The leather backing on “Hybrid” holsters can get softer over time.
If you try to reholster and that leather backing collapses, you’ll have to point the muzzle into you to open up the holster, or dig in with your support hand.
Neither is safe.
That said, a hybrid holster can be the best choice if you just can’t get all-kydex holsters to be comfortable for you,
or if you can’t find all-kydex holsters for your pistol.
Enough Space for Your Middle Finger
When you first draw the gun, one of the index points is to get your middle finger up underneath the trigger guard.
See it in action:
With plenty of room, your hand can get the proper grip on the pistol.
That’s the first step to a fast draw, and fast and accurate shots on target.
Any material that gets in the way of that crucial spot slows your draw and scrapes up your fingers when practicing.
If your middle finger bumps into holster material as you try to grip the pistol, modify your holster, or get a different one.
If your middle finger bumps into your belt, set the holster’s ride height higher.
Mounting Clips Match Your Belt Width
Wearing a 1.5″ wide belt? Get 1.5″ wide clips. Wider clips, like 1.75″ ones, will cause your holster to wiggle and rotate, causing an inconsistent draw.
Inconsistent draws are slow, and can even block your hand from getting a proper grip.
Adjustable Ride Height and Angle
Ride height is how far the holster sits above your belt. Look for multiple mounting holes for the belt clips:
Holsters must be adjusted to be high enough to keep your belt from getting in the way of a full grip, but low enough to conceal.
Changing the holster angle, by having one clip higher than the other, can make or break your holster’s comfort and concealment.
No “Sweat Guard”, “Sweat Shield”, etc.
A sweat guard/shield is a piece between you and the pistol that keeps your sweat from getting on it.
Why is it bad? It gets in the way of your thumb and slows your draw, and can poke you when you bend down.
Quality pistols have treatments to prevent rust on the outside.
Instead of a sweat shield, wear a cotton or performance undershirt with some elastic:
Tuck the shirt into your underwear.
That prevents the shirt from getting in the way of your draw, and no one will see it.
It’ll be a secret between you and me.
An “Optics Cut”
Even if you never use optics on your pistol, an optics cut lets you draw your pistol as soon as it clears your belt,
shaving an inch or two of movement off of your draw. A fast draw is economy of motion.
Signs of a Good Appendix (AIWB) Holster
As IWB, but:
A Spacer (Claw, Wing, Wedge, etc.)
A spacer pushes the holster into your body.
Without it, an appendix holster can cause your pistol’s grip to jut out from your stomach like some abomination trying to burst out of you.
At Least 2 Anchor Points
An anchor point is a screw connecting a clip into the holster body.
You can have one clip, but it needs at least 2 screws anchoring it, and it needs to be fitted just right for your belt – no wiggle room.
Just one anchor point causes the holster to tilt as you wear it.
What happens if the holster tilts down?
Your middle finger can’t reach its rightful place under the trigger guard.
Instead, your middle finger gets blocked by the grip, your belt, and your pants.
If you have a holster that tilts down like that, your draw will be hobbled before it even begins. Not good for a life-saving tool!
When ordering a holster with one clip and two screws, find out if their clips run larger than advertised.
If they do, you’ll need a second clip, a different clip that’s sized right, or a different holster.
Signs of a Good Chest Holster
4 straps, with one from the bottom of the holster that hooks onto your belt.
Why? If you have to pull up at all when you draw the pistol, the holster can flop up if it’s not secured by that bottom strap.
The holster can also move when you run, crouch, jump, etc.
Space for your middle finger to get a full grip under the trigger guard, with no holster material in the way.
Covers the trigger guard, to prevent negligent discharges.
Wear a dust mask and eye protection when doing this!
10 Best Concealed Carry Holsters
The best concealed carry holster depends on the size of your pistol and how you carry it.
Everyone has different body types and wardrobes.
Below are the best options for different pistol sizes and carry positions, validated through experience.
Concealed Carry Pocket Holsters
Best Women’s Holster for Pocket Pistols
IWB Concealed Carry Holsters
Universal IWB Holsters
Beltless Concealed Carry Holsters
Best Concealed Carry Purse
Concealed Carry Pocket Holsters
What you need
Pants, shorts, or a dress with big enough pockets (recommended: 4-way stretch fabric)
As long as your pants pockets are big enough, a pocket holster is the most comfortable concealed carry holster.
If you value comfort over speed of the draw, pocket holsters are also the best concealed carry holster for sitting.
