OWB First Time
Moderator: carlson1
OWB First Time
This afternoon, I picked up a DeSantis Mini Slide (Black) holster for my XD9sc, from The Arms Room (and also picked up a pinky extender for the short magazine)
Got home, put it on, put in my weapon (unloaded as the instructions state), adjusted the retention screw and reloaded the weapon.
I like how high it rides on my belt, which eases my concerns about carrying OWB.
I had previous concerns that if the weapon sat as low OWB as it does IWB, it would not stay concealed, but now, I can see what all of you OWB'ers have talked about, and I am immediately comfortable that it is concealed now, and will stay concealed. (I did get the black instead of the brown, just in case, though, so if my cover rode up, the black wouldn't be as obvious as the brown.
I think Ill take my wife out for a late lunch now, carrying OWB and see if I feel the same way!
Depending on how it goes, I may or may not report back later
Got home, put it on, put in my weapon (unloaded as the instructions state), adjusted the retention screw and reloaded the weapon.
I like how high it rides on my belt, which eases my concerns about carrying OWB.
I had previous concerns that if the weapon sat as low OWB as it does IWB, it would not stay concealed, but now, I can see what all of you OWB'ers have talked about, and I am immediately comfortable that it is concealed now, and will stay concealed. (I did get the black instead of the brown, just in case, though, so if my cover rode up, the black wouldn't be as obvious as the brown.
I think Ill take my wife out for a late lunch now, carrying OWB and see if I feel the same way!
Depending on how it goes, I may or may not report back later
League City, TX
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Re: OWB First Time
I hope that you will report back later.Teamless wrote:Depending on how it goes, I may or may not report back later

NRA Endowment Member
Re: OWB First Time
That's the key. I've got my 1911 on right now under a normal size T-Shirt andTeamless wrote: I like how high it rides on my belt, which eases my concerns about carrying OWB.
still have a few inches to spare before the bottom of the holster would show.
Good for you for giving it a try. It may become your normal carry method.

Glock Armorer - S&W M&P Armorer
Re: OWB First Time
OK, I wore it all day.
Even though it rides higher than IWB does, I think if I did not have "Tall" T-shirt on, it could have shown. Also, maybe its just the holster, (and of course the height), but the grip prints a lot more than my IWB does, so I could not wear my OWB with my standard Under Armor T's alone, I need a baggier shirt.
For comfort however, while my Crossbreed Holster is very comfortable IWB, I literally forgot I had my weapon on, until I got up from the poker table to put my jacket on.
So, if I could get a holster that pulls the grip tighter to the body, and kept the height, that, at least for my XD9sc, would be the perfect holster.
Even though it rides higher than IWB does, I think if I did not have "Tall" T-shirt on, it could have shown. Also, maybe its just the holster, (and of course the height), but the grip prints a lot more than my IWB does, so I could not wear my OWB with my standard Under Armor T's alone, I need a baggier shirt.
For comfort however, while my Crossbreed Holster is very comfortable IWB, I literally forgot I had my weapon on, until I got up from the poker table to put my jacket on.
So, if I could get a holster that pulls the grip tighter to the body, and kept the height, that, at least for my XD9sc, would be the perfect holster.
League City, TX
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Re: OWB First Time
I know what you are talking about with the grip pointing out. You will just have to find the correct position to place to holster so the grip rides more with your body. I usually carry my Gov't 1911 OWB at the 4 o'clock position. This allows for the grip to ride more with my body and does not stick out and still allows for a quick and easy draw. Every one's body is different so you "o'clock" may be different.
I am not sure how the DeSantis Mini Slide is canted but that could also help you with concealment. I have a Galco Combat Master and it has a slight forward cant. This allows me to wear my normal size T-shirts w/o worry. Something else that I do is wear two T-shirts. I started to do that long before I carried so that sweat wouldn't go through my top shirt. This proved to be helpful when carrying as the thickness of the two shirts helps hide the gun better.
I am not sure how the DeSantis Mini Slide is canted but that could also help you with concealment. I have a Galco Combat Master and it has a slight forward cant. This allows me to wear my normal size T-shirts w/o worry. Something else that I do is wear two T-shirts. I started to do that long before I carried so that sweat wouldn't go through my top shirt. This proved to be helpful when carrying as the thickness of the two shirts helps hide the gun better.
Re: OWB First Time
I don't think I'd ever be comfortable carrying OWB unless I was wearing a coat or some other outer garment (like I usually do).
That being said, I LOVE it. It feels more "normal" to me than IWB...
That being said, I LOVE it. It feels more "normal" to me than IWB...
“Beware the fury of a patient man.” - John Dryden
- chuckybrown
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Re: OWB First Time
I carry OWB with my compact 9mm all the time. Shorts and t-shirt, jeans and shirt, etc. Yea, the grip might create a "bump" in the shirt, but no one notices. XTreme is right, sliding it back to the 4 o'clock position hides the grip with the contour of my body.
Now, if I'm carrying my fullsize pistols, that's another challenge. Usually my Crossbreed is worn IWB.......
Now, if I'm carrying my fullsize pistols, that's another challenge. Usually my Crossbreed is worn IWB.......
Chuckybrown
Re: OWB First Time
Patterned shirts provide great camouflage.Teamless wrote:OK, I wore it all day.
Even though it rides higher than IWB does, I think if I did not have "Tall" T-shirt on, it could have shown. Also, maybe its just the holster, (and of course the height), but the grip prints a lot more than my IWB does, so I could not wear my OWB with my standard Under Armor T's alone, I need a baggier shirt.
For comfort however, while my Crossbreed Holster is very comfortable IWB, I literally forgot I had my weapon on, until I got up from the poker table to put my jacket on.
So, if I could get a holster that pulls the grip tighter to the body, and kept the height, that, at least for my XD9sc, would be the perfect holster.
The button front Dickies that WalMart sells for around $12 are outstanding for hiding places where the gun touches the shirt.
I think you could smuggle a sack of potatoes under one of these if you bought it one size large and left it untucked.

