I suspect like most of us I have a number of pistols…1911, Sig P226, M&P Core 9mm and 45ACP, Beretta 92G, etc. And my wallet starts having a panic attack when I start thinking about buying holsters and other gear in support of all those pistols. For example, it would be nice to have both an OWB and IWB holster for each pistol. On top of this my EDC belt is 1.5 inches but I also have a 1.75" Riggers belt for the range and a battle belt. So now you may be needing additional holsters or at least different hardware in order to mount the holster for each application.
So that got me wondering how everyone else handles this? I’d love to hear how you have managed to consolidate things and what gear you have found that you like that can serve in multiple roles? As an example, I’m currently thinking about getting a Raven Concealment Phantom holster. This holster supposedly can be worn either OWB or IWB and they make different size belt loops for it so you can swap them as needed. I have no idea, however, how good the holster works in an IWB role. But it seems very flexible where a single holster can be used in many different applications.
I’ve also thought perhaps a “one size fits all,” universal holster for the battle belt or mounted on a chest rig might be an ok solution but I don’t have any experience with those types of holsters.
I collected my pistols slowly, and as I collected them, collected appropriate gear for them as well. The hard part is when I decide I want to run things a different way, such as a switch from thigh rigs to belt mounted holsters, because that’s when I have to buy a lot of holsters at once. I’m in the middle of that now, with my SIG 1911 and FNX 45 with mid/low rid belt holsters, but only a thigh rig for my Jericho.
One solution to your problem could be in the form of a tuckable holster. I have one for my Jericho, made by Front Line, and it’s great. Serves as both an IWB and OWB holster, depending on how you put it on. Very simple and easy to use. I’ve also found that the Raven Concealment OWB holster is good for daily carry, and can be mounted onto the MOLLE of a battle belt. Not the best option, but it’s there.
I went to Safariland ALS a while back for all of my handguns, when it comes to concealed carry though I have a large variety of holsters; from Raven Concealment, Galco, Gould & Goodrich, and Milt Sparks. I dont shoot them enough to really justify all the holsters, but they all serve some type of a purpose.
I had the same situation a few years back.
Consolidated to ARs and small-frame (9mm) Glocks (cliche, I know), despite my appreciation for HK and Walther.
Holster, spare part and accessory selection became a lot easier.
The only thing I would say is modularity and consolidation is great, but if looking for an IWB/concealed holster, comfort/fit/function trump all other considerations. Dedicate a holster to that role.
Use G-Code and OTG w/ RTI hangers for overt purposes and Raven for covert. Personally I think it’s a waste of money to have an IWB for every gun because I would only CC the two most practical (FS v. Compact depending on attire). Consolidate everything to one belt - I like 1.5" because it fits a larger variety of belt loops. The 1.75" for the MOLLE belt works well but why do you need holsters for it if it’s in another belt? IME, holsters do not work well as all purpose items - I tried it. At best, it was a massive pain in the ass to always reconfigure the setup. At worst it was highly uncomfortable or was so ineffective at one of the two (overt v. covert) that it just wouldn’t work.