Concealed carry is more popular now than ever before and with the explosion of concealed carriers taking advantage of their Second Amendment Right, new options for carrying concealed guns easily and conveniently are being adopted all the time. One of the current fads among concealed carry advocates is appendix carry.

Unlike the old western movies featuring gunslingers carrying on their strong side hip, the new trend in appendix carry sees the gun concealed inside the waistband slightly to one side of the centreline of your pants. This carry option allows for a relatively fast draw while still effectively concealing the firearm.

Best Appendix Carry Holster Review

 1  Concealment Express KYDEX IWB Gun Holster - For Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9MM

Concealment Express makes some of the best high quality kydex designs that are available off the shelf. For someone who is looking for an appendix carry holster and doesn’t want to wait weeks or even months from a custom shop, this is one of the best value products on the market.

One of the great things about this holster is that you get everything you need and nothing you don’t. A particularly innovative feature of this holster is the adjustable retention which allows you to adjust the pressure required to draw and re-holster the gun, making it very secure and customizable to your needs.

 2  Blade Tech Industries Inside the Waistband Klipt Appendix Holster

Blade Tech Holsters are known for their excellent competition ready kydex designs. Born out of the need for a high-quality holster that stands up to repeated use, these are excellent holsters for everyday carry, especially if you plan on practicing a lot.

Many kydex holsters have the problem of delaminating and coming apart but holsters from Blade Tech don’t have a problem because they are made from a single piece of very high quality kydex and they are made to very exacting standards by experts using premium machinery and well thought out designs.

The kydex holsters from Blade Tech are much more rigid and provide a better value for your money than some others and will last much longer than other option and will provide a high degree of functionality for many, many years.

If there’s one downside of this holster it’s that the belt clip is not strong enough if you’re going to carry a large gun like a full-size 1911 pistol, there’s just not enough retention against the belt itself. The 1911 would be a very large gun to carry in the appendix carry position in the first place though so this probably won’t be a problem. The retention of the belt clip might cause a real problem though as a particularly energetic craw could see you pull the holster off your belt with the gun rather than draw the gun, in an emergency this could be disastrous.

 3  CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster

 4  BLACKHAWK Ambidextrous Appendix Reversible - Fit Perfect for Glock 19

This holster is made using the well proven construction methods that Blackhawk has developed over the years but is slimmed-down to be as small as humanly possible while still supporting the weight of your gun.

This holster for the glock 19 is designed specifically for inside the waistband appendix carry and is reversible for left or right handed shooters. The injection molded plastic is extremely tough and includes a heavy-duty belt loop and adjustable retention.

As far as costs go, this is one of the most inexpensive holsters to get for appendix carry. It’s going to last a long time because of the hard wearing injection molded plastic and for convenience you can buy right off the shelf. There’s no need to wait for a custom holster you can just order one of these excellent models from Blackhawk and use it forever.

 5  CrossBreed Holsters - Appendix Carry Kydex Holster for Springfield XDs

Safety

If you decided the appendix carry is the best concealed carry method for you make sure you get your hands on the best appendix carry holster and get used to carrying your gun. Overall, most people will conceal carry in the appendix position with no problems if they have the right gear and know what they’re doing.

As more and more people have gotten concealed carry licenses over the past few years, many have figured out that inside the waistband carry is not always the best method. Many people find that carrying the gun inside the waistband leads to chafing, uncomfortable pressure against their skin, and ultimately leaving the gun at home where it is no use to anybody.

When most people think of a pistol holster it is normally an outside the waistband style holster that they would conjure up in their minds eye but now that inside the waistband holsters are so popular and easily accessible there are a lot of people who wouldn’t even consider an outside the waistband holster for concealed carry.

Obviously in States where open carry is permitted outside the waistband carry is fine, because of the popularity of outside the waistband carry most reputable manufacturers have at least a few products on offer but the market is also cluttered with sub par products aimed at airsofters and casual shooters.