Excaliber
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." - Jeff Cooper
I am not a lawyer. Nothing in any of my posts should be construed as legal or professional advice.
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." - Jeff Cooper
I am not a lawyer. Nothing in any of my posts should be construed as legal or professional advice.
Re: OWB First Time
Desantis Mini Slide is what I started out carryimg my 3-1/2" 1911 in but it's stainless and it doesn't cover the last inch or so . If the shirt did ride up it was like a neon sign. If I'm wearing a long coat it's my first choice.
Re: OWB First Time
I've found the same thing, it really does make a difference.XtremeDuty.45 wrote:Something else that I do is wear two T-shirts. I started to do that long before I carried so that sweat wouldn't go through my top shirt. This proved to be helpful when carrying as the thickness of the two shirts helps hide the gun better.
Teamless, you might want to try a pancake style holster, like the ones from Simply Rugged, to hold the gun closer to the body.
Re: OWB First Time
Your mini slide should pull the grip close enough to your body if you wear it at 4:00 or further back.
I find a new IWB holster needs to be "break in" to my body shape before it will really conceal properly.
I find a new IWB holster needs to be "break in" to my body shape before it will really conceal properly.
"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
Re: OWB First Time
bnc wrote:I've found the same thing, it really does make a difference.XtremeDuty.45 wrote:Something else that I do is wear two T-shirts. I started to do that long before I carried so that sweat wouldn't go through my top shirt. This proved to be helpful when carrying as the thickness of the two shirts helps hide the gun better.
Teamless, you might want to try a pancake style holster, like the ones from Simply Rugged, to hold the gun closer to the body.

This is the holster that I have now. It works GREAT and is not too bad on the pocket book. I got mine at a gun show for $65.
COMBAT MASTER BELT HOLSTER
This holster has a bit more forward cant and it is also made to hold the gun differently so that it rides closer to the body for easier and better concealment.
CONCEALABLE BELT HOLSTER
This one seems to be made very similar to the Concealable Belt Holster just with better leather.
ROYAL DELUXE BELT HOLSTER
Re: OWB First Time
You do need a larger T shirt or other shirt as well. I wear one to two sizes larger. I also doubt that Under Armor would make for a good cover shirt. I often wear UA undershirts but tuck those in and wear a cotton one over top. That works well for me.
Re: OWB First Time
for IWB, my UA T's work great, which is what I am used to.stroo wrote:I also doubt that Under Armor would make for a good cover shirt
While I do have 3 T's (not UA) that are over-sized, basically to get the length, they end up feeling 'huge', and not comfortable in that.
i have been wearing it today at 4 o'clock or so, and I find it does hug my body a bit more and it conceals a bit better with just the UA than it did at 3 o'clock, but ill give it a bit of time.
thanks for all of the insights above, from everyone!
League City, TX
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Re: OWB First Time
I am very pleased with the Master’s Leather pancake holster.
http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the- ... TER/Detail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the- ... TER/Detail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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