Key Advantages of OWB Carry

An outside-the-waistband holster is one of the most common forms of carrying a weapon. It offers a natural way of drawing, without your clothes getting in the way. Since the OWB carry doesn’t directly touch your skin, it is more comfortable, especially in the summer season. Commonly found in materials such as leather, Kydex, and nylon, the holster ensures durability and retention throughout the day. Whether you are a security personnel or a law enforcement officer, there are several benefits to carrying your OWB holster.

This blog discusses the main advantages of an OWB carry, helping you decide whether it is the right fit or not.

7 Benefits of an Outside the Waistband Carry

An OWB is the best option when you have to access your firearm quickly. It offers a natural draw position, and your clothes don’t get in the way. Here are the main advantages of carrying an outside-the-waistband holster:

• Accessibility

  The holster provides quick access to your firearm in every situation. As the gun rests outside your waistband, on your belt, your draw isn’t restricted by your clothes. This quick and smooth draw motion makes it suitable for range practice and self-defence situations.
  
  

• Comfort

  Unlike IWB, an OWB holster rests away from your bodyline, ensuring that you don’t feel discomfort, even after prolonged use. You would not feel any added pressure against your waistband or skin. Also, you would not feel any kind of stinginess while moving, bending, or sitting.
  

• Concealment

  An OWB carry is known for showcasing your weapon in the open. However, when worn with the right outfit, it can also hide the gun effectively. If you don’t want to put the weapon on display, wear a long shirt, jacket, or vest so that it falls over the carry and doesn’t put it under the spotlight. You can also select a pancake-style holster that is fitted in a way that there’s minimal visibility and printing.
  
  

• Hygiene

  An OWB holster doesn’t come in contact with your skin, reducing the chances of sweating, friction, and rashes. This function makes the carry hygienic and low-maintenance. The finish of your holster’s material stays intact, even after continuous use. Also, you don’t have to struggle with humidity and moisture build-up, a common concern with IWB during the summer season.
  
  

• Improved Consistency

  The OWB holster is attached to your belt and remains unaffected by the fit of your pants. Therefore, you don’t need to adjust or shift the gun cover frequently, ensuring a consistent drawing experience. The stability offered by an OWB holster is specifically beneficial while training, as you can memorize the holster position.
  

• Compatible with Large Firearms

  If you wear an IWB holster with a full-sized pistol, you would feel comfortable all day long. However, the same is not true for an outside-the-waistband carry, as there is no direct contact of the cover with your skin. You can easily wear the holster for long hours, whether you sit, drive, or run after the criminals. Also, an OWB holster equally distributes the weight of the gun on your belt, eliminating any kind of discomfort or heaviness.
  
  

• Versatile Carry Positions

  You can carry an OWB holster in multiple positions along your belt loops. The decision completely depends on your body type and personal preference. Some of the common positions are 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, and cross-draw.

How to Choose an OWB Holster?

You know that an OWB holster is the right choice for you. However, deciding which cover you should purchase can be a tough job. Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind while selecting an OWB cover for yourself:

1. Type

Most of the OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters come with loops or clips for belt attachment. Some of the common styles are:

• Belt Slide: There is a sleeve-like material that slides over the belt and doesn’t cover the entire belt. It keeps the muzzle exposed and is ideal for those who don’t believe in concealment.
• Pancake: Two fabrics are stitched together to form a flat pouch. It fits comfortably against your body and is ideal for concealing your weapon.
• Paddle: It is a wide, flat clip-style holster that rests comfortably inside your waistband. In this case, the shell stays outside and easily gets attached and removed without taking off the belt.

2. Material

An OWB holster generally comes in three material options to suit every carrier’s personal preference and requirements:

• Leather: The holster retains its shape over time and provides a secure fit.
• Kydex: The fabric is durable, retains shape, and molds according to the gun’s shape.
• Nylon: The fabric is lightweight, versatile, and comfortable to wear regularly.

3. Adjustability

It is crucial to look for an adjustable holster as it enables you to keep the gun in an easily accessible and comfortable spot. Search for an OWB carry with an adjustable cant so you can shift the grip and find the perfect angle of concealment.

4. Customisation

You may not always just want your gun; different situations demand add-on accessories. When finding a holster, make sure that it can accommodate additional lights, extra magazines, and loaded chamber indicators.

Buy the Best OWB Carry for Your Combats

You know what an OWB holster does, and you are sure it’s the right choice for you. At Wright Leather Works, you can find the holsters that don’t disappoint. Browse through the range of carry available, and match it to your requirements and preferences. Understand their features, the kind of guns they suit, and the customization they offer. Invest in a holster that stays with you for a long time.

FAQs

1. Are OWB holsters comfortable to carry?
   Yes, OWB holsters do not come in contact with your skin and are comfortable to wear for long hours.
2. Are OWB holsters better than IWB?
   Yes, an OWB holster is more comfortable than an IWB. However, whether one is better than the other depends on your needs and preferences.
3. Can I conceal a gun with an OWB holster?
   Yes, you can conceal your gun with OWB by wearing a long shirt or jacket.
4. Where is the OWB holster attached?
   The OWB holster is generally attached to the outside of your waistband.
5. Is an OWB holster suitable for military personnel?
   Yes, the OWB holster is suitable for military personnel.