How to Find Your Perfect Concealed Carry Holster?

If you’re new to gun ownership, concealed carry, or you just got a new gun you can’t wait to take with you everywhere you go, finding the right holster is your next important step. A concealed carry holster keeps you safe from accidental discharges, and it keeps your gun protected from everyday wear-and-tear and corrosive moisture.

With the right holster, you can wear your pistol at your side all day long, secure in the knowledge that you are always protected no matter where you go.

Shop Paddle holster

Assess the Size of Your Pistol

If your pistol is subcompact, compact, or full-sized, this can affect the type of holster you need to consider. Subcompact and compact pistols can fit nicely into an OWB or paddle holster for concealed carry, whereas full-sized pistols should be carried in an IWB holster, but they are bulkier.

Ideally, for concealed carry you should have a compact or subcompact pistol. The barrel does not jut out as much, and the back of the frame is less likely to jut up into your side. Glock 19, Glock 43, SIG Sauer P365, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0, and the Ruger LC9 all make great choices for concealed carry pistols.

If you have a full-sized handgun like a Glock 17 or a SIG P320 XFull, you have all of the advantages of 17+ rounds of ammo, but it’s more difficult to wear for all-day concealed carry, especially in your waistband. Wearing these in an OWB or paddle holster is more comfortable, but you’ll need bulky, long clothing to keep it fully concealed

Assess Your Daily Activities

Choosing the right holster for your needs is easier when you understand exactly where you want to go and what you want to do with your concealed carry pistol. If you switch vehicles often, or move between offices, you may want a holster that is easily removable.

If you frequently wear suit jackets or sport coats, you have a bit more leeway in deciding which kind of holster may work best. If you live in a cold climate, you also have the advantage of heavy jackets and sweatshirts that can help conceal your pistol’s position on your body.

Those who live in warm climates, or women who don’t want to dress in loose-fitting clothing may have to consider IWB holsters only for full concealment. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors in public crowded areas, or if you work in a busy environment

Choose Your Holster

While some people prefer shoulder rigs, shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, pocket holsters, or even thigh holsters, you don’t need anything fancy for carrying a concealed pistol. At Incognito Concealment, we carry three styles of holsters: OWB, IWB, and paddle holsters.

OWB,  or outside-the-waistband holsters, slide onto a sturdy gun belt and sit outside of your waist. Because they sit on the outside, you do need to consider your carry position and angle. You likey will need to situate the holster higher and tighter than you would for open carry in order to fully conceal the profile and barrel of your pistol with a covering garment.

OWB holsters are not easy to take on and off, which is why  some people prefer paddle holsters. Trusted by law enforcement officials worldwide, this method of carrying places a concave piece of Kydex between the waist of your pants so that it sits right up against your waist. The holster is easy to attach and reattach, which is especially convenient if you sit down and stand up frequently throughout your daily routine.

Inside-the-waistband,  or IWB holsters, sit between your pants and waist, secured with a strong gun belt so it does not cause your pants to sag. IWB holsters are the easiest to conceal, and you don’t need to wear baggy clothing, especially if your pistol frame is small.

Decide Where Your Gun Sits

Once you’ve chosen the perfect concealed carry holster for your pistol, decide where you want it to sit as you go about your day. Your gun should sit on your strong side with your dominant hand ready to grab, draw, aim, and fire. If you prefer to cross-draw using your dominant hand, you can sit your handgun on your weaker side, but this does take a bit more time to draw.

Appendix carry is the most popular carry position, with your pistol situated in the front of your waistband, slightly higher than your hip bone. Others prefer to keep their pistol further toward their hips, while some gun owners carry their gun in the small of their backs. Many women prefer this last method.

Whichever position you decide, you need to practice with your pistol so you get used to how it feels, and build muscle memory for quick draws. Take your gun to the range and practice drawing, aiming, and shooting from multiple holster positions. Whichever feels the most natural is the position you should carry your holster.

Continue to draw and fire your weapon weekly, even if you only concealed carry occasionally. This consistent practice maintains the crucial muscle memory you may need to rely on in an emergency.

You may also want to practice wearing different kinds of clothing so you know exactly when and how to move a shirt or jacket out of the way quickly. Bring a shooting companion with you to spot vulnerable standing or sitting positions that may expose your  concealed carry position to onlookers.

Incognito Concealment Holsters

At Incognito Concealment, we understand that carrying concealed needs to be both comfortable and safe. Our Kydex holsters protect your weapon from bumps and scrapes, and prevent moisture and sweat from compromising the integrity of the frame and components of your gun. A trigger guard covers the trigger, preventing accidental discharges so you don’t have to worry about the way you move, twist, bend, or sit.

A good holster for concealed carry is reliable, durable, and high-performance. For expert help deciding on which style of holster can work well for your pistol model and concealed carry needs, call Incognito Concealment at (586) 333-4240.