There are many things to consider after purchasing a handgun. Safety is at the forefront of things to consider. Finding the right holster is key to the safe and effective carrying of a concealed firearm. When deciding to carry a firearm, there is a myriad of questions that you must ask yourself in order to get the most from your experience. First, consider the fashion in which you’ll carrying your weapon. Accessibility is a primary concern for anyone wearing a holster. Because of the location, an ankle holster will provide less accessibility than some of its counterparts and because of this, an ankle holster is most effective for housing a backup weapon. Regardless of the type of ankle holster utilized, carrying a handgun on this area of the body requires the wearer to bend down to access the weapon from a standing position. Ankle holsters are not ideal for fast-draw usage. In most normal circumstances, the extra time necessary to retrieve the weapon is usually of no consequence, but if your handgun is intended for defensive purposes, the additional time needed can be of great cost.

What type of handgun will you be carrying? Due to the location, ankle holsters are ideal for compact handguns. Depending on the brand of holster you purchase, the level of comfort it offers can be of varying degree, but a larger handgun will be more difficult for the wearer to both, conceal and move about comfortably. It is important to understand the type of handgun you are using (revolver or semi-automatic) as this can greatly affect the size, motion for removal and comfort level of the wearer. While retrieving your handgun from a standing position can be difficult when utilizing an ankle holster, there are instances in which an ankle holster will offer a significant advantage. When riding in a vehicle, the sitting position will allow the wearer to reach the handgun with a lower degree of difficulty than a traditional gun-belt holster.

The materials used for the variety of ankle holsters on the market can differ considerably, offering a myriad of pros and cons. While leather holsters are usually effective for weapon retention, they are generally more expensive than nylon holsters. Although the price is certainly a factor to consider, the true value in an ankle holster is usually a direct correlation to cost. You tend to get what you pay for. The quality of the craftsmanship will differ with each manufacturer, making most higher priced ankle holsters more effective due to an increased emphasis on retention, as many may utilize extras, such as a thumb break. Because ankle holsters typically house backup weapons, the draw stroke should be straight-line and consistent with to the target for maximum efficiency.

Reholstering is often an overlooked aspect when searching for the perfect ankle holster. Reholstering should be a smooth process that allows for the handgun to be replaced without difficulty, as this can lead to accidental firing. A proper ankle holster will emphasize a wide mouth, that will allow for the handgun to be reholstered easily with one hand if necessary. This is particularly important when facing a physical threat, as your other hand may be needed for defense while the weapon is being drawn. Because safety is one of the most important aspects to consider, finding an ankle holster with a proper trigger guard is essential. An inadequate or ill-fitting trigger guard can lead to the trigger being pressed unintentionally.

For those with little experience carrying a handgun, clothing can be a legitimate obstacle and should be considered carefully when wearing your handgun. With an ankle holster, short pants are usually not ideal, as they may completely negate the concealment factor. If concealment is a primary concern, long pants should be sufficient, but this too can raise the degree of difficulty in regards to retrieving your weapon. Longer pants can create a natural barrier to the accessibility of your weapon, as the pant leg will need to be discarded for proper retrieval. Short pants, although lacking in the concealment department, may offer an advantage to the wearer in terms of retrieving your weapon. When shorter pants are worn, high-top shoes or boots will help with the concealment factor. In order to get comfortable with your handgun and holster, it is necessary to practice the placement and removal of your weapon.

Women may experience an additional set of obstacles when considering an ankle holster. Ankle holsters are generally designed for male usage and because of this, the dimensions of the holster may not be ideal for women. Women are generally smaller than men and because of this, hand size, armpit to hip distance and physical strength all become significant factors.

There are many types of ankle holsters to consider. Here are few brands that we find exceptional.

The Protech Ankle Holster

The Protech Ankle Holster is made with grip-strip elastic and a nylon strap that will help to keep it securely and comfortably locked to the ankle. The outer layer of the Protech Ankle Holster is constructed of CORDURA ballistic nylon, while the inner layer is equipped with a vinyl barrier made to decrease condensation accumulated by practical usage. Reducing the moisture between your ankle and holster can help to alleviate any issues associated with sliding, or a loose-fitting weapon. On the inside of the Protech Ankle Holster is foam padding, made to reduce pressure on the ankle associated with movement. The Protech Ankle holster is also extremely durable, designed specifically to prevent the material from unraveling after extended use. The downside to ankle holster made with elastic is that over time, the elastic may begin to stretch, reducing the ankle security. This will cause your handgun to flop about during movement, which can drastically reduce the safety of your weapon or possibly lead to damage.

