A swift and sudden draw of your handgun can be a deciding factor to whether you are going to survive a dangerous situation or not. It is not a scene that you can see on the movies alone. In unfortunate cases, this could also happen to you.
More…
Having a handgun is ideal for protection. But you cannot just carry it openly in broad daylight, right? There is where you will need the service of the best OWB holster for concealed carry. It is a great accessory that allows you to hide your licensed gun wherever you want to go. It is a low-profile concealer that suits well on any application.
5 of the Best OWB Holster for Concealed Carry: A Full User GuideBest OWB Holster for Concealed Carry: Top 5 Options1. Fobus Standard Holster – The Best Overall OWB Holster2. Outlaw Holsters Black Carbon Fiber Kydex OWB Holster – Alternative Pick3. BLACKHAWK Serpa CQC Holster – Budget Friendly OWB Holster4. Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB – High-End OWB HolsterChoosing the Best OWB Holster for Concealed CarryCarry ModeMaterialsRetentionFinal Verdict
OWB holsters are suitable for ordinary folks and individuals. Also, the police personnel and other tactical officers are using this in their day-to-day activities. Undercovers love this tool!
Although it appears simple, not all OWB holsters are equal. Some are great while some are just so-so. If you want to make sure that your handgun safe and concealed, you should only get the appropriate holsters that can do the job. Who are they? You’ll find out in the next section!
[amazon table=”4460″]
Best OWB Holster for Concealed Carry: Top 5 Options
1. Fobus Standard Holster – The Best Overall OWB Holster
The Fobus Standard Holster is a superb OWB holster. Many are interested in this holster because of its durability and convenient features. This one requires less maintenance because there is no need for you to oil it. It is not susceptible to sweating, too. Overall, I can say that it is impervious to external detriments. It can survive it in any conditions without any damages.
This OWB holster is under the Evolution Series of Fobus. These particular holsters feature impressive passive retention capabilities. It also includes an adjustable retention screw which ensures its flexibility. Take note that the screw does not have presets. Therefore, you can easily adjust the ideal pressure retention that will accommodate your firearm. Moreover, the passive retention activates once you re-holster your gun.
The Fobus Standard Holster is fit for right-hand shooters. That is the only limitation that this holster has. Other than that, it is a great holster. I also have to emphasise that this holster comes with rivet attachment system that has steel reinforcement. You can also convert this is into a paddle version, as you can attach a rubberised paddle to this holster.
Pros:
- checkRequires less maintenance
- Durable construction
- Can be converted into a paddle version
- Low-profile and lightweight design
- Passive retention works great
Cons:
- times-circle
2. Outlaw Holsters Black Carbon Fiber Kydex OWB Holster – Alternative Pick
If you another OWB holster that can match the quality of Fobus Standard Holster, you might want to try this unit from Outlaw Holsters. This particular has a robust construction, is made from pure and authentic Kydex and carbon fibre. It is a custom-made OWB holster that originates in the United States. Therefore, you can ensure that it has a rugged and highly durable.
Just like the Fobus Standard Holster, the Outlaw Holster is breathable. It is not susceptible to warping and sweating, which can cause a gradual decay of the holster. It is very comfortable to wear because it doesn’t have any sharp edges at all. Furthermore, it features compatibility to many handguns. Of course, the concealing ability of this holster is quite superb, too.
The retention of the Outlaw Holster OWB holster is also impressive. It allows you to use your gun properly and snugly. It can adjust based on the size and shape of your firearm, which is quite a necessary feature for OWB holsters. Its grip is good, too. Your gun won’t slip away from you even in wet and rainy conditions. With these perks, it is not a surprise anymore the Outlaw Holster is beloved by many gun owners.
Pros:
- checkRugged construction
- Slip-free grip
- Excellent retention
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides foolproof concealment for your gun
Cons:
- times-circle
3. BLACKHAWK Serpa CQC Holster – Budget Friendly OWB Holster
You can still own a great OWB Holster even if your budget is limited. One good proof for that is the BLACKHAWK Serpa CQC Holster. The latter has a superb design and construction, which allows absolute protection and concealment to your precious handgun. Moreover, this holster sports noteworthy features; too, that naturally improves its overall performance.
One of these features is the patented Serpa Auto Lock release. It is a two-in-one mechanism that enables its users to draw and reholster the shotgun quickly. For fast-paced situations, this particular component can become a game changer. The said component also provides more protection to your handgun while you are concealing it under your garments.
Another thing that you should appreciate about the BLACKHAWK Serpa CQC Holster is its versatility. Specifically, it is compatible with various weapons such as a different version of Glock, Beretta, Colt, and H&K. Furthermore, it also has an ergonomic passive retention adjustment screw and platforms for both belt loop and paddle. Wherever you look this holster, it is a versatile option.
Pros:
- checkReasonably priced
- Durable construction
- Speed-cut design for quicker retention
- Available platforms for paddle and belt-loop
- Smooth and comfortable finish
Cons:
- times-circle
4. Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB – High-End OWB Holster
The Alien Gear is a favourite brand of handgun holsters and accessories. It is a premium brand that features high-quality holsters that will not make you regret of anything. If you want a solid evidence for that, you should try their Cloak Mod. The latter is an extremely rugged yet comfortable holster. It comes with a solid back plate for optimal gun support. There are also some mounting points installed on this device for paddle or belt-attachments.
The interior of this holster features a thermos elastomer construction. This particular material allows the holster to accommodate the firearm without destroying it finish. Between the internal layers of the holster, there is a specialised steel plate. The latte flexes whenever you insert your handgun. As a result, it optimises the quality of retention.
