The holster is an afterthought for most people new to exercising their right to carry a firearm.
But not you!
You’re more intelligent than the average person and want to know the difference between an IWB and an OWB holster.
Let’s discuss each style's pros and cons to determine which is best for you.
Inside Waistband (IWB) Holster Benefits
● More concealable
● More secure
● Better for small to medium-sized handguns
Inside waistband holsters are much more concealable because they’re hidden under your clothes. They allow you to avoid printing (seeing the outline of your firearm through your shirt) because the weapon is closer to your body, whether sitting, standing, or walking around. I wear an IWB holster when I don’t want possible threats to know I can defend my family and myself from their attack.
Another benefit of having your weapon closer to your body is security. IWB holsters are often more secure than OWB holsters because they’re less likely to get snagged and more difficult for someone to grab and remove. The security of your gun also depends on the holster itself, not just if it’s an IWB or OWB holster, as there are many very secure OWB holsters on the market.
Lastly, if you have a compact pistol, IWB holsters are better suited for these handguns because they’re smaller, making them easier to conceal and more comfortable.
While inside waistband holsters are an excellent choice for many CCWers, you should also be aware of their downsides.
Inside Waistband Holster Drawbacks
● Less comfortable
● Slower draw time
● Less than ideal for larger pistols
Offering more concealability comes at a price, and that’s typically comfort. IWB holsters are notorious for being less comfortable than OWB holsters because they rub against your skin and make you sweat during the summer.
Even with tons of practice, drawing from an inside waistband holster is slower than an outside waistband holster. You must pick your shirt up, grab your pistol, and draw from an unnatural position. While this split second doesn’t seem like much, it can be the difference between spending the night in your bed, in the hospital, or worse.
While IWB holsters are great for compact and subcompact 9mm pistols, they are often a poor choice for full-size 45 ACP pistols because they are more challenging to conceal, uncomfortable, and more likely to snag on your shirt while drawing.
If these drawbacks are too much to overcome, you might consider using an outside waistband holster.
Outside Waistband (OWB) Holster Benefits
● Quicker draw time
● More comfortable (with a good gun belt)
● Suitable for all sizes of handguns
When you need to access your firearm quickly, an OWB holster is your best option because it’s often in a more natural position to draw from, and you have fewer clothing items in the way. I frequently use an OWB holster while hunting. Yes, I hunt with a bow or rifle, but those are not always the best options when encountering an angry herd of hogs or bears.
Since an OWB holster doesn’t sit directly against your skin, it tends to be more comfortable than an IWB holster. When I wear an OWB holster during the summer, I’ve found that I sweat less, and it doesn’t rub, or the gun pinch me nearly as much.
The last benefit of OWB holsters I’ll mention is that they’re a good fit for all sizes of handguns (within reason). Whether you prefer to carry a full-size or compact pistol, an OWB holster can handle both and everything in between.
Despite OWB holsters benefitting shooters looking to exercise their right to carry in several ways, there are still downsides to using an outside waistband holster.
Outside Waistband Holster Drawbacks
● Less concealable
● Less secure*
In my opinion, the biggest downside of OWB holsters is their lack of concealability. When wearing an outside waistband holster, you show everyone around you that you have a weapon; while this might ward off some attackers, it also might make you their primary target.
There are no doubt many secure OWB holsters on the market, so don’t think I’m bashing OWB holsters. However, in general, IWB holsters secure the gun better than OWB holsters in my experience. There are always exceptions to this rule, but having your weapon closer to your body typically means it’s more secure and less likely to slip out of your possession.
Parting Shots: IWB Vs. OWB Holsters
IWB holsters are typically best for the CCWers looking for ultimate concealability. In contrast, OWB holsters are generally best for people less concerned about concealing their firearms, such as law enforcement and competitive shooters.
Your body type can also play a role, as larger individuals generally opt for an OWB holster because it’s more comfortable.
I recommend trying out both and using the one you like best. When I first began carrying, I went through several holsters before settling on the ones I use now. And I still test out new ones now and then.
Stay alert, stay safe!
Author Bio
Wes Littlefield was exposed to shooting and the outdoors at a young age by his parents. There are countless pictures of him hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting as a kid with his family. Today, he continues that tradition with his wife and daughter. When he’s not outdoors, he writes about disc golf, kayaking, and other outdoor activities as a full-time freelance writer and content creator at Ammo.com, YourBassGuy.com, and dozens of other outdoor publications.
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