When it comes to choosing the best concealed carry holsters, there are a variety of details to sort out. Where you want to carry, what material you prefer, your wardrobe and lifestyle, and what specific gun you carry all have to be taken into account. However, with a little bit of research, you can find the perfect holster. This article will look at the best holsters for concealed carry.
Considerations for the Best Concealed Carry Holsters
When choosing the best concealed carry holster for your needs, you will need to consider multiple factors, including:
- Concealability — Is the gun truly concealed in the holster you’ve chosen? Some holster choices allow for “printing” to happen, where the gun’s outline is visible under your clothing.
- Retention — Does the gun stay firmly in place in the holster? If you choose the wrong size holster for your weapon, you may find that your gun will wobble in its holster, making it unsafe for you to carry.
- Fit — Does the holster fit both your body and your gun with ease? One benefit of leather holsters is that they mold to fit both you and your weapon.
- Protection for you— Is the trigger completely covered to prevent a negligent discharge? This is especially important for an appendix inside the waistband carry. You don’t want to accidentally blow off any important body parts.
- Protection for the gun — Will the holster keep sweat and other moisture away from your gun? That’s one downside to both leather and ankle holsters.
- Ease of reholstering — Does the holster stay open for you to reholster one-handed? You shouldn’t have to use both hands to holster your weapon.
- Ease of draw — Does the holster allow you to get a solid grip on your gun when you draw it? Some holsters require both hands to draw, which could cost you critical seconds in a life-or-death situation.
- Comfort — Is your holster comfortable to wear? If it’s not, you might as well not have a holster at all.
The Best Concealed Holsters — Inside the Waistband
You may prefer inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, which are the best option for concealment. They sit inside your pants, next to your skin. Most are made of hybrid materials — leather or neoprene for the backpad next to your skin, then a layer of bendable steel to help the holster mold to you and your gun, and finally the outer shell made of Kydex to hold your gun securely.
The big drawback to IWB holsters is that they’re not the most comfortable to wear. The holster can start feeling sticky against your skin, and nobody wants that. It can also be uncomfortable when you’re driving or otherwise seated.
The Most Popular Holsters — Outside the Waistband
Outside the waistband (OWB) holsters are the most popular holsters for men. OWB carrying allows easy access to your weapon. Pancake holsters are one well-known variety of OWB holsters since they flatten your gun against your side.
The biggest problem with OWB holsters is that they can print your shirt, clearly showing the world that you’re carrying. You’ve got to have the right wardrobe to successfully conceal your weapon with an OWB holster.
The Best Holsters for Carrying Extras — Shoulder Holsters
A good shoulder holster is a great option for concealment if your wardrobe typically consists of layers, such as a button-down shirt over a t-shirt, or a jacket. A great shoulder holster will let you carry extra magazines to make sure you’re well-protected.
The biggest downside to shoulder holsters is your wardrobe. If the weather is warm where you live, you’re not wearing layers no matter how cool it looks. If your shoulder holster is leather, having your gun sitting right under your armpit is a recipe for a funky, sweaty holster and a potentially rusty weapon.
The Best Holsters for Convenience — Pocket Holsters
If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience from your holster, pocket holsters are the way to go. You don’t want to just shove your gun in your pocket; that leaves your trigger and hammer both exposed, opening you to accidental discharges that could damage your belly, thighs, and everything in between. A pocket holster keeps all your most important body parts safe.
The one glaring problem with pocket holsters is that you’re limited to smaller weapons. You’re not hiding a Glock 19 in a pocket holster.
The Best Holsters for Secondary Carry — Ankle Holsters
If you want to carry two firearms, an ankle holster is a great option for your backup weapon. It’s also convenient if you’re driving or sitting for a long time, so you don’t have a gun digging into your waist, ribs, or hip. Ankle holsters are also very well concealed.
There are several drawbacks to an ankle carry. First, you’re limited in the size of gun you can carry. It’s hard to reach your ankle holster if you’re standing. These holsters are easily exposed to the elements, including mud puddles and snowdrifts.
The Best Holsters for Workouts — Belly Band Holsters
Belly band holsters are elastic bands that go around your waist. A holster that’s perfect for smaller weapons is sewn into the band. These holsters are outstanding for workouts because the elastic holds your firearm exactly where you want it while you’re jogging or hiking.
The biggest issue with belly band holsters is that they’re not ideal for fast drawing. They’re also not great for reholstering since the elastic closes the holster back up when the gun isn’t in it.
Other Holsters Options
Once you’ve done your research and determined what kind of holster you want, it’s time to try them out. Choose a holster that has a 30-day money-back guarantee to see if it’s the right holster for you. Picking the right holsters can be an overwhelming task. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.