Go Under Cover with the Best Concealed Carry Holsters
1. Active Pro Gear Belly Band Holster - Editor's Pick
My personal favorite is the Active Pro Gear Belly Band holster. I will sing the praises and advantages of the belly band holster until the cows come home but what does that all mean for you? To start off, the belly band method of carrying concealed is unlike almost anything else you’ll find in the gun world. Instead of a rigid leather or Kydex holster, you’ve got an elastic strap that can hold both your pistol and a spare magazine.
The genius of the belly band comes in its pure adaptability. The holster allows you to carry even while wearing nothing but a swimsuit and it can be adjusted to almost any carry position. Whether you prefer a strong side, appendix, or 6 o’ clock, the belly band can do it.
If you haven’t tried it or ever considered it, then I’d strongly suggest taking a small $30 gamble at trying one out. I have been carrying in a belly band for many years now and can still honestly say it is my favorite way to carry regardless of the situation or piece I’m carrying.
2. 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Concealment Holster - Premium Pick
This is your “do it all” concealment holster. If you’ve got a weird gun that you’re carrying or have attachments that other holsters won’t accommodate, the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom lets you take your holster and gun and make them fit perfectly together.
The Ultra Custom concealment holster is unique in that it comes as a blank holster that you need to first heat up and then form to the pistol that you want to use it with. Once the holster has been formed to fit the pistol then it will stay that way giving you all the comfort of a leather holster with the security of a Kydex holster.
The 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom concealment holster is available for both left and right handed shooters and comes in varieties that allow for both mounted optics and mounted weapon lights or lasers. The Ultra custom is priced affordably at $109.99
3. Safariland 7TS Concealment Holster
Safariland holsters are used extensively by both military and law enforcement agencies nationwide. Safariland also makes a great line of concealment holsters that feature their popular ALS locking system so that you’ll have the most secure carry status regardless of what you’re doing.
What I love most about the Safariland 7TS Concealment holster is its positive locking system. This system not only prevents the gun from accidentally popping out of your holster, it also helps deter would be thieves from removing your gun from your person.
While it may take a bit of practice to get your draw down pat, the 7TS holster offers unparalleled security in the concealed carry market arena. The 7TS models of the Safariland Holster are available for most concealed carry pistols and retails for around $60 depending on the model selected.
4. Raven Concealment Systems VG2 - Minimalist Pick
This is the end of the line when it comes to a minimalist option. If you’re not looking to carry around any extra bulk than necessary, then the Raven Concealment Vanguard line of holsters is where you should look. The holsters do away with all but the most essential parts of the holster – covering the trigger.
For many this might be uncomfortable or weird as the holster lacks any sort of padding or sweat guard meaning most of your pistols slide and frame will still make contact with your skin. For me this isn’t as much of an issue as with printing so I find the lack of bulk with the raven concealment holster to be great when wearing lighter clothing during the summer.
A convenient lanyard can be tied to both the holster and your belt loop to keep the holster from coming out with the gun when you’re in a rush to draw it and in addition, the tension of the holster is also adjustable using a simple Phillips head screwdriver. The Raven Concealment holster is on sale for $34.99.
5. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 - Most Adaptable
One of my very first holsters was an Alien Gear IWB Clock series holster. The series has grown from its original roots up to its 3.5 generation now and Alien Gear keeps on improving the design each time. The Cloak Tuck 3.5 features availability for almost 600 different types of handgun models, a durable steel-reinforced holster base, and boasts all day comfort.
The greatest feature in my opinion about the Clock Tuck series is the hybridization between a Kydex outer shell and a leather backer which means that you’re kind of getting the best of both worlds as far as comfort and durability goes.
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Concealment holster retails for $50, and best of all Alien Gear will sell you additional shells for your leather backer which can be swapped out at home so you can use the Cloak Tuck System with all your handguns.
Do you really need a holster?
I know we’ve all seen the guys in the movies carry without holsters either in their pocket or waistband but it is 100% a bad idea. The primary purpose of a holster is not just to retain your firearm, but also to protect the trigger from being accidentally pulled. It is unsafe and can lead to a seriously bad accident, or worse.
Additionally, carrying your pistol without a holster can be bad for your pistol and its mechanical use. If you carry a pistol in your pocket for much time, the dirt and lint you normally wind up with in your pocket can work its way into the important parts of your pistol. This can lead to the pistol malfunctioning when you need it most. Not good.
More that goes into concealed carry
Is Concealed Carry Worth it? This is a personal question you’ll have to answer for yourself but in general my suggestion is to carry anywhere, anytime and everywhere you can regardless of any perceived threats or danger that presents itself. Think of it like a fire extinguisher but for putting out bad guys.
Of course, you’ll have to follow the laws wherever you are, whenever you carry. It is your responsibility to do so. Keep in mind the “But it’s this way in my state” argument will not fly.
As with anything firearm related, you also must practice drills WITH your concealed carry holster and firearm. Adrenalin is going to be through the roof should you find yourself in a situation, so make sure your movements are instinctual. That comes with practice.
To rack or not to rack...
Is it safe to Carry with one in the chamber? Once again this is another personal question you’ll have to answer for yourself but my advice and experience here tells me yes, it is in fact perfectly safe to carry with a round in the chamber. Carrying with a round in the chamber removes a time critical step when you need to deploy your weapon in a defensive situation.
Think about it, do you really want to take those valuable seconds to rack a round into the chamber? What if you have something go wrong and you end up jamming it? If you have proper trigger control and the right holster for you, carrying a loaded firearm is no problem what so ever.
Is carrying a handgun in a holster considered concealed?
It really depends on the type of holster and where you carry it. As long as the handgun can be seen, it is generally not considered concealed, again depending upon where you are.
What do I look for in a concealed carry holster
Look for comfort, fit and usability. Does the holster safely and effectively carry your firearm? And be sure to practice with it, so you can gauge effectiveness, too. It’s got to work right, or it’s not the right one for you.
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