The 3-Speed Holster offers a unique alternative to traditional IWB holsters, as it includes a pouch to securely hold the firearm at the midline of the body, offering options for wear either high or low for ideal concealment. The holster’s back plate cones as you draw your weapon, literally funneling your hand into the proper firing grip. It even offers extra space for additional items such as a spare magazine. (http://www.3speedholster.com; 954-561-2042)
The new edition of the Cloak Tuck IWB holster exudes improved retention yet still offers enhanced flexibility and extreme comfort, which begins at its core and a stainless spring-steel band that acts as a sturdy backbone. A layer of “Alien Skin” thermo-elastomer covers the face of the holster, providing added grip to keep the firearm in place. These holsters are available for a wide range of compact firearms. (208-215-2046; http://www.aliengearholsters.com)
Made in Italy from black leather, the Nano IWB Belt Holster is everything you would expect from Beretta. It offers “bulletproof construction” that is both comfortable and concealable, and the holster is adjustable for ride depth and cant. It features a premium-grade leather backing with micro holes for improved ventilation, as well as mounting spaces for easier tucking of the firearm. (http://www.beretta.com)
Designed for appendix carry, this polymer holster is thin and sleek so as to avoid a handgun from printing under a shirt or other covering garment. Blade-Tech’s Klipt can quickly clip to the belt for comfortable and stable carry, ensuring that the firearm can be quickly drawn when necessary. The holster is available for a variety of firearms from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Ruger and more. (http://www.blade-tech.com; 877-331-5793)
The No-Print Wonder is designed to pull the pistol grip in close to your body via a patent-pending Cling Tab system that uses a stiff belt-clip tab on the grip side of the holster and a flexible belt-clip tab on the opposite side of the holster. The rig thus takes up as little space as possible during concealment. This Kydex holster also offers a full sweat shield and adjustable tension. (http://www.clingerholsters.com; 479-650-0379)
When danger strikes, you can’t wait for the cavalry to arrive, but the Cavalry holster from Comp-Tac can help you save the day. It is comprised of a comfortable leather backing and a Kydex shell that provides a smooth yet fast draw. Other features include cant adjustment, ride-height adjustment and retention adjustment. It is mounted with two polymer clips that are strong yet still gentle on belts and clothing. The holster is made for pocket pistols from Glock, Kimber, Ruger and Sig Sauer. (http://www.comp-tac.com; 866-441-9157)
For those with larger pistols, options can sometimes be limited, but the Freedom-Carry offers a slim design that allows for carrying your handgun in multiple positions, including appendix, cross-draw and even on the strong side from 3 to 5 o’clock. The holster’s design provides just the right amount of leather to be comfortable, yet it keeps the frame and slide from coming in contact with the wearer. This holster even accepts some guns equipped with lights, lasers and miniature reflex sights.(http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011)
This new inside-the-waistband Kydex holster from DSG Arms offers a lot of bang for the buck. Exceedingly adaptable, the Compact Discreet Carry Holster, or CDC, features an adjustable cant (for appendix or behind-the-hip carry) as well as adjustable retention. It also sports an engineered sight channel that support night sights. The result is a compact, lightweight and very handy Kydex holster for all of your concealed-carry needs. (http://www.dsgarms.com; 800-382-7571)
Designed to keep a low profile and simulate the natural way to carry a weapon inside the waistband, the Fobus Universal IWB holsters are available in three sizes—IWBL is for large-frame pistols, the IWBM is for medium-frame pistols and the IWBS is for small-frame pistols. Constructed of a flexible and ventilated synthetic backing with a polymer shell, these holsters require no shell replacements when changing between pistols of the same or similar size. (http://www.fobusholster.com; 267-803-1517)
Made of genuine leather, the Gould & Goodrich B813 holster is designed to handle autopistols from several manufacturers, and it fits belts up to 1.75 inches in width. Leather straps snap around the user’s belt to provide better stability while the holster body swivels on straps to provide added comfort. The holster’s thumb break further helps secure the pistol while a tension screw allows users to adjust for a firm or easier draw. (http://www.gouldusa.com; 800-277-0732)
An upgrade to the MTR A-1, this holster offers suede backing and memory-foam-like material for added comfort against the user’s body. The A-1+ Deluxe Thoroughbred Holster is even slimmer than the original, and thus wraps the body and distributes the weight of the firearm more effectively while providing for a better and faster draw from concealment. (http://www.mtrcustomleather.com; 336-879-2166)
This company goes the extra distance and takes pride in seeing each product through to the end, and the Criterion was designed to incorporate a reinforced mouth band around the triggerguard as well as a self-closing neodymium magnetic belt loop system. This leather holster also rides as low as possible in the waistband while still allowing for a full firing grip on initial hand contact. (http://www.miltsparks.com; 208-377-5577)