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is designed specifically for the Glock 26, 27 and 33. This ankle holster is perfect for the experienced gun owner as it provides a level of concealment that suits needs beyond practical usage. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is fashioned from leather but also implements a comfortable neoprene band. A leather holster may offer a significant advantage to its nylon counterpart, as over time, the leather will conform to the shape and size of the holstered weapon. This will allow for a secure hold for your weapon, keeping movement to a minimum during daily usage. Because comfort is essential for a positive experience when wearing your handgun, special emphasis is placed on using high-quality materials for the Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster. Aside from The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster’s high-quality saddle leather and neoprene band, it sports a sheepskin barrier for maximum support, comfort, and moisture reduction. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is ideal for both semiautomatic pistols and revolvers.

NIANPU Ankle Holster/Concealed and Carry

The NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry is a simple ankle holster, made from elastic, velcro and heavy-duty webbing, that offers a mix of comfort and style, without sacrificing practicality. Because comfort is essential for an efficient ankle holster, the soft-knitting of the holster is designed to function comfortably even with direct contact with the skin and utilizes a foam barrier to combat moisture. What separates the NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry from its counterparts, is its ambidextrous appeal, as it is designed for any position on the ankle. This holster is secured to the ankle by velcro, making for quick and easy retrieval of the handgun. Because of its universal design, the NIANPU Ankle Holster /Concealed and Carry holster is perfect for most compact semiautomatic pistols and revolvers, while still exhibiting a versatility that will allow it house larger handguns.

Blackhawk! Ankle Holster Right Ankle

The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle is constructed of CORDURA nylon and is one of the most comfortable ankle holsters on the market. Because of its soft-knit nylon fabric, it is perfect for skin for skin contact and utilizes closed cell foam that helps to reduce moisture for the wearer. The molded thumb break is very effective against the accidental drawing of the weapon or drawing of the weapon by an attacker. For maximum retention, the Blackhawk! Ankle Holster utilizes a non-stretch retention strap, which is ideal for preventing looseness within the holster after long-term usage. The calf strap is very effective in stopping sliding that may occur while walking but may cause friction when worn with high-top sneakers or boots. The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle offers a great deal of versatility and will support medium to large-frame semi-automatic pistols.

There are many considerations to be made when deciding on the ankle holster most suitable to your needs. While price is often a major factor when purchasing an ankle holster, finding the right balance between accessibility and concealment is key to finding the right holster for your needs. The importance of choosing the right ankle holster cannot be overstated, as it is a physical connector between the person and handgun, providing comfort, safety, accessibility and protection from damage.

If you are planning to carry a side arm, a shoulder holster can be an excellent choice for several reasons. For instance,if your occupation involves a lot of time in the car, a shoulder holster is much more comfortable than a holster in your waistline; in addition, drawing your weapon from a belt holster is difficult in the car–not so with the shoulder holster. In fact; even if your work does not involve a lot of driving, just a lot of sitting at a desk, the shoulder holster is still a good option for the sake of comfort. If you are a professional who wears a suit or a lab coat, a shoulder holster is a very comfortable, very concealable option. Or if you have an occupation that involves a great deal of physical activity, such as bending over, a shoulder holster will conceal better and be more comfortable than a belt holster will.

Another instance in which a shoulder holster would be a good option is if you have some sort of disability or injury that makes carrying in your waistline uncomfortable.

If you are a woman, the shoulder holster is a good option, because it may be more difficult for you than for a man to successfully conceal, or even comfortably carry a gun in your waistline. In addition, because there is so much variety in a woman’s wardrobe, it is most likely that a waistline holster will not be compatible with all of your clothing, and a shoulder holster will help to fill in those gaps. Finally, a shoulder holster is one of the only viable concealed carry options for an expecting mother, because it does not constrict blood flow around the midriff.

When you are selecting a particular shoulder holster, there are several important factors to consider.

First of all, you must be sure that the holster fits the gun you intend to carry. In light of the fact that most premium shoulder holsters are made for a large variety of makes and models, this should not be difficult to accomplish.

Second, you want to be sure that the holster is comfortable for you. One of the most important features for comfort is having a holster that adjusts adequately. In addition to the fact that this allows the straps to ride in a comfortable place on your body, it also allows the weight to be distributed properly for you.

Third, you will want to consider durability. A premium leather holster will provide you with many more years of service than will one made from synthetic materials. That being said, it is true that there is a significant price difference between a fine leather holster and a synthetic holster.

