As a gun owner, it’s your responsibility to take care of the weapon and keep it safely in a case to prevent inconvenience. Among a range of gun holster options available, an OWB stands out. Outside the Waistband is an ideal holster for individuals who do not want to conceal their weapon. The majority of law enforcement officers and shooters find this holster useful due to the easy accessibility and security it brings. The OWB holster is worn outside your pants and is attached to the waistbelt.
Shop Our Best-Selling OWB Holsters
At Wright Leather Works, we have curated an extensive range of OWB holsters to suit all gun owners’ requirements and preferences. Here’s a peek into the collection:
OWB Holster Overview:
What Makes It Unique? As the name suggests, an Outside the Waistband holster is placed on the exterior side of your pants. You can secure it near the appendix, at the hip, or behind it. Since this concealed carry allows you to access the gun easily and quickly, it is popular for open carry. The holster doesn’t come in contact with your body, making it a comfortable choice for long hours of usage. You can easily attach it to the belt loop or clips.
How Does an OWB Holster Work?
OWB isn’t known for its concealment. The concealed carry is only hidden if you wear an oversized jacket or a sweatshirt. Rather, this holster cover provides accessibility and comfort. Any pistol kept inside such a holster is readily available and doesn’t require technical practice.
Since the OWB is commonly positioned at the 3 o’clock position, you can also carry it in a cross-draw position. The orientation depends on your comfort and preference.
Drawing your gun from this holster is pretty easy. Here’s how:
- Hold the weapon with your drawing hand
- If there’s any retention accessory, loosen it up
- Pull your weapon up and out for quick action
OWB vs. IWB Holster – Quick Comparison Table
Although OWB and IWB holsters attach to the waistband, there’s a difference between the two. Here’s how:
OWB Holster: Benefits and Limitations
Outside the Waistband is your best bet if you need to draw your handgun quickly in most situations. It doesn’t sit directly against the skin or is concealed behind clothes.
Benefits
- More comfortable to carry every day
- A good fit for all kinds of guns
Limitations
- Cannot conceal the weapon in necessary situations
IWB Holster: Benefits and Limitations
Inside the Waistband holster keeps your weapon hidden inside your clothes. So, it is suitable in situations where you don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.
Benefits
- Easily conceals your gun
- Offers better security, especially in fragile situations
- Suitable for small and medium guns
Limitations
- Slows down the draw time
- Doesn’t feel comfortable as the cover sticks to your skin
Key Advantages of OWB Carry
While an IWB holster is common among law enforcement officers, there’s a significant section of personnel who depend on an OWB. Here’s why Outside the Waistband carry is an ideal pick for your weapon:
Open Carry
If the criminals are aware that you have a gun, they wouldn’t indulge in mischief. You can display your weapon proudly with OWB and keep everyone from causing trouble. It makes you feel like you are in control of every situation.
Versatile
An OWB holster isn’t just made for a single gun. Rather, it is customary for medium to large-sized weapons. In case you change your weapon over the course, you wouldn’t have to invest again in the case. The strong belt support and complete coverage make it easy to carry any gun without slippage during movement.
Comfortable
The holster equally distributes the weight of the gun around the waist and doesn’t stick to the clothing. Since it attaches outside the belt loop, this cover would not press against the body. You can keep your pistol securely attached to your clothing for long hours.
Security
Carrying a weapon with minimal contact to the skin feels much safer in controlled surroundings. In case of an accidental discharge, an OWB holster reduces your chances of getting hurt.
Can You Conceal Carry with an OWB Holster?
Although an OWB holster is meant for open carry, you can still conceal your weapon with a few adjustments. Here is how you can conceal carry with the holster:
Type of Clothing
You can successfully hide a firearm by:
- Wearing a loose jacket, sweater, or shirt longer than your waistline
- Choose dark coloured clothes to minimise printing
Type of Gun
Although people use an OWB holster for full-size guns, you can easily hide a compact model. Some of the popular options include:
- SIG P365
- Glock 19
- Smith and Wesson Shield
Design of Holster
Select a holster that is specifically designed to hide your gun. A cover with forward cant angle bends the grip towards your body for enhanced concealment.
Types of OWB Holsters
As a gun owner, you must choose the right concealed cover for yourself. An Outside the Waistband holster comes in different styles to suit your requirements. Here’s a look:
Standard Holster
The classic holster is known for its robust design and is made from two pieces of material. The fabrics are sewn or bolted effectively to cover the larger part of the gun. Owing to its shape, this standard cover is also known as a pancake holster. Here are the distinct features of the standard holster:
- There’s no active retention system. The passive system always keeps your handgun secure.
- Most of the holsters are made from Kydex, a common choice for open carry.
- Minimal printing and maximum comfort for long hours.
