Regardless of the type of holster you choose, carrying your handgun on your body is better than off it. That means choosing an in-the-waistband holster over a concealed-carry purse or a holster for your belly band over your pants pocket. A holster should also be sturdy and comfortable to wear. For this reason, a thick nylon belt or department store leather is preferable to thin cotton ones.
Choosing the Right Holster
Your gun and holster must work together to get your weapon into action quickly, safely, and intuitively. An expensive pistol, training classes, and hours of range time can all be for naught if you reach into your holster and find it upside down. Pointed at the ground, or in another inconvenient position. This is where the right concealment gear comes in. Your choice of clothing will also impact concealed carry. Choosing pants that fit well and are not too tight will help make it easier to conceal your firearm. There are many holster options. And the right one for you will depend on how you use your firearm. For example, if you are a police officer, your needs may differ from those of someone who openly carries or trains and competes with their firearm. Your holster’s type, material, and retention should also be determined by how you plan to use your firearm. A quality holster will protect the trigger, make your weapon easy to access, and be securely locked when not used.
Choosing the Right Gear
There are a lot of considerations that go into choosing the right concealed carry gear. You must consider your weapon, clothing, and lifestyle to ensure you have the gear that works for you. Another important factor is choosing the type of holster you want. There are many different options out there, including OWB and IWB. Generally, an OWB holster is considered more comfortable because it sits on the outside of your pants and isn’t squished against your body. However, IWB holsters can be equally comfortable, depending on your body type and clothing. For example, if you wear thick clothing like jackets and flannels regularly, an IWB holster could be more comfortable than an OWB holster, which would be hard to conceal under those clothes. However, an IWB holster might not be a good option if you only wear thin tops and short-sleeve shirts.
Choosing the Right Gun
The gun you choose for your concealed carry needs is an important decision. Not only does it need to feel comfortable in your hands and fit well with the holster you’re going to use, but it also needs to be chambered for a cartridge that can deliver enough stopping power when needed. The size of your handgun is another essential factor to consider. You’ll want a firearm that feels right in your hands and fits comfortably inside the holster you plan to carry regularly and under the clothing you usually wear in public. It’s important to remember that while the rancher living on a 5,000-acre farm may not care about concealing their firearm, the woman walking home will want to do everything possible to keep their weapon hidden from strangers. That means avoiding shoulder holsters that are difficult to hide, especially when wearing pants that hug your body more closely.
Choosing the Right Carry Position
Choosing the proper carry position is an important consideration. You want to find a location that will allow you to draw your weapon quickly and easily. A too-tricky access holster can result in slow response times during an emergency. On the other hand, a too-loose holster can cause your gun to fall out of the holster during a drawing. The most common carrying positions are side carry (strong side hip) and appendix carry. Side carry, at the 3 o’clock position on your waistline, is ideal for most people because it allows for quick access and minimizes printing (the outline of your gun showing through your clothing). Appendix carry, located in front of the body near the 1 o’clock position, is popular with advanced carriers because it provides lightning-fast draw times. However, it may only be comfortable for some.
