Choose IWB or OWB Holsters - Which Are Better for HK VP9SK
Aug 11th 2021
Generally speaking, if you want to carry a compact or subcompact handgun concealed, an IWB holster is the best option. However, there are circumstances under which an OWB holster is more suitable, especially if comfort and convenience are your priorities.
HK VP9SK
The Heckler & Koch VP9 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired, semi-automatic handgun designed for law enforcement and military use. A modern combat handgun, the VP9 is available in either 9mm Luger or .40 S&W, has an ambidextrous magazine release, firing pin cocking indicator. For additional traction, the VP9 has two charge assists — fins that jut out from the rear of the slide.
The H&K VP9SK is the subcompact variant of the VP9, designed specifically for concealed carry. The overall length is 6.61” with a 3.39” barrel. Height is 4.57” — 0.84” shorter than the full-size variant. Relatively lightweight, the VP9SK weighs only 23.07 oz.
The VP9SK is compatible with 10-, 13-, and 15-round magazines, depending on whether you want a flush-fit or extended magazine. Extended magazines do more than increase the number of rounds at your disposal — they also increase the surface area of the front strap for improved control.
Waistband Holsters
Gun owners carry concealed firearms in various ways — from ankle holsters and shoulder holsters to belly bands. However, a waistband holster is one of the most comfortable, concealable, and accessible ways of carrying a firearm. Waistband-holster positions include appendix, strong side, cross draw, and small of the back.
Waistband carry is also often described by referencing hour-hand positions on a clock face. For example, appendix carry, which places the weapon between the navel and the hip, is typically between 12 and 2 o’clock for a right-handed shooter. Strong-side carry, which places the weapon on or behind the dominant hip, is typically between 3 and 5 o’clock.
IWB or OWB?
When you’re searching for an HK VP9 holster, you have several options. OWB holsters are suitable for carrying compact and full-size handguns openly or concealed under a covering garment. This can be a comfortable option in temperate climates and during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. However, during the summer, the need to wear an extra layer of clothing to hide your weapon can be a liability.
Subcompact handguns, such as the VP9SK, are designed for concealed carry, keeping weight and bulk to a minimum. The most effective concealment holster for these weapons is the IWB, which places the weapon between the waistband and the body, hiding part of the weapon below the hem of your pants. If you need to conceal your weapon further, you can use wedges and claws designed to angle and drive the holster into your body.
However, this type of holster isn’t for everyone. Some gun owners find the snug fit of the IWB design to be uncomfortable, preferring to use a traditional belt holster. Depending on your body type and wardrobe, you may find that an IWB holster digs into your hip or ribs or limits access.
From the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the magazine, the height of your firearm plays a significant role in whether your firearm prints and to what extent. Printing refers to the gun and holster becoming visible through clothing, whether as an outline or a bulge. Your goal in carrying a concealed handgun is to reduce or eliminate printing.
Paddle Holsters
There are two types of OWB holsters: standard pancake and paddle. The paddle holster uses a paddle-like clip, hence the name, that slides over your gun belt, clipping to it from underneath. Alternatively, you can use the paddle to attach the holster directly to the hem of your pants. The primary advantage of a paddle holster compared with a pancake design is convenience.
You can easily attach and detach the holster without having to remove your gun belt. The paddle holster doesn’t fit as closely to the body as an OWB pancake holster that uses belt loops. This can be either a pro or a con, depending on whether you need the additional clearance. If not, it can compromise concealment. Furthermore, paddle holsters do not attach as securely to the belt; that’s the price of convenience.
Standard Features
A high-quality VP9SK holster should have the following features:
Adjustable retention
In passive-retention holsters that depend on friction to keep the weapon secure, you should be able to adjust the tension using one or more screws. This will directly affect the draw stroke and ease of access.
Adjustable ride height and cant
The ride height determines how high you wear the gun holster in relation to your waistband, whereas the cant determines the forward or rearward rotation. In the appendix position, a neutral or 0° cant, in which the muzzle is pointed toward the ground, is best. You should be able to adjust both to find the perfect balance between concealability and accessibility.
A fully covered trigger guard
To maximize safety, the trigger guard should always be covered by the holster material. This way, when you place your hand on the gun, the holster prevents your index finger from entering the trigger guard and contacting the trigger until you draw the weapon.
An open holster mouth
The mouth of your gun holster should remain open when you draw your firearm, allowing for one-handed reholstering when the defensive action has concluded. If your holster collapses, you’ll have to use two hands to open it for reholstering, which increases the risk of pointing the muzzle at yourself. Kydex holsters offer increased rigidity, retaining their shape under stress and adverse weather conditions.
Buying Subcompact Holsters
Regardless of whether you decide that an IWB or OWB holster is the best option for your subcompact CCW, you should choose a holster that you find comfortable to wear, accessible under stress, safe, and that provides adequate retention.
At Incognito Concealment, we manufacture a variety of open- and concealed-carry holsters using the proven material Kydex. Our Limited Lifetime Warranty guarantees every product that we sell — that’s how confident we are in our craftsmanship.
If you’d like to discuss OWB and IWB holsters for your subcompact firearm, including the HK VP9SK, give us a call at (586) 999-5820. We’ll help you find the perfect fit.
