5 Ways To Carry Concealed For Every Type Of Handgun
An increasing number of people are choosing to carry concealed handguns these days. I guess for some people; it’s not enough to store them in their house inside a pistol safe.
After you obtain your concealed carry permit or license, you might want to do some experiments on concealed carry. There are many ways you can conceal carry. However, you need to know a couple of things before you begin to carry a gun.
Nobody knows when they will be in a situation where they will have to use force to protect themselves. Each position has its pros and cons, making it difficult to determine the best-concealed carry position.
It is common for concealed carry positions to be on the waistband because waistband carrying is more convenient than pockets, ankles, or shoulders. That being said, you might not be comfortable with this one.
That is because when it comes to concealed carry, there is no general consensus on anything. At least, that is what I believe from my experiences over the years. Personal preference is all that matters.
Since you are here, that means you want to learn about different ways to carry concealed for every type of handgun. So, without further ado, let’s get to it.
Top 5 Ways To Carry Concealed
Holsters are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes for people who carry concealed. From here, things become more difficult. The reason for this is that no one holster fits all. It will be necessary to test out a number of them.
From several non-traditional methods like a day planner, briefcase, fanny pack to traditional carrying options like OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) holster, IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) holster, belly band holsters, appendix holsters, ankle holsters, shoulder holsters, pocket holster p365, etc.
Let’s not confuse you guys anymore. Here is what you should keep in mind when choosing the best way to carry a concealed weapon.
It is generally recommended that you carry your gun in a way that is practical for concealment all the time while still being able to carry it comfortably. In light of that, let’s have a look at some popular conceal carry options for handguns.
1. In An Inside Waistband Holster (IWB)
Inside waistband holsters are also called IWBs and secure the weapon at the waist. Clips that attach to your belt are usually used for this. A concealed handgun can be carried in this way because the gun is concealed most of the time.
This method of carrying a gun avoids all the drawbacks associated with tucking it inside your pants when you don’t have a holster. Because it keeps the gun close to your body, IWB holsters are considered a popular method.
Having the gun drawn quickly also allows for quick use of the weapon. IWB carry is helpful for concealment since it lets you wear little clothing while remaining concealed. If you’re working with narrow, medium-sized guns, this concealment option works perfectly for you during those hot summer days. In my opinion, this IWB conceals the firearm better but can also be less comfortable.
A potential drawback of the holster is its width, which usually requires a slightly larger pant size. In the beginning, the holster wedged between your pants and your body can feel extra heavy and uncomfortable.
Although some may say the baggy look is not stylish, you should purchase the next bigger size in your pants. However, this may be sloppy, depending on your build.
2. In An Outside Waistband Holster
The term OWB refers to outside the waistband carrying. Similar to wearing a gun inside your waistband, it keeps the gun outside – just as the name indicates.
The technique is also used by many shooters who are not on duty, such as off-duty law enforcement or government agents. As the holster and gun are on the outside of the belt, you will be able to spot this method of concealed carry easily.
OWB holsters have the advantage of allowing you to carry large handguns more comfortably while also retaining similar access to the gun as you would with an IWB holster.
People who carry concealed often see the barrel end of their holsters when they lift their arms or bend over. Clothing is something to keep in mind when carrying OWB.
In order to cover your weapon when you bend over or extend your arms when you are carrying concealed, you must wear long clothing that covers your weapon while you are bent over or extending your arms.
Even when not wearing a suit, this method is very comfortable. It is essential to choose the right handgun model, width, and concealment garments.
3. In A Shoulder Holster Or Shoulder Harness
Historically, the shoulder harness holster has been used in many old western movies and James Bond films. If you do not wish to wear your handgun around your waist, a shoulder holster might be a good option. Due to their concealability under a jacket and easy accessibility, the gun is easily concealed.
Holsters are worn over the shoulder with the gun holstered underneath your arm. It is more comfortable to carry large handguns when wearing a shoulder harness.
The straps on many brands can be adjusted to fit various body types. This can be a very comfortable method of carrying concealed if you get the right fitting holster. The holster and gun need to be printed on the holster so that it fits over your jacket, or you’ll have to wear a jacket with an extra cut to accommodate the bulk.
