Best way to Holster a handgun

[diskaon]

I was wondering that there are many ways to keep your handgun safe (so that it does not fall off) as well as at a convenient position (for a quick draw, in case of emergency)

I have listed what I know of.. please feel free to add more

- Under Shoulder
- Waist (Front)
- Waist (Back)
- Ankle
- Fore arm (Like in the movies)

Which of the above is the most convenient as per your personal experience. Has anyone got a "spring loaded Fore arm gun???"

What i see as major drawback (again feel free to add your points)

Under shoulder:
Need to wear a coat all the time. Not good for Indian Climate (sweaty boys)
On the upside... gives you the james bond feeling.

Waist:
How to tuck your shirt in?? I have seen good holsters where the gun handle is exposed. I think a waist belt inside the shirt is the solution, but how good is that in case of an emergency draw?

Also(most importantly) you need to be fit. with a tight pant this could be the most uncomfy way to carry a gun.

lastly, in case of a safety failure.. your B@#$lls get shot at.. the gun is directly aimed there

Waist (behind):

Similar to front.. pls add more.

Diskaon...

[HydNawab]

I always prefer the waist carry.I have 4 holsters at the moment.

I use a Small of Back holster for the 357 and concealable side draw with a thumb release for the Beretta 81FS.All of them are by Galco.

[img2=http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/ ... 8993-1.jpg][/img2]

Something like a concealable side draw without a thumb release would be excellent for quick draw in a case of an emergency.

Ashar

[The Doc]

Holsters & Methods of Carry ( from internet research )


Materials used:
Leather is probably the most popular material for holsters. One of the reasons for this is the history. The first time anyone ever strapped a gun on the holster was made of leather. Recently other materials (such as Kydex) have been gaining in popularity. Kydex holsters are relatively easy to make and can be quite durable.


IWB (Inside the waist band):
One of the more popular methods of concealed carry. Comfort of carrying in this style will depend on your body type. The holster sits in between your body and the waist band of your pants, hiding the barrel of your gun. There are also tuckable IWB holsters that allow you to tuck a shirt into your pants hiding the entire weapon.

Pros: Very concealable.
Cons: A bit slower to draw, must clear the covering garment prior to drawing your weapon. Comfort may vary depending on body type.


OWB (Outside the waistband):
The holster attaches to your belt and sits on your hip on the outside of your waistband. You must be very concious of what you are earing to ensure maximimum concealability; if you bend over or raise your arms above your head you run the risk of exposing your weapon. This tye of holster does offer improved drawing speed.

Pros: Improved draw speed
Cons: Not quite as concealble as an IWB holster



Crossdraw:
A variation of the OWB holster; it sits on your weak side (left if you are right handed) requiring you to reach across your body to access your weapon. Some would say that it is a bit more concealable than a typical OWB because of the cant. Might be considered dangerous because your barrel sweeps across when acquiring your target rather than being able to draw and immediately engage target from a strong side holster. It also takes more time at engage target because of the added movement required.


SOB (Small of back):
Another variation of an OWB holster, this one sits at the base of your spine. Can be uncomfortable if you are sitting or driving for long periods of time. Can be a good option if you are on your feet for extended periods. You fall into the same issues as you do with a crossdraw holster in that more movements are required to draw your weapon and you may sweep non-targets with your barrel while engaging your intended target.


Holsterless Carry:
Immediately makes you a candidate for the Darwin Award. You place your weapon in your waistband without a holster. Your weapon is not secure and runs the risk of droping. Also is dangerous because there is nothing covering the trigger, you run the risk of a Negligent Discharge while drawing your handgun.


Shoulder Holster:
You wear a harness, the weapon hangs either vertically or horizontally underneath your weak arm. You reach across your chest to draw. Popularized by TV shows such as Miami Vice, but not a very common way to conceal carry as you need to wear a jacket or coat at all times to keep nyour weapon concealed.

