Knuckle dragging boomer rube, patriot, Navy vet.
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Posted: 4/27/2026 5:49:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: HDSledge][Edited]
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Carried every day for decades and ready to upgrade for more capacity. So much to choose from. Thin is better since it gets hot down here and printing is something I try hard to avoid. Rounded, no pointy edges to dig into my back or belly when AIWB carrying. What I need is recommendations from those who carry IWB every day and love the one they chose. Afa IWB carry, I've been considering a trigger guard holster. Thoughts from actual use or testing? Are they effective and safe? Thanks. |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
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I only trust trigger guard holsters for a fanny pack carry setup. I don't AIWB carry but IWB a P2000. Look at these: Lowest profiles; Glock 43X or 48 with the new 15 round mags Other new options are the HK CC9 and VP9CC More traditional compacts/subcompacts Glock 19 Glock 26 M&P 2.0 Compact VP9A1K(this is a fully cocked striker, so I wouldn't for AIWB) Both of these are discontinued, but the P2000 and P2000SK are nice blended hammer fired guns if you can find one. You can easily mod the new VP9A1K 15round mags to fit the P2000, or use 17 rounders. |
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I like the Echelon 4.0c and Hellcat with 15 round magazine (same height as the Hellcat Pro) for that. I'm sure a Glock 19/43x (with new 15 round magazines) would be fine for the same role. I always carry in a quality kydex or hybrid construction holster that completely covers the trigger guard. Even then I'm very careful to make sure the holster is completely clear during administrative handling. I personally wouldn't use a trigger guard holster--seems sketchy to me. It really depends on personal preference and your physical size. I'm above average height, but have an athletic build, so the 4.0c is about the largest I can carry AIWB with a loose T-shirt. If I want to carry a full-size then I need a jacket (except for a 1911, which carries like a smaller gun for me) and would just do so at 3 o'clock. Hope this helps. |
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Wilson SFT… true 1911 top end. Square Trac Frame checkering. 3.25”/4”/4.25” barrel lengths Wilson SFX… external extractor 1911 top. Xtac Frame checkering. 3.25”/4”/4.25”/5” barrel lengths Both are Wilson’s 2011-ish slim offerings. They use a double stack mag body based on Walther mags. 15 round flush fit and 18 round with a small extended base pad. Frame’s are so slim at the grip (because they use true 9mm mags instead of 2011 mags) that they’re 0.11” THINNER than a Glock 19. Super reliable. Super accurate. Excellent build quality. Slightly different stylings between the SFT and SFX (just like the EDC C9 and Experior) but basically the same gun. Come with or without light rails, with or without optic cuts. If you feel like waiting you can custom order one to specs - but you can find off the shelf ones for $2800-3800. |
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Originally Posted By Lost_Phil: I carry an FN Reflex in a clinger appendix holster for the last few years with out issues. You might also look into the Springfield Hellcat. I know these have been out for a little while but I was finally able to see one in person the other day. I saw both the compact and the XL and I have to say they are impressive looking. I have a S&W Shield X and they are about the same size but the FN Reflex XL and the XL has a flush fitting 15 round magazine, so Glock 19 capacity but slimmer design like the Shield X. I know the Shield X has a 15 round extended magazine but it extends further off the frame and making it longer than the FN XL with it's standard magazine. I haven't fired one but they seem to get good reviews, the FN I mean. I have owned a few FN pistols, (509 Tactical and a 5.7 gen 2) and I was very pleased with them and only sold them due to the size of the guns, as I was trying to get more compact models. They were accurate guns and I would think the Reflex XL or the compact version wouldn't be any different. While I am happy with the Shield, I am looking into the FN Reflex Xl, as the next one to get. |
Be the change you want in this world.
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If I was going to carry with it pointed at my groin, it would have a manual safety. Attached File |
If life was easy nobody would quit.
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Have sold but not carried a Kel-Tec P15, think that's the thinnest on the market, uses Smith 59 mags. I pocket carry a 26, but I print. Considering going to the PR-57, 21 rounds of 5.7, weighs practically nothing. |
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
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I'd like to recommend the Shield Plus, with reservations. Mine was a pin walker. I sent it back, and Smith returned it unresolved. Ended up fixing it myself, and it really is a great pistol. Comfortable, accurate, and just a good all around shooter. It just wasn't gtg out of the box, and Smith CS kind of sucks. I also got a good deal on 5x 15 round mags, all of which had last round slide lock issues. Smith also declined to get involved in that; just sort of ignored me when I brought it up verbally and in writing. Shield S15 mags made them perfect. |
Knuckle dragging boomer rube, patriot, Navy vet.
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Originally Posted By -OdieGreen-: Another vote for the HK CC9. It splits the size difference between the G43X and the P365 which is a really good spot to be in. Shoots way better than a gun of its size has a right to as well. After reading the recommendations and doing a bit of research I went with the CC9. Bought one yesterday at my local FFL. Feels great in my hand. Although it doesn't look like it in the pic my pinky finger fits. The scalloped grip front is comfortable. Looking for the most comfortable lowest profile holster for AIWB but also 8 o'clock if I want to slide it around to the back. Lefty. 