The Tactical Professional holster is the ultimate IWB holster. It has all the comfort of the company’s Original design, but comes with additional features, including adjustable cant and excellent positive retention. The holster is made of polycarbonate, which is an extremely durable thermoplastic. The polycarbonate holds the firearm in place and provides additional security for the retention of your firearm. Simply drive your thumb between the holster and the grip, then slightly twist the grip toward your body to release the triggerguard from the retention bump for a smooth draw. (336-237-1943; http://www.n82tactical.com)
The Q-Series Stealth holster boasts a rugged injection-molded body with an adjustable, powder-coated, spring steel belt attachment. The result is a concealed-carry system that the company claims is 100-percent reliable in every condition imaginable. The design is ambidextrous and is easily concealable with a low-profile, tuckable design. Q-Series holsters are available for Glock pistols (including the G42 and G43) as well as Smith & Wesson M&P models. (http://www.qseriesllc.com)
The Premium Deluxe IPH4 can be used in your choice of four different carry modes. In addition to inside the waistband, the IPH4 can also be used on the belt, at the small of the back or in cross-draw mode. The result is a highly versatile and useful holster, and one that is made from specially textured top-grade cowhide. The holster is handmade with an inner lining and double stitching for strength. (http://www.taguagunleather.com;866-638-2482)
Desantis has gone to the minimalist end of the spectrum with its Mini Scabbard, which has been reduced to the barest of essentials. It offers a secure grip on the handgun through its exact molding and adjustable tension, while the Mini Scabbard will accommodate belts up to 1.5 inches wide. It is available in either black or unlined tan leather. (http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
The ABDO is more than just another hidden-in-plain-sight holster. While it is designed to look like a rugged cell phone case, it actually can house a compact sidearm that can be accessed quickly and easily with just the swipe of the thumb. The fast-access latch can pop open for a quick draw, but the rest of the time the pistol can be safely tucked away yet always within reach. (http://www.eaacorp.com; 321-639-4842)
Running may be good for one’s health, but with this new runner’s hydration belt with holster from Elite Survival Systems you don’t need to run from a fight when you want to stand your ground. The belt offers pouches for two 6-ounce hydration bottles plus a concealed pocket for a small pistol, ensuring that you can always stay armed on the go. (http://www.elitesurvival.com; 866-340-2778)
This holster offers more than meets the eye, as it can transform from a belt holster to an IWB as needed. It features Kydex construction with adjustable cant and ride height, along with a raised sweat guard to protect both the wearer and the pistol. The Corvus even comes with both 1.5- and 1.75-inch belt slots. (http://www.galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526)
This medium-ride version of Mernickle’s popular PS6 high ride still allows for a full grip on the gun, all while keeping it tight to the body for concealment but still flexed enough to avoid unnecessary pressure while in the car or at a desk. The company offers a range of exotic leathers and even custom carving, and the PS6MR holster is made with a total of four plies of leather for incredibly smooth draws and reholstering. (http://www.mernickleholsters.com; 800-497-3166)
The Safariland Model 578 GLS Pro-Fit proves that one size doesn’t need to fit all. This holster can adjust and be customized to securely fit a range of firearms, and it features GLS technology that automatically secures the firearm when holstered and releases it upon the application of the trigger finger. It offers an injection-molded paddle and an injection-molded belt loop that make it adjustable for maximum comfort. (http://www.safariland.com; 800-347-1200)
Sneaky Pete’s line of holsters offers the ability to hide in plain sight as its rigs attach easily to the user’s belt and resemble a cell phone pouch. If the basic black leather or nylon holsters are too buttoned down for you, the company has unveiled a new camouflage pattern version that is made of high-quality ballistic nylon that evokes a very different fashion sense. (http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com)
StealthGearUSA has taken what it knows about IWB holsters and created its new OWB concealment holster lineup utilizing FLEX technology, which offers VentCore Technology as well as new innovations and fuses them into a concealed-carry OWB workhorse. The design flexes toward the body and hugs the belt line tightly via a flexible Kydex exoskeleton and adjustable Multi-Loops. This wing design provides stability, comfort and flexibility. (http://www.stealthgearusa.com; 801-407-4239)
Featuring high-quality, drum-dyed, English bridle leather in either black or brown, the new Protector outside-the-waistband holster from Versacarry is ready to go anywhere you need comfortable and capable carry of your preferred CCW. Finely stitched and crafted, the holster is extremely light and unobtrusive, weighing a mere 0.15 pounds. It also features a reinforced opening for easier reholstering. (http://www.versacarry.com; 855-278-9678)
