FJ’s Guide to the Best Concealed Carry Holsters 2022
The Best Concealed Carry Holsters
Daily carry can only be possible with the right equipment, which includes the best-concealed carry holsters for you. Different situations may call for different carry styles, based on your clothing and comfort, and today we’ll be sharing with you our favorite concealed carry holsters in 2022.
First, let’s define some essential terms related to concealed carry.
Inside the Waistband Concealed Carry Holsters (IWB)
Inside the waistband is about as simple as it sounds – concealed carry of a firearm that occurs with a holster resting inside the pant, with only the clip exposed outside the waistband. This carry method is the most popular currently and can occur at any place on the waistband based on user preference. Typically IWB occurs anywhere between the 11 o’clock and 5 o’clock position for right-handed shooters, and the 1 o’clock and 7 o’clock position for left-handed shooters.
Appendix Inside the Waistband Concealed Carry Holsters (AIWB)
Appendix carry, seen written in shorthand as AIWB, is the concealment of a firearm inside the waistband between the 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions. Recently, this carry position is one of the most popular choices. It’s easy to conceal as even the natural drape of a basic t-shirt can effectively conceal the pistol, while it also provides unparalleled access to your firearm while standing or seated.
Outside the Waistband Holsters(OWB)
Outside the waistband carry, or OWB, is carrying a firearm in a way that it is exposed without a cover garment, with only the clip inside the pant, while the holster rests outside it. This carry style is most common as a “strong side” methodology, resting on the hip between the 3 and 5 o’clock position.
Retention
Retention is critical for your safety, and it allows you to know where the firearm is at all times. It is very important for active carriers as they are moving around a lot. You do not want your firearm falling out or at minimum moving out of place of where you have practiced drawing for speed and accuracy. Your nylon or leather holsters usually have little to no retention other than how it is attached to your person but is soft on your body.
Some holsters have standard retention that tends to be more molded such as a Kydex holster, even some have adjustable retention based on a screw so it can be carrier’s choice on how tight they want their gun in the holster. Typically, this level of retention is the most available for an inside the waistband holster.
Today, we’ll mostly be focused on IWB carry as we discuss the best-concealed carry holsters. If you’re interested in learning more about OWB, check out our blog on the Top 5 Holster Brands for Fall & Winter!
The Best IWB Concealed Carry Holsters
For form, function, comfort, and price, you’ll find few better options for concealed carry. The Crucial Concealment IWB series of holsters are fantastic and easily adjustable to suit your preferences. These holsters are considered to be some of the best IWB holsters for the price because they are optic-ready, ambidextrous, open bottom (for threaded barrels), and feature an open top for efficient access. Considering how difficult it is to find a left-handed dedicated holster, these are very popular for our lefty friends. In addition, these kydex holsters offer adjustable retention, allowing you to set the holster’s grip on your firearm to your preferences as well. Frontier Justice ranks the Crucial Concealment Covert series of holsters as one of the best concealed carry holsters, and we can’t recommend giving one a try enough!
Perhaps you find yourself in a “sometimes the old ways are best” sort of mentality, or perhaps you find kydex to be too uncomfortable for daily carry. If this describes you, we think you’ll find the Galco Stow-N-Go series of suede holsters to be one of the best IWB holsters for you! These inexpensive and comfortable holsters are manufactured out of premium center cut steerhide, and are a clear choice for any discerning firearm owner! Thanks to the open stitched and reinforced mouth, holstering and reholstering is comfortable and easy. The Galco Stow-N-Go’s vertical orientation gives the option of strong side carry, cross-draw, or appendix carry versatility to meet the needs of a broad range of gun carriers. Get your Galco holster today!
Sticky Holsters tend to be a first timer go to as a holster brand because of their versatility. These are a fabric adhesive external material that are mulit-fit to firearms that are of a similar frame style and size. When fitting a Sticky Holster to your firearm, the most important thing is to ensure that your trigger and trigger guard are completely covered to prevent an accidental discharge. The holster collapses upon draw and is known as a pancake holster for that reason (as it goes flat). This means that you should not attempt to reholster your firearm inside the waistband and should remove the holster fully prior to returning the firearm to the holster. Even with this disadvantage, there are merits to this style of holster! The benefit of these is you can wear this IWB at any location being ambidextrous, and if you find another option for that location it can be moved to a car holster or in your purse or bag. Additionally, a belt is not needed, and the firearm can be carried in any well fitted waistband, without any exposed clip. These are a closed bottom with a corner piece for if used in a purse or bag you push it up-right in the corner to keep it from moving. When you draw, just press it to your body or lining for it to grab the holster and leave it in its location. Find the right Sticky Holster for you today.
4. Raven Concealment Vanguard 2
For the minimalist, the Raven Concealment Vanguard 2 is a fantastic option for daily carry. It has a clamshell design that snaps around the trigger guard, and the clip is tuckable, allowing the user to carry in a tucked in shirt without exposing the firearm. For someone required to wear business attire daily, this is a great option to allow one to conceal AIWB while still dressing to impress. But this holster certainly is not limited to professional dress applications! Its slim and minimalist profile makes it ideal for Summer EDC, when one’s wardrobe consists of simple tees and shorts. Typically, larger and more bulky IWB holsters can be more difficult to conceal, as they print more. This low profile rig, with its super streamlined design, negates this concern. In addition, this holster is ambidextrous! Get you Raven Concealment Vanguard 2 today!
5. Versacarry
Versacarry is another leather holster option, but with a unique update to help you blend comfort with modern functionality. The typical leather holster is firearm fitted with little to no retention but is usually a little more skin sensitive. This holster is a polymer/leather hybrid, which allows you to have the adjustable retention found in most polymer holsters, without the discomfort some may find with that material. These are multi-fit holsters, wrapped in water buffalo leather, and are optic ready immediately! The Versacarry series of holsters is a fantastic option for IWB carry.
Finding the Best Concealed Carry Holster for You
Finding the right IWB concealed carry holster can be a struggle. But, with a little experimentation, you’ll soon find what best suits you! At Frontier Justice, it’s our passion to help our clients for your unique needs! To learn more about how to conceal carry, check out our Applied Principles of Concealed Carry course, or, if you are just getting started, sign up for our Pistol Skills 1 or Concealed Carry class! We are proud Come in or check out our online holster selection today to find the right tool for you!