Think of it this way: If you’re at home, doing yard work, at the computer, or even on the toilet,
a pocket pistol in a pocket holster can go with you anywhere, like a secret companion.
Get a pocket holster and join the pants-on, gun-on lifestyle.
Best Women’s Holsters for Pocket Pistols
What you need
The right body type
A bra
Untucked sports shirt, T-shirt, polo, blouse, or dress shirt
Sadly, most women’s clothes have tiny or nonexistant pockets.
If you have the right body type, though, try bra carry.
See if the Flashbang might work for you:
For when your outfit doesn’t work with other holsters.
Specify what light or laser you have on your pistol when ordering.
Gets in the way when holding large boxes, etc.
Usually have to change straps when changing from a standard bra to a sports bra.
If you wear an A-cup bra, you may need to wear a padded bra to conceal your pistol.
IWB Concealed Carry Holsters
What you need
A gun belt and (pick one):
Untucked T-shirt, polo, blouse, or dress shirt
Tucked-in dress shirt
Jacket
With an IWB holster, you can conceal anything up to a full-size pistol.
If you value speed of the draw over comfort, an appendix IWB holster (AIWB) is the best concealed carry holster for sitting.
AIWB holsters can be comfortable while sitting, but take more adjusting to get there, and AIWB won’t work for all body types.
Has adjustable ride height and cant (angle), unlike others in its class
Wide variety of colors/patterns (see pictures or browse here ).
Choose an optics-ready version of your pistol if possible. For example, Glock MOS instead of Glock, Springfield Hellcat OR instead of Springfield Hellcat, etc.
If you can’t get an optics-ready version of this holster, dremel the holster where it covers the pistol’s ejection port down to your belt line for a faster draw (see pictures).
Mounting clip is made for 1.75″ belts, when most belts for concealed carry are 1.5″. Buy aftermarket belt clips for proper belt-holster fit.
Not compatible with spacers/claws for better appendix carry. Drill a hole above the retention screw to make the holster compatible.
Compatible with spacers/claws for better appendix carry.
Has adjustable cant (angle).
Choose an optics-ready version of your pistol if possible. For example, Glock MOS, Springfield Hellcat OR, etc.
If you can’t get an optics-ready version of this holster, dremel the holster where it covers the pistol’s ejection port down to your belt line for a faster draw (see pictures).
Mounting clip is made for 1.75″ belts, when most belts for concealed carry are 1.5″. Buy aftermarket belt clips for proper belt-holster fit.
Can’t adjust holster’s ride height.
Universal IWB Holsters
Can’t find a holster for your pistol?
The PHLster Floodlight is unique in that it fits a huge variety of pistols, but requires a weapon light (WML).
If you’re left handed or have trouble finding a quality holster for your pistol, this is the best appendix carry holster, hands down.
If you take out the spacer, it converts to a standard IWB holster.
It really comes down to personal preference which is better. Kydex holsters come out on top when it comes to retention and reholstering. Leather holsters take the crown when it comes to comfort and style.
Best Concealed Carry Holsters [Hands-On Tested] What’s the best holster for the money? EMP, Alien Gear Holster After buying your gun…deciding on which holster you’re going to buy is one of the most important decisions you can make. There are a lot of different kinds and styles of holsters on the market right now. Sadly, many of them are not ideal for concealed carry. Lots of Holsters, Boondock Saints But no worries…we’ll clear up what makes a good holster, the types of carrying (inside waistband, ankle, etc), and personal recommendations for each type. Kore Essentials Tactical Gun Belt with P365 Complete with tons of hands-on pics, videos, and even standalone reviews. *UPDATED* 2022: More holsters and personal experiences…and videos! Best IWB (Hybrid): Hidden Hybrid HolstersBest IWB (Value): Rounded GearBest IWB (Kydex): TenicorBest IWB (Unique): Urban Carry G3Best IWB (Custom): 1791 Ultra CarryBest OWB: SafarilandBest OWB (Retention): Alien Gear RapidForceBest OWB (Leather): 1791 GunleatherBest Bellyband: Crossbreed Belly BandBest Ankle: Sticky HolsterBest Shoulder: GalcoBest Gun Belt: Kore Essentials, use code “PEWBELT10” for 10% off Table of ContentsLoading… Why Have a Good Holster? Let’s think about some of the things the holster is supposed to do: Protect and hold the firearm.Prevent discharge. Provide quick access.Prevent theft or loss. So, maybe instead of the original question, we should ask things like: What goes into a great concealed carry holster? Walther PDP Holster Mags First and foremost is the concept of safety. You’ve likely heard the safety rules by now, but in case you haven’t, here they are: Treat every weapon like it’s loaded.Don’t point your gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire. Know your target and what’s beyond it. They’re all particularly important but for right now, let’s concentrate solely on number