https://guide.sportsmansguide.com/buyers-guides-ccw-101-a-concealed-carry-holster-buying-guide/April 17, 2019
By Bryan
So you’ve recently made the decision to start carrying a concealed handgun. Maybe you’ve gone so far as to choose a gun.
But you’re just getting started. Now comes the hard part: deciding exactly how you’ll be carrying it. Even small guns can be bulky and heavy, and tossing it in your pocket (in most cases) just won’t do.
There’s quite a bit to consider…
How important is everyday comfort?
How important is concealability?
Do you value comfort over fast access? Do you value fast access over safety?
What level of retention do you need?
How much of your day do you spend standing? How much of your day do you spend sitting at a desk or in your car?
How does your body type affect your options?
What state laws do you have to abide by?
These are just a sample of the important questions you have to answer before you commit to choosing a method of everyday carry. Each and every holster has its own unique blend of comfort, concealment, retention, and access—and no single holster excels in all areas. To help you get started, let’s take a look at some of the most common holsters and examine the pros and cons of each.
Shoulder holsters consist of two straps connected in a manner similar to a backpack, with the holster itself mounted on either the right or left side (depending on your dominant hand). Shoulder holsters are among the most comfortable of all methods because your back and torso are supporting the weight of the gun—not your belt. Additionally, the opposite side of the holster can be used for additional magazines, etc. Shoulder holsters work with a wide variety of body types and with larger guns, and are comfortable in all climates, but are among the most difficult to conceal. In addition, drawing your pistol from a shoulder rig often involves sweeping the muzzle past your arm (and any bystanders). Plus, if you want to keep a shoulder holster hidden, you pretty much have to wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
Pros at a glance:
Among the most comfortable carry methods
Fast draw
Can fit larger guns
Easy to carry extra mags
Works with a wide variety of body types
Cons at a glance:
Among the most difficult to conceal
Requires you to dress a certain way
Drawing often involves flashing yourself and any bystanders
Depending on the angle of the holster, you might be flashing people walking behind you
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Pro-Tech Nylon Ankle Holster
The ankle holster is one of the traditional methods utilized by Law Enforcement to carry backup, but is also a totaly viable CCW method for civilians. Ankle holsters are comfortable and highly concealable—especially if you wear cowboy boots—but are slow on the draw. To get to your pistol, you have to bend over, lift up your pant leg, undo the retention strap, stand up straight, and hope to engage your target in time. You’re also limited to micro-compact pistols, so no Glock 19 or similar.
Pros at a glance:
Highly concealable
More comfortable than other methods when sitting, standing still, and walking
Cons at a glance:
Very slow on the draw
Uncomfortable (maybe even impossible) to run with
Limited to micro-compacts and snubbies
Pants with a looser fit and/or wider leg are a must
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VersaCarry Compound OWB Holster
OWB holsters are designed to be worn on your belt, normally between 3:00 and 4:30. OWB holsters are hugely popular and available in a wide variety of configurations and materials—from universally sized leather holsters to Kydex holsters designed for specific models. With lots of options for attachment and retention, you’re very likely to find an OWB holster that’s perfect for you. OWB holsters are most often worn for open carry, but a long, untucked shirt or jacket will keep one concealed in a pinch.
Pros at a glance:
Faster on the draw than IWB holsters
Available in a huge variety of configurations, cants, and materials
Lots of attachment options
Multiple retention options
Fit most body shapes and sizes
Cons at a glance:
Difficult to conceal
More exposed than other carry methods
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Outside the Waistband / Small of Back Holsters
Guide Gear 4-position Holster
Small-of-back holsters place the handgun directly over the center of the small of your back. This is one of the more comfortable carry methods (as long as you aren’t sitting for long periods), and SOB holsters accommodate larger guns. They’re fairly easy to conceal with a longer shirt or jacket, but can be very uncomfortable if you spend a majority of the day in a car or at a desk. The draw is fairly slow, and there’s a good chance you’ll be sweeping bystanders. Re-holstering is even more of a pain, especially because you can’t see what you’re doing.
