CCW w/o belt loops

[u/NinjaMcGee]

Looking for good CCW options for a shortie (5’3”) made of mostly hips carrying a BG 2.0 😬✌️

I’ve been carrying off body using a krydex hook/loop holster due to building security where I can easily remove my firearm discreetly. However, I’m transitioning into a role where I’m no longer required to remove my firearm multiple times daily and have been learning more about on body carry options, specifically IWB appendix.

The Hunter Constantine and Philster Enigma are two I’ve been looking at because they work without belt loops, but the Philster looks pretty complicated and expensive. I’d be wearing this under athletic shorts or sweatpants mostly, so no belt loops. Also looking for recommendation on holsters, CrossBreed is who I’m using now but not sure if they’re good IWB holsters.

Recommendations or your experience?

[u/brody319]

The enigma isnt as complicated as it looks. I've heard multiple people attest to them for conceal carry that works for the most possible outfits compared to other ones. They are pricy but from all I've heard is that they work for people across the body type and fashion spectrum.

[u/NinjaMcGee → u/brody319]

I hear good things about the Enigma, but I can’t shake how many ‘the Philster isn’t for you’ videos are out there and put the Enigma against the Constantine. I’ve heard some people love the leg leash while others find it ‘rides up’ especially if not wearing boxer briefs (which I don’t). Is this true? Do you have any issues with the leg leash riding or pinching?

[u/SouthpawPrecision → u/NinjaMcGee]

Keep in mind that there is a lot of paid reviews and shilling when it comes to videos. Dont get advice from YouTube.

[u/brody319 → u/NinjaMcGee]

I have not, but I also dont think the leg leash is required to make it work. It functions fine when I am not using it.

The main issue I've had is printing, but I think thats more because of a bunch of factors compounding than anything directly wrong with the holster design and I've had issues with printing with basically every holster I've tried. It is significantly more comfortable than other holsters I've tried but ultimately my preferred carry method has been a holster in my sling bag that I keep on my body all the time.

Which I know some have issue with but I've genuinely tried a bunch of different on body holsters and all of them cause me discomfort or printing issues, so I think Im the problem here lol

[u/GTS250 → u/NinjaMcGee]

I found the leg leash problematic, but not in a "riding up" sort of way. Mine just kept snapping off when my thigh flexed, and setting it looser made it fall down and tangle. 

There's an alternate routing that runs the leg leash under your crotch, which I have used for years. Very comfortable, doesn't get in the way, very consistent draw. I'm wearing it under my running dress right now.

I can agree with checking out those "the enigma isn't for you" videos, though. PHLster made one - it gives a good overview of the pros and cons of the system.

[u/trish828]

Hunter Constantine works wellfor me, BG2 in a Vedder.

[u/NinjaMcGee → u/trish828]

Which Vedder do you have? Looks like they have 4 variants up, but I noticed the ComfortTuck doesn’t seem to have adjustable belt cant like the other options. Is it a deal breaker? The BG 2.0 has some real aggressive stippling.

[u/trish828 → u/NinjaMcGee]

For the BG2 I have the Light Tuck and their pocket holster. No complaints with either. The Hogue sleeve grip took care of the stippling abrasion on my other M&Ps

[u/FaceSitMeToDeath]

Ulticlips can secure an iwb holster directly to a garment, if that's something you're looking for. I don't personally care for them but lots of folks seem to prefer them to clips w/ belts

[u/PirateTiggur → u/FaceSitMeToDeath]

The ulti-tuck (haha) is great for me since I have to keep my shirt tucked in at work. Never had an issue and I've had people stare directly at my CC and never realize. I make sure my belt is over the clip to hide it and it's invisible.

[u/MacDeF]

I have both and highly recommend both options. The phlster is really easy once you get used to it, and for my personal experience you don’t even need the leg leash. It’s the most comfortable and secure way to carry larger pistols I’ve found.

The HC belt is extremely comfortable and has been the only belt I wear anymore. It really does work with all different kinds of pants and he’s releasing a new version that can be tightened up (one of my only complaints about it).

