Conspicuous bulges and clothing out of kilter can be dead giveaways that you are packing heat.
However, the consequences can be much more severe if you are made by a criminal.
For most of us, the best choice lies somewhere in the middle.
Concealment of a defensive handgun is a system that can change based on the firearm, clothing and holster chosen. Additional factors, such as weather, can also influence these selections.
Striking a Balance
There are any number of qualities that go into a good concealment holster.
These include proper fit, retention, user comfort, durability and the ability to re-holster with one hand.
It also must aid in hiding the gun, which is something that is often overlooked by many users.
A Galco AIWB holster discreetly carries a Springfield Armory Hellcat. This combination is nearly invisible underneath a loose-fitting shirt of sufficient length.
Holster style, cant, and ride height all play heavily into the equation.
With that in mind, this discussion will focus solely on carry options worn on the belt.
[Be sure to readMassad Ayoobs article Ins and Outs of Pocket Carry.]
This woman carries a 1911 in a CrossBreed inside-the-waistband holster under a t-shirt.
As a result, most traditional IWB holsters worn behind the hip are no longer a consideration for me.
Returning the pistol to the holster can also be problematic with some designs.
Of late, appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holsters have come on strong.
Regardless of the equipment selected, you need training and practice with your gear. If something doesn’t work in training, find a quality replacement.
[Dont miss Robert SadowskisShould I Appendix Carry?article.]
Again, the comfort factor comes into play.
Some well-designed AIWB rigs fire up the user to discreetly carry even a full-size pistol in comfort.
Sport holsters are great for range work but will not hide your pistol unless a heavy winter jacket is worn.
AIWB carry may not be for everybody, but it is certainly worth a hard look.
Several of the larger manufacturers currently market plainclothes versions of their police duty rigs.
Most off-the-rack designs feature an FBI cant where the muzzle is angled to the rear and the grip forward.
Cool weather and loose fitting clothing allow one to carry even a service-size handgun while remaining under the radar. Here the author conceals a full-sized 1911 semi-automatic pistol.
This takes pressure off my hip and gives me the capability to produce my gun very quickly from concealment.
Excellent forward rake designs are available from Bulman Gunleather, Milt Sparks Holsters and the Ritchie Leather Company.
Much like the gun itself, a magazine or two on the belt can put up a red flag.
Keeping just the top buttons of the shirt fastened allows the author to conceal his Springfield Armory 1911 while still having easy access to it in an emergency.
I would caution that that double magazine pouch might be tough to hide under a light covering garment.
The logical place to start is the foundation and the belt that you wear.
Avoid wearing any belt that might send off a military or SWAT vibe and draw attention to your waistband.
A loose-fitting shirt of sufficient length does the trick for me, particularly when combined with an IWB holster.
Is a suit or sport jacket part of your daily wardrobe?
A skilled tailor can work some magic here to minimize the printing of your holstered pistol through the jacket.
By all means avoid the contractor casual look of an adventurers vest, BDUs and stylish sunglasses.