There are three types of shoulder holsters based on how the gun rests in the holster:
- Angled
It is relatively quick to draw because the muzzle is angled upward.
- Horizontal
Pulling the gun across the body is the most effective way to draw it. Even though it’s faster, it works best with guns with short barrels.
- Vertical
There is a downward slant to the muzzle. It draws slowly but can accommodate guns up to a certain size.
In order for the strap to keep the weight distributed evenly across the shoulders, it usually needs to hang off the side of the body. As a result, the off-side underarm strap does not cut into the shooter’s armpit, and the gun and holster will feel balanced.
I like that some of the shoulder harness holsters out there permit you to carry extra magazines in a pouch that comes along with the harness (opposite the gun).
Consider using a shoulder harness instead if you are carrying an incredibly large handgun or you sit most of the time.
Another disadvantage is that the gun is pointed at someone behind you when holstered. When you are dealing with hand-to-hand combat, it’s pretty easy to snatch guns out of an everyday shoulder harness; plus, drawing your weapon also involves reaching across to the opposite side of your body.
4. In A Belly Band Holster
Belly bands provide the most coverage and are an excellent method for concealed carry. You wrap an actual band around your midsection in a belly band holster.
In addition to its many pockets, it features a spare magazine pocket. The size ranges from small to large to suit different body types, and they are generally effective. Small safe handguns with sub-compact and compact dimensions are perfect for them.
Your firearm is stored inside the pocket, pressed tightly against your middle when worn. In addition to providing incredible coverage, the belly band makes your gun almost invisible.
You likely won’t be able to use your firearm as quickly as with an IWB or OWB since the band will be worn underneath your shirt.
You might find this option suitable if you engage in sports activities such as running and working out because you have your gun close to you, it’s comfortable, and it’s easy to access.
Additionally, most belly bands come with pockets that allow you to store additional magazines, which I find to be really handy.
It is also important to consider whether you are naturally prone to sweating when wearing the belly band.
The close proximity of this concealed carry method to your body could make drawing your weapon more difficult if you are sweating heavily.
These clothes are usually very tight and do not wick sweat away from your body, in fact, they may even make you sweat more. Also, the barrel is pointed in a potentially dangerous direction when in the band when it is rusted.
Therefore, it is important to choose a belly band made from a durable, waterproof material that can be used in wet conditions.
You may want to consider belly bands instead because they allow you to carry varying sizes of guns. Having your firearm easily accessible on one side of your body eliminates the need for you to extend your arm across your body.
Besides, I find strong side carry to be incredibly helpful when required to use your gun under stress since drawing your pistol requires a basic motion that can be mastered with a little practice.
5. In An Ankle Holster
You can comfortably carry a backup pistol with the ankle holster and keep it concealed at all times. This method is the best when it comes to backup guns, as it takes somewhat longer to present the weapon from an ankle holster than from a shoulder holster.
If you sit a lot as a professional driver or kneel a lot, this could be perfect. Guns slung around your ankles must be concealable.
Keep your Wranglers at home, stick to a compact gun for now, and make sure that your pants are big enough to conceal your gun. When you are kneeling or knocked to the ground, you may find it easier to draw.
Women who wear pants may be able to use the ankle holsters because they are made from similar materials to the inside-the-thigh holster.
Furthermore, you should wear pants that you can roll up easily. Because your pants leg won’t budge, you won’t be able to get your holster in.
Whenever I can, I carry a gun at my ankles as a backup. Additionally, ankle holstering your primary weapon is not advisable because it will be difficult and unnatural to draw it.
Final Words
Here’s what we should remember after looking at different conceal carry options. Ensure that you’re compliant with your state’s laws before doing anything else.
It is important to remember that every state is different and that reciprocity agreements are not shared among all states. The best place to look for details is at the website of your state’s government (usually the Department of Justice).
That being said, these are only my preferred ways to carry concealed for every type of handgun. There are other methods as well. Feel free to check them out.