Paddle Holster
A paddle holster is similar to the standard design. However, there are no belt loops. Instead, this pistol case features a spring-loaded paddle for secure positioning. This paddle slides into your waistband and attaches to your pants to keep the cover close. Once you have successfully attached it, the holster will not move from its position unless pulled out. The distinct features are as follows:
- The easy insertion and removal of the holster from your waistband make it a convenient choice.
- It enables quick adjustment, ideal for gun owners with frequent transitions between sitting and standing positions.
- The gun owner can easily relocate the holster, making it ideal for officers operating under cover.
Belt Slide Holster
The holster slides onto your belt through the in-built loops or slots. It is mostly used for small and medium firearms, and is perfect for people looking for simple OWB holsters. This concealed carry is easy to hide under clothing and has a sleek design. Some of the distinct features of a belt slide holster are:
- Low-build profile and made from nylon or leather for long-lasting performance.
- Can fit universal gun designs, especially the common small-sized ones.
- Keeps the muzzle open, enabling quick use in emergencies.
Best OWB Carry Positions for Comfort and Speed
An Outside the Waistband carry can be positioned in different ways, depending on your preference and requirement. When using the holster for the first time, you might wonder about the best position to carry it. Some of the common positions preferred for comfort and speed are:
Strong-Side Carry
This is a 3 o’clock position, which is common for open carry. The orientation makes it easy for you to draw the gun from your dominant hand, making it a preferred choice for critical situations.
Kidney Carry
Often known as the kidney carry due to its position, the holster is located between 4 and 5 o’clock. Here, the weapon is behind your hips and allows you to conceal it easily. Although the orientation is ideal for quick access, individuals with a big gun can find it difficult.
Cross-Draw
The cross-draw position means 10 to 11 o’clock for the shooters. In this case, your gun is located on the weak side’s hip so that you can easily draw it from your dominant hand. To easily draw the gun from this location, you have to cross your arms over your body.
Pro Tips for Optimising Your OWB Carry Setup
An OWB holster is one of the most convenient and safe choices for any pistol. However, to make your everyday carry experience better, here are a few tips to follow:
- Wear a high-quality leather belt that keeps the holster secure and close to your body. Make sure that it’s tight, however, not so tight that there’s no space between your gun and clothes. Also, wear tactical pants if you can for a stronger grip.
- You are carrying a gun with you. Don’t sag or else, the holster will flop down with you. Remember to walk firmly so you can securely hold your firearm in every situation. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to draw out the gun smoothly and miss the aim.
How to Choose the Right OWB Holster
If you are all set to buy an OWB holster, here are a few things to consider:
Comfort
The holster you choose should keep you at ease for long hours. There shouldn’t be any poking points or hard edges which can feel difficult to wear after some time. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities without feeling the need to get rid of the cover.
Retention
The right OWB holster not only keeps your gun secure but also allows easy accessibility. If the carry case is made through a thorough moulding process, it would maintain natural retention. A securely fit retention shouldn’t feel too loose or too tight; it should be just right.
Material
Choose the construction material carefully. The fabric should be comfortable, yet strong enough to withstand everyday rigours. Pick a holster that strikes the right balance between comfort and durability.
FAQs About OWB Holsters
How can I select the best OWB holster?
Choosing the right OWB holster depends on various factors, including material, retention, and adjustability.
Should I test my OWB holster before using it?
Yes, it takes a while to adapt to any new holster system, as it can feel intimidating in the beginning. Test your OWB holster for a few days, understand how it adjusts the best, and start using it.
Do I need a belt to carry my OWB holster?
Yes, you need to wear a belt to carry your OWB holster, as the loops present in the accessory are where the cover attaches.
Which is the best OWB holster position?
Strong side is the best OWB holster position, i.e., between 3 and 5 o’clock. This adjustment will help you draw the gun quickly, especially in emergencies.
Which dress is suitable to hold my OWB holster?
The dress depends on whether you want to conceal your weapon or not. If you do, the best approach is layering yourself with multiple clothes to minimise printing.
Why Choose Wright Leather Works for Your OWB Holster?
An OWB holster assures accessibility and reliability. However, not every pistol cover offers the same level of comfort. Therefore, it’s important to choose the holster carefully. AtWright Leather Works, we provide an extensive range of OWB holsters made from the best materials.
- These concealed covers are designed to suit every type of gun and keep you comfortable for long hours.
- Our holsters are incredibly adaptable. They can be worn in different positions to suit your needs. Wear it outside the waistband, on the hip, or within the waistline; however, you desire.
- Every holster has a retention mechanism that suits different types of clothing and body types.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an OWB holster is a major decision, especially if this is your first time. Consider various factors like types, concealment, retention, and material to make sure you choose the perfect concealed cover. In addition, it’s also important to choose a gun holster that doesn’t compromise your movement and keeps you moving in every situation. Whether you are sitting all day or on the ground running, the right OWB holster would be by your side. Pick the right Wright Leather Works holster for yourself and keep your open carry confidently everywhere.
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