The Remington R1, introduced in 2010, is a relative newcomer to the 1911 market. But Big Green’s contribution to the field is an eminently solid one, with precision-machined parts produced to ultra-tight tolerances for stellar accuracy and smoother shooting. Remington makes several versions of the R1, and the only one chambered, so far, in 9mm is its Enhanced model. Featuring a 5-inch match-grade barrel, a skeletonized match trigger, a widened thumb safety, custom grips and a fiber-optic front sight, the R1 Enhanced is certainly feature-packed, especially for a well-made 1911 priced under $1,000.
Ruger LC380
The Ruger LC380 is another gun specifically designed for easier slide manipulation and reduced recoil, and it is available with either a Crimson Trace Laserguard or a LaserMax CenterFire mounted on the triggerguard. The LC380 is a subcompact with 7+1 round capacity, but it shoots .380 ACP rather than the 9mm used by its predecessor, the LC9. It also features a checkered grip and a finger grip extension on the bottom of the magazine. For more information, visit http://www.ruger.com
Taurus 85VTA The View
Revolver fans should definitely check out the latest offering from Taurus, the 85VTA “View” model. It holds five rounds of .38 Special and is ultra lightweight at only 9 ounces, which makes it very comfortable to carry, although it kicks hard when fired. The frame is available in silver or pink, but it’s the clear Lexan sideplate that makes this gun unique. This transparent window allows you to see the action mechanism within, a fascinating sight for beginner and expert shooters alike. The contoured grip is another nice touch; it reduces printing through clothes and makes any visible lump look less like a concealed handgun. For more information, visit http://www.taurususa.com
Sneaky Pete Belt Clip Holster
One of the most innovative new products on the market is the Sneaky Pete Belt Clip Holster. This holster is a square, leather case that you would assume held some kind of smartphone. The cover closes with a magnet and the back attaches to your belt via clips or belt loops. Available in custom fits for 21 different brands of firearms, your preferred carry gun is most likely included already. Sneaky Pete has options for accommodating lefties, laser grips, and magazine pinky extenders too, so you can truly get exactly what you need. For more information, visit http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com
Uncle Mike’s IWB Tuckable Holster
Inside the waistband (IWB) is another popular carry option, since it tends to be less visible than an outside the waistband (OWB) holster (although you might be forced to buy a larger pants size). Uncle Mike’s now offers its IWB Tuckable Holsters. They come in four sizes that can accommodate 85 percent of handguns. These ambidextrous holsters can be clipped to any position on the waist—side, back, crossdraw, wherever is most comfortable for you—and allow you to tuck your shirt in around the holster. For more information, visit http://www.unclemikes.com
Aker Leather IWB 76 Patriot
Aker Leather also has a new IWB holster, the IWB 76 Patriot, which comes in forms that will fit most guns. Made from your choice of brown or black premium leather, this holster is almost too beautiful to conceal. For more information, visit http://www.akerleather.com
Crossfire Luxe Holster
Crossfire has developed a completely new line of holsters for women, designed to be slim and low profile with a minimum amount of bulk. The most versatile is the Luxe model, a soft clip-on holster that can fit any subcompact handgun. It can be clipped anywhere you’d like to carry your gun: inside the waistband, outside the waistband, in your purse, etc. This may well be the only holster you need to be able to mesh a gun with any outfit. For more information, visit http://crossfiregear.com
Crossfire Rebel Holster
Crossfire also introduces its Rebel holster, a soft pouch holster that slips easily into a pocket or waistband and can fit any subcompact gun. The holster is held in place by the friction of a rubberized outer surface. There are no hard clips to poke at you, making this a most comfortable carry option. For more information, visit http://crossfiregear.com
Deep Conceal Lotus Holster
Moving up to the torso, many women find that a holster that hangs under the arm or under the bust is more comfortable and flattering than one at the waist. Deep Conceal has a couple of new products that will appeal to these ladies. The famous Lotus shoulder holster is now available in smaller sizes. Your size is determined by measuring around your rib cage (rather like ordering a bra), but the shoulder straps are fully adjustable for a comfy fit. The soft holster can hold any gun up to 7 inches long, while a pouch on the other side can hold a spare magazine. Having the weight of the gun distributed over your shoulders makes everyday carry easier. For more information, visit http://www.deepconceal.com
