Concealed Carry Holsters

Inside the waistband holsters are also known as ITP holsters, where ITP stands for Inside the Pants. IWB holsters offer a number of methods to mount to the belt or pants, including velcro, metal clips, kydex clips, or leather straps. IWB holsters also offer a number of different carrying positions inside the belt. Those positions include small of the back carry, crossdraw, behind the hip, or directly on the strongside.

A first-class choice for concealed carry, IWB holsters have the bulk of the handgun inside the pants so it's hidden from view. Generally, the only portion of the handgun that rides above the belt line is the grip itself. IWB holsters can be very effective for concealment, but they perform best when utilized with small to medium sized handguns. Larger weapons such as a Beretta 92 or Glock 21 are hard to hide due the their size and width. The one exception to the large frame rule referenced above are single action, single stack pistols like the classic Colt 1911. The narrow single stack grip makes this style of gun fairly easy to carry concealed.

Cants - Some IWB holsters are designed with a straight up cant (the holster rides straight up and down in the waist), while others may have a forward cant design. Some models may even have an adjustable cant feature so the user can set the cant to his or her exact preferences.

Bodyshield - A body shield is a specialized part on the holster that prevents the grip of the handgun from actually making direct contact with the user. This feature can help with comfort as the abrasive edges of the handgun don't touch the user. For many leather IWB holsters, the bodyshield is integrated into the design. Bodyshield or sweatguard - This term refers to a piece of the holster that is built to keep the weapon from touching the shooter. Most bodyshields or sweatguards are part of the holster design, and are considered a nice feature to have.Body shield (also called a sweatguard) - These are special flaps of leather or kydex that serve to protect the user from the rough parts of the pistol. The device "shields" the user so the weapon doesn't physically touch the shooter.

Thumb break - A thumb break or retention strap as it's sometimes calledknown as, is a leather snap strap that fits over the end of the weaponhandgunpistol or the grip area to keep it in place within the holster. Most retention straps are single ply and featureconsist of some type of button, snap, or release mechanism that has to be activatedinitiated before the weaponpistolhandgun can be drawnremoved from the holster.Retention Strap - This is a strap that fits over the rear slide or grip of the weaponhandgunpistol and servesfunctions to keep it in place. Most retention straps requireneed some type of activation so the weapon can be drawnwithdrawnremoved from the holster. In most cases, the retention strap can be released via a snap or button. Retention straps are beneficial for shooters who are active or off duty law enforcement officers.Thumbreak or retention strap - The term refers to a strap or retention device of some sort that keeps the weapon seatedaffixed in the holster until it's ready to be drawn. Most retention straps use a snap or other device to release the retention so the weapon can be drawn.

Tension screw - A tension is a device that is different from a thumb break. The tension screw is a screw designfeature that allows the draw tension on the holster to be adjusted to the shooter's preferencestastes. Tightening the screw down means that the weapon will need more force to draw it, while loosening the screw makes the weapon draw easier.Tension adjustment screw - A tension screw is usually a single or double set of screws that built into the holster so that the draw tension can be adjusted. This allows the draw tension to be set to the users personal preferences.Tension screw - This refers to a screw or set of screw adjustments that allow the draw tension to be adjusted. The tension screw or screws give the shooter the ability to tighten or loosen the tension of the draw.

If you are still trying to find a good concealed carry holster for your weapon, you might want to try an IWB holster as it can be an excellent option.Used with an appropriately sized weapon, an IWB holster can be an outstanding choice for conceealed carry. IWB holsters provide a good, stable platform for concealed carry as they allow the weapon to remain concealed within the waistband.

For more info on this topic, try here: IWB Holsters.

I've been a fan of the the Glock 26 since it was released. I had a Glock 19 back when they first came out, and couldn't wait for Glock to release a smaller version.

I definitely think a Pearce mag extension or pinky extension is worth the money as I have large hand and I had some trouble getting a good grip on the 26. The grip extension gives me somewhere to grab with my pinky finger.

