3 o’clock? 4 o’clock? Small of the back? Appendix? IWB? OWB?
How should you carry — concealed, partially concealed, or open? Leather or Kydex? Snap retention or passive retention? Belly band or something that actually holds the gun where you want it?
Great questions. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a holster graveyard in a drawer somewhere labeled “Oooo, that looks comfortable” and “I mean, it makes sense…” Then there’s the holster you actually grab every time you head out the door. But is it the right one?
Let’s talk straight.
Leather: Looks Nice. Think Twice.
There’s something classic about leather. Your great-uncle Owen carried a leather holster with his 1911 and no one ever messed with him. Leather ages well. Leather softens. Leather looks professional. I get it. I even like the security of a snap strap on certain revolvers — it has a place.
But leather is pliable. That pliability creates two problems for modern carry:
Shape and reliability: For IWB carry, leather often won’t hold its shape for consistent reholstering and draw. Hybrid options (Kydex shell, leather backing) address this — but they cost more.
Risk during holstering: Leather can fold or slip in ways that introduce material near the trigger guard. Pliable material plus a rushed or distracted holstering motion can be dangerous.
If you carry OWB (outside the waistband) and love leather, more power to you — but be honest about the tradeoffs. Leather OWB looks good. Leather IWB? Not my first pick.
Cloth & Belly Bands: A Hard Pass for Serious Carriers
Cloth holsters, belly bands, cheap nylon knockoffs — I have the same problems with them as I do with leather, only multiplied. Fabric can bunch, ride between trigger and guard, and generally be unreliable under stress.
If you’re serious about carrying and preparing for a fight, cloth holsters and belly bands are not the solution. They’re accessories for a different set of needs, not a dependable EDC system. No. No. And no three more times on Tuesday.
Kydex: The Practical Choice for Many
Kydex shell holsters — especially those with a solid backing or quality ride-control — are where I landed. They’re rigid, repeatable, and can be tuned for passive retention. Hybrid holsters that pair Kydex with a leather or neoprene backing can give you the best of both worlds: comfort and consistent reholstering.
Brands I recommend (and have used or seen consistently used by pros): Tier 1 Concealed, T.Rex Arms, Tulster, and mid-to-high-tier offerings from others. If you’re paying for a holster, spend on quality. If you’re going to spend those prices, get something that will stand up to real work.
Retention: Passive vs. Active
Passive retention = no snap to undo, no thumb release. Just adjustable retention via a screw so the gun doesn’t fall out. Fast, quiet, and preferred by a lot of professionals.
Active retention = straps, thumb breaks, or locking devices. They add security, but they add steps under stress.
If you train from a position that requires a thumb break or active retention, great — but train that. For most EDC users who prioritize speed and simplicity, a good passive-retention Kydex holster is ideal.
Position: What’s Fast? What’s Safe?
There’s no single “best” carry position for everyone. Train from whatever gives you the fastest, most reliable access. But I will absolutely discourage this one: 5–6 o’clock (small of back). That position increases reaction time, is difficult to access if you fall or are pressed to the ground, and makes you an easy target for theft. Don’t.
4 o’clock and 3 o’clock IWB are common and fast for many trained professionals. You can be blazingly fast from these positions if you train them.
Appendix carry (AIWB) is where I live. It gives quick access if my back is to a wall, if I’m on the ground, if I need to draw from concealment. It’s what works best for my body and my duties.
OWB has its place — range work, duty, certain carry styles — but remember the risk of presenting a tempting target in public spaces.
What matters most? Consistency and practice. Whatever position you pick, train from it until your draw and reholster are second nature.
One in the Chamber? Yes.
Carrying with an empty chamber to “be safe” in public is, frankly, a liability in my view. If you’re carrying for defense, carry one in the chamber. A properly maintained, high-quality firearm doesn’t randomly discharge. A properly trained carrier knows safe draw and reholstering techniques. Seconds count in a violent encounter — a chambered round can be the difference.
If you’re not comfortable carrying with a round chambered, get training. Get comfortable. Don’t depend on wishful thinking.
Equipment is Secondary — Training is Primary
Holster choice matters. Material matters. Position matters. But when the lights go hot, training beats gear every time. The best holster in the world won’t save you if your draw is slow, your grip sloppy, or your point of aim inconsistent.
Do these things:
Get a reliable weapon from a reputable manufacturer.
Get a reliable holster that suits your carry position and daily life.
Buy ammo and use it. Live fire with purpose.
Dry fire frequently — while watching TV, during breaks, wherever safe.
Run drills: draw, present, get sights on target, follow-up shots, reloads. Make the motions automatic.
Treat your pistol like a tool, not a conversation piece. A well-maintained tool handled by a trained person is the best combination.
Final Thoughts
You can argue OWB vs. IWB until the cows come home. You can love leather and swear by it. I respect that. But for my EDC, for what I need day in and day out, Kydex IWB with passive retention is where I sit. Full-size gun I can comfortably conceal is my preference. I carry with one in the chamber. I train like my life depends on it — because it does.
If you want to be prepared, don’t let your holster choices be an afterthought or a fashion show. Pick a reliable holster. Pick a solid carry position you can train from. And then train until your draw stroke, point of aim, and reholster are as natural as picking up a cup of coffee.
The best gear won’t save you. Your training will.
🛡 Prepared in Spirit. Ready in Strength.
Train. Dry fire. Live fire. Repeat.
