Outside-the-waistband carry has always been one of the most popular carry methods for both professionals and civilian gun owners. Many concealed carriers appreciate the option for comfort. In contrast, others who favor open carry will find that OWB holsters strike a fairly good balance between accessibility, comfort, and security for an average carrier. IWB holsters feel very restrictive and tend to dig into your body. In contrast, OWB holsters ride outside your pants and are generally easier to draw from, especially if you carry bigger handguns.
However, positioning your OWB holster on your waist defines your carry quality. Some positions allow for faster access, others for better concealment, and others are more comfortable sitting or walking. In this detailed guide, find out the Best OWB Carry Positions for Comfort and Speed throughout the "clock face" system.
Why Choose OWB Carry?
Before we get into the specifics of the positions, it is important to know why many folks consider OWB holsters the finest. OWB carry is often considered to offer a much smoother and natural draw, especially during tense scenarios. These holsters feel much better at standing up to the weight distribution due to the gun, thus making it comfortable to carry all day, especially with full-sized handguns. OWB holsters also serve very well for open carry and range uses where concealment is the least concern.
Still, not all OWB positions are created equal. Let's investigate the popular OWB carry positions and compare their comfort and speed.
3 O’Clock – Strong-Side Hip Carry
The 3 o’clock position is usually for right-handed users. It is the most popular and straightforward OWB carry position. According to this, the holster is located right on the hip bone on the dominant side. This position allows for a very natural and instinctive draw — your arm falls naturally to your side, and you can have your weapon presented in very few movements. It is also one of the easiest positions to practice drawing under stressful conditions.
This is the perfect place for the open carry, remaining the fastest draw with its weight on show. Generally considered comfortable for most body shapes while standing or walking, it can be hard to conceal at 3 o'clock. Unless you wear a coat or a loose shirt, the firearm's grip may somehow print through your clothing. Sitting down occasionally is a little less comfortable because if the holster is big, it may press against the seat or dig into one side of your hips.
4–5 O’Clock – Behind-the-Hip Carry
The 4-to-5 o'clock carry position is one of the most popular positions for concealed carriers because it balances concealment and access. This position lies behind the strong side of the hip, the lower back, and the hip curve. The gun is behind the back and easy to hide. This position allows the firearm to sit against the body a little more. Such natural concealment reduces printing and is sufficient for full-sized pistols to be carried discreetly under an untucked shirt or light jacket.
It is often considered more comfortable than the 3 o'clock carry position, particularly when sitting for short periods. The holster sits so that it does not press into you hard, allowing greater time and less irritation. This position could be slightly slower to draw from as it involves more body and shoulder rotation. So, drawing from this angle quickly may take more practice, especially for those with a tight range of motion. However, with proper training and holster cant, the 4-5 o'clock position is undoubtedly one of the best and most discreet ways to carry OWB.
2–3 O'Clock: Appendix OWB Carry (Rare)
Appendix carry is usually associated with IWB holsters, but a few shooters will try OWB holsters in the 2–3 o'clock position, just in front of the hip on the dominant side. This position sacrifices concealment for speed and is favored by competitive shooters or those in situations where being able to draw quickly is paramount. OWB holsters allow carriers to have their firearm in their direct line of sight, giving some of them mental reassurance.
The big advantage here is the speed of draw. Appendage OWB carry permits fast drawing with little arm movement until a straight upward pull. However, concealment poses one big challenge. Right in front of the hip, it is much more noticeable under clothing. Comfort-wise, the firearm will generally never be comfortable to wear daily, especially when sitting, because it presses against the upper thigh or the abdomen. Apart from that, one has to worry about safety if the holster does not adequately protect the trigger. Such a position should be kept for more advanced users who place speed of draw over concealment and know the associated safety risks.
6 O'Clock – Small of the Back Carry
Pregnant in the small of the back, at 6 o'clock, this form of carrying looks good in movies but is divisive. From a concealment perspective, the gun sits right behind the body, so it has less chance of printing under most clothes. It works best for those who want to carry discreetly but don't want to change their wardrobe much.
As though that weren't enough, small-of-the-back carry also has some serious drawbacks in that it requires a sweeping motion that feels awkward and is slower than any other position for drawing. Also, you may have to contort your arm and shoulder to access the gun unnaturally. Performing at a desk or vehicle is challenging, as with many other tasks. There is also a safety issue: operating a firearm with the weapon pointed backwards at your spine poses severe injury risks. Some individuals may find this position comfortable for brief periods, but will be hindered by prolonged static activity or movement.
9–10 O’Clock – Cross-Draw Carry (for Right-Handed Users)
Right-handed shooters can use the 9-10 O’clock Cross Draw Carry, which takes advantage of positioning outside the waistband holster further behind the waist on the non-dominant side. While not as common today, cross-draw has its place, especially for drivers or individuals who spend a lot of time seated. With the firearm positioned in front and angled toward your dominant side, it becomes easier to draw while sitting down or behind a steering wheel.
Individuals who struggle with flexibility favor cross draw due to ease of access instead of behind-the-hip carry, which becomes difficult quickly. Despite comfort, this placement may reduce tactical effectiveness within certain scenarios. The cross-draw carry allows the defender easier access to the weapon. However, the draw motion is slower, more pronounced, and involves sweeping the muzzle across your body, which is a safety concern. Concealment is also less effective when wearing a large jacket or coat. Still, for some body types or occupational needs, cross-draw can be a viable OWB carry position.
Choosing the Right OWB Carry Position
No one approach will work for everyone as far as OWB carry goes. Best OWB Carry Positions works with your body shape, clothing style, daily activities, and the balance between concealment and draw speed. Many seasoned carriers adapt to different situations; for instance, they use 3 or 4 o’clock positions for everyday concealed carry but change to 2 o’clock or cross-draw while driving or at the range.
Finding the most natural and secure position requires experimenting with unloaded firearms and quality OWB holsters. Regularly practicing your draw from a set position will enhance muscle memory while instilling confidence. The perception that comfort and accessibility are mutually exclusive is untrue; both can be attained with the proper setup.
Want to refine your OWB carry configuration? Shop for premium OWB holsters that aim for comfort without sacrificing capture speed or durability. Whether at the range, on patrol, or concealed carrying throughout your day, trust us to ensure your gear stays reliable and ready.
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