Winter Carry Options

I live in a place where it snows off and on between October and mid March. That means that there are times where I’m dressed for the cold. This has the potential to add complexity to concealed carry. So, today we’ll be talking about how to carry concealed in the winter.   Let’s first establish the problem we’re trying to solve, and it’s a simple one. How do we best conceal with multiple layers of clothing? In addition, what kinds of challenges or freedoms are we presented with? There’s no way around it. The more layers you’re wearing, the more difficult it is to effectively draw your pistol to engage an active threat. If you’ve ever, and I hope you have, practiced your draw at home, you might have even had some snags with just a t-shirt on. Now, imagine that same scenario but with a hoodie and a jacket on. Oh, and you’re fighting for your life. Shooting with gloves is a whole other can of worms.   Drawing from inside-the-waistband while wearing these layers can be a real problem. Fumbling with clothing could completely botch your draw, leading to a slow response, a dropped gun, or worse, a negligent discharge. This is why many people will switch to OWB carry, or other more specialized methods, as the temperature begins to drop. Let’s explore these together!

Shoulder Holster - D905

The D905 is a Kydex shoulder holster with the ability to carry two spare mags. When it comes to shoulder holsters, leather is really nice. However, I personally gravitate to this one because of how slim it is. Perfect for a slimline pistol like a Glock 48 or Springfield Hellcat Pro.   The D905 is a horizontal holster that sits under your coat. As is true with most of the options that we’ll discuss today, this means that removing your outer layer might get you some weird looks at the bank. This one in particular is for my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. This is a first generation Shield. Factory magazines have a limit of eight rounds, so the two spares are necessary if I want to keep up with the other platforms out there.   The harness is adjustable and can be made to fit almost any body size. A shoulder holster is probably the most difficult of these options to dress around, so really spend some time looking for works best for you. 

Pocket Carry - A817 Carey

Another option for winter concealment could be pocket carry. This method would allow you to remove outer layers while still keeping your piece hidden away. Pocket carry can be tricky due to the size of the pistol, but regardless, it should always be done with a holster. The A817 Carey is designed to be just that. Unlike most of Falco’s holsters, this one is actually closed on the bottom. This is to keep lint and dirt from getting into the bore.   Pocket carry also gives you the distinct advantage of having your hand ready on your pistol without raising too many eyebrows. Well, assuming it’s in your front pocket. I’m not a big enough guy to pocket carry anything bigger than the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, so my pocket carry would have to be in a cargo or jacket pocket. This holster is nylon, and would also be a great option for a gun that’s kept in a drawer, just to cover the trigger guard and protect the finish. 

Outside-The-Waistband - C904 2021

It’s hard to beat the tried and true method of outside-the-waistband carry. This is the C904, and though it’s an OWB holster, it offers the same advantages of an IWB hybrid holster. The leather backing is gentle on your pistol and skin, while the Kydex protects the outer side of your pistol from abrasions, also providing a small amount of retention.   Your belt feeds through the two belt loops on either side of the leather. This better distributes the weight of your pistol, making it more comfortable to carry for long periods of time. The leather portion is, of course, made from only the finest, full-grain Italian leathers, just like all of Falco’s leather holsters. These are available for 1.5” or 2” belts, but true to Falco, custom sizes are also available.

Off-Body - G100 Series

There are also off-body options like the G100 series of concealed carry bags. Bags like the G101 shoulder bag allow you to carry your secret superpower, no matter how many layers you have on. It could work with shorts and a t-shirt or with two jackets and an overcoat.   Bags also give you the benefit of being able to have your hand on your pistol without raising too much suspicion. This could come in handy if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a riot. Reducing my draw time by more than half is an excellent reason why you’d consider establishing your grip inside your bag. The G Series bags also have plenty of room to carry my daily stuff like my keys, flashlight, tourniquet, meat stick, etc. The G101 has three main compartments, and even has MOLLE on the outside for attaching additional gear.   If the cold has you blue, fear not. One of these methods is bound to work for you. If they don’t, keep carrying in the way that you train the most. Just throw on a couple jackets now and then during dry fire and learn to be ready for those problems. I want to thank you all for reading. Speaking to you is truly the highlight of my day. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. See you around.