Outside the Waistband Holsters
OWB CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTER
OWB concealment holsters allow multiple carrying positions & styles. Using these holsters you can either open carry or conceal carry. From these two, open carry can be forbidden by law in certain countries or areas. The only exception would be open carry at the shooting range. That is why we bring you this guide to OWB holsters. We will get through the OWB concealed carry holsters, available materials & how they influence your carry experience & finally different positions that can be practiced during your OWB carry.
CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTERS OWB
THE GREATEST ADVANTAGES OF OWB CONCEALED CARRY
Concealed carry, specifically with a good OWB holster, has several benefits, especially for those who prefer or need to carry a firearm for self-defense or professional reasons. Here are some of the main advantages of OWB concealed carry:
- Comfort: The gun in an OWB holster sits outside of your waistband which means it does not push against your body as with IWB alternatives.
- The Gun Draw: There is a significant difference between a draw from an OWB concealed carry holster in comparison with an IWB. OWB provides better accessibility thus faster draw.
- Various options: The OWB concealment holster category offers a wide range of material and design options to choose from.
- Safety: Outside the waistband holsters are recognized as safer options for situations where concealed carry is needed, but is not the highest priority
- Concealment: With the right clothing & position of holster corresponding to your body type, OWB holsters for concealed carry can be even better than IWB holsters.
DISADVANTAGES OF CONCEALABLE OWB HOLSTER
While OWB concealed carry has its advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. These drawbacks can affect your choice of carry method depending on your lifestyle, clothing preferences, and the situations in which you find yourself. Here are some of the main disadvantages of OWB holsters for concealed carry:
- Moment of surprise: If you decide to open carry in an O.W.B. holster or your concealment is not effective enough, potential attackers will be aware of your firearm. Because of this reason, you might end up as a first victim or it might provoke a more violent attack.
- Gun Draw: In case you choose improper clothing as a buttoned coat or slim jacket, gun draw might be slower or problematic.
- OWB Season: OWB holsters for concealed carry are particularly efficient during colder months. If you live in an area with warmer temperatures, extra clothing over the OWB holster might seem out of place.
- Accessibility in Close Quarters: In very close encounters or in situations where you're seated (like driving), accessing pistol holsters OWB can be more challenging than with other carry methods.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OWB HOLSTER?
There is nothing as a universally best OWB concealment holster. The choice depends on the individual needs and requirements of a person who carries a gun, and on situations in which the gun is needed. If you want to choose the best OWB holsters for you, answer the following questions:
OUTSIDE THE WAISTBAND HOLSTER MATERIAL
As we mentioned before, OWB concealed carry holsters are one of the most popular carry techniques, and so there exist a lot of material and design variations. Let's get through the most popular options, so you can choose the one that suits you most.
Concealed Carry OWB Holster Made Of Leather
A traditional choice for everybody who appreciates comfort, classic aesthetics, and silent operation. In the case of proper care, these holsters can be long-lasting and firm. Plus, comfort does not only apply to you but also to your handgun. Leather OWB holsters tend to be gentle towards the finish of your handgun.
OWB Concealed Carry Holster Made Of Nylon
In comparison to leather & Kydex, Nylon offers more features & advantages. It is lighter, more resistant to abrasion, features sight protection, and offers higher sweat resistance. All of this while staying soft and comfortable to wear. While nylon belt holsters represent cost cost-effective option packed with extra features it also brings a little disadvantage. Nylon OWB Holsters are made of two layers of ballistic nylon & soft filling. This sandwich technique offers extra sturdiness & reliability, however, it adds a few millimeters to the volume of the holster. That is why these holsters are preferred for OWB concealed carry.
Kydex OWB Holsters For Concealed Carry
OWB Holsters made of Kydex are a current trend in the OWB holster world. Kydex OWB holsters are safe, compact, shape-stable, abrasion-resistant, sturdy, water-proof, maintenance-free & long-lasting. The only disadvantage is louder draw, reholstering & less comfort in comparison with other options.
Hybrid OWB Concealed Carry Holster
Hybrid OWB Holsters or simply Hybrids were born as the best from both worlds. Hybrid OWB Holsters are typically constructed from leather & Kydex. Leather is used on the back side facing your body, which creates a comfortable feel and it nicely shapes to your body. Kydex used on the opposite side creates strong retention and protects the trigger guard area. This combination of classic and modern materials is becoming one of the most favorite outside waistband holster options in our offer.
RETENTION LEVEL OF OWB FOR CONCEALED CARRY
Another question is whether to opt for a lock that adds another layer of retention to your OWB concealed holster. In most cases, you will see various thumb breaks, and trigger locks (manual lock holding the trigger guard of a gun, released by pushing). In some holster designs, the holster retention screw might be incorporated, to regulate the force of resistance while drawing.
OWB CONCEALED CARRY POSITIONS
OWB holsters can be concealed in multiple positions around your belt. Some need very specific clothing in order to be concealed, others do not. A lot depends on your needs & body shape. These are the most common ones.
Cross Draw Holster ( 11 o'clock )
While carrying a gun on the left hip and drawing across your body might not be as effective in Self-defense, because of the long trajectory the gun must follow, the main potential of this concealed carry style would be while driving, or at work. This means cross draw otw holsters are ideal for self-defense from a seated position.
Hip Holster ( 3 o'clock )
The most practical and common carry style for OWB holsters. The hip OWB holster provides the fastest draw from all positions on this list. The gun usually sits at a 90° angle to the belt. Of course, the carry is possible under different angles too, according to your individual needs and requirements.
Kidney Holster ( 4-5 o'clock )
If you plan to OWB concealed carry, this position would be your best bet. It is popular thanks to the easiness of concealment. Kidney OWB holsters are usually configured with a cant, that helps to hide the grip of your handgun & prevent printing on your jacket. However, draw is slightly longer than with hip holsters.
Small Of The Back ( 6 o'clock )
The small of the back represents a completely unique design that is excellent for concealed carry on your belt. The SOB OWB Holster is always manufactured under a strong angle to provide the smoothest draw possible. Thanks to the natural body shape of all of us, the 6 o'clock position can basically make your handgun invisible even though it is being carried outside the waistband. The only disadvantage is that reaction time with this carry method is the longest of options on this list and that you dont have control over your handgun at all times.
CUSTOM OWB HOLSTERS FOR CONCEALED CARRY
There you have it. By now you should have picked the material, position & retention level of your future OWB Holster. Now it is time to play. Thanks to Falco Holsters you have a wonderful amount of customization options. From sights, cant, color options & sweatguard all the way to the embossing or laser engraving. You have an opportunity to build your holster from scratch and make it uniquely yours. Falco Holsters can be made for over 3000 handguns & even in combination with over 50 lights & RDS. So do not hesitate, to pick your favorite model & configure it to your needs & taste. After all this, we will make sure it will be exactly what you want & the best OWB concealed carry holster you ever had. Happy holster hunting!
Author: Martin Lukacko
Date: February 15th, 2024
