Can You Conceal Carry a Firearm Without A Holster?
Nov 27th 2020
If you are a gun owner on a budget, or if you’ve just obtained your concealed carry permit, you may have asked yourself whether it is a good idea to carry without a holster. Perhaps you don’t intend to carry it on your person, maybe you are looking to save some money or simply don’t think you need one.
Although there are ways to carry a gun concealed without a holster, they may not always be safe or effective.
Holsterless Carry Methods
There are two main methods of carrying a firearm without a holster: holsterless waistband carry and pocket carry.
Holsterless waistband carry (or belt carry) is the act of tucking a firearm in the pants, securing it with nothing but the belt or the waistband.
This method presents several risks; a handgun tucked in the waistband is not appropriately secured, may unexpectedly shift orientation, and may even fall out of your pants, even if you use a belt.
In the worst-case scenario, the fabric of your pants’ waistband may snag into the trigger guard, putting you at risk of a negligent discharge, sometimes without even trying to draw or adjust your handgun.
Pocket carry is the act of using a pocket, typically a pants pocket, to carry your firearm. This carry method is also unsafe and not recommended for concealed carrying.
If you transport other objects in the same pocket as your handgun, you run the risk of these objects snagging on the trigger.
Even if you dedicate a pocket for your handgun, there is nothing to hold the firearm securely, protect the trigger, and keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction, putting you at risk of a negligent discharge.
In short, all holsterless carry methods are unsafe. A good holster fulfills three functions: securely retaining your handgun in one place, keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction, and protecting your trigger from being accidentally depressed. All three are necessary to respect gun safety rules when carrying your firearm in public, whether openly or concealed.
Is It Illegal?
The legal aspects of carrying a concealed handgun without a holster depend on your state and local laws. Most of the time, it is not explicitly illegal, although there are notable exceptions.
For instance, Texas law stipulates that holders of a License To Carry are committing an offense if they allow their firearm to be publicly visible unless that firearm was carried in a belt or shoulder holster.
In Kansas, the law states that “every handgun carried by an individual must be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger.” This statute applies even when carrying off-body, such as in a purse or a handbag.
Even if your local laws do not have explicitly written holster statutes, the risks involved are not worth the perceived advantages of carrying without a holster.
Last Thoughts
Incognito Concealment offers a wide selection of Kydex holsters and magazine carriers, 100% made in America. We guarantee shipping within 5 to 10 business days, and we offer a lifetime warranty on all our products.
Our holsters are suitable for carrying openly or concealed and can be customized to your specifications. If we don’t offer a holster for your model, we also provide a custom holster service. For any questions or inquiries regarding our products and services, call us at (586) 333-4240.
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