Carry All

Carry All

Introduction to Concealed Carry Holsters

As more and more shooters apply for concealed carry permits, the need for concealed carry holsters is going to become more important. By concealed carry, I'm talking about a holster or carrying method that allows the weapon to worn in such a manner that it is completely concealed from the view of others. A number of states that allow concealed carry permits have specific requirements that the weapon has to be completely concealed or they are in violation of the terms of the permit. 

Concealed carry holsters include a number of different holster styles such as pocket holsters, ankle holsters, inside the waistband holsters, and belt holsters.

 Depending on a number of variables, each style of concealed carry has different strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, with proper selection, nearly any of those holster styles would work for concealed carry. Some of the variables that come into play with concealed carry holsters include the following: 

• size of the weapon
• body type
• climate

 Let's a take a second and talk about each variable individually, although they all somewhat tie together in the end.

Handgun size - While this may seem unimportant on it's face, it becomes very important in terms of concealment and comfort. The bottom line is larger weapons are more difficult to conceal, no matter what steps to you. The size of the weapon will play a direct role in how effectively it can be concealed as well as how comfortable it is. Rather than try to conceal an oversized weapon, choose a weapon that is moderately sized and then select a concealed carry holster.

Body type - Body type can also play a direct role in the types of holsters that you will be able to use in concealed carry. If you have or are growing a spare tire (like me), IWB carry may not be a good option as it will be difficult to conceal the handgun. If you have a thin build, you may also be faced with the same problem. How do you get around it? Review your options with other types of carry. There are some really nice OWB holsters that conceal very well under a T-shirt. I have personally found that front pocket carry works best for me as it's easy to put on and virtually disappears. You may need to spend some time testing, but I'm sure a carry method that works for you can be found.

Weather & Climate - The climate where you will be carrying concealed can and will play a role in your gun holster selection. Warmer climates mean less clothes, which means you will have to conceal a handgun under a T-shirt or in a pocket. Warmer climates generally means shorts so ankle carry is also eliminated as a possibility. Cooler climates don't really pose a problem as more clothing means it's easier to conceal a pistol. Rapidly changing climates can cause even bigger problems. Take climate and weather into account as you search for holsters and realize that you may have to pick up more than one holster to meet those needs.

In the end, you'll have to find the best handgun/holster combo that works for you. Hopefully the information provided here will be valuable and relevant for you.

About the Author

With all the choices on the market today, choosing a concealed carry holster can be difficult. Grant Jordan is a police veteran with over 20 years of concealed carry experience. For more information on concealed carry, consider visiting Grant's site at: Concealed Carry Holsters

Do you prefer to carry on all your luggage or check in most and carry on just what you need for the flight?

This is disregarding the airlines that now charge for check-in. I personally prefer to have almost all my stuff checked in and just carry on what I need for the flight (books, medication, etc.). I'm curious how others feel and what they do when they fly.

I recently began checking in everything that wasn't essential, even toiletries, and only carrying a purse and book/magazines. I know it's a risk-- what if my luggage was lost-- but I like only having to worry about small shoulder bag while in the air.

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