4 Comparing Factors that Will Help You Choose Between IWB and OWB Glock 19 Holsters

Carrying a concealed weapon requires a deep analysis of your concealment methods. When it comes to concealing and carrying a Glock 19 handgun, accessibility will be one of main factor you will need to consider.

Essentially, IWB (Inside the Waistband) and OWB (Outside the Waistband) gun holster are the most ideal concealment solutions when carrying a Glock 19 pistol. But how do you select the most suitable gun holster between these gun holsters?

In general, your gun holster choice boils down to concealment and personal preferences. For most new gun owners, selecting a gun holster is a challenging task. Therefore, this article will discuss some of the comparison factors that can help you choose between IWB and OWB Glock 19 holsters.

Weapon Concealment

The fundamental principle behind carrying concealed weapons is disguise; concealed carry is meant to let you carry a loaded weapon without alerting other people. As such, the IWB gun holster outperforms the OWB gun holster in the weapon concealment aspect.

The IWB holster has claw kits that push the gun closer to your body, reducing any imprint marks on your clothes. Nevertheless, manufacturers have significantly improved the OWB holster design to enhance concealment; smaller and lighter OWB gun holsters enable you to conceal you gun better by reducing the imprint on your shirt.

Carry Comfort

Adjusting your gun every few minutes will make people around you uneasy. Most people are comfortable concealing their pistols with a Glock 19 OWB holster since it does not rub against your skin—a quite undesirable experience whenever one is armed. 

However, you can easily lose your weapon when carrying it with an OWB holster. Hence, other people prefer concealing their weapons with an IWB; the feeling of the gun pressing against your body gives you peace of mind knowing your gun is on you at all times. 

Therefore, for a more comfortable carry, the OWB holster is ideal. The IWB gun holster is there to give you more convenience. 

Carry Position

Basically, the IWB and OWB gun holsters provide concealed weapon carry around your waist. The only difference between these holsters is in the actual carrying method. 

Intrinsically, an OWB Glock 19 concealment holster positions the gun and the holster outside of your pants. As such, the holster is anchored to your belt with a belt clip on the outer side. Ideally, neither the gun nor the holster are in contact with your skin.

An IWB gun holster, on the other hand, offers carry and concealment on the inside part of your pants; both the gun and holster are on the inner side. Essentially, the belt clip helps fasten the gun holster to your pants despite the fact that it is in direct contact with your skin. 

Nevertheless, some IWB holsters do not require a belt clip. Although that feature sounds convenient, it can expose you to significant safety hazards such as reduced draw speed.

Gun Accessibility

How fast you can draw your weapon in a combat situation determines your efficiency as a marksman. As such, it would be best to select a gun holsters that facilitates faster and effective access to your weapon.

Most people find it easier to draw their guns when carrying their weapon in an OWB holster. Ideally, the gun’s handle is slightly exposed when you are concealing your gun with an OWB holster, making it more accessible. 

But does that mean drawing your gun is more difficult when you use an IWB holster? For experienced marksmen, no. 

Due to the holster positioning, concealing your weapon with an IWB gun holster require you to practice your drawing technique more. Dry practice is more suitable as it allows you to draw your gun repeatedly without firing.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the type of gun concealment holster you will buy largely depends efficiency and general concealability. on various factors, as discussed above. As such, ensure you go for a holster that fits your purpose and working environment.