Ride Depth for AIWB Holsters

While it may seem counter-intuitive, holsters that are longer in length actually work better for appendix-position concealment than do shorter holsters, for most individuals. 

My primary carry gun is a Glock 26, which has a comparatively short barrel at only 3.5 inches, but I use the Phlster Pro holster (highly recommended) which accommodates up to the Glock 17 length gun.  That extra inch of length on the holster makes a night-and-day difference in concealment as the extra mass of the holster riding further below the belt line offsets what the Phlster crew themselves refer to as the “keel” effect. 

If a holster is too short there is more mass in the gun’s grip above the belt than below, and it tends to tip out and away from the body.  I have tried holsters that are sized only to the length of my beloved G26 in the past and it does not work.  The G17 length holster is optimal.  Further, the longer holster is more comfortable, as there is more surface area and less hot spots. 

Similarly, I struggle with any AIWB holster for a snub revolver (a Ruger LCR being the other gun I carry).  Unlike holsters designed for specific families of autos, where the truncated compact or sub-compact model can use the full-size duty pistol’s holster, the options for snub revolvers tend to be quite specific to that minimal length.

I do have good success carrying the LCR with a Phlster Enigma setup, and I think this is because the Enigma facilitates a deeper ride for the gun compared to a belt, thus offsetting the keel effect that many experience when carrying small guns in small holsters.  I experience too much keel effect with any snubby AIWB holster I have tried, but the Enigma solves this problem. 

In particular, I use the Phlster City Special LCR holster on the Enigma and it is, by far, my favorite snub revolver holster. However, even the City Special gives me too much keel effect if used attached to a belt. I simply cannot make a snub work on the belt for AIWB, but it is a great option when paired with the Enigma.

Generally, the majority of concealed carriers are better served with longer holsters for the AIWB position, and snub revolvers can actually pose a challenge in this capacity.  If you look at the better AIWB holsters, such as the Phlster Pro Series, or the Keeper’s Concealment options, they are longer in length, thus making them ride better on the belt line.