A non-traditional carry rig, the 3-Speed Holster is a pouch that secures around the hips and hangs inside the waistband along the midline of the body. Depending on how you set the holster up, it can be positioned low or high for better concealment. The 3-Speed Holster also allows for the carrying of additional items such as a spare magazine. (http://www.3speedholster.com; 954-561-2042)
A hybrid-style holster, the latest version of the Cloak Tuck from Alien Gear promises improved retention and flexibility from a line of rigs already known for comfort. Soft neoprene rides against the skin of the wearer, while an inner stainless steel band provides durability. These holsters are available for a wide range of compact handguns. (http://www.aliengearholsters.com; 208-215-2046)
Although known for firearms, Beretta USA also offers concealed-carry holsters. One of these quality rigs is the company’s Hybrid Holster. Available for a number of the company’s handguns, these holsters have a premium leather backer with ventilation holes to improve comfort. With this rig, a shirt may be tucked in over the gun for maximum concealment. (http://www.beretta.com)
Possibly one of the best values on the holster market, the new A.R.C. holster from BlackHawk features a soft but sturdy polymer material. This material gives the holster the comfort of leather with the durability of plastic. The A.R.C. is adjustable for both ride height and cant, plus the belt clip can be quickly reversed to fit left-handed shooters. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
Blade-Tech is well known for making quality holsters, and the Klipt is a perfect example of one such rig. Designed for appendix carry, the Klipt is a polymer holster that quickly clips to your belt for a comfortable carry. It is also a thin holster, which helps to prevent your pistol from printing under a shirt or other cover garment. (http://www.blade-tech.com; 877-331-5793)
Clinger Holsters have one primary focus in their designs. It’s Concealment. They use smart belt clip placement to achieve this. Their “No-Print Wonder” holster model uses a unique pair of belt tabs to achieve a high level of concealment. A stiff “Cling Tab” & a flexible “Flex Tab” work together to pull the pistol grip in close to the body. Their single clip holster models always place the clip closer to the grip which helps pull the grip in close. Prices start at just $19.99. These holsters are backed by a lifetime warranty and a two week “Buy-Back Guarantee.” (http://www.clingerholsters.com; 479-650-0379)
The SuperTuck is the flagship inside-the-waistband holster in the CrossBreed Holsters series of carry rigs. A hybrid-style holster, the company offers a number of options with both leather backers and attached belt clips. Additionally, holsters are adjustable by the owner for cant and height, allowing you to find the best carry position for your needs. CrossBreed offers the SuperTuck IWB holster for a large number of quality CCW handguns.(http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011)
An inside-the-waistband-style holster, the Fist #1K Clip holster in Kydex is simple, thin and impervious to moisture, and the clip will even hold onto pants if you aren’t wearing a belt. Available options include tension screws, open or closed bottoms, and thumb breaks for security. The holster can also be ordered to accommodate a gun with a weapon light.(http://www.fist-holsters.com; 800-443-3478)
A personal favorite, the Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 is a traditional leather IWB holster. With the original Summer Special, these holsters have comfortably and securely served the concealed-carry needs of citizens and cops alike for decades. These premium holsters can even be customized with sharkskin for a truly unique carry rig. The loops are swappable to match the belt size you are wearing. (http://www.miltsparks.com; 208-377-5577)
Aiming for the comfort of the original N82 Tactical holster but with a host of new features, the company’s Professional holster aims to prove that comforting and comfortable are not mutually exclusive. The Professional is a tuckable IWB-style holster that offers adjustable cant and positive weapon retention. In this rig, a polycarbonate shell is attached to a leather and neoprene backer to protect the gun against sweat and to pad the user from the hard edges of the concealed pistol. (http://www.n82tactical.com; 336-237-1943)
Offering a twist on the hybrid-style holster, the Stealth Gear USA Onyx uses a synthetic backer called VentCore. This technology uses a combination of mesh and closed-cell foam to offer a significant amount of airflow around the holster and skin. The foam also pads the wearer from the hard corners of the pistol. The Kydex shell is scalloped to help increase airflow as well. (http://www.stealthgearusa.com; 801-407-4239)
The Flatline holster from Comp-Tac is an outside-the-waistband rig that can be converted to IWB carry as well. Comp-Tac ships the holsters with three sets of belt clips so you can convert the rig immediately after purchase. The holsters are made from Kydex and are available in both open-top and thumb-break versions. Comp-Tac also allows you to customize the rig for belt width and holster color. (http://www.comp-tac.com; 866-441-9157)