Here are the five best owb holster and how to choose the best one for you. Whether you are concealed carrying, open carrying, or even hunting with your pistol, there is an option out there for you to carry outside the waistband comfortably and effectively.

 1  R&R HOLSTERS: OWB Kydex Holster

The clip included on the holster attaches securely to your belt but can can slide around laterally. There are no retention devices added to the holster but the friction fit around the gun is plenty to hold it in place during a jog or run.

Consider this best owb kydex holster if you are going to be carrying while wearing a suit or overcoat because it is low-profile enough to not print too badly, but is still big enough to hold your gun securely and distribute the weight evenly.

 2  BLACKHAWK! Omnivore Multifit

When it comes outside the waistband carrying on a range, you want to have a holster that can accommodate many different guns, this is one of the new holsters from Blackhawk equipment and they have hit it out of the park with a holster called ‘Omnivore’.

Essentially, this is an active retention holster that is disengaged with a thumb button that locks onto a piece that you install on the rail of your gun. Any gun with an under barrel rail will fit in this holster well.

 3  Galco Cop 3 Slot Holster for Glock 17, 22, 31

Galco has been known as one of the best holster manufacturers for a long time. They do everything in-house from leather tanning to the assembly of their holsters. This is one of their oldest and most popular designs, a three-slot holster that is available for a wide variety of guns and carries outside the waistband.

The third slot on the design of the holster allows you to adjust the cant of the pistol to have a more comfortable draw stroke. The holster itself is made from a very high quality full grain leather that is tanned a matte black color.

Because this was designed for professional duty use, a thumb break retention strap is added that is easy to disengage with a flick of your thumb. The entire holster is extremely high-quality and you shouldn’t have any problems with it.

The holster is extremely comfortable overall with the leather flexing and bending as you move around and the thumb break takes care of any retention problems.

The holster does absorb sweat and water and you’ll have to keep the leather conditioned to avoid it deteriorating and beginning to smell. This is one of the best owb leather holster on the market for someone looking for a daily carry holster that is easy to live with.

If you’re looking for a more personalized and modern rendition of a handmade kydex holster, Outlaw Holsters has you covered with this Typhon pattern kydex holster.

Most civilian outside the waistband holsters are carried at the range or openly, so there is no need to go for a low key option if you're not trying to hide your firearm. This means that you can get a bit creative with customizable options, colours and accessories and this holster is a perfect option.

It features very new and modern-looking mandrake pattern camouflage but is also available in a wide variety of other patterns and colors. This holster is made from two pieces of kydex sandwich together with rivets and secured with two excellent belt loops.

While it’s very simple, this holster has an excellent amount of friction retention and rigidity and is well worth the price it is being sold for. The manufacturer makes these holsters for a huge number of guns. All of which carry the same levels of quality features and attention to detail that you need for a reliable concealed or open carry holster.

If you’re looking for a more personalized holster for outside the waistband carry but don’t need mechanical retention, this holster is an excellent option.

 5  Blade-Tech Black Ice OWB Holster

Blade Tech offer some of the highest-quality kydex holsters on the market. This is one of their most popular designs. This is a supremely durable outside the waistband holster that is available for many different firearms.

This is a pretty unremarkable holster in terms of its appearance but the excellent quality sets it apart from the competition. The only downside to these holsters, especially in a concealed carry role, is how stiff they are. This is great for durability and supporting the weight of the gun, but can be a bit uncomfortable when carrying every day.

Every component of this holster is extremely high-quality and you shouldn’t have any problems with durability or concealment especially considering these holsters are matte black in color and finish. Blade Tech also has excellent customer service should you run into any problems.

Do You Need Retention?

Many people feel that active retention in the form of a mechanical retention device or strap on a holster is absolutely essential. While the added security can offer piece of mind you are missguided if you won’t consider a holster without active retention.

