Minimalist IWB Holster

Like everything else in life, holster selection involves a series of trade-offs. When you score points in one category, you lose them in another. If you want to draw quickly, you're going to sacrifice retention. Less weight means less strength, and so on. So let's get this out of the way up front: the holster I present here is not for everyone. It's not for every gun and it's not for every situation. I've worked several jobs in the past that required the concealment of a firearm in some pretty hairy situations. I became frustrated with the lack of a SIMPLE, LIGHT-WEIGHT, LOW-PROFILE, and INEXPENSIVE holster on the market. There's a nifty clip that attaches to pistol frames, allowing you to tuck the gun into your waistband, but most work policies don't allow modifications to firearms. I would often resort to using a "string holster" or simply tucking the piece in my waistband, but these seemed a little too sketchy. Finally, I came up with this idea.

DISCLAIMER: Don't do this if it's illegal where you are. Don't do this unless you're 100% certain of your ability to prevent an accidental discharge. This is NOT the safest holster out there. (I'm not even sure if it really is a holster!) There is nothing here to block a hammer or shroud a trigger. I don't accept any responsibility for accidents on your part. This is about as minimalist as you can get and I don't recommend it for anyone who isn't entirely proficient with the handgun of choice. The benefits of this device are as follows:

1. It works
2. It is highly concealable
3. It is comfortable
4. It is cheap
5. It will work with any number of handguns, calibers, and positions
6. No one will ever look at it and accuse you of being a professional

Here are the drawbacks:

1. It has no integrated retention do-dads
2. You can't write it off on your taxes
3. Reholstering with one hand is next to impossible
4. It won't contribute to the Miami Vice persona you're trying to cultivate

Alright, then, let's kick this mule!

Step 1: Purchase or Scrounge a Heavy-gauge Coat Hanger

I got this one from Goodwill for 99 cents. It's stainless steel, heavy gauge, and had the little black tip-protector you see there. You'll have enough material from one hanger to make two holsters ... but you'll never need another holster as long as you live!

Step 2: Cut Your Hanger Into Three Parts

Just like this.

Step 3: Bend One of the Sides Into Shape

Just like this! You'll see in the next step that a little bit of measuring is necessary.

Step 4: Surprise! You're Done!

Now how's that for easy? The longest part is inserted into your pistol's barrel. The black, rubber tip-protector keeps it from gouging your rifling. The second-longest part runs up the outside of your frame. Now you tuck the gun/device combo down into your waistband. The first little hook catches on your waistband. The wire then runs down the outside of your pants a short distance before curving up on the outside of your belt. This series of twists and turns means that the holster stays put instead of zinging off into someone's eye when you draw.

Measurement considerations:

1. The first straight section (the one that goes inside your barrel) should not be so long that the end makes contact with your chambered round
2. The diameter of the first bend should be enough to clear the slide. Otherwise, you'll have to wedge your frame and slide down into a narrowing "V". This can cause your gun to go out of battery as well as creating unnecessary damage to your finish.
3. The second bend should be positioned so that when seated on your waistband, you're happy with the amount of handle exposed above your waistline.
4. The distance between your second and third bends should correspond with the width of your belt