Training OWB Holsters

We recommend that if you are new to defensive handgun training and have never received formal training to draw from a holster that you start with one of these holsters. These OWB holsters are comfortable and accessible, however, they may be bulky and not very concealable.  

 

BladeTech Classic 

BladeTech has been the standard in training and competition holsters for private citizens for decades. Their Classic OWB holster is a great option for getting started on the range and learning how to draw from the holster. 

 

Comp-Tac 

Comp-Tac produces a variety of holsters designed to be used in competitive shooting. These holsters allow users to easily draw and holster for improved time. Most of them are optic compatible. Their International Holster has been the most popular holster used in IDPA competitions. 

 

Safariland Passive Retention and Active Retention

All of Safariland’s products are high quality. They are the gold standard in duty holsters for law enforcement, military and security. Most of their holsters are made with retention for the purpose of being carried openly on duty. These retention devices can complicate learning how to draw from the holster unless you’re in the law enforcement or security fields, we generally recommend avoiding retention holsters.

 

For private citizens attending our standard DHS program, we recommend Safariland’s Model 5198 with no active retention. If you would prefer retention, we recommend one of their concealment holsters with active retention, such as their GLS or ALS holsters. 

 

T-Rex Arms Ragnarok

T-Rex Arms makes quality holsters and puts out great content through their social media and online presence. Their Ragnarok holster is customizable. They allow you to choose several belt attachments and colors. 

 

Concealed Carry OWB Holsters

Be aware that these Concealment OWB holsters are made to maximize concealment. What you may sacrifice in training is comfortability and accessibility. If you are comfortable with your draw stroke and would like to train closer to how you actually carry, you may run a more concealable set up such as these. 

 

Bravo Concealment BCA

Bravo Concealment makes great budget concealed carry holsters. Their BCA OWB Holster is a great budget holster that hugs the body tight and provides great concealment. They apply the same principles of concealment technology to their magazine pouches. 

 

T-Rex Arms Ironside

T-Rex Arms’ Ironside Holster was made to ride close to your body. It’s customizable and conceals very well. Their Ironside line of products can meet a variety of your concealment needs. Pair this holster with some of their Ironside gear pouches and you will be able to conceal all the gear you need. 

 

Tier 1 Concealed Spara

Tier 1 Concealed makes great quality holsters. They offer options to customize the color of your holster. Their Spara holster is worn close to the body like a “pancake” holster maximizing concealment. This is Angelo’s belt-mounted holster for when he is dressed in a suit along with their Double Magazine Carrier.

 

Appendix-Inside-the-Waistband Holsters

In line with our philosophy that you should “train as close to how you actually carry,” we do indeed allow students to run AIWB holsters in our Defensive Handgun Skills Program. We believe that AIWB carry is safe so long as you ingrain safe gun handling and practice safe holstering methods. We recommend the following holsters for training and every day carry (EDC).  

​

Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite & Xiphos Elite

Tier 1 Concealed makes great quality holsters. They offer options to customize the color of your holster. What differs the Tier 1 Concealed’s Axis Elite holster from other “sidecar” holsters is the shock cord they use in between the holster and the magazine pouch allowing for flex. This makes wearing the holster very comfortable. This is Angelo’s belt-mounted everyday carry (EDC) holster when he’s casually dressed. 

 

If you find that the spare magazine is too bulky for you, their Xiphos Elite holster offers the same quality, concealability and customization as their Axis Elite holster. 

 

T-Rex Arms Sidecar

T-Rex Arms is known to have pioneered the “sidecar” type holster, an AIWB holster with a spare magazine. Their original Sidecar holster is now customizable so that you may be able to wear it alone or with a variety of other gear pouch attachments including a spare handgun magazine or a tourniquet and many other options. 

 

TXC Holsters X1 

TXC Holsters makes a great standalone holster with no additional gear pouches. Their X1 holster comes with a built-in wedge that tilts the top of the gun more into you, maximizing concealment.  

 

Phlster Enigma

The Phlster Enigma is a revolutionary beltless holster chassis system that divorces the gun from your belt line. This holster system can be worn with shorts, sweats and yoga pants. The Enima is the only non-belt-mounted holster system Higher Purpose Training allows in classes. This is the EDC holster system that Angelo wears when he is wearing athletic gear or shorts with no belt loops. 

​

Women’s Training Holster Considerations - Drop Offset Holster Attachments 

Because their pants are often high waisted, women often face challenges finding OWB (outside-the-waistband) holsters that allow them to train properly. When purchasing holsters to train and go to the range, consider the possible need for special holster attachments that change the ride height of the holster.  

 

You should be able to draw the gun without having to lean or move your upper body. Drawing should not cause discomfort in your shoulder, arm or wrist. A drop offset holster attachment places the holster lower than the waistline so the draw stroke can be performed properly. Companies such as BladeTech and Safariland make these types of drop offset attachments and many holster companies make holsters with these attachments as an option.