IWB: low-, mid-, or high-ride? Pros & cons? (2025)

S&Wers:

I have a Tucker IWB for my J-frame. The holster clip can be set for a low, mid, or high ride relative to the belt. I have been using the middle mounting point and that puts the cylinder directly under the belt and the grips just above the beltline. It is comfy. Just for fun, I moved the clip to raise the holster and now the cylinder is mostly above the belt. This is quite comfy but I wonder if it is "safe" with respect to securing the gun. The tension of the belt now only grabs about 1/3 of the cylinder and the holster hugs the gun very snugly but is there risk to using the highest position for the holster above the belt?

Thanks very much.

Chris

I've been carrying IWB, appendix position, for over 40 years. My holster is so old the brand name is worn off but the carry position is with the cylinder

the belt line (e.g., not adjustable), the grip sticking up above it. My worry would be losing the gun if you were to be knocked off your feet, or running. Remember, SD situations are unpredictable and you may be better off with the gun held tighter on your body. Quick draw will not be impacted that much. Just my two cents worth, but coming from 30 yrs. as a LEO and still carrying since retirement in 1997.

Every holster design involves necessary compromises among the four factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability.

IWB-style holsters, in general, emphasize concealability. The trade-offs are usually in the factors of comfort and accessibility.

With a revolver carried IWB comfort can be improved by keeping the cylinder above the belt, reducing the bulge of the package under the belt. The potential trade-off is in security (retention); with less of the handgun retained inside the waistband there could be a greater tendency for the weapon and/or holster to come out under some circumstances (physical altercations, etc).

With the IWB holster worn lower concealment can be further enhanced. The trade-off will be in accessibility, as this reduces the ability to get a proper grip during the draw. Shifting the weapon around in the hand after drawing it is not the ideal situation in a defensive encounter.

Only the user can decide how much of one factor can be compromised in order to enhance another factor.

Tucker makes fine products, and it sounds like he has provided you with considerable latitude to adjust your holster to a position that best suits your needs. I hope that my comments will help you evaluate your needs and decide which factors are most important for your circumstances.

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your comments. I'm glad to hear that I'm not doing anything "wrong" but lower seems to be wiser. I'll give that a try and see how things work out.

For future searchers, let me add a couple of things that should have been included in my original post. The holster does grip the firearm well (it is rough-side out) at all ride positions. The clip (looks rectangular from the side) does completely surround the belt and it takes a little effort to unclip it so I am confident that the holster won't come loose. I like a 4 o'clock holster position because the J-frame grip snuggles into my "kidney hollow" (or whatever that part of the body is properly called).

Time to put some snap-caps in and practice drawing from the different ride heights. I very much appreciate the good advice and helpful suggestions from you guys. Thanks very much.

Chris