Pros at a glance:
Comfortable for walking around
Can carry larger guns
Fairly easy to conceal with a longer shirt
Keeps your gun out of your way
Cons at a glance:
Slower to draw
Not very comfortable to draw
Requires blind re-holster
Potential for injury if you should land on your back
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CrossBreed MiniTuck with M&P Shield
Among the most discrete of all carry methods, inside-the-waistband holsters clip or mount to a belt to allow you to securely conceal a weapon inside your pants. IWB holsters typically sit at the side or rear, and allow for a fairly quick draw. They generally stay out of the way and won’t interfere with sitting or standing—but your placement options might be limited depending on body type. They take some getting used to, and having a holster rubbing up against your skin all day isn’t that fun, but IWB holsters offer a nice blend of comfort, concealability, and accessability.
Pros at a glance:
Highly concealable
Fairly fast on the draw
Won’t interfere with sitting or standing
Cons at a glance:
Printing is still an issue
Takes some getting used to
Might not work with all body types
Shirt can interfere with draw
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Alien Gear Appendix Holster with Glock 43
Appendix carry has become something of a controversial topic for reasons that might become clear just by looking at the above image. Appendix holsters are typically located between your belly button and your strong-side hip (your right hip if you’re right-handed), allowing for a very fast draw and easy, visual re-holstering. And because there’s more space down the front of your pants than in the hip or rear areas, appendix holsters accommodate larger guns while keeping day-to-day interference to a minimum. Of course, appendix holsters do come with one teensy downside: their proximity to a rather…sensitive…area (not to mention your femoral artery). Oh, and sitting isn’t the most comfortable.
Pros at a glance:
Very fast on the draw
Easier to conceal than IWB holsters positioned at the hip or rear
Can accommodate larger pistols
Easy, visual re-holster
Cons at a glance:
Proximity to sensitive area
Sitting is uncomfortable
Might not work with every body type
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Belly band with 2 mag pouches on opposite side
A belly band is a wide elastic belt that features an integrated holster on the front or side. Belly bands keep your firearm tight to your skin for better concealment, and because they ride higher than waistband holsters, they’re typically a lot more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. That said, waistband holsters offer a more natural draw, so belly bands can take some time to get used to. But all in all, belly bands strike a pretty good balance between comfort, concealment and accessability.
Pros at a glance:
Keeps your gun tight to your skin for better concealment
Probably the most comfortable option on this list aside from the shoulder holster
Can be twisted to adjust position on your body
Doesn’t weigh your belt down
Cons at a glance:
Draw is not as quick or natural as with a waistband holster
Wearing a tight elastic band around your midsection in the middle of summer can get uncomfortable
Re-holstering is a two-hand process
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The Bulldog Super Grip Holster
Pocket carry is perhaps the simplest and most convenient of all carry methods. Pocket holsters are typically more comfortable to bear, and won’t interfere with sitting or driving like some of the other types will. This alone is a huge advantage over waistline holsters—if it’s more comfortable to carry, chances are you’ll carry more often. That said, pocket carry has its shortcomings, too. You’re limited to the smallest micros and snubnose revolvers, and because you’re drawing out of a more confined space, hang-ups have the potential to slow you down. Also, pockets are dirty, and pocket pistols have a tendency to collect lint. All in all, some good, some bad. If comfort and convenience are high on your list, pocket carry might be for you.
Pros at a glance:
Among the most comfortable and convenient of carry methods
Pocket holsters won’t interfere with sitting or driving
Cons at a glance:
Slow on the draw
Limited to the smallest microcompacts and snubbies
Gun gets dirty
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I hope you found this helpful. Just remember, each and every style of carry has its advantages and disadvantages, and no single holster checks all the boxes. Only you can decide what’s right for you.
Whichever style you ultimately choose, the most important thing to do is to get proper training and practice, practice, practice. Oh, and don’t forget to check your state laws.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below!