three…keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire. Good Trigger Discipline Glock 17 I want to expand on it even more and say that nothing should touch the trigger, including clothing or any part of the holster itself. Your trigger could get caught, pulled, and cause a discharge. That’s a bad oopsie… Trust me when I say the last thing you’re ever going to want is for your gun to go off unintentionally. And, guns have gone off when being holstered because something got caught and pulled the trigger. What Makes a Great Concealed Carry Holster? As I stated earlier, there are a lot of different kinds and styles on the market. But a lot of them are not ideal for concealed carry because they are dangerous. When you pick out a holster, make sure it has the following: Total trigger coverageSturdy materialGood retentionGood concealabilityHandgun protectionSkin/body protectionPositive grip Let’s take a closer look at these requirements… Trigger and Material There are a lot of holsters on the market where the trigger is not covered or is covered by a flimsy material. So that you’re as safe as possible, it’s best to have a holster that is made of a sturdy material that covers the trigger. You want to do all you can to prevent the possibility of a discharge. A good example of a sturdy material could be Kydex or leather. Both do an excellent job of protecting the trigger. Kydex Sheets Kydex is basically nothing more than a polymer composite material formed to the shape of your gun with a bunch of properties that help it do its job. Some holsters will have both materials in the form of a Kydex shell on top of a leather backing. Glock 19 with TLR-1 in Hidden Hybrid Holster There are countless companies making good-quality holsters out of this material. You can’t go wrong here. Good Retention Another way of saying retention is that your gun needs to “stay put.” A good test…if you stick your gun in your holster and turn it upside down, will it fall out? If it comes out, the retention of it needs to be adjusted (usually via a screw) or you need…
{TOP 12} Best OWB Holsters Reviews (2022 UPDATED) Author orignial photo: wearing the owb holster For the past 50 years, I have been wearing a handgun almost every day during this period of my life. Over those years the weapons have carried from my 26 years in law enforcement to the years I have spent in the field as a hunter and shooter in general. Today I carry at all times for personnel defense, and what I have learned over all these years is that when you carry a gun every day the type and even weight of the best owb holster you select will dictate to a major degree just how much you’re actually going to carry your weapon. Why do you ask? Because in general if the selected weapon is not a good fit for the polymer or leather holster, you have selected you’re going to leave the whole mess on the bedside stand or in the gun safe most of the time. In military or police settings the basic duty holster is not a part of this discussion at all. These holsters are large, heavy as in military weapons retention systems, and when searching for a comfortable holster this is not anything close to what you should be looking at. The following will be a basic review of some of the best owb holsters that can meet the needs of the individual that wants to carry concealed regardless of the style of dress or time of year which can be a major consideration when selecting that holster rig. If you don’t have much time for the details, check out the list below for the best rated Best rate Owb Holsters: We The People OWB HolstersUrban Carry Lock Leather Hybrid OWB ( Pancake) holsterOutlaw Brand Black Carbon Fiber Kydex OWB holster.Glock Concealment Express OWB.Cardini Leather OWB Holster foe S&W J Fame, Ruger LCR, and SP 101. Also other shot 2.25” 38 Special handguns.Pusat Holster Revolver 38 SpecialGalco Fletch High Ride Belt Holster.Bianchi Leather belt slide holster.Relentless Tactical – The Ultimate Leather Gun HolsterVersacarry UGA1BRN Guardian Holster.1791 GUNLEATHER 1911 Holster, Right Hand OWB Leather Gun Holster for Belts fits All 1911 ModelsConcealed Carry Iwb Kydex Holster. 1. We The People OWB Holsters Special DISCOUNT for 57CENTER readers only : 15% OFF SITEWIDE when checkout at WeThePeopleHolster CODE : 57CENTER When you think of CCW holsters, Kydex OWB holsters aren’t usually what comes to mind. However, We The People designed their OWB waistband holster with concealability in mind. These paddle holsters is custom molded from thin, lightweight hand-molded kydex to keep the profile slim. To further assist with concealability, as well as comfort, the belt clip has 12 different positions that allow you to adjust the holster’s ride height and cant. Speaking of adjustment, the holster’s adjustable retention system produces an audible click when your gun is properly holstered. The rigid Kydex material and custom shape make re-holstering very easy. The belt clip accommodates 1.5-inch belts and holds securely to allow for an easy draw. The holster shell itself features a sweat guard to protect the gun’s slide from moisture. This holster is good for appendix, strong side, cross carry, or behind the hip carry positions. It comes in versions for right or left-hand draw, as well as a bunch of different color and pattern options. We the people holsters is manufactured in Las Vegas and comes with a lifetime warranty. Pros Allow for good conceal carryIt is custom molded from thin and lightweight hand-molded Kydex The belt clips have different positions for adjusting the cant height The belt holds securely and allows…
