Many states no longer require a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Even more, have shall-issue laws that require states to issue carrier of concealed weapon (CCW) permits upon successfully completing a training course and passing a criminal background check. Now more than ever, it is a lot easier to legally carry a concealed firearm without committing a felony, but you need a concealed gun holster to do it correctly and safely. Here’s a closer look at five popular types of CCW holsters that you might consider.
1. Shoulder Holster
The shoulder holster is one of the oldest and most popular holsters for carrying a pistol that tucks on the side of your chest and beneath your armpit. The shoulder holster has been around since the 1870s and generally consists of a harness that you wear around your shoulders and holds a holster on one side and a pouch to hold one or two magazines – or maybe another pistol — on the other side. Some shoulder holsters only hold a single pistol with no accommodation for magazines or a second pistol on the opposite side.
2. Inside the Waistband
One of the more popular holsters these days is the inside-the-waistband holster, which popularly is referred to as an IWB. The holster typically has a soft leather paddle or wide holster that makes it more comfortable to carry a pistol inside the waistband of your pants. A belt loop on the outside helps to keep it secured. Those who choose to use an IWB holster will need to be sure they wear oversized pants that will accommodate the pistol instead of tightly fitting jeans or other pants that lack room for concealing a pistol.
3. Belly Band
A belly band holster is kind of like a utility belt that fits around your waist or belly. The holster enables you to carry a concealed pistol and potentially several magazines hidden by a loosely fitting shirt or jacket. You might tuck the pistol’s muzzle into the inside of your pants or shorts with the grip riding higher up on the side of your waist.
4. Ankle Holster
An ankle holster is popular for carrying a smaller, backup pistol, like a snub nose .38 or a Ruger LCP, strapped to the calf of one leg just above the ankle. You would not want to carry a large pistol with an ankle holster, which usually carries a backup pistol. After all, reaching way down to draw a pistol is a relatively slow and obvious process, but it could save your life if you are injured or your primary pistol is out of bullets.
5. Pocket Holster
A pocket holster makes it safer to carry a small pistol in a pocket or inside a purse or a carrying case. A pocket holster protects the trigger to prevent accidental discharges or jams due to other objects that might catch the trigger. It also makes it easier to grab other items without accidentally pulling the trigger.