The retention provided just by friction or the ‘snap’ of a well fitting kydex holster is ample in many situations and a retention device won’t necessarily give you any significant added security. Additionally a mechanical retention device is another thing to learn and practice and train for and may slow you down in the heat of the moment should you ever need to use your pistol to defend yourself.

The added dexterity and force required by the fingers to manipulate a mechanical device or snap to disengage the retention of the holster can be inconvenient but a gun carried outside the waistband, especially openly is more likely to be grabbed or snatched than a properly concealed inside the waistband holster. In this sort of scenario an active retention device does help.

If you are absolutely sold and committed to a holster which features a retention device, you need to practice, practice, practice until you could draw that pistol blindfolded. Drill disengaging the retention devices into your mind and muscles until you absolutely cannot forget it. Then do it some more!

Practice drawing your gun without having to constantly look down and make sure that you are properly flipping away a hood, moving the strap, or pressing down with your thumb. Otherwise, you may do that at the worst possible moment. It should be second nature until it feels odd to not have to disengage retention devices.

The Verdict

For many shooters, the decision to move to an outside the waistband holster is a pivotal moment and will allow them to carry more comfortably and therefore more often. Carrying a gun every day is a huge commitment that is aided by having the correct equipment and know-how for the job.

Outside the waistband holsters have come on leaps and bounds in recent years in terms of material and retention mechanisms and never have there been more models offered with more accessories available to make concealed or open carry easier.

Just remember, concealed carry is a skill that needs to be sharpened just like shooting. If you are going to effectively conceal a firearm on your person it takes a fair amount of knowledge and experience to successfully pull it off.

Get your hands on the best owb holster and start carrying your gun whenever you legally can. The more you do it the better you’ll become and the more likely you are to be prepared for when you need your gun!

If you’re shopping for the best IWB holster on the market, you’re in luck! There have simply never been more options available on the market for this style of holster at any time, there are many manufacturers producing stock holsters ready to ship to you or to pick up in gun stores without having to wait for custom holsters for your pistol.

The variety on offer though can be confusing at times and you may have to do some research in advance to make sure you get the best inside the waistband holster for your needs. This article should help with your research and we’ve compiled a list of the best inside the waistband holsters as well as a few tips to make sure you know how to get the right one for you!

When choosing an inside the waistband holster you’re going to want the most comfortable one you can get your hands on. This holster by Alien Gear is an excellent example of a holster that is ready to go right out of the box. Alien gear make composite holsters from multiple materials such as leather and kydex to combine the rigidity of the kydex and the softer comfort and traditional feel of leather.

The secret to these holsters being so extremely comfortable is the suede leather that contacts your skin, supported by the polymer and Kydex construction that secures your gun while allowing for a fully adjustable and load bearing design.

Essentially with this holster, you get the comfort of leather with the security and ease of use of Kydex. The dual belt clips are adjustable in all directions and are extremely comfortable no matter what you’re wearing.

The only downside to this holster is the cost and bulk associated with the composite design. If you are going to be carrying in a light T-shirt consider a slimmer design, but for the majority of people, this is going to be an excellent holster.

Concealment express is a small Kydex company that makes some of the best and most easily accessible products on the market. Not only do they produce fine kydex holsters but the great thing about Concealment Express is the fact that they are veteran owned and run company and manufacture their products in America and they are concealed carriers themselves.

When you pick up one of their holsters you instantly recognize that they were designed by people that really know what is required from a concealed carry holster and that have used these holsters extensively. The designers clearly understand that adjustable retention and heavy-duty belt clip are not simply options but essential aspect of an effective holster.

If there’s a single gripe about this holster it’s the plastic clip which might not seem as sturdy or secure as a metal belt clip. However, the plastic clip will never scratch your car or furniture or tear your clothes unlike the alternative metal clip.

