For Serious Gun Lovers

Best Concealed Carry Holsters – Guide to CCW Security

Best Concealed Carry Holsters

What is the best conceal carry holster? This isn’t a question to be taken lightly. After you decide to carry concealed and purchase the handgun that fits your lifestyle, choosing the right holster is a very important decision.

There are many types of holsters on the market, today. Some are good and some aren’t. There’s an old saying, “you get what you pay for,” and that is something to keep in mind while shopping for concealed carry holsters. You want a good deal but you also want something to be safe, durable and last a long time.

My favorite concealed carry holster is the CYA Supply Company IWB Holster.

This holster is designed for IWB concealed carry. CYA Supply Company is a member of the NRA Business Alliance and they have a no question asked return policy. They stand behind their product. I like that in a company.

It is made from boltaron thermoplastic, which is similar to kydex. CYA Supply Company has taken the major wear and friction points out of this holster. It has an adjustable cant and is comfortable.

This is just one of several concealed carry holsters we review below.

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What Should You Look for When Buying a Concealed Carry Holster?

Why is it so important to have a good holster? What are the things a good holster is supposed to do? A good holster:

  • Protects and holds the firearm secure
  • Prevents discharge
  • Prevents gun grab
  • Provides quick and easy access
  • Conceals well

SAFETY

Our first thought when shopping for a holster is safety. We don’t want to cause harm to ourselves or anyone around us. I’m sure you have heard the four gun safety rules. It’s always a good reminder to hear them again.

  1. Treat every gun like it’s loaded
  2. Don’t point your gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to fire
  4. Know your target and what’s beyond it

These are all important gun safety rules, but when it comes to holsters, number 3 is what we will focus on. You want your finger off the trigger as you draw, and you don’t want anything to get caught up in the trigger as your gun is holstered. Clothing, a part of the holster, or any number of things can cause an accidental discharge.

The bottom line is, you should always make sure your gun is clear of objects, including your finger, while it is holstered, being drawn, and while re-holstering.


What Makes a Good Concealed Carry Holster?

As we talked about earlier, not all holsters are good holsters. Some styles are not good for concealed carry and some are just unsafe.

I’ve listed some important features that you want to look for in a concealed carry holster:

  • Covers the trigger
  • Made from durable material
  • Good retention
  • Conceals good
  • You can get a good grip on the gun
  • Protects the gun

Covers The Trigger

Some holster do not cover the trigger all the way, or it is covered with a cheap material. A quality holster will cover the trigger guard all the way. This is the most important factor for preventing an accidental discharge.

Holster Material

You want your holster to be made from a sturdy material. Leather and kydex (a hard, molded plastic) are the two sturdiest materials.

Some holsters are hybrid and are made from a kydex pocket for the gun and a leather backing that goes up against your body.

Good Weapon Retention

Your holster needs to keep your firearm in place. This is what retention is. You should be able to place your firearm in the holster and turn it upside down, without the gun falling out.

If it falls out, you need to adjust the retention. Most quality kydex holsters will have adjustable retention. Usually it is through a screw that can be loosened and tightened.

Conceals Good

Unless you are open carrying, you will want to make sure your gun is concealed well. IWB are the most concealable holsters. There are different positions to carry your IWB holster, but appendix carry is a favorite way for a lot of people.

Body type needs to be a consideration here. My body type may not be the same as your so you may find something comfortable and it wouldn’t work on me.

Best CCW Holster for Fat Guys

If you have a little extra luggage around the waist, it is important that you look for a concealed carry holster with a high retention and a good trigger guard if you are wanting a waistband holster.  In the end you may be more comfortable with a shoulder holster.

Other ways to conceal carry are OWB, shoulder holster, ankle holster and pocket carry.

Good Grip

This is a very important point. If your holster doesn’t allow you to get a good, full grip on your gun, then it’s not the holster you should be using.

You will waste a lot of time, fiddling around with your gun to get a good grip, after you draw. This waste of time can mean the difference between life and death. Don’t chance it.

Protects The Gun

Your holster is meant to protect you gun. Retention is part of that, so it doesn’t fall out. Concealability is part of that, so someone doesn’t try to grab it. You should consider harder material holsters may leave wear marks on your gun. Softer material, like leather may allow moisture to get to your gun so you should wipe it down each day to prevent rust.


Types Of Concealed Carry Holsters

There are different types of concealed carry holsters. There will probably be a pretty good sampling of these in our top picks.

  • IWB
  • OWB
  • Ankle holsters
  • Shoulder holsters
  • Pocket holsters
  • Belly bands
  • Off body (which we won’t get into in this article)


Best Concealed Carry Holsters

Let’s get on with our top picks in concealed carry holsters.

