How to Choose Your First CCW Holster

Guns and Ammo ^ | April 30, 2012 | B. Gil Horma

[RoosterRedux]

The shooting community places a good deal of emphasis on buying the “right” handgun for self-defense. As important as it is to select an effective firearm, all of its positive qualities are worthless if it’s locked away in a strong box somewhere when you need it. After going through all of the time and expense to obtain a carry permit and pistol, folks often choose to leave their personal protection handguns at home. The No. 1 reason given is that the handgun feels uncomfortable to carry.

Buying a defensive handgun is a pricey proposition. Hundreds of dollars are spent in acquiring the items needed. It’s a real temptation to save a few bucks by spending less money on the little details, like the holster. But don’t forget what a “detail” is. I heard a film director say it like this: “A detail is something that goes unnoticed when it is present but it is greatly missed when absent.” Having the properly fitted holster for your handgun is exactly that kind of important detail.

One way to look at a concealed carry holster is to think of it as a shock absorber. Ever ride in a vehicle with bad shocks? It only takes a few minutes for your body to start complaining about every bump and pothole in the road. The hard, heavy, angular shape of a handgun moves against the soft tissues of the body in much the same way. No matter where you place the gun against yourself, the nerve endings in that area are going to complain to the brain if a protective barrier is not in place to provide some relief. A pistol in a poor-fitting holster will wobble, sag, and shift around just like a rock caught in your shoe...

[RoosterRedux]

Last week I ordered a new Glock 26 from Buds and have been wondering how to carry it.

My previous carry was a pea shooter (Kel-Tec P-32) and you could almost carry it in a baseball cap.

I have never found belt holsters comfortable because they pull by trouser down. Have been thinking about a light shoulder rig to hide under a fishing/tact vest or windbreaker.

[RoosterRedux]

Author is B. Gil Horman. Error on my part in Original Post.

[nevergore]

I use a “Belly Band” holster....

It’s like a an elastic back support (very thin) and holds my Para-Ordanance P12-45 plus one magazine with ease...

I can wear it under summer clothes, light pants, thin shirt and no-one can tell I’m wearing it...Even a bathing suit and a T-shirt..

The plus side is riding in a car, all the belt holsters are uncomfortable or get in the way, whether in the pant or external carry.

Downside, if you have a gut it’s probably not for you....

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

I recently bought a V-Neck T with a built in compression holster. I carry a 45 ACP. It’s comfortable and accessable so I’m getting a few more.

[cripplecreek]

Funny thing is that I’ve never been personally comfortable with handguns. My experience is almost exclusively with shotguns and rifles.

[RoosterRedux]

I hadn't considered a compression holster...good idea.

[Drumbo]

BMFL

[RoosterRedux]

For a conceal carry rifle or AR, I would recommend this...

I would probably add a drink holder though.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Try Fobus!

[pyrless]

Tried many various carry methods; ended up using a shoulder bag with holster pocket for my .45ACP Glock 36.

Sure it’s kinda dorky, but hey... it’s comfy for an old fat guy who no longer worries much about the style police. And besides, I can carry my brolly, water bottle, etc.:

Can’t figure out how to post pics, so here:
Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag, Army Digital by UTG http://www.amazon.com/Multi-functional-Tactical-Messenger-UTG-Made/dp/B00AYODBD0/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1358101806&sr=1-9&keywords=UTG+Multi-functional+Tactical+Messenger+Bag

plus — http://www.amazon.com/Maxpedition-Holster-Ambidextrous-Universal-Pistol/dp/B004IZWN5S/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1358101931&sr=1-2&keywords=Maxpedition+Universal+CCW+Holster+%28Black%29

[cripplecreek]

I’m gonna need Wi Fi.

[Carriage Hill]

I carry a 5" full-size 2009 Kimber® 1911 "Eclipse Target™ II" .45cal ACP, with a Premium 8-Round Wilson Combat Magazine, in a Galco® PLE™ Paddle Holster, and a Galco® Paddle Dual 8-Round Mag Carrier for 2 add'l Premium 8-Round Wilson Combat Magazines, to fire 230gr Hollow-Points.

Also carry my Glock G32/.357SIG in a similar Galco paddle holster.

Very comfy.

[kempster]

My wife got me a shoulder holster for Christmas from Galco. I really like it. It conceals well near the front of my arm pit and is comfortable to wear. I am only caring a SW 442 .38 in this one. www.usgalco.com

[RoosterRedux]

Beautiful Kimber.

[Carriage Hill]

Most kind of you. I also have this one:

2012 Kimber® 1911 Stainless "Custom TLE™ II" (Tactical Law Enforcement) .45cal ACP.

[2111USMC]

I personally like shoulder holsters. For my CZ82 and my KelTec P-11, I like this Uncle Mikes rig:

It works with both pistols without any adjustment between the two.

For deep concealment (not easy access), I like this one under a shirt:

When I'm feeling old fashioned, I like to carry my 4" barreled service revolver in a leather holster:

[Enigo54]

Love both of my http://n82tactical.com iwb holsters, made in America in NC.

One holds my M&P Shield, the other my Baby Desert Eagle

[Enigo54]

Love both of my http://n82tactical.com iwb holsters, made in America in NC.

One holds my M&P Shield, the other my Baby Desert Eagle

[RoosterRedux]

I like the shoulder rigs that connect to the belt (like your two). I’m not comfortable with things just swinging from my shoulders (ala Galco).

[EXCH54FE]

For my needs I Carry a Ruger LC9 in a Recluse, perfect pocket holster. This works and it is always with me. When I carried my S&W .357 it was a sometime thing due to weight and lack of a good holster. Yes I know the 9mm is small, you need a 45,50 cal. whatever. Point is you fight with the gun you have on you at the time.