose, the better this will fit. I mean, I will not end up looking like @Duke, but still. It's possible this may work out, better, long term, than my current EDC (a JM CK IWB3, worn behind the hip, which I love). I will continue to wear it around the house and post back any questions, but if you see anything grossly wrong in the above, I'd be grateful for the feedback.
@Clusterfrack I remember that now. Did you ever post a ‘pattern’ to go by, in terms of sewing, or what padding material you used? I’m ok with a sewing machine, and can probably wing it after a trip to Michael’s Crafts, but was curious if there was a better starting point. Thanks.
I don't have a pattern, although I was talking with Mrs. CF about making one. Meanwhile, Here's the original JCP thread:
Dear fellow AIWB (aka "junk") carriers,
I have finally put together some illustrated instructions for my Junk Carry Pillow (JCP), as seen in the JMCK thread and elsewhere. A few notes before I get into the details: 1) I use this device to cushion my AIWB holsters, which are carried at 12:30, and ride between junk and thigh (not over the leg at 1:00). 2) Comfort is one reason I use a cushion, but it also ensures that the muzzle is pointed away from my body. I'll leave it up to you to decide if this device might be a good idea for you; if you shoot your dick off it's not my fault. 3) I am not very good at sewing, and won't make one of these for anyone so don't ask.
Components:
Multicam NyCo ripstop fabric
Hook velcro (use two long strips side by side for more flexibility to conform to holster).
Sticky loop velcro
Instructions:
Cut enough sticky velcro to cover lower inside of holster. Round off corners with scissors. Clean holster twice with rubbing alcohol, and heat gently with a hair dryer. Then apply sticky velcro, making sure to cover the part that rubs on your inner thigh.
Cut cloth into a 12" x 4" strip (or 12 x 3 if you want a narrower pillow).
Sew on two strips of hook velcro making sure total width is no greater than your loop strip on the holster. Note in the pictures below how the velcro goes on one side of the strip, but leaves room for the wide "bellows" described below. The gap between the hook velcro makes the pillow conform to the holster better than one big strip.
Bonus for cutting the thread with your Ban Tang Clinch Pick.
Now, work on the inside of the cloth.
Sew off top edges to prevent unravelling.
Fold cloth in half, and make a "bellows" at the bottom.
Sew the four edges of the bellows at 45 degrees.
Sew the sides of the cloth to make a pocket with the bellows at the end. Stop at the bellows. Don't sew into it.
Turn the pocket right side out and check dimensions. If you suck at sewing like me, you'll probably have to redo it.
If it looks good, sew the sides and the bellows a second time so it doesn't come apart in the washing machine. You may want to taper the side stitches toward the mouth of the pocket.
Stuff the pocket with polyfill to make a pillow. Try it on the holster, and test it in your pants using an unloaded gun.
When it's right, close the top with a single line of stitches. (You may want to open it again after the stuffing compresses.)
Add a vertical line of stitches between the velcro strips to keep the polyfill down at the bottom of the JCP where it belongs.
Good job dude! Your JCP is done.
“There is no growth in the comfort zone.”--Jocko Willink
"You can never have too many knives." --Joe Ambercrombie
^ Outstanding! Thank you sir!
@RJ I have always found placing the foam wedge sideways so that the thicker end is toward the middle is more comfortable and has the same effect as a wing. It does a really nice job of tucking the grip and distributing the pressure over a much wider area.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....26-Gen-5/page4
Post # 145
Gotcha. Interestingly enough, last night I moved the DSG foam teardrop about 1/4” towards cenoterline on the Velcro backer. Same concept as above. It seemed to fit my, ah, anatomy, a bit better. This echos what I recall from various of y’all that AIWB success only comes with the right equipment and a dedicated effort to refine the adjustments to suit one’s self.
I thought long and hard about what gun (long flat skinny G48), holster (Dark Star) and belt (Mastermind Specialist) before giving it a go again this time.
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