12 Best Glock 19 Holsters Reviewed 2022 (IWB, Concealed Carry, OWB) | SurvivalMag Looking for the Best Glock 19 holster? This article has everything you need to know about choosing the best holster for your Glock 19. The list is based on our staff’s experience with carrying Gen3, Gen4 and Gen5 versions of Glock 19 over the years in different types of holsters: IWB OWB CCW Open Carry Because when it comes to concealed carry, a good holster can be just as important as your gun. But more on that – and our best picks – below. Let’s jump right in: 12 Best Glock 19 Holsters Reviewed 3 Must-Haves Of Any Good Glock 19 Holster Types Of Holsters Material – Leather, Kydex, or Hybrid? F.A.Q. A Few Words On Concealed Carry Top Pick We The People’s Glock 19 IWB is a compact and well-built Kydex IWB holster that ticks all the boxes. The matte edge finish and minimal material used will give you a comfortable fit and maximum concealment. Best of all – the holster comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY and 30 different holster designs to choose from. 12 Best Glock 19 Holsters Reviewed 2022 (IWB, OWB, CCW & Concealed Carry) 1. We The People G19 IWB – Best Glock 19 Concealed Carry Kydex IWB Holster (Appendix Carry & Side Carry) Click Here For Latest Price Why It’s Our #1 Pick “Perfection is achieved not when there’s nothing left to add, but when there’s nothing left to take away.” We’ll never achieve perfection – but We The People’s IWB Glock Holster gets pretty darn close. It’s a beautiful minimalist holster that’s: Lightweight Simple Comfortable And most importantly – reliable. This holster’s built to last. Let’s Take A Closer Look Type: IWB Carry: Concealed Carry | Side & Appendix Carry Material: Kydex Hand Orientation: Left & Right Handed Glock Gen compatibility: Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5 We The People Glock 19 IWB Holster is as minimal as they come. This is a good for comfort, as you want any extra bulk on your IWB digging into your sides. But despite the small size, this little holster is packed with features: The holster itself looks great – it comes in matte finish and has more color options than we’ve seen on any other holster. The edges are hand-buffed to avoid sharpness. You have adjustable retention with a tension screw There is a click to let you know when your gun is fully holstered The barrel is fully covered and protected from sweat The clip is great – strong and sturdy and adjustable from 0 to 15 degrees. This stands in contrast to cheaper holsters whose “loose” clip is usually their weakest point. Their Claw Compatibility mechanism is unique and a game changer for most IWB/Tuckable Holsters as it prevents printing, bringing you significantly closer to deep concealment. The magazine release is exposed. You can change the magazine without taking out your G19 out of the holster. Note: There is a very small risk of the magazine release engaging against your body, but from our experience it’s so small that you shouldn’t worry about it. You can wear either wear it on the side or in the appendix position (appendix carry). There are additional belt loops & clip sizes available if you’re rocking anything…
10 Best Concealed Carry Holsters (NRA Instructor Picks) …
10 Best Concealed Carry Holsters of 2022 (Hands on Review) This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here. As a concealed carry instructor, a lot of students ask me what I think is the best-concealed carry holster. The answer really isn’t as simple as you might think. There are a number of viable carry styles and there are holsters specifically designed to accommodate each. In this guide, I’ll cover the different types holsters, explain the pros and cons of each, then recommend a few of my favorite holsters in each category, so you can find the best holster for you. For most people just starting to conceal carry, I recommend an inside the waist band holster (IWB holster). They are great for medium to large size handguns. For those of you planning to carry smaller handguns, outside the waist band holsters (OWB holsters) are a great option as well. I’m going to place a quick navigation menu below for those of you that want to jump right into the holster reviews. If you want to learn more about each type of holster, I will include a guide explaining each directly below the navigation menu. Quick Navigation: Here Are the best concealed carry holsters of 2019. Want to learn more about holsters before reading reviews? Keep reading! If you’re new to concealed carrying it can be really confusing when shopping for holsters. You’ll see a ton of acronyms thrown