This is an excellent inside the waistband holster for concealed carry because it combines minimal bulk with a rugged design and from a purchasing perspective the express shipping offered is a nice touch. Consider these holsters from concealment express for one of the best inside the waistband holsters on the market.

3.) CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster: for Glock 19 / Glock 23 / Glock 32

In a market where it’s hard to tell one manufacturer’s Kydex holster from another getting a great price on a great product is paramount. This is an excellent option for an inside the waistband holster from CYA supply company. It is designed to be used in a multitude of carry positions and is made from a single piece of wraparound Kydex with adjustable retention and a plastic belt clip.

The great thing about this holster is that while it is still Kydex, and well-designed at that, it is inexpensive. Many Kydex holsters cost several times what this holster costs and you can get this one immediately. No waiting for the manufacturer, these excellent holsters are in stock ready to go.

If you’re going to be carrying a gun this versatile and simple design allows it to be carried in nearly any position and the low-price and multitude of designs for different firearms means that if you need holsters for more than one pistol you can afford one of these for every single one.

The only downside to this holster is the bulky retention adjustment and the plastic belt clip. The clip extends further out than it needs to to securely attach to a belt and it can print slightly while not offering the best hold on pants or belts. Make sure you practice drawing your gun to see if there is both adequate retention on the firearm and on your belt so you don’t draw smoothly and not end up with the holster still attached to the gun when you draw.

If there’s a hero in the holster world, it is Velcro. No other manufacturer even comes close to the number of models and designs that Galco offers, and you can't beat the quality. Offering several dozen different inside the waistband holsters this genuine leather holster is one of their most comfortable and affordable options for the everyday concealed carrier.

One of the things that sets this holster apart is it’s integrated thumb break. Genuine leather does not have a reputation of being the most secure holster material and the addition of a high-quality snap thumb break makes this an excellent option for someone to make sure their holster retains their gun if they have to run.

Of course, genuine leather comes with more maintenance and you’ll have to stay on top of conditioning and drying out this holster or it may cause rust on your gun, but you won’t have to worry about a kydex holster wearing out your clothes or scratching your gun simply by carrying it. This is an excellent option for someone who wants a high-quality leather holster but doesn’t want to pay top dollar.

5.) Q-Series IWB Minimalist Concealed Carry Stealth Holster

Concealed carry holster and guns are getting smaller and lighter and constant innovation is furnishing them with better and better features all the time. Kydex holsters are currently some the best offerings for the everyday concealed carrier but this company has brought back an extremely small design in injection molded plastic that is sure to be an excellent option for modern single stack pistols.

The great thing about this holster is that it cuts so much weight by focusing on the one thing above all else that a holster needs to do; it protects the trigger of your firearm and trims weight off construction in all other areas. It’s designed for the most common concealed carry pistols on the market and is the absolute smallest holster you could possibly find.

This single piece of injection molded plastic is adjustable for both retention of the gun and the holsters own retention on your belt. The belt loop is slightly oversized to make it easier to get on and off and adjust it whilst on your person and this is primarily designed for carrying in the appendix position inside the waistband. Several Kydex versions of this holster are available but pale in comparison with the weight distribution and ruggedness of this product.

If you carry a small single stack pistol this is an excellent option for summer carry under light clothing or deep concealment. The company has plans to extend their lineup of holster options to include more firearm manufacturers and this is going to be an exciting product to watch in the future.

Shoulder holsters are great. A favorite of 80’s cop shows, British super villains, and professional drivers everywhere the best shoulder holster has advantages almost no other method of carry can offer.

However, they aren’t for everyone and 99% of people who carry will find shoulder holsters offer significant disadvantages compares to holsters carried at the waist. If you think you’ll need a shoulder holster you must absolutely buy a high-quality holster.

What is a Shoulder Holster?

A shoulder holster is one of the best ways to move your gun off your belt but keep it very accessible. It is great for people who sit a lot, wear formal attire,or at least a jacket all the time or will be very active while wearing their gun.

