Unique Original Articles » Introduction to Inside The Pants Holsters

Inside the waistband holsters are generally referred to as IWB holsters as they are designed to ride inside the waistband.



Holster makers offer a variety of methods to affix the IWB holster to the belt. Those attachments include leather snap straps, steel or kydex clips, velcro, or plastic snaps. Just like the different carrying attachments, IWB holsters also offer a number of assorted carrying styles. IWB holsters can be worn as a cross draw, behind the hip, on the strong side, or even small of the back (commonly called SOB).



While IWB holsters are offered for nearly every make and model handgun, they tend to be the most effective with small to mid-size weapons. With IWB holsters, you'll find that the larger the handgun, the more difficult it is to hide. Large framed weapons like a H&K full size USP or Glock 34 will be much harder to hide than a Glock 26. Although larger handguns are more difficult to hide, single action, single stack designs like John Browning's 1911 are the lone exception to that advice. The reduced grip of the single stack design makes those weapons far easier to hide that a double stack handgun like a Glock or H&K.



Some IWB designs also come with added features that are designed to increase their usefulness or functionality. Some of those features include:



Cants - Some IWB holsters are created with a straight up cant (the holster rides straight up and down in the waist), while others may have a forward cant design. Some versions may even have an adjustable cant feature so the user can set the cant to his or her exact preferences.



Body shield (also called a sweat guard) - These are special flaps of leather or kydex that serve to protect the shooter from the rough sides of the handgun. The device "shields" the user so the pistol doesn't physically come in contact with the shooter.



Retention Strap - This is a strap that fits over the rear slide or grip of the handgun and functions to keep it in place. Most retention straps need some type of activation so the weapon can be withdrawn. In most cases, the retention strap can be released via a snap or button. Retention straps are beneficial for shooters who are active or off duty law enforcement officers.



Tension screw - A tension is a device that is different from a thumb break. The tension screw is a screw feature that allows the draw tension on the holster to be adjusted to the shooters preferences. Tightening the screw down means that the weapon will need more force to draw it, while loosening the screw makes the weapon draw easier.



IWB holsters provide a good, stable platform for concealed carry as they allow the weapon to remain concealed within the waistband.
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