Product NameWhere to Buy
image of CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTERCYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTERCheck Price
image of ALIEN GEAR IWB CLOAK TUCK HOLSTER 3.5ALIEN GEAR IWB CLOAK TUCK HOLSTER 3.5Check Price
image of COMFORTAC BELLY BAND HOLSTERCOMFORTAC BELLY BAND HOLSTERCheck Price
image of BLACKHAWK SERPA CONCEALMENT HOLSTERBLACKHAWK SERPA CONCEALMENT HOLSTERCheck Price

1. CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTER

The CYA Supply Co. Base IWB Holster has a smooth draw, easy re-holstering, is made of durable material, and has adjustable retention.

image of a button check this price

This is a top of the line holster for a great price. This holster has a smooth draw, easy re-holstering, is made of durable material, and has adjustable retention.

FeaturesProsCons
Adjustable cantHigh qualityDrawing may move the holster
Made from boltaronBelt clip is sturdy and wide
Made in the USASlim
Less frictionConceals well
Satisfaction guaranteeLightweight
Made in USA

2. ALIEN GEAR IWB CLOAK TUCK HOLSTER 3.5

The Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster retention shell is custom made for the make and model of your gun

image of a button check this price

This holster has won awards. It’s an IWB holster made with a neoprene backing for comfort. The retention shell is custom made for the make and model of your gun, and includes an adjustable retention so you can choose the right draw. No break in time needed. Perfect right out of the box.

FeaturesProsCons
Made in America
AffordableHard to get on belt
Adjustable ride height, cant and retentionConceals for a skinny personClips could be made stronger
No maintenanceComfortable
No break in time neededDoesn’t move around
Lifetime warrantyGood retention
30 day “trial” periodSweat shield works good
Waterproof neoprene back pad

3. COMFORTAC BELLY BAND HOLSTER – Best CCW Holster for Women

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster is made from neoprene instead of elastic

image of a button check this price

This belly band holster is made from neoprene instead of elastic. Neoprene is softer against your skin and stronger to hold the gun. Belly bands can be used under wardrobe choices that do not work for a belt holster. Sweat pants, shorts, yoga pants, etc.

FeaturesProsCons
One size fits mostWorks good for small femalesMag pouch squeezes the magazines out while bending
Fits subcompact, compact and even full sized firearmsComfortableNo trigger guard besides the pocket
VersatileHigh qualityTendency to ride up
Spare mag pocketAffordableDifficulty re-holstering
Optional use retention strapNo printing
Holds gun in place
Works with skinny jeans

4. BLACKHAWK SERPA CONCEALMENT HOLSTER

The blackhawk serpa concealment holster features a unique speed cut design allowing for smooth drawing and easy re-holstering

image of a button check this price

This holster features a unique speed cut design allowing for smooth drawing and easy re-holstering. The patented SERPA auto lock system delivers security for your handgun and is automatically positioned to facilitate the correct drawing motion.

FeaturesProsCons
SERPA auto lock release systemAdjustable cantBelt clip option is hard to get on and off
Reinforces full gripHolds gun in placeBulky
Audible click with re-holsteringFits greatClothes can get caught while re-holstering
Belt loop and paddle platforms includedDurable

Final Thoughts

Choosing a holster is a decision based on many personal factors. As you can see, there are many choices out there. Finding the right one will make you want to carry every day. Comfort is the most important factor when it comes to consistent carry.

Our Pick for Best Concealed Carry Holster – CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTER

 CYA Supply Co. Inside Waist Band Concealed Carry Holster
image of a button check this price

This is a top-of-the-line holster for a great price. This holster has a smooth draw, easy re-holstering, is made of durable material, and has adjustable retention.

Great Conceal Carry Holster for Thin People

The CYA IWB Holster is a great option for thinner people, who have a hard time finding a concealed carry holster that doesn’t print. They will find this holster works well for them.

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7 Responses

  1. I like how you pointed out that the most important thing to consider when picking a holster is something that covers the trigger to prevent discharge. This is definitely something I’d want to have on a holster for a gun. The more protection it gives over the trigger, the better since safety should always be your number one priority.

  2. The CYA holster is my current Holster but I actually got to this page looking for a different one. The CYA holster works great but has no plastic or guarding where your skin meets the top of the holster. This means that my guns grips are constantly rubbing on my back, sides and stomach no matter where I put it, and I also pinch myself every time I holster it.

    Now I’m thinking about the Alien Gear. Its more bulky but also looks more comfortable to wear daily while still maintaining the concealment, and it looks like the backing extends up the entire back of the gun, solving my issues with the CYA. I might give that one a shot.

  3. I prefer the Serpa. I cannot carry IWB. Belly bands won’t work either. Inside the pocket, nope. I like shoulder rigs (under arm) but only for a larger semi such as a 1911. Ankle holsters are out. Getting all the way down to my ankle…. it don’t happen like it did 30 years ago. So, OWB is my remaining option. The Serpa covers all of the requirements except hide ability. I wear loose clothing so a Serpa doesn’t “print” on my clothing. I’ve tried several OWB types but I keep coming back to Blackhawk.

  4. I REALLY like my JM4 Tactical holster. All leather and magnets provide great weapon retention. Magnets also allow it to be placed on side of truck, metal door and to map pockets/steering column in my truck if I dont want it on me.

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