2020 Update: Links removed as I no longer wish to support Amazon.
So you read How to Conceal Carry and What Not To Do and voted in my poll: What’s Your Favorite Single Stack 9mm Conceal Carry Firearm?
Now you want to get a handle on conceal carry holsters. Fair enough.
This will be a quick, short article. I had a couple of people ask me what I use for CCW and I figured I’d just make it into an easy article.
Personally, I don’t like to spend a lot on holsters. I know some guys like to get the best they can find, and I get that. But I don’t see the value added. If it holds up well and does what it is supposed to do, I’m happy with it.
So, both of the ones I have used for over 3 years are really cheap holsters. They still are just as durable as when I bought them, and they get the job done.
So if you ask me: you don’t need to drop $100 or even $50 on a holster unless you really want too. It’s just not required with the higher quality cheaper options out there.
So, I use these two. One is an IWB (In-Waistband) and the other is an ankle holster (if I don’t want to carry on the waist).
My Two Favorite Cheap Conceal Carry Holsters
CONCEALED CARRIER (TM) Universal IWB Holster
Why it’s good:
- Fits most firearms
- Made out of padded and breathable surgical grade elastic neoprene with air holes that allow ventilation for your leg
- Made by Vets
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy quickdraw
- No printing
- Extra holster for an additional mag
- Adjustability (can use it for more than just IWB, but I only use it for IWB)
- Great reviews
This one is great for EDC. You really do tend to forget you have it on. Or at least I do with my Walther PPS M2.
LIRISY Ankle Holster
Why it’s good:
- Doesn’t slip. I couldn’t tell you how many of these I tried before I found one that doesn’t slip over time.
- Comfortable: it’s made of breathable neoprene material.
- Ambidextrous: can be used by righties or lefties.
- Also fits most guns just like the IWB option above.
- Obviously no printing, as it’s an ankle holster. Just make sure to wear pants (That’s just a good thing to remember in general).
If you want a holster but don’t want it IWB, I’d pick this one. I use this one when I don’t (or can’t) carry the other one. It’s simple and does the job well, and is inexpensive compared to the $50 brands.
Regardless of which holster you pick, they are both solid options. Like I said, I use them both for different occasions and they both work fine and have held up > 3 years.
If you have any other recommendations for CCW holsters, feel free to drop them in the comments. Try to find them on a site other than Amazon if you can.