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My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
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Originally Posted By HDSledge: After reading the recommendations and doing a bit of research I went with the CC9. Bought one yesterday at my local FFL. Feels great in my hand. Although it doesn't look like it in the pic my pinky finger fits. The scalloped grip front is comfortable. Looking for the most comfortable lowest profile holster for AIWB but also 8 o'clock if I want to slide it around to the back. Lefty. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/374164/IMG_8295_JPEG-3755928.jpg Nice! I’m using a Muddy River Tactical to carry at 2:00. I genuinely forget it’s there unless I’m going to the bathroom. I don’t know if that will work for your carry location but mine has exceeded my expectations. Only regret is I wish I went with the monoblock for a slightly lower profile. https://muddyrivertactical.com/product/inside-waistband-kydex-holster/ Attached File |
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Originally Posted By HDSledge: After reading the recommendations and doing a bit of research I went with the CC9. Bought one yesterday at my local FFL. Feels great in my hand. Although it doesn't look like it in the pic my pinky finger fits. The scalloped grip front is comfortable. Looking for the most comfortable lowest profile holster for AIWB but also 8 o'clock if I want to slide it around to the back. Lefty. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/374164/IMG_8295_JPEG-3755928.jpg G-Code Eclipse with the fuzz is what you want. |
Knuckle dragging boomer rube, patriot, Navy vet.
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Originally Posted By RedFox1911: G-Code Eclipse with the fuzz is what you want. That's nice. The fuzz sounds interesting. I use moleskin on the back of my edc currently to keep it comfortable. I'll try the 4 hole clip for deeper carry and standard mojo standoff to make it even flatter. My current home made edc holster clip is along the trigger guard instead of over the slide and lets me carry low, keeps the grip flat against my skin. |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
We are the Knights who say Fuuuuu!
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S&W Shield Plus or Shield X. Great compact size & excellent trigger, Good capacity & you can get on Optics ready for a RDS. You'll thank me. 😉 I carried a Sig P365 and while it does not commit the shake awaken uncommanded firing of the 320, I just don't like the lack of a trigger safety, especially when carrying IWB Edited - Had not seen the post you purchased the CC9. Bigger_Hammer 
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LIFE'S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE SAFELY IN A WELL PRESERVED BODY,
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
Knuckle dragging boomer rube, patriot, Navy vet.
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Originally Posted By Bigger_Hammer: S&W Shield Plus or Shield X. Great compact size & excellent trigger, Good capacity & you can get on Optics ready for a RDS. You'll thank me. 😉 I carried a Sig P365 and while it does not commit the shake awaken uncommanded firing of the 320, I just don't like the lack of a trigger safety, especially when carrying IWB Edited - Had not seen the post you purchased the CC9. Bigger_Hammer I considered that one. Need ambi controls and my local dealer had the CC9 in stock, last one. So... Bird in the hand thing. |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
| I like my Cz pcr with thin grips, but the S&W shield plus maybe the best.edit: now I want to see this H&k |
" Don't cry, nobody shoots Glocks anymore."
"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."
"is like C Class in IPSC!"
"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."
"is like C Class in IPSC!"
Knuckle dragging boomer rube, patriot, Navy vet.
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Originally Posted By 3-gun: I like my Cz pcr with thin grips, but the S&W shield plus maybe the best.edit: now I want to see this H&k The magazine springs on the CC9 are a bitch. Strong is an understatement. I have a strong grip and I had trouble getting 10 rounds in the 12 magazine. Picking up a Maglula tomorrow. |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
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Originally Posted By HDSledge: The magazine springs on the CC9 are a bitch. Strong is an understatement. I have a strong grip and I had trouble getting 10 rounds in the 12 magazine. Picking up a Maglula tomorrow. They wear in eventually. I even thought the follower in mine was bottoming out. After a few cycles they’re not Glock easy but they’re no longer hard to load. |
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Originally Posted By -OdieGreen-: They wear in eventually. I even thought the follower in mine was bottoming out. After a few cycles they’re not Glock easy but they’re no longer hard to load. It was weird, the 10 round mag was much easier and I could fill it. The 12 was tough. I have never used a mag loader before today but now I understand why they are so popular. Amazingly easy to load a magazine with it. Btw the mags look identical but the 10 has a dimple at the bottom preventing follower travel for more than 10. Is that some Californistan thing? |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton
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Originally Posted By HDSledge: It was weird, the 10 round mag was much easier and I could fill it. The 12 was tough. I have never used a mag loader before today but now I understand why they are so popular. Amazingly easy to load a magazine with it. Btw the mags look identical but the 10 has a dimple at the bottom preventing follower travel for more than 10. Is that some Californistan thing? That’d be my guess too. Someone had the extended 10 round mags on sale recently and I almost bought one by accident. After no more than a few mags worth I no longer need a loader for mine. The way they cut the top of these mags is outright pain if you slip wrong though. 
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Originally Posted By captain127: Not at all mentioned, and one of the slimmest nicest guns to carry in my experience- old school all the way- browning high power Like this? Surplus FN HP-DAC / Browning BDAC-9 9mm Belgium Double Action Compact HI-POWER Unissued https://dkfirearms.com/product/surplus-fn-hp-dac-browning-bdac-9-9mm-belgium-double-action-compact-hi-power-unissued/ |
My own view is that left-wing positions largely come about from resentment, I agree with Nietzsche, a resentment about the surrounding social order. They have privileges, I don't. Or, I have them and I can't live up to them. Roger Scruton