Jobs that suit carrying a pistol in a shoulder holster include; professional drivers for limo services or Uber, professional bodyguards, undercover security or officers, and executives who carry concealed.

You can find cheap shoulder holsters, but don’t buy anything that isn’t very high quality. It needs to be durable, it needs to be comfortable and it must hold the gun securely, retain any adjustments you make and ride in a comfortable position.

The cheap nylon monstrosities amount to something between a horse halter and medieval torture device, expect to spend over $100 for a quality shoulder holster. Cheaper offerings exist but they’re rarely worth even considering.

The last thing you want is blisters on your underarms, the adjustments sliding around and your gun sagging or falling out of place because you bought a cheap strip of webbing with a buckle and thumb snap to hold the gun in.

Best Guns for Shoulder Holsters

The shoulder holster is one of the most forgiving holsters you can use. Spreading the weight of a gun over your shoulders makes carrying full sized automaticas and revolvers very easy and doesn’t weigh down your pants. Spreading the weight across your shoulders also means that you can carry spare ammunition and magazines quite easily.

Even full sized pistols such as the colt 1911, beretta 92 or Smith and Wesson Police Special, guns that you might not normally carry concealed inside the waistband, can be securely and comfortably carried in a shoulder holster.

Here are our five suggestions for the five best shoulder holsters on the market.

Best Shoulder Holster on the Market Reviews

This is by far the best shoulder holster for concealed carry. It is the perfect balance of bulk, durability, retention, and ammo carrying ability that will last a long time with a little care here and there.

You can count on this holster to carry your gun no matter what. The holster has enough retention to hold the gun without the thumb break but you should always use it anyway to be sure. The retention is adjustable for both the holster and double magazine carrier that comes with the system.

The whole system is held together with clover shaped swivels that move with your body and as you move your arms. Those connections also make the entire system fully modular.

You can buy different holsters, different magazine carriers, hand cuff carriers, knife sheaths, speed strip or speed loader pouches, anything you could want to carry on this system.

This very comfortable shoulder holster is excellent and is used by military personnel, law enforcement, and professional security guards for concealed carry and is an excellent holster and by far the best blend of features you could hope for in a shoulder holster.

2.) Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder System for 1911

Galco made a throwback to the original company, The Jackass Leather Company, and this is one of their old designs brought back because of how excellent it is.

This is a shoulder holster for a handgun and two spare magazines. If you’d rather carry a knife, hand cuffs or more magazines, the entire system is modular and you can switch out the holster and magazine carriers at will with the excellent swivel hardware that moves as you use your arm.

This is an excellent compromise between durability and price. The center cut genuine leather for the straps makes the system more concealable, cheaper and light but the full thickness leather that makes up the holster and magazine carrier keeps the system durable where it really counts.

The hardware, the leather, the stitching is all excellent and there no reason you shouldn’t use this 1911 military shoulder holster.

3.) Galco Classic Lite Shoulder Holster System - for Glock 17, 19, 23

This is one of the cheapest and best shoulder holsters on the market. Perfect for people who need a shoulder holster to wear underneath a lighter jacket, or only once or twice a week, this is perfect. The lighter weight construction and thin straps make the holster cheaper, but also more concealable.

The straps and holster material is very thin. It’s part of the reason this holster is cheap and while this causes a durability problem it makes the holster excellent for easy concealment because there’s less of a chance that the straps will print through your shirt and make it look like you’re wearing a bra.

The only two problems with this rig are the holster itself, and the durability of the straps. The thin genuine leather doesn’t hold the gun without the thumb snap. There’s almost no retention without it.

The shoulder straps are a problem because they’re so thin and they’re made of genuine leather, they won’t last more than a year with daily use. If you need a shoulder holster for light duty use or as a backup carrying option this is an excellent option. It carries just your gun and one spare magazine and you can get it in just about every pistol and double action revolver you’re likely to conceal carry.