Although it is an outside-the-waistband holster, the Crossfire Elite Camouflage takes an element from IWB rigs by running the belt on the outside of the holster. These holsters use a rubber grip material to better secure the rig in place against the pants, while the holster’s nylon and foam construction offers a good balance of comfort and durability. (http://www.crossfiregear.com; 208-461-8888)
Handmade and meticulously inspected prior to shipping to a customer, ETW Holsters offers a range of OWB rigs for concealed carry. In addition to standard leather rigs, this North Carolina holster company offers holsters with exotic skins including alligator, elephant, hippopotamus, ostrich, shark and stingray. Matching magazine pouches are also available. (http://www.etwholsters.com; 828-358-0001)
Designed to facilitate an extremely short, fast draw, the PS6 holsters from Mernickle Holsters are leather belt rigs that ride high and allow for a full grip on the gun. The holsters keep the gun tight to the body for concealment, but also flex with the body to prevent them from pushing against the back of a car seat. Mernickle Holsters also offers a range of exotic leathers and custom carving. (http://www.mernickleholsters.com; 800-497-3166)
An open-top holster, the A-5 Deluxe Quick-Snap holster from MTR Custom Leather has a reinforced mouth to aid in one-handed reholstering. Additionally, the rig attaches to the belt at two locations, providing increased stability. The A-5 has a slight forward cant and can be finished in elephant and shark skins. These holsters are available for a wide range of compact pistols, including those with an attached laser or light. (http://www.mtrcustomleather.com)
The 537 GLS Open Top Concealment Belt Slide Holster from Safariland features the company’s innovative Grip Lock System, which locks the handgun in place until it’s released by the user’s middle finger during the draw. It features a tensioning adjustment for customizing its fit to the gun and is available for a wide range of handguns, from full-sized models to compacts like the Glock 19.(http://www.safariland.com; 800-347-1200)
Sneaky Pete Holsters solves the problem of concealing a pistol in an OWB holster by hiding the gun in plain view. These rigs are attractive leather cases that attach to the belt. A flap covers the gun and is held in place by a magnet. Similar to a variety of high-end cell phone cases, these rigs don’t require a cover garment or present the same problems of printing that other rigs can. (http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com)
The Quick Draw is a minimalist-style leather belt holster from Tagua Gunleather. As designed, the holster draws the gun in tight to the body for optimal concealment. Additionally, the rig eliminates all material not needed to securely carry the handgun. This exposes the muzzle of the firearm and reduces the thickness in that area that might show unusual bulk under an untucked shirt. (http://www.taguagunleather.com; 866-638-2482)
For a durable OWB rig, take a look at the M Series MOD II from X-Concealment. These Kydex holsters are available for a variety of compact pistols frequently carried for self-defense. The company offers a range of options when ordering these rigs, including choices in color, the size of the sweat guard, the type of cant and the belt loop styles. (http://www.x-concealment.com)
A good shoulder holster can be hard to find. Finding one that doubles as a belt holster as well is even more rare. The #56 from A.E. Nelson is just such a holster. Fully lined with a reinforced thumb break, this horizontal-carry shoulder rig has a fully adjustable harness and optional magazine carrier. The holster can be removed from the harness and used as a strong-side or cross-draw belt holster. (http://www.nelsonleather.com; 503-394-3412)
Deep Conceal offers a universal shoulder holster system that allows the wearer a high degree of flexibility to place the gun precisely in the best position for concealment and comfort. The rig uses adjustable straps along with military-grade hook and loop attachments to ensure the gun and spare ammo is secure and silent. Additional padding helps to reduce pokes from the sharp corners of the gun. (http://www.deepconceal.com; 877-443-3486)
Made of premium saddle leather, the Miami Classic II is a thoroughly modern shoulder holster design that traces its roots back to the Original Jackass Rig developed in the 1970s. This design carries the pistol and spare magazines in a horizontal position. Galco Gunleather uses a unique backplate and specially designed harness straps to make the Miami Classic II very comfortable. (http://www.galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526)
Optimal pocket carry requires a good holster like the Pocket Pal from Bianchi Frontier Gunleather. This leather pocket rig has a suede exterior to grab the pocket lining during the draw. The inside of the holster is smooth for a slick draw that is easy on the gun’s finish. Designed to keep the gun properly aligned for a draw, the rig also keeps debris out of the triggerguard.
