Holsters & Other Concealed Carry Thingys

Villages Straight Shooters Monthly Seminar Wednesday, March 21 st, 2018 Jim Schiefer Terry Marksberry Holsters & Other Concealed Carry Thingys

The Carry Holster Is a carry device that retains, conceals, & positions the gun in a consistent manner.

First: the Basics There is NO perfect holster or carry mode for all occasions You re likely to own several holsters for same gun Holster selection determined by your wardrobe Daily carry may require a slight lifestyle change You re wardrobe must be customary for circumstances Do not stand out or be conspicuous A gun at home will do you no good when needed

Principles of Concealed Carry Gun Selection Large caliber guns may not be best to carry Carrying on a daily basis may require multiple guns dependent upon you re wardrobe preferences Easy to conceal, Easy to draw Maximum concealment Smallest gun Largest caliber

Principles of Concealed Carry Gun Selection Considerations Width of gun = major factor Semi-autos narrower than Revolvers Revolvers - width of cylinder problematic Light framed, hammerless, 5 shot = pocket pistol <1 Grip = Hard, Smooth Materials Gun Length = Less important than width & grip Snag Free = Dehorned, Hammer Shroud

Concealment Clothing Appropriate for the occasion do not stand out! Loose clothing hides bulges, easier access Heavier fabric over light weight fabrics Easier to sweep aside Dark colors over light colors Solid or random patterns over regular patterns

Holster Selection Fundamentals Concealment Access Retention Comfort

Holster Selection Fundamentals Concealment Reasonably observant person has no suspicion Suspicion as bad as knowing Minimal chance of accidental reveal Concealment maintained throughout normal range of physical activities

Holster Selection Fundamentals Access Must be able to access and present gun immediately when needed Grasp gun grip Remove from holster Concealment vs Access tradeoff

Holster Selection Fundamentals Retention Must retain a hold on the pistol Through normal activities Difficult to remove by an assailant Form fitted for specific gun best option Devices to hold gun in place, slows presentation Holster should retain gun when upside down Purses & Fanny packs frequently use hooks & straps

Retention Types Type I Holds by Gravity & Friction Least Expensive Faster Draw Easy Access by Assailant Dislodged by Physical Action

Retention Types Type II Active Retention Thumb Break Strap, Flap, Lever Finger Release NOT GOOD! Thumb Release Blackhawk Serpa

Retention Types Type III Includes I & II Features Plus Push, Pull or Rotate Extensive Training Req d to Use More Bulky Only Wearer can Draw

Holster Selection Fundamentals Comfort Uncomfortable = likely to leave gun at home Uncomfortable = Something not right Must be comfortable for extended wear Body shields prevent annoying skin contact Must feel natural & normal

Holster Selection Fundamentals Materials Leather Form fitted, Secure Nylon Soft & Flexible Plastic / Polymer Retention equal to leather Resistance to moisture, solvents, oils Gun may move slightly Noisy Cause wear on gun at contact points

Holsters Types & Styles On-Body Strong side hip Crossdraw Inside-the-waistband Small-of-the-back Pocket Shoulder Ankle Off-Body Purse Carry Garment Fanny Pack Sling Bag Pouch Sneaky Pete

Holsters Types & Styles Less Common On-Body Holster vests/jackets Underwear Bellybands Thigh Bra (Flash/Bang) MIC for Glock

Holsters Types & Styles Less Common Off-Body Purses Fanny Packs Sling Bags Pouches

Holsters Strong Side Hip Best Combo of Concealment & Access Ride high & quiet Fast Presentation Types Belt slide Pancake / Paddle Clip-on Avoids muzzle Sweep Rating: High, V. Good, Good, Fair. Poor Concealment - V. Good Access - High Retention V. Good Comfort High

Holsters Crossdraw Physical size factor Slower presentation Wide Sweep Access & Comfort when seated Easier to grab by assailant (Retention) Concealment Fair Access High Retention V. Good Comfort Good

Holsters Inside-the-Waistband Holds close & tight to the body Must wear pants & belt one size larger Minimal muzzle Sweep Body Shield desirable to avoid skin contact Concealment High Access V. Good Retention High Comfort Fair

Holsters Small-of-the-back Could be visible from back or side Uncomfortable when sitting Concealment V. Good Access Good Retention Fair Comfort Poor Draw Sweeps self & others

Holsters Pocket Small guns Smooth grips Protects trigger Concealment High Access Poor Retention V. Good Comfort Fair Convenient Consistent Hold Dehorning option

Holsters Purses Purse is Target of Robbery Expensive Concealment V. Good Access Poor Retention V. Good Comfort V. Good Maintain orientation for access Steel Cord Strap

Holsters Fanny Packs Carry any gun Detachable when needed Passé vs Style Carry other accessories Concealment V. Good Access Fair Retention V. Good Comfort Good Magazines

Holsters Sling Bags Carry gun plus numerous accessories Concealment V. Good Access Poor Retention V. Good Comfort Good Detachable when needed May leave it somewhere Multi-Purpose

Holsters Pouches Belt Loop Only Small (Pocket) gun Ruger LCP, Sig P238 Concealment V. Good Access Poor Retention V. Good Comfort High Limited accessories No Magazines Inexpensive

Holsters Sneaky Pete Must Conceal the Gun not the Holster! Smaller the gun the better Concealment V. Good Access Good Retention V. Good Comfort High Tend to get large, cumbersome Expensive Belt loop or Clip

Holster Accessories Gun Belts 1.5 Magazine Holders Speedloader Magazine Pouches Briefcases Day Planners

Testing Concealment Factors Place (Unloaded) Gun in holster/concealment device In front of mirror: Turn, Bend, Stoop, Squat Raise arms above head Observe Self Have 2 nd party observe Have observer attempt to grab gun Test & time for rapid access Test comfort wear around house

Holster Brands Bianchi Blackhawk (Serpa) Blade Tech Concealment Express DeSantis Fobus Galco Sneaky Pete MIC Holsters (Glock) Outbags Safariland Sticky Holsters Triple K Uncle Mikes UTG

Summary Weigh lifestyle & wardrobe factors Evaluate holsters on key factors Concealment Access Retention Comfort

Purchasing Tip Don t Forget the Laser Keep Options Open to Add a Laser Don t Forget the Pinky Extension

Any Questions? Comments, Suggestions, Snide Remarks??????