From Retention: Best Concealed-Carry Holsters Guide

By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor

I learned early in my 30-year, self-defense journey that holsters are as personal as carry guns. They also come in a wide variety of styles, materials and positioning. Some swear that leather is the only way to carry a gun, while others tout the benefits of polymer and Kydex. In fact, some folks have strong feelings about what makes the best concealed-carry holsters. 

Personally, I’ve never really cared whether a holster was leather or Kydex. The main thing I care about is whether the holster is comfortable enough to carry a gun all day, every day. I have, over the years obtained quite a few holsters for testing and evaluation. I love testing holsters because I’m still searching for the perfect one. In fact, I am currently trying out the CrossBreed Reign IWB with a Springfield Hellcat Pro.

This Kydex holster, which is ambidextrous, clicks most of the boxes. The dual attachment clips hold the gun in place; it does not randomly move. The holster holds the gun quite securely and has adjustments for increasing and decreasing the tension. Carriers can even adjust the cant though I haven’t been able to obtain the full F.B.I. cant I prefer; I have gotten close. 

It is even mostly comfortable. I’ve been carrying daily with this holster for the last couple of months, with almost zero issues. My only problem has been the raised platforms on the inside that dig just a little when I’m driving. Since that is the only time, it has something to do with the seatbelt along with it being ambidextrous, I’m mostly satisfied with the Reign; The CrossBreed Reign is the same on both sides. 

I really like, however, its smooth draw. The Hellcat slides out with little effort despite how well it is secured. The Reign even allows easy, one-hand re-holstering, of which I’m a big fan. The Reign is not perfect, but it is an excellent holster for its price of $50. 

Best Concealed-Carry Holster Features

I really like the look and feel of leather holsters. In fact, I have carried my Kimber Ultra Carry in a Milt Sparks VM II off and on for two decades. That IWB holster is easy to attach and extremely comfortable for all-day wear. It is also beautiful, for something that is not supposed to be seen, secure and provides a full, F.B.I. cant. 

The only problem is that the draw sticks, just a little. I can obtain a full hand grip during the reach, but the holster and pants come up with the gun for about a quarter inch before the gun exits. This has never caused a problem, but I have noticed it and would prefer a smoother draw. I am, however, pretty critical of holsters. I’m looking for the perfect holster. Many have most of the features I desire, but I haven’t found one that contains them all. 

The holster I’m looking for is secure, both holding the pistol and inside the pants. It does not move when walking or bounce if running or jumping. It also keeps the gun from touching the body, but it is still fairly small and thin. The holster should provide a full, F.B.I. cant from the strong-side position, as I like to carry at about 3:15, just behind the side. Finally, the holster must be comfortable. In fact, comfort is the most important feature. If it is not comfortable, people might not carry a gun, defeating the entire purpose of an EDC. 

There are, of course, many ways to carry other than strong-side. Over the years, I’ve carried on the ankle, in the pocket and with a shoulder rig, as well as a few others. How I carried depended on my needs in the situation. Because of this, I have had opportunities to use a wide variety of holsters, determining those I consider the best concealed-carry holsters in various styles. There is no right or wrong regarding where to carry, as long as it is carried, every single day. 

Strong-Side Holsters

Many experts recommend strong-side carry. This is because it puts the handgun in a natural position for the draw. It also opens the support hand to be used for defense against bludgeon and other attacks, while still offering access to the gun. Many claim strong-side to be the fastest draw, whether from IWB or OWB. This is why most police agencies, federal, state and local, use strong-side carry. 

Strong-side is my main carry method, mostly inside the waistband. However, I do occasionally carry outside the waistband. 

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck

Alien Gear is up to the 3.5 in the Cloak Tuck, a holster that adjusts from IWB to OWB to appendix with just a few parts. It also adjusts for cant, ride height and tension. 

DeSantis Speed Scabbard

Not everyone wants to tuck a handgun inside of the pants. The Speed Scabbard is a comfortable OWB option. DeSantis uses precise molding and a tension screw device to hold handguns in place on this belt holster. 

Galco Gunleather KingTuk

The KingTuk leather/Kydex hybrid holster has been out for a while. So long, in fact, that Galco has multiple variations, including its latest the KingTuk Air Cloud. Worn inside the waistband, the KingTuk uses dual clips to keep the holster from moving, and also comes with a raised sweat guard on the wide leather backing that spreads weight for comfort. 

Shoulder Holsters

Carrying under the shoulder is great for concealment when wearing a jacket. I often carry in a shoulder rig when hunting, as it keeps the pistol out of the way but accessible. Since I’m usually wearing a coat, it is easy to conceal. 