Though the name would suggest otherwise, the DeSantis Nemesis could become your best friend when pocket carrying. The Nemesis is a synthetic pocket holster with foam padding to help break up the gun’s outline when concealed. The inner lining of the holster is slick, while the exterior is slightly rough. This allows for an easy draw that doesn’t bring the holster with the gun. (http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
Dillon Precision teamed up with famed holster maker Mitch Rosen to produce a high-quality leather pocket holster called the El Raton. This concealment holster holds a Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver, keeping it properly aligned for a sure draw if needed. Due to the shape and material, the holster will not come out of the pocket when the gun is drawn. (http://www.dillonprecision.com; 800-762-3845)
A variation of the traditional pocket holster, the Gould & Goodrich Wallet Holster is designed to conceal the outline of the pistol by making it look like a wallet. The Wallet Holster is made of synthetic materials with foam and nylon to camouflage the gun and hold it in position. Available for both right- and left-handed shooters, the Wallet Holster is available for many popular compact handguns. (http://www.gouldusa.com; 800-277-0732)
Designed with a hook under the weapon’s grip, the PCF (Pocket Carry Front) holster from Jason Winnie Leathergoods catches the edge of the pant pocket when the gun is drawn. This prevents the holster from coming out with the pistol in a confrontation. Additionally, the outside of the top-grain steerhide holster has a suede finish to increase the ability of the gun to stay fixed in the pocket. (http://www.jasonwinnie.com)
An innovative iteration of the pocket holster concept, the Pocket Roo Holster carries and protects your pistol while also providing a small pocket for a spare magazine or a strip of revolver ammunition. These synthetic rigs from TUFF Products are very affordable and fit most popular pocket pistols. The company also offers the holster without the extra pocket and calls it the Jr. Roo. (http://www.tuffproducts.com; 877-883-3776)
Wright Leather Works makes the Insider pocket holster individually for each gun model. This allows the company to eliminate excess material and keep the holster as small as the gun you are relying on for self-defense. These fine leather rigs are available in five different colors, from a light saddle tan to a rich black. Wright Leather Works also offers options to upgrade the Insider holster with an enhanced lining.(http://www.wrightleatherworks.com)
It is hard to beat ankle carry for deep concealment. The Aker International Comfort-Flex PRO ankle holster aims to make this mode of carry as comfortable as possible. It has a sheepskin backing to cushion the leg from the pistol. The surgical-grade elastic band is tough enough to hold the gun in place, yet it provides enough flexibility so walking doesn’t feel awkward. (http://www.akerleather.com; 800-645-2537)
The Model 4750 Ranger Triad ankle holster from Bianchi offers three unique features: an Achilles arch that keeps the holster in position, a detachable ankle pad for maximum comfort and a compression strap design that pulls the butt of the gun into the calf. The result is a compact and comfortable ankle rig that keeps your carry gun at the ready. (http://www.safariland.com; 800-347-1200)
The Advanced Ankle Holster from Elite Survival Systems is an ambidextrous rig that is adjustable for angle and height on the heavy-duty elastic band. A secondary carry pouch is also located on the band, allowing you to have a spare magazine, knife or flashlight handy. The holster is backed by a synthetic shearling panel for comfort. A calf support strap is optional. (http://www.elitesurvival.com; 866-340-2778)
Lightweight and comfortable, Fobus ankle holsters are available for a wide range of compact semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. These rigs have a durable 0.75-inch-thick Cordura pad that is suede lined for increased comfort. The holster is made of an impact-resistant polymer that is made to stand up to the abuses of daily ankle carry. (http://www.fobusholster.com; 267-803-1517)
“Convertible” is a good word that can be used to describe the Remora 3-In-1 ankle holster. The rig carries on the ankle using a strap that wraps around the leg. Should you want to use the holster in another way, you can remove the strap and use it for IWB or pocket carry. For ankle carry, Remora offers an optional calf strap to help support the weight of heavier pistols. (http://www.remoraholsterstore.com; 239-434-7200)
The AnkleBiter ankle holster is a modular concealment system offered by Sticky Holsters. When used in conjunction with the company’s standard IWB/pocket holster, the AnkleBiter securely carries a compact pistol on the leg. Due to the design, cant and gun positioning is infinitely adjustable by the owner to achieve the perfect carry position. (http://www.stickyholsters.com; 239-434-1844)
Few things carry as heavy a responsibility as the concealed carry of a firearm. Yet to properly shoulder this burden, the citizen needs four things: proper training, a reliable firearm, proven ammunition and a quality holster. Unfortunately, the carry rig is given only a cursory mention in many discussions.
The holster is likely to have a greater impact than any other piece of equipment on whether or not you have a gun with you in a deadly-force encounter. A good concealment rig will be comfortable, secure the handgun in place and properly hide the pistol from sight. If a holster fails to do these things, you will be less likely to carry the gun regularly, reducing the chances of having it if you need it. In this roundup, there are a number of great options in the categories of inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, pocket, ankle and shoulder holsters. Just like a firearm, different rigs will work better for different people. Scroll through the gallery above to find out what is right for you!