4.) Bianchi X16 Agent X Shoulder Holster System

Bianchi makes all types of holsters, and their leather is very good. Exceptional for the price, especially given their only real competitor for their products in the shoulder holster market is Galco, which will cost almost double for a similar product.

This is their standard unlined leather shoulder holster for concealed carry. This model is for Glock 9mm pistols but they also make these for Sig Sauer pistols, 1911’s, Taurus, S&W and just about any gun you’re likely to conceal carry.

The benefit to this holster is you get a high-quality leather holster, genuine leather straps, and metal hardware for a cheap price. The downside is the genuine leather strapping will wear faster than other types and will begin to fray after a year or so, keep the leather well cared for and you’ll extend the life of the holster. That includes keeping it dry as possible. Otherwise, it’ll absorb water and stretch and may begin to smell to.

It is still much more expensive than other types of holsters but less than you’ll pay for the competition. If you’re on a budget and dead set on a shoulder holster for concealed carry, this is your best option.

5.) Bianchi 4101 Black Shoulder Holster for Hunting with Hush System Scoped

With handgun hunting growing in popularity companies are beginning to respond with purpose designed products and accessories. This is an excellent and inexpensive option for hunting with a large scoped revolver.

Available in left handed and right-handed versions for scoped handguns. A version is also available for hunters without optics, but most hunters use scoped guns in the field. This holster is also available in 6” 8” 10” and an extra-long 12” model.

The padded strap that comes across the chest is great for carrying a heavy revolver all day and is long enough to fit around just about everyone. If you’d rather put this on a backpack hip strap or belt, it has a loop that will fit up to a 2.5” belt.

An extra flap can be purchased for extra weather protection if you’re worried about your optic or will be going into harsh weather. Overall this nylon shoulder holster is a very good holster for chest carrying a hunting handgun for long period of time and is much more comfortable than putting it on your belt.

Things to Consider When Buying a Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry

Weight

You need to be careful with the weight of a shoulder holster. As they are often made from heavy leather and metal hardware you’ll be surprised by just how heavy they are even before you put a loaded weapon in them.

Waterproofness

As shoulder holsters will always be worn under clothing when you are out and about they are unlikely to get soaked by rain but the leather straps and holster components will soak up sweat. It’s not as simple as treating the leather with dubbin or wax though as you won’t want it to rub off and stain a formal shirt. Just be aware that they can soak up sweat and wipe them clean regularly so they don’t smell.

Smell

A natural leather holster that rides around near your armpit all day is going to stink y then end of the summer. Avoid spraying the holster with deodorant and don’t use a hard freshener to try and mask the odor. Use a leather conditioner and keep the holster clean and scent free in the first place.

Size

Don’t buy a shoulder holster that tries and does everything in the world. A holster and a spare mag are plenty! You don’t need four magazines, a handcuff case, belt attachments, a knife sheath or any of the other gimmicky accessories you can find.

Positioning

Some guys wear these holsters much too low. They wear them low enough on their belt that they use keepers to attach them. Those keeps are sold to allow officers to carry multiple magazines or handcuffs underneath their handgun. Ideally the gun would be as close to your arm pit as possible. That allows for a more natural draw and more secure grip on it when you grab the handle.

Shoulder holsters are great if you spend a lot of the day driving or sitting and if you are wearing the right clothes. Even if you can fit them under a t-shirt or sweater don’t bother as your draw will be far too slow and obstructed if you really needed your firearm.

Shoulder holsters aren’t for everyone. They are an effective means of carrying that is deeply concealable and if worn with the correct clothing can be extremely effective. Odds are if you’re looking for a high-quality shoulder holster you wear suits and open clothing that’ll allow you to take advantage of the benefits this means of carrying offers.

Make sure you train with your shoulder holster, the last thing you want is to forget the snap or have the best shoulder holster misadjusted when you go to draw your weapon!