around like IWB, OWB, Appendix, etc. What do all of these Tacticool acronyms mean? We will cover that in this section! Inside the Waistband Carry (Best for Concealment) Inside the Waistband of IWB carry is a great way to carry a gun when it comes to maximizing concealment. The weapon sits between your pants and belt and your body. This means the majority of the gun is hidden inside your pants, making it easy to conceal both small and large guns. IWB carry allows you to carry the firearm in multiple positions, including on the strong side or as an appendix holster. IWB requires good holsters to be comfortable. You can probably imagine sticking a gun down your pants can be uncomfortable. Those things poke and prod like nobody’s business. A quality holster will make IWB carry significantly more comfortable. IWB does allow for a quick draw and easy concealment at the cost of comfort and possibly needing a size up in your jeans. That inch of width the gun occupies can be uncomfortable without proper fitting pants. IWB most certainly requires a belt, and you should get a sturdy belt to support the weapon and keep it in place. Inside the waistband is an excellent means to carry a gun for smaller framed people who OWB may create a large bump on. It’s also easier to avoid printing and accidental firearm exposure. Pros Easy to conceal Reduced printing Fast to draw Cons Some find it uncomfortable Outside the Waistband Carry Outside the waistband, or OWB is one of the most popular forms of concealed carry. As the name suggests the holster and gun ride on the belt outside the waistband. This is a very comfortable form of carry and a wide variety of holsters are available for OWB carry. OWB is the choice of armed professional’s…
[2021] Best Concealed Carry Holsters (Real Experiences …
[2021] Best Concealed Carry Holsters (Real Experiences, Hands-On Review) Choosing the best concealed carry holster for your handgun, body shape, and needs is incredibly important. You probably spent a lot of time and effort deciding what gun to carry, and we’d encourage you to take the same approach when choosing a holster. The good news is, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will not only cover our favorite concealed carry holsters, but also go over everything you need to know about the different options, what to look for, and the various ways to concealed carry a firearm. Preview: Best Concealed Carry Holsters While we’d encourage you to keep reading to learn more, here’s a preview of the best concealed carry holsters for those in a hurry. Our picks for the best concealed carry holsters are: Crossbreed MiniTuck (Best IWB for Subcompact Pistols) We The People IWB (Best Appendix Carry/IWB Holster) Alien Gear ShapeShift IWB (Very Comfortable IWB) Crossbreed SuperTuck (IWB for Larger Handguns) Concealment Express IWB (Most popular IWB/Appendix Carry Holster) Crossbreed Modular Belly Band Package (Best Belly Band) Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder Holster (Best Shoulder Holster) Why Choosing a Good Holster is So Important A lot is asked from a concealed carry holster. It needs to: Retain your firearm and keep it in place when holstered. Prevent accidental discharges, making sure nobody or nothing (including the holster’s materials) is touching the trigger. Offer quick access to your handgun. Allow for a full grip so you can easily draw your CCW. Maintain its structural integrity over time. Conceal the fact that you’re wearing a holstered weapon and avoid “printing” as much as possible. Do all of the above while being comfortable enough to wear. Materials A holster’s materials and design will play the most significant role in making sure it hits all of the bullet points above. In the past, holsters were made entirely of leather. While leather is a comfortable material against your skin, it can wear and sag over time. This affects the integrity of the holster and can make it unsafe. The picture above, from Imminent Threat Solutions’ website, shows a real-world example of a worn-out leather holster that led to an accidental discharge. (Source – Warning: Article includes images of the wound from the accidental discharge.) Today many holsters still use leather for their backing (the part against your body) but use Kydex or other synthetic materials for the shell/pocket. Kydex is far more rigid than leather and will also hold up better over time. An example of a holster with a Kydex shell and leather backing is shown below: Crossbreed Holsters MiniTuck IWB, one of the best concealed carry holsters. Prices accurate at time of publishing We strongly recommend choosing a holster that uses Kydex (or a similar material) for at least the shell. Kydex, however, is not always a comfortable material to have against your body. For many inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, you’ll want to consider one with a backing made from leather, neoprene, or another softer material. Small holsters, like those made for appendix carry, can be an exception to this rule, however. One positive of leather is that it’s easy to cut down portions of the backing yourself if you find there’s unnecessary material or material that’s in the way when trying to get a grip your pistol. Doing so, however, could make a holster unsafe if you cut away portions of the backing that protect the trigger or aid in retention. Design No matter what type of holster you choose (we cover the different types below),…
