So I'm sitting at 6', 170 lbs and I've tried a few different holsters over the years. But I kind of just fell out of the practice of carrying since I never found one that was a) comfortable to wear all day, and b) hidden enough not to show very obviously in a T shirt or shorts. I've read/heard that appendix carry is the best option for guys like me, but I really don't find that comfortable at all. Anybody have a specific brand/model of IWB holsters that are comfortable and easily hidden anywhere in the 4-6 o'clock position?

Note--my carry gun is a S&W M&P Shield, 9 MM. Single stack mag, and pretty clean lines. So it's not an issue of me trying to conceal a gun that's too big.

I'm a little bigger than you at 6'1 185, but I've had the best luck with kangaroo carry. It's by far the most comfortable to carry for me because anything along the belt line is awkward feeling to me.

In true OB fashion, I will ignore your stated preferences.

What holster setup did you try for AIWB? I ask because that is the only way I've been able to carry comfortably and without major printing. For me (5'11" 150-170lbs over the years) hip carry might look ok when standing still, but any bending forward at the waist was a no go.

Carrying appendix since 2011 with anything from a glock 34/Staccato P 2011 on the large end to a P365XL on the small side.

T-Rex Arms and veil Solutions worked well

Appendix is the way. T Rex is good. So is Tier 1 Concealed.

Look at SmartCarry. I swear by them.

Comfortable and easily conceals a compact handgun in any clothing (shorts, t shirts no problem).

Biggest negative is it isn't the quickest access.

Following for upgrade ideas.

In all honesty AIWB is not the most comfortable, it is very convenient to pull compared to more comfortable spots like 6 o'clock. But if you get pinned up against something you lose access to your gun.

I have carried AIWB being 6'1" 170 to 215, the key is the shirt. If you wear workout shirts like 100% polyester it prints much more than a cotton shirt. But it is hot in Texas right now so I don't like all cotton, most of the time I wear t-shirts that are a blend. Also I wear long or extra long shirts depending on the brand so when I pick my arms up the gun doesn't show. The other thing you can do is wear short sleeved button down shirts since those print even less.

For me, key word is me, carrying at 4-5 printed more than AIWB which is why I stuck with it. Just get used to bending at the knees and not the waist when at the grocery store.

Also on me the Shield prints more than guns like the Hellcat or P365 with 12 round magazines. Hence why the Shield is a safe queen that I probably need to get rid of. Plus how thin the grip is I don't shoot it as well

bam02 said:

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Look at SmartCarry. I swear by them.

Comfortable and easily conceals a compact handgun in any clothing (shorts, t shirts no problem).

Biggest negative is it isn't the quickest access.

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Same. I'm 5'10", 160-165 lbs.

Similar size. My go to is IWB Alien Gear, at 5:00. I carry daily (G19 or G43x) and wear dress clothes, usually with a sports coat/jacket M-W and more casual Th-F. It's the best spot for concealment with my body type and frame, but probably not the most tactical. I'll switch out to a small kydex occasionally but always come back to the alien gear. I've tried all the major tuckable IWBs (cross breed, stealth, etc) but AG is the most comfortable.

I carry P938 in a high noon OWB holster. Like carrying a second leatherman. It's the only way I carry.

I have not found an "all situations" solution but since I dont wear any clothing without belts it's a non issue.

I used to carry IWB when I was younger but one day I woke up and realized that it was ridiculous to be uncomfortable, I didn't actually care if it printed, and it's really not the best option. The next day I ditched the full frame CCW after realizing I was not Wyatt Earp or a responding LEO. lol.

Comfort = more carrying

I recently started carrying and don't have much experience to base a recommendation on, but what I have tried and really like is the Phlster holsters enigma.
I carry AIWB with a Glock 43x and find it to be fairly comfortable.

www.phlsterholsters.com

I use an Alien Gear holster at 3 o'clock. My arm does a good enough job of hiding it and it's much more comfortable when sitting than having it in front or behind. I'm 6' 4", 192-195.

Hot take ... all holsters suck. Use a clipdraw
https://www.clipdraw.com/product/shield-clipdraw-black/

OP - checking in a 6 foot 1 inch 165 lbs. I carry a 365 XL at 8:00 (left hip) w a comp-tac infidel. All kydex. Super stable belt clip. Their mag holders are nails. I've tried several of the leather/kydex hybrids, never worked for me.

That will definitely be a hot take on here but I agree with the Clipdraw.

Just always gotta wear a belt

Or, you could just eat a lot and get fat. Problem solved.

Have you tried a pocket holster? I keep my hellcat in a DeSantis Superfly and it's a solid choice

JSKolache said:

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Hot take ... all holsters suck. Use a clipdraw
https://www.clipdraw.com/product/shield-clipdraw-black/

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That is certainly a hot, steamy pile of a take. I know they make shields with a manual safety, but I would not carry a loaded pistol with an uncovered trigger. Before anyone else chimes in, I see they make trigger guards (not included with the clipdraw) with a string to have it come off on the draw. It all seems like a very East Texas way of carrying a pistol.

I did have a raven concealment vanguard 2, which was a similar idea that at least covered the trigger, and it was comfy with a very smooth sided gun like a glock as long as the front sight didn't poke you, but it sucked for concealment.

JSKolache said:

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Hot take ... all holsters suck. Use a clipdraw
https://www.clipdraw.com/product/shield-clipdraw-black/

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It doesn't cover the trigger?!?!?! I like my nuts more than that but then again I don't own any pistols with safeties. And that buries the gun by the belt line which can make it tough to draw. I will stick with a bit of discomfort to have my pistol in a position I know I can pull without issues.

RightWingConspirator said:

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I'm a little bigger than you at 6'1 185, but I've had the best luck with kangaroo carry. It's by far the most comfortable to carry for me because anything along the belt line is awkward feeling to me.

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Are you wearing with an over shirt or jacket or would you wear next to skin and lift up your shirt to access? I can definitely see the comfort angle but printing would seem to be a bigger problem.