Shoulder holsters also work well with those wearing suits or sport jackets. However, be sure to consider the length of the handgun for orientation. A longer gun in a horizontal placement can print out the back of thinner material. It is also easy to sweep the arm during the draw if the support arm isn’t lifted. 

DeSantis New York Undercover

Built for comfort and concealability, the New York Undercover is molded for exact fit of handguns and comes with double ammunition carriers. It adjusts for fit almost anyone and pivots for comfort. 

Galco GunLeather Miami Classic

Miami Vice fans might recognize this rig, as it is what Sonny Crocket used to carry his Bren Ten for most of the show. The key component of the Miami Classic is its spider harness, which allows all four points to pivot independently. 

Versacarry Shoulder Holster Deluxe

Made from vegetable-tanned water buffalo leather, this Versacarry shoulder holster looks dark and luxurious. The Versacarry also uses Chicago screws for adjustment to fit most body styles and bands that attach to the belt to keep everything secure. 

Ankle Holsters

Many consider ankle carry to be a backup method, for which it is excellent. It has benefits, however, as primary. Drawing from strong-side when seated can be difficult, particularly in cars or other seats that wrap the body. In these cases, ankle carry provides quick access. It is also good for those times when an outfit might make other methods inconvenient, such as a suit that shrunk, but you still want a gun. Some people don’t like ankle carry because the padding needed for comfort can be hot, especially in the summer. However, I’ve never had that problem.

DeSantis Die Hard Ankle Rig

For the Die Hard, DeSantis started with top-grain saddle leather. It then added a neoprene leg band that is both padded with foam and lined with sheepskin. This ankle holster defines tough and comfortable. It even has a thumb break for added security. 

Galco Ankle Glove

With a neoprene wrapping and sheepskin padding, the Ankle Glove is quite comfortable. It is also secure, as the steerhide used is molded for precise fit and most models come with a reinforced thumb break. I have personally carried a S&W 637 in this holster and it is my main method for backup carry if I’m not wearing boots. 

Sticky Holster AnkleBiter Leg Rig

Fans of Brad Thor will recognize the name Sticky Holster, as it is the preferred holster of the hero of his books. What’s interesting about the AnkleBiter is that it is a modular system, not a holster. The leg rig secures the same holster one would in the waistband or the pocket. Folks simply have to use a gun over which the pants leg will slide. 

Belly Band Holsters

Those wanting deep cover should look at bellybands, which attach to the body completely and can be covered in a variety of ways. This includes placing them low so pants cover part of the rig or up higher so only a shirt covers the gear. 

Bellybands typically fit a variety of handguns, as they are not gun-specific. They also have pouches for spare magazines and ammunition. They are very good for concealing a gun. Unfortunately, they are also harder to access in most cases. 

I like them for exercising because they hold tight against the body, even during strenuous activity. They can be dried afterward or even washed. Just be sure to wipe down the gun as well. 

Blackhawk STACHE N.A.C.H.O. BELLY BAND 

The STACHE N.A.C.H.O. is another carry system that lets carriers use their preferred holster, in most cases. With a double-layer 1.5-inch scuba belt section sewn into the center, shooters attach the holster’s belt clip onto the webbing and tighten everything down. The Blackhawk also contains pouches for spare mags, phone or wallet. 

CrossBreed Modular Belly Band

Modular seems to be the prevalent method regarding belly bands, as the CrossBreed uses a band with a Kydex holster for a secure fit. Changing handguns is as simple as ordering another modular holster; the belly band can be used for either side carry. 

Appendix Holsters

Full disclosure, I’ve never used an appendix holster. I just don’t like the idea having something hard in an area that can dig into my leg and stomach. That might not be the case, but it looks that way to me. 

I know a few people, however, that use and love appendix carry. Numerous companies make appendix holsters that look to provide very fast access with excellent concealment. I’ve been told by a few friends I should try this method, but I haven’t yet. Lots of people like it. If I was going to try appendix carry, it would probably be with one of the following. 

Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster 

With a single mounting point and neoprene backing, the ShapeShift Appendix flexes for a custom fit. This adjustable appendix carry holster is compatible with the ShapeShift Modular Holster System. This allows versatility in carry, when needed. 

CrossBreed Appendix Carry AIWB Holster 

CrossBreed designed the Appendix Carry AIWB Holster for small to medium handguns. It also comes without cant for riding in the front. Shooters can choose from three types of leather backing and four Kydex colors on this single attachment holster. It even comes with a two-week guarantee and a lifetime warranty. 

Fobus APN Appendix Holster

The Fobus APN can be used for appendix carry or strong-side in both IWB and OWB. In fact, this holster can cant to five positions and be swapped to left hand use. The Fobus comes with a sweat guard, which can be removed, and a concealment wing to reduce printing. The wing can also be removed.