Concealed Holsters

[AlexM]

I'd like to get the forum's opinions on the following categories for concealed holsters.

Shoulder Rig-

IWB holster-

OWB-

Ankle holster-

Deep Conceal-

Inside the Pocket Conceal-

Off Person Conceal-

Thanks for your support

 

[Sam1911]

Not a bad overview, though I'd suggest a few things as you're getting ready to go "prime time" with a fact sheet like this:

1) You left out entirely any discussion of the various outside the waistband belt holsters, which are the most common styles used. [EDIT: See those listed in other thread.]

2) Provide more in-depth discussion to include a discussion of the different sub-options available with each design, e.g: vertical, horizontal, or inverted carry with a shoulder rig, "Thunderwear" vs. belly band for deep concealment, and so forth.

3) Be a bit more forthright with the criticisms of the negatives of the various systems. While everyone likes to be "nice," it doesn't help the potential user much if you don't suggest that a strong-side hip holster is not just a little bit better than a SOB holster for 99% of users. Or that a horizontal style shoulder holster might cause a less-than-heavy-set user to print unavoidably with a standard size handgun. And so forth. There are opinions, and then there are observations that are true for most people. Feel free to be a little more "opinionated."

4) Try to avoid very dangerously misleading statements like the idea that a deep concealment rig might get you past a metal detector. I think most users will not be tragically mislead, but you'd sure feel bad to hear about the fellow arrested because he took you at your word and tried to walk into his local courthouse or through airport security!

5) Basic editing. (Waste =/= waist, "... in hopes in can ..." etc.)

Otherwise, it looks like a good start! Is this intended to be part of your curriculum as you get your business off the ground?

 

[AlexM]

Update

Thanks a bunch for the feedback I'm making corrections now. I TOTALLY missed that I skipped a REALLY important word in my Deep Conceal. I left out the word EXCEPT which was supposed to come before metal detectors and searches.... Kind of an oops there. LOL.

I opened this thread because as an Instructor I've come across a lot of these questions. Most Pistol injuries in the US are caused by the owners own weapon and this topic is a direct link to that statistic. So I'm hoping to answer the bulk questions and open the floor to discussion on more specific options. There will NEVER be the perfect answer, but with knowledge comes an increase in safety and that's the main goal of any firearms professional.

I'm not really here to advertise my new business. I know you guys have rules on things like that so I'll put off adding that link until all my other things are set. Again, my main focus is to increase the knowledge and help decrease the accidental injuries.

Great criticism by the way thanks a lot!!!


--CRI Alex

 

[mustang_steve]

One thing to touch up on with IWB is ride height vs firearm angle. There are some holsters meant for seecamps and the like that place the backstrap of the pistol below the top belt line.

This is fine if you wear a belt loose, but those that wear a belt to keep their pants up will realize this makes the muzzle of the gun point out. I found this out when I bought an ace case holster for my Astra Cub (because I couldn't afford the $90 one that a big brand makes)....it tilted like mad.

This also happened with a holster I made for my P11 clone. I fixed that my canting it, but the point still stands that sub waistband needs to be carefully thought out to prevent gun tilt.

 

[AlexM]

Excellent point. Something you should always consider with any holster that straps to you is what will it actually be strapped too? The wrong belt in this case would actually deter from the effect you wanted to get from the holster. Also, where you carry it on your waist is something to think about. For example, if you want to carry in the small of your back, but are a right handed shooter it might be a better idea to buy a left handed holster, this turns the handle towards your firing hand as worn making it easier to access. Of course if you sit down you need to have a different draw now. Awesome point Steve thanks.

 

[Sam1911]

For example, if you want to carry in the small of your back, but are a right handed shooter it might be a better idea to buy a left handed holster, this turns the handle towards your firing hand as worn making it easier to access.

Far better would be to re-evaluate the belief in SOB holsters at all, as they are rarely much better than the worst possible choice.

Using a reverse-presentation holster to turn the gun may make it easier to grasp, but it also invites sweeping your own body as you try to draw and rotate the gun past your hip/abdomen. The "best" SOBs seem to be the very exaggerated cant versions (like a standard strong-side holster tilted butt-forward until almost horizontal) as the drawstroke isn't quite so risky and complicated. But there are enough other problems with an SOB that they can usually be dismissed wholesale.

There is another thread running on this subject at the moment: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=575919

 

[AlexM]

Also, very good points. The sweeping problem can be with any draw style at all if the person doesn't PRACTICE. That's THE biggest thing I relate to my students. I will also agree with you that I don't personally agree with SOB options either. There's too many positions you'll find yourself in throughout the day that make this one of the hardest places to get to your pistol in a rush.

 

[AlexM]

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to offer my most sincere apologies.

I've updated this whole discussion. I realize that I handled this poorly and would like to keep the topic going with this new version of the same thread. Thank you for your support everyone.

 

[Sam1911]

See my reply here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7118206&postcount=5

 

[mustang_steve]

Alex,

What you'll find as you go on , is there's two sides to concealed carry. The optimal carry position and the practical carry positions.

The optimal is of course a belt holster at about 3-4 O-clock with a formward cant and a good cover garment. That's as close to an open carry rig as possible, allowing easiest draw, etc.

The practical is the rest. These are compromises made to usually fit a shooter's body, or other considerations. For example, I like tiny guns and pocket holsters because I do have to disarm daily during my regimen...sometimes more than once. When I don't have to disarm, I like IWB, about 4 O-Clock, t-shirt carefully tucked around it with a cover garment to keep people from seeing the print.

This matters since fashion does play in as well as body shape. I can't wear my pants higher than the hip due to a case of advanced beer belly. This means I print like crazy (handle cants outward in either dimension if I'm not extremely careful) and cover garments are of limited use. Being aware of such things and pointing it out in class may save a person quite a bit in hoslters.


edit: by the way, forums are a beast of their own. Each has it's own culture and norms. Before diving into one, spend a while just reading it to see if it's something you'd like to deal with. Some like to jump down people's throats, others are more civil and laid back...of course it depends how you introduce yourself too.

 

[K-Man]

Education in the various styles of holster/carry is always a good thing.

I agree with Sam1911 with respect to pointing out the shortcomings on particular holster designs and/or manufacturers design flaws. The information needs to be put out there. IMO, too many people just go with the flow because someone with 1000 posts on a forum said it was the best holster since sliced bread was invented. People are then often left with having to tolerate the piece of garbage holster they have.

The environment the people find themselves in dictates what and how they can carry. This includes the style of clothing/dress. I followed an older gentleman into a WalMart store the other day. There was no doubt what he was carrying - even half of his holster was exposed. And you could clearly see the outline of the gun. Had law enforcement been around, he would have found himself in a rather precarious position. The point here being - one needs to make an informed/educated decision on all points of concealed carry.