Deep Conceal BRAT Woman’s Bra Holster
Deep Conceal also recently introduced its new Brat holster, which holds the gun suspended underneath the bust. The holster hooks onto the bra and is stabilized by an adjustable elastic strap that goes around the ribs. This extra stabilization is extremely useful if there’s any chance you might need to run or jump around at any point during your day. For further security, the holster also has a retention strap to make sure the gun doesn’t ever slide out. The gun is accessed by reaching up under the front of the shirt. Smaller than the Lotus, it will hold a small gun in the 3.5- to 4.5-inch range. For more information, visit http://www.deepconceal.com
Sticky Holsters Guard-Her Belt
Dresses and skirts present a challenge for concealed carry; there are no sturdy waistbands and often no pockets either. However, they do allow a unique option—the thigh holster. Sticky Holsters has come out with a new model, the Guard-Her Belt, which secures snugly to the wearer’s thigh. Any of the company’s soft holsters (17 different sizes) will be held to the belt by their non-slip surface. For more information, visit http://stickyholsters.com
UnderTech Undercover Concealment Tank Top
Concealment apparel with a built-in holster can often be more comfortable than carrying a separate holster. Since the gun’s pocket is integral to the garment, its weight is dispersed and its outline is shielded. UnderTech Undercover makes a popular Concealment Tank Top, and they’ve expanded the line with more options to fit your style. Now available in black, white or nude, the camisole will blend well with any outfit. Whether you choose the full-length or the midriff-length tank, the silky, stretchy fabric is perfectly comfortable for all-day wear. Each tank has a holster pocket on either side for ambidextrous use. For more information, visit http://www.undertechundercover.com
Rivers West Women’s Conceal Carry Jacket
For colder weather, Rivers West has come out with a Women’s Conceal Carry Jacket. Better than a small-sized men’s coat, this jacket is designed specifically to fit and flatter women. The holster pocket is on the lower left side (crossdraw if you’re right-handed) and there are several other pockets to hold any other gear you’d like to carry. The holster is soft with a retention strap and can accommodate a full-size handgun. The jacket is rated for temperatures down to 45 degrees F. For more information, visit http://www.riverswest.com
Concealed Carrie
Concealed Carrie is a new concealment bag company with a fresh assortment of satchels, totes, clutches and laptop cases to tempt those in the market for a bag. All its designs have a separate compartment for the holster, to prevent firearms getting entangled with whatever jumble occupies the rest of the purse. This dedicated compartment contains a Velcro pad to which the holster can be attached in the position and angle of your choice to make the gun as easily accessible as possible. Concealed Carrie’s totes and laptop cases are capable of concealing full-size handguns, while the smaller bags are suited to compact weapons. For more information, visit http://www.concealedcarrie.com
Galco iDefense
Galco, the best-known manufacturer of concealment bags, continues its excellent tradition with a very contemporary design: the iDefense, a combination iPad case and concealed holster. For more information, visit http://www.galcogunleather.com
CrossBreed Holsters Purse Defender
CrossBreed Holsters Purse Defender is the latest addition to their modular style holsters. The velcro lined Kydex panel fits securely in your purse or other bag, and keeps the gun and purse stabilized. This means that it will not spill out. The Purse Defender system comes complete with the L-Shaped panel, a CrossBreed Handcrafted Modular Holster. It is available in left or right hand and for a wide variety of small to medium sized handguns. For more information, visit http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
Concealed carry for women used to mean getting by with men’s products even though these were often too large, didn’t fit well and were unappealing to many women. Today, however, the droves of new female gun owners who are interested in concealed carry will instead find that a dizzying array of options greet them. On-body or off-body, business or casual, waist, shoulder, pocket, purse or shirt—women can now find a carry system that fits their needs and their style. The women’s concealed carry market is continually improving and expanding in response to the growing demand. Click through the gallery above to view some of this year’s new and improved designs for concealed carry guns, holsters and clothing designed to fit women comfortably.
