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Types of Concealed Carry Holsters

6 Types of Concealed Carry Holsters

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With a variety of concealed carry holsters on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Waistband, shoulder, ankle, and pocket holsters are among the most popular options for keeping your firearm close to your body and out of view. For added convenience, thigh holsters and bra holsters are good choices. Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters are also an option. 

Before deciding which holster is best for you, consider all of your needs as well as any pros and cons associated with each type to choose the one that fits you best.

Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters

For those looking for a concealed carry holster that offers great concealment, an IWB holster is the perfect choice. Worn close to the body, this type of holster provides superior concealment and allows for easy access when needed. In addition, IWB holsters have been designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for long periods of wear. All in all, IWB holsters are a popular option for concealed carry due to their excellent concealment and comfortable design.

Shoulder holsters

Shoulder holsters are an excellent choice for those who need to carry a firearm in public without having it show. These holsters are worn over the shoulders, usually underneath a coat or sweater, providing good cover and ensuring that your gun remains hidden from view. Shoulder holsters can also be more comfortable than other carry methods because of their placement on the body, and they offer the added advantage of being able to access your gun faster in certain situations.

Wearing a shoulder holster on your chest offers you the added advantage of being able to access your weapon quickly and effortlessly from various angles. This can be invaluable in a self-defense situation, as you can reach for your gun with either hand without having to adjust the position of your body. Additionally, when properly positioned, shoulder holsters are just as effective in concealing the firearm as other carry methods.

Ankle holster

Ankle holsters

Ankle holsters are an ideal choice for those who need to carry a concealed weapon in public, but don’t want it visible. These holsters provide excellent concealment and generally serve as a backup firearm. They are specifically designed to be worn around the ankle for easy access and portability.

Ankle holsters provide a great deal of convenience for firearms owners, as they allow for easy access to the firearm from a seated position. This makes them an ideal option for self-defense situations, since it is easier to reach with either hand due to the holster being worn around the ankle.

Pocket holsters

Pocket holsters are an ideal concealed carry choice for firearms that are of a more compact size. They provide excellent concealment benefits and can be used if you need to have your firearm on you while in public, but also want it kept out of sight.

Another benefit of pocket holsters is that they are highly discreet and can be worn comfortably with almost any kind of clothing. As they are tucked away in a pocket, they are much less visible than other kinds of holsters which are typically worn around the waist or chest area.

Pocket holsters offer maximum convenience as they can be easily donned and removed, which can be hugely beneficial for anyone who needs to carry a firearm frequently. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a holster.

Thigh holsters

Thigh holsters are a type of concealed carry holster that are specifically designed to be worn on the upper leg. This type of holster is commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel as they provide good concealment while still allowing the user to discreetly carry a firearm in public without it being visible.

They provide the wearer with great flexibility and convenience when it comes to accessing their firearm. This is because the holster is located on the upper leg, allowing the firearm to be reached quickly and easily with either hand, which could prove invaluable in a self-defense situation.

Another major advantage of wearing a thigh holster is its ease of use; it can be effortlessly donned and removed, making it an ideal choice for those who carry a firearm on a daily basis.

Those who need to conceal a firearm while allowing for easy and efficient access should definitely consider wearing a thigh holster. It provides both discretion and convenience, as well as being in an ideal location on the upper leg which allows for quick and easy access regardless of hand or body position. This makes it an essential choice for those looking for speed, convenience, and discretion when it comes to carrying their firearm.

Bra holsters

Women who need to carry a firearm in public often seek out bra holsters as an effective form of concealment. These holsters are worn underneath the bra, offering optimal coverage while still allowing easy access to the firearm when needed. 

Additionally, they provide a discreet way to carry a weapon without attracting attention or drawing unwanted glances. Bra holsters are designed to be comfortable and offer excellent concealment so that the user can have peace of mind knowing their firearm is safe and secure.

The advantage of wearing a bra holster is the high level of discretion it offers. As the holster is placed under the bra, it remains largely hidden from view and can be incorporated into a variety of different outfits. This makes it less detectable than other types of holsters worn around the waist or chest, granting individuals the ability to carry their firearms in public without alerting others to its presence.

IWB holsters
IWB holsters
Shoulder holsters
Shoulder holsters
Ankle holsters
Ankle holsters

Which concealed holster type is the best for concealed carry?

Selecting the ideal holster for concealed carry can be a challenge as it depends on several different factors. Comfort, accessibility, and concealment should all be taken into account when making your selection. Additionally, the size and type of firearm you intend to carry will play a role in determining which holster is best for you. Ultimately, it may take some trial and error to find the holster that meets your individual needs.

Waistband holsters are a popular choice for concealed carry due to their easy access and ability to be worn with a variety of clothing, though they may not offer the same level of concealment as other holsters. 

Shoulder holsters provide good concealment but may not be as comfortable when worn over a long period of time.

Ankle holsters do not provide the same level of easy access but can be a good choice for those who need to have a firearm on hand without it being visible. 

Pocket holsters offer great concealment but can be hard to reach quickly in an emergency, while thigh holsters offer good concealment but may become uncomfortable after extended periods of wear. 

Bra holsters are great for keeping your weapon hidden from view, but accessing it quickly can be difficult. 

IWB (Inside the Waistband) Holsters are usually considered among the most comfortable options when wearing for long periods, though their accessibility might be inferior to that of other types of holster.

Overall, it is really difficult to say which is the best since it is entirely up to you which type of concealed holster you would want to wear.

Types of Concealed Carry Holsters

Conclusions

When it comes to choosing the right holster for concealed carry, it is essential that individuals take into account their own needs and preferences. Comfort, accessibility, concealment and the size/type of firearm being carried are all important considerations when selecting a holster. 

Some popular options include waistband holsters, shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, pocket holsters, thigh holsters, bra holsters and inside the waistband (IWB) holsters – each with its own strengths and weaknesses. 

It is important to carefully consider each option in order to find the best holster that allows you to safely and effectively carry your firearm in accordance with your requirements.

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