A holster is an essential accessory for safely carrying a handgun anywhere. It not only helps in the easy and lawful carrying of the weapon, but it also makes sure you can quickly access the weapon when needed. A good holster can mean the difference between success or failure in a life-threatening situation, so it is important that you choose one wisely.
There are quite a few different types of holster designs available on the market, but the two most prominent are IWB and OWB holsters. While each of these has almost an equal share in terms of popularity, here is a detailed comparison of these designs for those who are confused about which one to pick.
What Is an IWB Holster
An IWB or Inside the Waistband holster is a type of holster that is worn on the waist and inside the lower garment (pants, jeans, skirt, etc.). An IWB holster will either have a clip or a loop to be mounted on the belt. Wearing a belt (preferably a gun belt) is recommended to ensure a smooth and reliable draw and also that the holster is not pulled out with the weapon.
IWB holsters are the most popular kind of holsters among the civilian population, mainly because they are perfect for concealed carry. Such holsters are mostly made using thermoplastics like Kydex or softer materials like leather.
Pros of IWB Holsters
In order to realize the effectiveness of an IWB holster, let us first understand the pros associated with it.
Deep Concealment
The concept of an IWB holster makes it suitable for concealed carry by default. Since the holster is worn inside the lower garment, there is no superficial sighting to understand that a person is carrying a weapon. However, that also depends largely upon the design of the holster and the type of clothing.
Compact Design
Since an IWB holster has to be worn inside the pants, it must feature a compact design. This makes these holsters very easy to handle and also promotes comfort to some extent. Having an IWB holster also means that you do not have to always tuck your shirt in, which opens up more clothing options.
Absolute Restricted Access
IWB holsters are exceptionally safe by design and ensure that no other person can access or snatch your weapon. Additionally, the position of the holster also ensures that it will not snag with other objects as you move around doing your daily work. Both these factors greatly eliminate the possibility of your handgun getting lost or stolen.
Stability and Many Carry Positions
The snug-fitting of an IWB holster with your body delivers a very stable carry experience regardless of your motion. Another comparable design is the belly band holster which offers a similar concealed carry experience and is mostly used by people while jogging or working out.
Since the holster is worn on the waist and is compact enough to be easily moved around, you can wear it in almost any carry position (mainly appendix carry) you desire.
Cons of IWB Holsters
After all the good things about IWB holsters, let us now focus on the drawbacks.
Comfort Issues
IWB holsters are not very great for hot and humid weather conditions. Due to their closeness with your skin, these holsters are prone to promoting sweating when carried concealed. Many manufacturers have come up with designs featuring breathable neoprene backing and sweat guards, but this still can be an issue.
Apart from these dermal factors, IWB holsters can dig into your hip when you sit in a chair or in the driving seat of your car. Hence, it is essential to carefully choose the right IWB holster that fits your requirements.
Not Great for Fat Guys
This can be seen as a slight extension of the above-mentioned drawback. If a person has too much extra belly bat, donning an IWB holster and then accessing it is quite a difficult task. Additionally, the holster is more prone to digging and causes comfort issues.
Not for Big Guns
IWB holsters are more suitable for carrying compact and subcompact handguns rather than full-sized frames. That is because a long gun will be difficult to carry and will cause comfort issues.
What Is an OWB Holster
An OWB or Outside the Waistband holster is a type of holster that is worn over the gun belt and stays outside of the lower garment. The holster will either have a belt loop or a large paddle that has to be donned inside the hem. These types of holsters are extremely popular with law enforcement active duty users and in states where open carry is legally allowed.
Pros of OWB Holsters
OWB holsters are the oldest design of holsters and are widely used for tactical and duty purposes. Here are a few reasons for their popularity.
Quick Access
The first and foremost benefit of using an OWB holster is quick access to your weapon. Since the holster is worn outside and the weapon sits at a slight distance from the body, the user can get a quick and easy grip on the firearm without any hectic movements. A clear testament to this benefit is the old wild west style of shooting shown in many Hollywood movies.
Additionally, the placement of the holster offers unhindered access in almost everybody and carry position which is why these holsters are popular for tactical applications.
Customizable and Versatile
An OWB holster is worn outside and can be positioned slightly away from the body using the right paddle. This allows these holsters to be big in size and hold full-sized handguns. Apart from these, OWB holsters can be designed to accommodate handguns with modifications and attachments like a flashlight, laser, rail, or high-night sight.
There are also peculiar holster designs that offer a modular design where holster shells and paddles can be swapped to suit different handguns and users.
Presence of a Locking Mechanism
An amazing advantage of using an OWB holster is the presence of a locking mechanism which further enhances the security of your firearm. These holsters can offer active or passive retention, where active retention can be further classified into levels I, II, or III.
Some special designs require the user to place his/her finger at a button or draw at a specific angle to release the weapon.
Cons of OWB Holsters
After the pros, OWB holsters also have a few drawbacks which should be kept into consideration.
Limited Concealment
An OWB holster is less concealable due to the design that requires the user to don a jacket to hide it. The clothing options are quite limited when using an OWB holster, especially if you are not allowed to open-carry your firearm.
Prone to Snagging
Since an OWB holster rides out of the body silhouette, it is prone to snagging with other objects and even with your own arms or gear. Special attention has to be paid to the holsters with no or fragile locking mechanism or the firearm can be lost easily.
IWB vs OWB Features and Use Cases
Let us consider a few use cases to analyze the differences between IWB vs OWB holsters and if one proves better than the other.
Accessibility and Comfort
It is evident that an OWB holster offers better accessibility and comfort due to its non-snagging design and positioning on the waist. IWB holsters can be comfortable, but you will have to search and try many options to find the right fit.
EDC
As far as Everyday Carry is concerned, OWB holsters are perfect for open carry applications whereas IWB holsters are perfect for IWB concealed carry. Factors like your daily activities, places you go, and your preferred level of comfort will further decide which design works best for you.
Active Duty and Tactical
OWB holsters are a clear winner for duty and tactical uses. There is a reason why you do not see police officers and soldiers carrying IWB holsters. They do not need to conceal their weapon and require quick access and safety under strenuous movement.
Hunting and Survival
In my opinion, an OWB carry holster will work great if you want to carry your handgun on a hunting trip because of its quick access capability and the ability to accommodate customized handguns. For survival or prepper uses, it solely depends upon what you find more comfortable and appropriate.
Bottom Line
An IWB holster is worn inside the waistband of the lower garment and remains concealed, whereas the OWB holster is worn on the outside and shall be concealed by additional clothing if needed. IWB holsters offer concealment, compactness, and stability but may lack overall comfort and quick access. On the other hand, OWB holsters offer quick access, customizability, and safety, but lack on the grounds of concealment and weight. Either of these is suitable for specific scenarios and in line with your personal preferences.
December 28, 2022