Outside Waistband Holsters (OWB)
The outside waistband holster (OWB) is worn externally on your belt. Not many people use OWB holsters for concealed carry because they are difficult to conceal when compared to other methods. That’s not to say it isn’t possible to conceal carry with an OWB holster especially with heavy winter clothing. In any case, OWB holsters are much more common for open carry purposes.
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Pros:
- Most comfortable. OWB is generally considered as comfortable as it gets when carrying a gun.
- Easy accessibility when drawing.
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Cons:
- Hard to conceal, may draw unwanted attention. Extremely hard to not print when wearing less than Siberian clothing.
- Thumb break. Many OWB holsters come with a thumb break to protect the gun when worn externally.
Gun Choice:
I don’t do OWB carry often unless out in the woods. For that purpose I carry a S&W 629, .44 Magnum.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:55 am
I have tried most styles of holsters. I highly recommend the beltster, try it and you will not go back. http://banderagunleather.com/
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I am looking for a owb holster that would fit my interarms firestar 9mm what size is this and how much is it?
thank you
Paul
January 19th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I am on the heavy side. I have a Browning 9MM High Power. I can’t fine a belt holster that does not pull my pants down. What do I do?
January 20th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Spencer,
Your problem is with the belt, not the holster. What you need is a thick belt made specifically for carrying a gun. Check my belt page for more info.
- ConcealedCarryAdvocate
July 6th, 2009 at 2:40 am
I am looking for a side by side holster for my my 1911’s so I can carry my weapons on my belt and behind me
October 7th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Aaron, my favorite owb holster is Fobus 1911. I’m a pretty small guy, and I live in Alaska, this holster, when worn under a 3/4 length jacket, is perfect for concealed carry. Now, as you know, any weapon worn on your back, presents a number of problems. Specifically when sitting or bending over. I’d recommend going to your local gun shop and trying a few of the holsters there.
October 29th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hello,
I have a Glock 23, I am looking for an outside the waistband clip on – I do not where a belt, also I am a little over weight, so soft or a flab or something would be good, this will be my first conceal carry holster so I am sure I will learn a lot.
I am not comfortable carry a gun, the holster must cover the trigger guard, must fit and secure the gun.
Thank you in advance
Rusty Gerber
February 1st, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi Rusty, as someone said before Fobus is a good way to go as far as outside the waistband holsters. I have a few and they are really inexpensive for what you get (quality and super durable).
if you look at their site they use a ‘passive retention’ which keeps the gun secure using the trigger guard (im just paraphrasing what they wrote, but i know they work nice).
so in your case i would say go with a paddle holster, they slide into the pants pretty easy and stay in place, and believe it or not they are really comfortable. sometimes i dont even notice i am wearing it.
check out the site, it has a ‘find your holster’ so you just plug in what gun you have and it shows if they have one.
http://www.fobusholster.com
hope it helps!
February 12th, 2010 at 6:51 am
I absolutely love my Blackhawk Serpa CQC OWB holster! I tried the Fobus for a while and I was not happy with it. This holster does not have a thumb brake, but it does have an index finger trigger guard release button. The holster rides high on your hip, so it is fairly easy to conceal.
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:19 am
Do holsters without a thumb break retain a gun well? I’m looking for a OWB holster for a 1911 which will be mostly used for camping/hiking.
March 29th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
i’m looking for a owb for taurus pt709 any suggestions?
thanks
April 2nd, 2010 at 6:44 am
Rusty, remember, some of the inside the waistband paddle holsters come out of your pants along with the gun when you draw.
April 27th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Looking for a OWB holster for my Taurus 24/7. Seems they are very hard to find.
May 11th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Why not a OWB holster that fully conceals your pistol, even if you’re wearing only a tank-top or t-shirt tucked into your pants? I got myself one of these, and while its not glamorous, and I get my fair share of ribbing from guys that I ride motorcycles with, I love it. I carry my Glock 23 in it, and it even carries / hides a spare mag as well.
Called a Pistol Pouch. Yu can find it at http://www.dragonleatherworks.com
June 4th, 2010 at 5:56 am
I have a sub-compact I carry here in the state of GA. I am looking for a Good Sub-Compact holster…. Any thoughts. Please send me an email.
July 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
HighNoon holsters, Slide guard. Great retention w/o thumb break, custom fit, FBI cant and adjusting screw. Conceals my heavy stainless S&W 9mm quite well.