Choosing the Correct Concealed Carry Holster is Very Important

In fact it can be as important as choosing the right gun. Find more information about IWB, OWB, Ankle, & Shoulder holsters and more.

Concealed Carry Holster Acronyms

Holster acronyms commonly refer to the position or location of the holster on your body.

• IWB – Inside-the-Waistband
• OWB – Outside-the-Waistband
• AIWB – Appendix-Inside-the-Waistband
• SOB – Small of Back
• MOB – Middle of Back

Concealed Carry Holster Should Secure the Gun

Losing your firearm makes for a bad day. The concealed carry holster needs to securely retain the firearm at all times (except during the draw).

A good concealed carry holster will use one or more of the following to secure the handgun: friction, molded shape, and retention screw pressure. Also some holsters use active retention; this requires a manual release. A good leather holster will be shaped to the exact contours of each specific firearm. This holds the gun and prevents it from slipping out.

A kydex holster will fit very tight around the trigger guard to lock the handgun in place until enough pressure is applied from the draw to release the firearm.
A retention screw system allows adjustment to the overall pressure on the firearm. The draw can be adjusted to be easier or harder.
Avoid universal one size fits all holsters at all costs.

Types of Concealed Carry Holsters

Many different types of concealed carry holsters are available. While personal preference and comfort are important, safety and security are necessary elements. As long as the holster meets the safety and security standards, the choice can be made on personal preference. A brief description of some of the more popular types of concealed carry holsters is provided below.

Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry

A shoulder holster is typically worn on the non-dominant side along the rib cage. This area is usually very comfortable especially if you are sitting or riding in a vehicle for long periods of time. It can be difficult to draw and re-holster your firearm. Also shoulder holster usually requires a good cover garment, and may not be suitable in hot weather.

Inside the Waistband Holster – Appendix Location – for Concealed Carry

With an IWB holster in the appendix area the holster is inserted inside the waistband in the center of the waistline or slightly to the strong side.
With the holster in the appendix location, the firearm is easily accessible for a smooth and fast draw.
If you are a little fluffy around the middle appendix can be a bit uncomfortable, plus access may be a little harder and slower.
There are IWB holsters that can be worn in locations other than appendix, but it seems the appendix location is the most popular at this time.
In my opinion IWB appendix carry is the best for concealment; basically all of the firearm is below the waistline but the grip.

Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry

An ankle holster can be very effective. Many people will use an ankle holster to conceal a backup gun. Typically the ankle holster is used to carry smaller firearms.
When wearing an ankle holster consider the pants leg; it might have to be a bit longer and wider to properly conceal the holster.
Drawing from an ankle holster typically takes two hands, one for clearing the pant leg and the other for drawing the gun. Also if you have limited mobility, are very heavy or tall, then drawing from an ankle holster might prove difficult.

Shop All Tpyes of Holster for Concealed Carry

Choose from a wide range if holsters. We have IWB, OWB, Ankle, & Shoulder holster and more.