Ankle Holster:
The holster is attached to your ankle via a velcro strap. You are usually limited to smaller guns such as sub-compacts. Your speed to draw is severly compromised. Many people use an ankle holster for their BUG (Back Up Gun)


Fanny Pack:
Many people think this method of carry screams "GUN!!!". Not easy to draw from and could make you look pretty silly if you are wearing business attire. May be suitable if you are engaging in some sort of sporting activity such as hiking or cycling.


Purses:
A popular method of carry for women who may find it difficult to conceal a weapon in the traditional method (IWB, OWB)


Other:
There are other methods of carry such as the use of a belly band or chest harness.

hope this is useful,

RP.
__________________

[diskaon]

Ashar,

These look like they are attached to a belt. making is exposed if your shirt is tucked in. Is that right?

I cant go to office with my shirt tucked out

Have you ever tried ankle holsters?

[HydNawab]

Diskaon,

You are right about that.You cannot tuck your shirt in with these holsters.Never tried the ankle holsters but I am sure one will have to get used to it since it might be uncomfortable.

[youtube][/youtube]

Check this video out.It might be the best way to carry your handgun with your shirt tucked in.Depends on which gun you carry as well.

Cheers

Ashar

[The Doc]

Oh I forgot one .............

Its the "Inside the pocket" holster . It is for small frame pistols and revolvers and sits in yr front trousers pocket.It has a wide base ("kinda wingy") so it sits firmly inside the front pocket. Good for concealed carry and quick draw. Available at Cabela's.

cheers,

RP.

[diskaon]

I couldn't understand the "Fanny" can you explain further? also do you have pics of a "in the pocket hoslter"

[Mack The Knife]

Diskaon,

A fanny pack is also known as a bum bag or waist bag.

[diskaon]

The cell Pal looks like a "best of both worlds" product. However, I will have to get a smaller cell phone

diskaon.

[The Doc]

I couldn't understand the "Fanny"

LOLZ !!! Now that is funny Disk , most people do understand a "Fanny" !!


This is what a fanny pack concealed carry holster looks like .

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... ISO-8859-1



Here is a pic of Uncle Mike's "inside-pocket" holster.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... ISO-8859-1

best,

RP.

[nagarifle]

i used a ankle holster once, its a little uncomfortable and needs to be getting used to as you have a weight strapped to you leg. also not much good if you have narrow pants legs this makes it difficult to drew up and shoot.

ankle holsters normally used as a back up for small snub nose revolvers etc.

one of the best method is a document case type carrier, which is just like a doc case with a holster attached and zip all round,

have the top half open for quick drew and some can carry bullet proof plate, also can be used to throw at an opponent to distract him/her after drawing the gun.

[marksman]

Hi all,
IWB and belt holsters are most comfortable if one is on the heavier side, or obese. The SOB suits the guys with nice round protruding butt and a slim body to conceal well, Ankle holster is ok for medium size pistols and snub nose revolvers, although it takes some time getting used to, but is useless when needed to draw while standing. Shoulder holster, Ankle holster and the cross draw are best if one is seated or driving most of the time. This has been my experience with all these types. Now I carry my pistol concealed in a handrest while driving, keep it in my wife's purse when we travel together or tuck it in my trouser front under a shirt covered partially in a normal plastic bag. each one of us have to explore and find our comfort level I guess.
Cheers!!!
Marksman

[The Doc]

Hey Diskaon,

Here are some winter jackets for concealed carry. By the way which handgun do you have ?

http://www.licensed2carry.com/


best,

RP

[diskaon]

Doc.. I currently own the Mr. Bean Holiday limited edition. It come with two barrels one above the other and the lower barrel will be slightly longer than the upper one. It has a single external hammer. And the beauty is that it is customized to come in my skin colour.

here is a video of a similar one.

[youtube][/youtube]

[marksman]

"And the beauty is that it is customized to come in my skin colour."

diskaon,
you had me there. I almost thought you were talking about a certain part of your anatomy that is a freak of nature.
Marksman