On the base of the holster, you can see a customised retention shell for enhanced gun support. The package also includes a myriad of retention adjustment screws and some pieces of rubber washers. With these components around, you can quickly adjust the conservation of the holster based on your preferences.
Pros:
- checkAvailable in multiple attachments
- Enables a quick and smooth draw
- Multiple washers and screws for unlimited retention adjustment
- Doesn’t harm the finish of your gun
- Comfortable to wear
Cons:
- times-circleAdjusting the paddle attachment is quite tricky
5. Safariland 7378 7TS ALS Concealment Holster – Best OWB Holster for Retention Capabilities
If you want a holster that can guarantee the safety of your gun, you should check out the Safariland 7378 7TS. This one features a patented Automatic Locking System, which gives a foolproof security to your handgun once you holstered it. The said design also allows quick draws through a simple flick of your thumb.
It has another proprietary feature, which relates to its construction. Specifically, the 7TS or the SafariSeven is a unique material that exhibits astounding rigidity and durability. But that is not the main selling point of the 7TS. Instead, the material can preserve and protect the finish of your handgun. Moreover, the interior surface of this device is breathable. The friction between the surface and the gun is minimal, too.
This holster comes with an ergonomic paddle made from soft nylon. You could also opt to use its default belt slide that exhibits excellent adjustability. Some people don’t like its open-top design. But for me, it is a plus factor. After all, it allows you to retrieve your weapon quickly.
Pros:
- checkCan lock your handgun in place
- Comfortable to wear
- Compatible with various handguns
- Creates less internal friction
- Comes with both paddle and belt-in attachments
Cons:
- times-circleIt is quite hard to insert the paddle attachment in your pants
- times-circleConcealment is only great when you are wearing loose clothes
Choosing the Best OWB Holster for Concealed Carry
As I mentioned earlier, you are not allowed to carry a gun openly, even if it is licensed. It is unethical and proves to be disturbing. You are like a madman who has ill-intent. That is not okay at all!
Your gun is not for showoff. Please note of that. Instead, it is an amenity that can protect you in dire circumstances and emergency situations. Therefore, there is no need for you to divulge it openly. Even police officers are somehow discreet when it comes to their weapons.
A holster is necessary but choosing it should not be rushed. There are some things that you have to consider whenever you want to get this gun accessory. But always remember that your preferences will also play a huge role in the selection process. After all, you will never get something that you don’t like, right?
Carry Mode
One of the primary things that you should consider when choosing a holster is the way you are going to carry it. In the market today, there are two typical designs for this: the OWB and IWB. The OWB means “outside the waistband” while the IWB means the “inside the waistband.”
Deciding between these two can be easy if you know what carry mode will make you feel comfortable. But in real-life applications, it is pretty apparent that IWB holsters have better concealment feature than its counterpart. The design of this holster will allow you to insert it inside your undergarments and pants. However, there is a downside with this. IWB holsters require you to wear bigger pants. Otherwise, you will tear the latter.
On the flipside, OWB holsters are more comfortable and flexibility that IWB holsters. You can also conceal them by just wearing long shirts or mildly loose clothes.
Materials
Holsters can come with different materials. Of course, the type of the material can dictate the quality and price of the holster itself. But always remember that you should never settle for less. Because if you do, you will end up with a flimsy holster
The holster that you should choose should be able to cover the trigger of your gun. That is a necessary component that improves the safety of the carrier. It should be sturdy and durable to prevent any accidental discharges.
Materials like leather, specialised plastics, and Kydex are some of the best options that you have. They are rugged and offer absolute protection for your handgun. But this time, let me emphasise a little bit about Kydex. The latter is a unique polymer material. It has a distinctive characteristic of being able to shape itself to the type of gun that you have.
Some holsters combine Kydex, leather, and carbon fibre in their construction. If you can spot a unit like this, then you have to get it immediately. It would be a great investment, regardless of its price.
Retention
The maintenance of a holster is necessary for support and stability. It is quite a technical term, isn’t it? Well, in layman’s term, the retention can be translated into this phrase: stay where you are.
You can quickly test the conservation of the holster by inserting a gun into it. After that, turn the holster upside down. Did your firearm fall? If yes, then it is not a good holster. But otherwise, the holster can serve you well.
However, the best OWB holsters should have an adjustable retention. Specifically, the holster should be able to accommodate your gun. Even if we want a good retention, this doesn’t mean that you want to choke your firearm with the holster. The friction caused by an extremely tight holster can cause marring on the finish of the gun. Furthermore, it lessens the speed of your draw.
Final Verdict
Overall, having an OWB holster is essential for every handgun owners. The accessory will allow you to carry your firearm discreetly and inconspicuously. It is an advantage on your part because it enables you to become prepared at all times.
Those OWB holsters that I have featured here have excellent construction and concealment capabilities. Any of them will satisfy you. But for the record, I believe that it is the Fobus Standard Holster is the best OWB holster for concealed carry. It has unique design and features that protect you and your gun. Furthermore, it’s very comfortable, regardless of the type of handgun you insert on it. Also, it exhibits high-quality retention and concealing capabilities.
The Outlaw Holsters is a close candidate. I want to treat these two OWB holsters equal. However, the comfort level of the Outlaw Holster OWB holster is not as significant as the Fobus Standard.
But for you, which of these OWB holsters that I featured have the upper hand? Did I miss any holsters that are worthy of being mentioned? Well, you can tell all your rants in the comment section below! Don’t forget to hit like and share, too!