What Is The Best Concealed Carry Holster? (2022)Updated 1/26/2022Top Concealed Carry Holster Options:Best OWB Holster: Galco Combat Master Belt HolsterBest IWB Holster: Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5Best Appendix Carry Holster: Concealment Express IWB KydexBest Cross Draw Holster: Wright Regulator Cross Draw HolsterBest Shoulder Holster: Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder HolsterBest Belly Band Holster: Crossbreed Belly Band HolsterBest Ankle Holster: Uncle Mike’s Ankle HolsterBest Pocket Holster: Crossbreed Pocket RocketWhen it comes to choosing the best concealed carry holster, the process has never been more difficult. A particular holster may be perfectly made, designed to mold to every curve and crevice of the human body, light as a feather, and breathable as mountain air. The difficulty is, if it doesn’t feel right when you wear it, it’s not worth a penny.What attributes make the best concealed carry holster? Like a lot of things in life, that depends – in this case on your clothing choices, CCW handgun and lifestyle.Luckily, the holster market is nearly limitless. If you can conceive of a potential way to carry a handgun, there’s somebody out there stitching together a CCW holster that’ll work. All you need to do is to find it.Here we’ll look into what makes a good concealed carry holster, what types are available and some recommendations of the top models out there today. From there, you should find yourself armed with enough knowledge to hunt down the best concealed carry holster to fit your needs and enhance your experience.What Makes A Good Concealment Holster?Regardless of the style of handgun holster you opt for, it should be capable of a few basic functions. Obviously, if you want the best concealed carry holster, concealability is chief among the attributes you’ll need. Beyond that, there are a number of safety and other considerations you’ll need to take into account. Let’s go through them.Fit: Holster fits both your gun and your body Retention: Holds gun firmly in place, without any worry about it slipping out. Concealable: Reiterate, it must enhance the ability to conceal a handgun on your person. Protects Handgun: You’ll sweat, so your holster must provide a barrier from moisture. Protects You: Must cover the trigger completely to avoid a negligent discharge while holstered. Enhances Draw: Holster must allow a full combat grip on your draw; cleanly works with the rest of your attire. Enhances Re-holstering: The holster mouth doesn’t collapse after drawing, allowing a clean and quick re-holster. Comfort: Simply, if it doesn’t feel right on your person, you won’t wear it, pretty much blowing the whole carrying thing to hell.ConsiderationsFunny as it may sound, it’s not all the holster’s job to get it right. You’ve got to meet the piece of gear halfway in some respects. You need to put some hard and heavy thought into the cloths you wear, whether or not you’ll invest in a new wardrobe, the lifestyle you live, the type of gun you plan to carry and your proficiency with it.If you do, you’ll go a long way in figuring out what the best concealed carry holster is for your particular circumstances.An example. Say you drive for a living, an inside-the-waistband holster – particularly those carried past the 3 o’clock position, might prove an uncomfortable choice. Furthermore, it could hinder a draw when on the job. Neither ideal.Or if you wear shorts and a T-shirt all the time, it all…
Best Concealed Carry Holsters [2021 Expert Tested]
Best Concealed Carry Holsters [2021 Expert Tested] Bryan Hill / August 10 2022 Do you want this to be you? Good holsters prevent you from accidentally shooting yourself when you draw the pistol. They also give you the fastest draw possible. In a self defense shooting, the first person to get a good hit usually wins. Fractions of a second make the difference. On this Page: Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry Pistol Holster Positions Pistol Holster Types Holster Angle (Cant) What Makes a Good Holster? Signs of a Good Pocket Holster Signs of a Good IWB Holster Signs of a Good Appendix Holster Signs of a Good Chest Holster Kydex Holsters Poke Me. What to Do? 10 Best Concealed Carry Holsters Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry Unless you must openly carry for your job, we recommend concealed carry. Why? Concealed carry gives you the element of surprise. Surprise buys you a few seconds in a gunfight by disrupting your opponents’ OODA loop, and most real gunfights only last a few seconds. A review of real-world gunfights showed that successful concealed carriers delayed drawing their pistol until the assailant(s) were distracted. They also used an obscured draw, so onlookers