The Predator features 1.75-inch belt slots so that the holster rides at just a 15-degree cant and offers the perfect draw. It holds tight to the body so as to offer an extremely low profile for easy concealment and comfort. Available in black, coffee, mahogany, saddle tan and walnut finishes, this leather holster also features a custom cut body shield that fits each specific gun’s profile perfectly. (http://www.wrightleatherworks.com; 419-307-6191)
Designed to function as an IWB or pocket holster, the Grip’s rubber fabric offers a solid hold to the pant or belt and reduces any movement. Made of 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, it is extremely durable, while the holster’s closed-bottom design keeps lint and other items out of the barrel. The Grip is fully ambidextrous while the holster cavity creates a compression fit via its memory-foam-type laminate design. (http://www.crossfiregear.com; 208-461-8888)
This synthetic pocket holster offers foam padding to help break up a pistol’s outline while concealed. It offers a slick inner lining for a quick and easy draw, while the slightly rough exterior holds the holster right in place. This holster could be your best friend when you’re carrying, and, as the name suggests, a nemesis to anyone looking to do you harm. (http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
A joint effort by Dillon Precision and famed holster maker Mitch Rosen, the El Raton is designed for Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers, and it keeps your revolver aligned for a sure draw when needed. The holster stays secure in the pocket and won’t come up when the gun is drawn. (http://www.dillonprecision.com; 800-762-3845)
A holster needs to be thin enough to ease concealment but still stand up to rigors of daily use and harsh environments. Fist Holsters has just the thing with its #K5 Pocket Holster, which is made of ultra-thin Kydex, which is compact in size and allows users to release the gun from the holster with simply a thumb push, thus providing full control of the firearm while it’s still inside the pocket. (http://www.fist-holsters.com; 800-443-3478)
Made with a suede outer lining, the Jason Winnie PCM is designed to fit smaller size pockets. It is similar to the popular PCF (Pocket Carry Front), but here Jason Winnie offers a refined design without the hook to offer an even slimmer profile that still manages to ensure the firearm stays snugly in the user’s pocket. (http://www.jasonwinnie.com)
Concealing a handgun becomes a lot harder in warm weather with more casual attire. The Safariland Model 25 is a pocket holster that is designed for small firearms and makes an ideal option for use with a tucked-in shirt. This one features a black suede finish along with a reinforced lining that allows the holster to remain open while empty, which can aid in reholstering. (http://www.safariland.com; 800-347-1200)
Designed to fit most popular pocket pistols, this synthetic holster makes the most out of a compact space—it offers room for the pistol as well as an additional pocket for a spare magazine or a strip of revolver ammunition. A smaller version, the Jr. Roo, is also available without the extra pocket. (http://www.tuffproducts.com; 877-883-3776)
Designed to conceal a small semi-auto from .25 to .380 ACP, the minimalistic Versacarry Pocket Holster is available for firearms with and without laser attachments. It is made out of high-quality, drum-dyed, finely stitched leather that completely camouflages the firearm’s frame, ensuring that it remains safe and concealed at all times. (http://www.versacarry.com)
The Brat can be worn in the front of the bra under a shirt. It can securely hold a firearm from 3.5 to 4.5 inches, as an adjustable elastic band circles the body and comfortably keeps this holster in place. It is available in both right- and left-hand draw configurations. (deepconceal.com; 877-443-3486)
The name says it all. This is a thoroughly modern shoulder holster that can trace its roots back to the Original Jackass Rig that was developed back in the 1970s. It is designed with a unique backplate and harness strap to carry a pistol and spare magazine in horizontal position for easy access and comfort. The use of premium saddle leather ensures that the rig can endure the heat of Miami or stand up to conditions just about anywhere else. (galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526)
The Remora 3-In-1 holster is designed to adapt, and this rig can be used as an ankle holster with the strap that wraps around the leg, but it can quickly and easily convert to be used for IWB or even pocket carry. There is even an optional calf strap to help support the weight of heavier pistols when it is used in the ankle-carry configuration. (remoraholsterstore.com; 239-434-7200)
An ankle holster shouldn’t feel like an ankle weight, and the Fobus line solves this problem with its compact and comfortable models that are designed to fit a wide range of smaller handguns. These rigs offer a durable 0.75-inch-thick Cordura pad with suede lining, while the outside is made of an impact-resistant polymer to ensure that it will stand up to daily use. (fobusholster.com; 267-803-1517)
Carrying a concealed firearm is a great responsibility, requiring proper training, a reliable firearm, proven ammunition and the right holster for the job. Today, the first three are given the thought they deserve, but the carry rig is all too often an afterthought, yet it shouldn’t be. This roundup offers a variety of options for inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), pocket, ankle and shoulder hostlers so that those who opt to carry a concealed pistol can make the right choice. Scroll through the gallery above to find out which of these concealed carry holsters is the right one for you.