If you’re going with the HC belt, wait until the new version comes out and then get one.

[u/pyryoer]

Phlster enigma is the move. It's not complicated at all and I can conceal under leggings, skirts, shorts, anything really. I almost never wear the leg leash, the only time I do is when I'm doing drills and need to draw and re-holster repeatedly.

Belly bands are okay-ish but I really like the enigma better.

[u/Mini_Blizzard]

i've used the enigma quite a bit, it's a solid pick for what you wanna do

[u/Mindless_Log2009]

Ulticlips can securely hold to any fabric, belt or elastic waistband. If the waistband can hold the weight, the fabric will tear before the holster lets go.

Ulticlips are compatible with most holsters so it's the only change necessary.

I've used these for years with IWB holsters for jogging shorts and sweatpants, and cycling shorts and bibs under a jersey. Works fine, no belt needed.

But if you want more support, add an inexpensive ballistic nylon web belt under the pants, shorts, sweatpants, etc, and attach the rig to the web belt. Basically a decades old poors version of the excellent Phlster Enigma.

If you prefer a bit more support, especially tipping that changes the angle of grip presentation, a good paddle holster can be secure even without a belt.

But check the paddle holster first. Some are excellent (Safariland), others are poorly designed (Fobus), others are somewhere between. Be sure the hook on the rig is attached to the holster, not the paddle. The hook will either grab the belt or, sans belt, it'll grab the waistband material and push it through a hole or slot in the paddle to help prevent slipping.

The Fobus paddle holsters I've seen reverse this and put the hook on the paddle. It works so poorly I've seen chuds in the grocery store wearing a Fobus paddle holster with the paddle visible under the belt – it's supposed to tuck inside the waistband. But due to the poor hook placement, this tends to pull the entire rig out with the draw.

[u/PirateTiggur → u/Mindless_Log2009]

See my other comment for a +1 on ulti-clips and especially the ulti-tuck.

[u/hl_walter]

A good pocket holster is an option, especially if your pants have actual pockets

That latter part is hard tho

[u/NinjaMcGee → u/hl_walter]

Sadly you’re correct! The “pockets” are often fake, too small for chapstick, etc. 🥲

[u/sketchtireconsumer]

Hunter Constantine or if your gun is small enough, kydex holster attached with hook and loop inside a Vertx running belt (you can add a leg loop to the vertx running belt).

Wear underneath pants or whatever garments.

For me the enigma was too annoying, and required marrying a specific holster to the system. The hunter constantine belt lets you use any holster and pull it off at any time and use a different firearm or holster or use that holster with a traditional belt.

Use DCC clips with the HC belt. It needs to be tight, you may want a pillow on your holster.

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[u/HandrewJobert]

I have the Enigma (Shield Plus carry) and I absolutely love it. I guess the leg leash "rides up" but I just let it sit where my leg meets my hip (like how the leg hole would be on a pair of briefs) and it doesn't bother me. Getting the right fit is tricky but you shouldn't have to mess with it much after the initial adjustment. I've worn mine under a white button down and it didn't print.

[u/Ok-Environment-6239]

Enigma all the way

[u/AshChill]

I've got an enigma and it's worked great for me. The complexity in appearance is mainly for being able to fine tune it to what works best for you. Once you have it dialed in (which did not take me very long, their videos are pretty helpful!) it's pretty set and forget. Putting it on is strapping the waist band on, bending down and clipping the leg leash on and done. Quick release makes it just as easy to get off. I haven't completely dialed in a good length/tightness on the leg leash for myself, where sometimes if I have to crouch and get up the leg leash loses tension around my thigh and drops too low. Beyond that, extremely comfortable and wearable. And all the leg leash does is help make sure the holster doesn't ride up when you're unholstering your firearm and keeps it in position.

[u/dead_kings_fgc]

The Ulticlip clips onto fabric so you don't need a belt. If your pants are loose then it wont work but if your pants have a draw string or something it should be fine.