Finding a holster for the G-26 isn't al that hard as it's become a very popular weapon. Also, it's important to understand that all the subcompact Glock models (27, 27, and 33) are all built on the same frame so they can interchange in terms of holsters. So a holster for a G-26 will also fit a Glock 27. Although the Glock 26 is kind of bulky (the double stack magazine adds some overall width), it is an excellent choice for concelaed carry using a belt holster or IWB holster. The Don Hume H715M W/C is one of my favorite holsters for this rig as it's not too expensive and does a good job of concealing.

If you are looking for a holster for your G-26, G-27, or G-33 try here: Glock 26 holsters.

Holsters which are designed for handguns are made in a broad variety of shapes, materials and release mechanisms. As a result of the big range of holsters, you will find as numerous methods in which a holster could be used depending upon the user's preference. They have been used in the form of easy leather pouches which were hung from a belt to very sophisticated and protective leather holsters with flaps covering the whole pistol. Then there are the competition holsters which hold the gun at a precise position so that it releases with pressure, These holsters are spring loaded.

It is feasible to divide holsters into at least three categories simply by considering the different holster's uses:

DUTY HOLSTERS
Worn by people of uniform, police and even by the military. These holsters are designed to be carried in plain website to become openly seen where is no reason to conceal the weapon. In fact, being capable to retain the weapon is as critical as keeping the hands of the bad guys off of it. Usually the holster is constructed of leather. Their appearance is as essential as its functionality because it is usually part of the uniform and has particular specifications to become considered in conjunction with the uniform. Most are polished to a shine and made to become harder to remove. It would be a disaster for a weapon to fall from a police officer's holster or worse yet for a "perp" to become able to easily obtain the weapon.

CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS
Worn by plainclothes law enforcement too as those who have obtained a Conceal and Carry license which is allowed in numerous states. These holsters are made with the idea of concealment. Frequently they're small and simple to hide. One generally wears these holsters under their clothing and are totally out of sight. Since the holster is worn close to the user's body, comfort is usually really important. As a result of the broad profile of the holster a broader distribution region for comfort is possible. The fact that the outside of the conceal holster is spread over a large area also makes it difficult to be revealed on the outside from the clothing.

SPORTING HOLSTERS
Worn by sport shooters and hunters. These holsters are obtainable in the widest range of options. You will find these holsters with quick access for fast draw shooting too as providing high protection from the elements when hunting with your pistol or when carrying it in the field. You will find also those holsters used for "plinking" (shooting for fun). As with any sporting equipment the range of sporting holsters is as varied as the users themselves.

So when you are in the shopping mode for holsters, it is greatest to consider these types and the functions you are trying to incorporate in your shooting. Appreciate your hunting, shooting, or protection shooting with the correct leather holster.

IWB is an acronym for "inside the waistband", and it is generally used to describe weapon holsters that are worn in that way. IWB holsters can mount to the belt via a number of methods including a steel clip, leather snap straps, kydex clips, or even velcro.

IWB holsters generally offer the best option for concealed carry as the largest part of the weapon is hidden below the waistband inside the pants. While the barrel is covered within the waistline, the grip rides just above the belt. For optimal concealment results, stick with smaller to mid sized weapons with IWB carry. With IWB holsters, you'll find that the larger the pistol, the more difficult it is to conceal. Large framed weapons like a H&K full size USP or Glock 34 will be much harder to conceal than a Glock 26. Single action, single stack weapons such as the Colt 1911 series may be as long barrel-wise as a full size pistol, but the reduced single stack width makes that type of weapon easier to hide.

Some IWB designs also come with added features that are designed to increase their usefulness or performance. Some of those features include:

Cant or Ride - This option references the angle that the holster sits or rides while on the belt or waist. Some IWB holsters offer a forward cant ride while others ride straight up and down. Some of the more hihg end models even offer an adjustable cant feature where you can set the cant angle yourself.

