When something seems completely superior to all other types then you need to look hard at alternatives as nothing is universal. There is always the man or woman who cannot tolerate what is the cat’s meow to someone else. So it is with handguns. I am a blue steel and walnut man but I would not fee naked before my enemies if armed with a Glock.  I have carried my handguns using the inside the waistband holster for more than thirty years, but this is a holster that isn’t comfortable for everyone. Pictured in the first three pictures show a good example of a concealable IWB and pistol combination. The inside the waistband has many good features. The handgun is carried tucked away inside the trousers. A long covering garment is not required to cover the handgun as is the case with a belt holster. Even a sport shirt may cover the holster. Some inside the waistband holsters ride low in the belt line and these are designed for use with longer covering garments. Others ride higher and may be concealed with a sport short. The tuckable is a variation and so is the appendix position holster. I suppose the belly band is another inside the waistband but this stretches the definition. It is best to purchase your pants size approximately an inch over size if you are a dedicated IWB person, and the belt as well.

             There are several good makers who offer excellent IWB designs. I am glade there are good makers because some of them are backlogged.  I recently waited three years to finish up a custom handgun and six months for a holster. This is not something we wish to do if we are not certain of what we want and if we do not have a spare shooting iron. Other makers have a very good turn around time. I have used Lou Alessi, Graham Gunleather,  Ken Null, Little Bear, and a few others with excellent results. I have even used a new Kydex design from Mach 2 Tactical called the Honorman, and it is among the very few truly comfortable IWB holsters in a non leather material. But some cannot tolerate IWB holsters. Some cannot tolerate a shoulder holster either.

            When choosing a handgun and IWB combination, we have to consider all the options. We often say that an IWB allows the carrying of a longer, heavier service type handgun. This is true as far as it goes, but a too long pistol will pinch your butt when you set down. A five inch Government Model or Glock 34 isn’t going to work for everyone. A Commander .45 or a Glock Model 23 will work for most of us. A Commander or Officer’s Model in a Summer Special is just about right. The handgun is short enough for comfortable carry and a rapid draw. A Milt Sparks Summer Special is the standard by which all others are judged. With a strong spine, reinforced holster welt and a built in sight track, the Summer Special is a credible choice.

            A word on a neat little holster for ‘light use’.  For those who own several handguns, JBP holsters offers a belt slide/belt clip IWB that works fine. Be certain the fit is good and the clip fits under the belt and you have a rough and ready fit for most uses.

             When I traveled to London in 1978, police at Heathrow airport wore sharp looking blazers with a police crest. The word in London was that cops needed to be armed in some places but the guns had to be discreet. These cops carried their SIG pistols under their jackets in the original small of the back (S.O.B.) holster. For those who cannot tolerate an IWB, the SOB offers an alternative. The handgun is parallel to the belt line but offset enough that the handle is tilted up enough that the handgun will not fall out during movement. A bit of bending the wrist is needed and you must not wear the SOB in the middle of the back. Injury could result if you fall. But the SOB is a belt holster that is nearly as concealable as the IWB. I have tested an SOB from JBP in the Master leather line that is a good example of the breed. It is worth consideration if you cannot use an IWB.

            Holster selection is important. The holster may impede the draw if not properly selected, and the draw is very important. The draw moves into the stance and an improper draw slows down acquisition of the sight picture. Choose well. After all it is your hide.

R. K. Campbell 

Editors note: - I have been using R.K.'s information for a long time in discussions with my CCW students. If you get a chance, buy his book at: Amazon.com.