couldn’t see the draw, or couldn’t see that it was a gun being drawn. Meanwhile, there are many recorded incidents where an open carrier was ambushed because criminals saw the pistol and used the element of surprise on the defender. If you must open carry, wear armor, keep people at least 3ft. away from you, have a partner, and use a duty holster to prevent others from unholstering your pistol. Duty holsters have Retention Levels: Level 1: Only the tightness of the holster keeps the pistol inside. Level 2: One must disengage 1 “lock” on the holster to draw. Level 3: One must disengage 2 “locks” on the holster to draw. Level 4: One must disengage 3 “locks” on the holster to draw. The higher the Retention Level, the less likely an attacker can unholster your pistol. However, a higher level also means a longer draw, and more practice to keep it consistent under pressure. What’s the right level? That’s up to you, but we recommend at least level 2. Pistol Holster Positions Where you carry your pistol decides which holster to pick, what clothes to wear, and even which pistol to carry. Position Clothing Pistol Type Hip / Appendix Shirt + pants or skirt Any Pocket Pants or jacket pocket Pocket Fannypack Workout clothes Pocket Off-body Purse / messenger bag Any Chest Jacket or Bra Concealed carry: Pocket Open carry: Any Other Carry Positions We don’t recommend the following positions: Shoulder Can pre-stage the draw. Like a pocket holster, you might be able to get one hand on your pistol without anyone realizing it. Same comfort level, seated or standing. If you sit all day for your job and don’t interact with people face to face (like a freight driver), this can be the most comfortable way to carry. Same draw, seated or standing. Again, if you’re a professional driver, shoulder carry might be the right choice for you. Draw is slow unless it’s…
The best shoulder holsters for carrying with class Updated May 17, 2022 9:58 AM We’ve all seen someone use a shoulder holster, but most of the time it’s on TV. It’s the preferred carry method of international spies, private investigators, and tough .44 magnum-toting cops. During my time in Afghanistan, shoulder holsters were also a badge of honor for SNCOs and officers with serious swagger. Most of the time, though, shoulder holsters get dismissed as a gimmick — and I’m not convinced that’s fair. There are plenty of reasons shoulder holsters aren’t just for movie stars. They’re very practical for anyone who needs to carry while spending a lot of time behind a desk or in a vehicle. They do a great job of concealing full-size handguns. If nothing else, they look undeniably cool and feel great to draw from. Having established that there are situations where shoulder holsters are warranted, we took it upon ourselves to bring you some of our favorites. Bring on the old-school leather, cutting-edge synthetics, and underarm accessories. It’s go-time. The Falco D603 is one holster we got our hands on for testing, and I was curious to see how it measured up to the expectations I had based on the relatively high price. The cut of the harness, metal hardware, and rotating holster looked great on the website but, since I wasn’t able to connect with anyone who has experience with the brand, I had to see for myself. Out of the box, the fit and finish were impressive. The leather was soft and well-cut. I’m five-foot-nine and 190 pounds; almost exactly average for men in the U.S., according to Healthline. After adjusting the harness for proper fit, the metal screws were in the middle of the adjustment range. The belt tie-downs can also be adjusted, so you have some flexibility to match your torso’s length and circumference. The holster sits vertically, but once the thumb strap is unsnapped, it rotates forward for an easier draw. This approach is particularly useful for full-size pistols that might be too long to carry horizontally. There are some considerations you should be aware of when shopping for a leather holster. Initially, the fit was so tight that I had to work the pistol in, a little at a time, using both hands and some force. By the next morning, the fit was vastly improved. Remember that leather stretches over time, so a perfect fit on day one will turn into a sloppy fit in short order. The tradeoff for extra care and maintenance is a handmade product that’s built to your exact specifications. Before building the holster, Falco asked me for not only the make and model of the handgun it was for, but also any accessories that would be attached and how many rounds would be carried in each magazine. When necessary, they add ballast to the weak-side magazine pouch to create a balanced load that’s more stable and comfortable to wear. That kind of service isn’t cheap, but if you appreciate craftsmanship, paying a little more is worth it. Product Specs Orientation: Vertical (roto) Material: Leather Retention mechanism: Thumb-break strap PROS Incredibly detailed customization to your specific firearm and accessories High-quality leather looks fantastic and can last a lifetime Tight tolerances for a snug (read:…