Bodyshield - A body shield is a special item on the holster that prevents the grip of the handgun from actually making direct contact with the user. This feature can help with comfort as the rough edges of the weapon don't touch the user. For many leather IWB holsters, the bodyshield is built into the design. Bodyshield or sweatguard - This term refers to a piece of the holster that is built to keep the handweapon from touching the shooter. Most bodyshields or sweatguards are part of the holster design, and are considered a nice option to have.Body shield (also called a sweatguard) - These are special flaps of leather or kydex that serve to protect the user from the rough parts of the weapon. The device "shields" the owner so the weapon doesn't physically come in contact with the shooter.

Thumb break - A thumb break or retention strap as it's sometimes calledknown as, is a leather snap strap that fits over the end of the weaponhandweaponpistol or the grip area to keep it in place within the holster. Most retention straps are single ply and featureconsist of some type of button, snap, or release mechanism that has to be activatedinitiated before the weaponpistolhandpistol can be drawnremoved from the holster.Retention Strap - This is a strap that fits over the rear slide or grip of the weaponhandweaponpistol and servesfunctions to keep it in place. Most retention straps requireneed some type of activation so the weapon can be drawnwithdrawnremoved from the holster. In most cases, the retention strap can be released via a snap or button. Retention straps are beneficial for shooters who are active or off duty law enforcement officers.Thumbreak or retention strap - The term refers to a strap or retention device of some sort that keeps the weapon seatedaffixed in the holster until it's ready to be drawn Most retention straps use a snap or other device to release the retention so the weapon can be drawn.

Tension screw - A tension is a device that is different from a thumb break. The tension screw is a screw designfeature that allows the draw tension on the holster to be adjusted to the shooter's preferencestastes. Tightening the screw down means that the weapon will need more force to draw it, while loosening the screw makes the weapon draw easier.Tension adjustment screw - A tension screw is usually a single or double set of screws that built into the holster so that the draw tension can be adjusted. This allows the draw tension to be set to the users personal preferences.Tension screw - This refers to a screw or set of screw adjustments that allow the draw tension to be adjusted. The tension screw or screws give the shooter the ability to tighten or loosen the tension of the draw.

If you are still trying to find a good concealed carry holster for your weapon, you might want to try an IWB holster as it can be an excellent option.Used with an appropriately sized weapon, an IWB holster can be an outstanding choice for conceealed carry. IWB holsters provide a good, stable platform for concealed carry as they allow the weapon to remain concealed within the waistband.

A pocket holster is a small holster designed to carry an equally small handgun in a front pocket, trouser pocket, or jacket pocket.

Well designed pocket holsters should do the following:

• Provide a safe method to carry a weapon in the pocket - Covering the trigger area, not only protects this area during your draw, but it also keeps debris out.
• Conceal the weapon - A properly constructed pocket holster should break-up the outline of the weapon in the pocket, and minimize printing.
• Make the weapon readily accessible - The pocket holster should be wide enough to keep the weapon in an upright, accessible position within the pocket.
• Allow for immediate and deployment- It should allow for quick access, a full firing grip, and quick weapon deployment from the pocket.

What are pocket holsters made of?

Today pocket holsters on the market are usually produced from either:

Leather - About 80% of all pocket holsters on the market are made from leather. Some manufacturers use a stiff grade leather, while other use a softer style leather. The stiffer leather tends to be thicker in width, which can add to the overall bulk of the holster.

Nylon - Many of the lower priced pocket holsters are produced from nylon. Personally I don't feel that nylon isn't really strong enough for the daily rigors of a pocket holster, and feel that it lacks the rigidity to properly break-up the weapon outline. If you're on a really tight budget, than nylon pocket holsters are definitely going to be something for you to consider.

Kydex - As kydex continues to evolve in holster applications, a select few manufacturers are now using it to produce pocket holsters. As kydex is significantly more rigid and stronger than leather or nylon, the kydex pocket holsters tend to be very thin.

Concealability is an absolute must for CCW. Pocket holsters are specifically designed for and work best with small handguns. Please be realistic with your concealment expectations. It's going to be almost impossible to conceal a Beretta 92 in a front pocket holster. Choose the right size weapon, and pocket carry becomes much simpler.