Fourth, you will have to determine what holster angle you prefer. The vertical holster allows for carrying a larger gun than a horizontal or angled holster does. However, it also makes for the slowest draw. The horizontal holster allows for a faster draw than the vertical, but it limits what length of gun you can carry. In addition, the muzzle of your weapon is pointing at anyone who is behind you. Finally, while the angled holster, like the horizontal holster, allows for a quick draw, the muzzle of the gun in pointing upward at your armpit, and therefore at your brachial artery. This intensifies the need for great caution and awareness in keeping your finger off of the trigger when drawing. In addition, men with broad chests sometimes find it difficult to obtain a good purchase on their weapon when using an angled holster.

Fifth, if you are left handed, of course, you must ensure that your holster allows you to carry on your right side.

Based on these factors, let’s examine a variety of well-liked shoulder holsters.

The one to top the list must be the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System. It is available for an almost unlimited number of makes and models of semi-automatics, in addition to being compatible with several revolvers. Its adjustment system makes it famously comfortable. It will fit up to a fifty-two inch chest. The material is premium saddle leather. The holster is horizontal. It will work for you whether you are right or left handed. It possesses an ammunition carrier. The colors it comes in are tan or black. Its construction allows you to personalize it with the addition of accessories. People say that this weapons system is incredibly comfortable, that it is of excellent quality, that it conceals very well, and fits their weapons like a glove.

Another excellent option from Galco is the Jackass Rig Shoulder System. The two primary features that distinguish this holster from the Miami Classic are that it has an angled rather than horizontal holster and that it is only made for semi-automatics. In addition, it is only available in an Havana brown finish. Aside from commending the comfort and quality of this weapons system, reviewers also particularly say that the angled holster allows for them to conceal a larger weapon than the horizontal holster does. People express that it fits their guns beautifully.

Gould and Goodrich is another company that produces fine shoulder holsters. The B804 is available for Beretta, Glock, S&W, and Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistols. It is fully adjustable and made from genuine leather. The finish is black. The holster is horizontal. It will accommodate you whether you are right or left handed. This weapons system has an ammunition carrier. People say that this holster adjusts to fit them excellently, one person even saying that it was so comfortable that he wore it next to his bare skin. They also mention that it is of good quality, conceals their weapons quite successfully, and fits their guns excellently.

The Aker Comfort Flex shoulder is an excellent option for men with broad chests, as it will fit a chest up to a sixty-two inch chest. It is available for a fairly wide variety of semi-automatics, including Glock, Smith&Wesson, and Beretta. This adjustable holster is made of premium cowhide, available in either black or tan. The holster is angled. It is available to you whether you are right or left handed. This product has a magazine carrier. People comment that it fits them well and comfortably, while it is of very fine quality. They also mention that it holds their guns securely and well.

The Galco Kodiac shoulder holster is perfect if you are looking for a holster that accommodates a large revolver for situations that you are not necessarily needing to conceal in. For instance, this holster accommodates the S&W X frame 500, which would be a great side arm for a hunter in bear country. It is also available for Ruger, Freedom Arms, and Taurus revolvers. The straps are adjustable padded leather and nylon, while the holster itself is premium steerhide. The position of this holster is somewhat unique, as the gun rides at an angle across the torso. This holster is Havana brown. Reviewers say that it adjusts well, is enormously comfortable, and fits their weapons like a glove.

The last holster here is a very decent option if you are looking to spend less than a premium leather holster costs. The UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster has a universal design which makes it compatible with the majority of popular semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. It is fully adjustable and the shoulder harness is thoroughly padded for comfort. While the synthetic materials it is made from will not wear as well as leather, it is true that it makes this product significantly less expensive. The holster is horizontal. It will work for you if you are right or left handed. This weapons system possesses an ammunition carrier. While people’s comments on this holster are not as favorable as on a premium leather holster, for the most part they find it comfortable and functional enough for the price.

Because of a variety of occupations, clothing, and other factors in all of our lives, a shoulder holster will give you the option of carrying a weapon so that you can protect yourself and the ones you love when it would not be otherwise possible. For example, if you are taking your wife to a fine restaurant, you still need to be capable of defending her. While carrying your gun in a belt holster might make for a less than comfortable dining experience, a shoulder holster will nicely accommodate your side arm. If you, as an expecting mother, are taking your little girl birthday shopping, you must be able to protect her, yourself, and the baby on the way. A shoulder holster gives you a viable option for doing so. If you are a pharmacist, with narcotics behind your counter, you need to be able to protect yourself, and your staff. A shoulder holster allows you to have your gun concealed in a highly inconspicuous and comfortable way. Shoulder holsters provide you with the opportunity to live your life in comfort and in safety.

People carry a variety of concealed handguns for many different reasons, but they all share a need for good equipment. An individual’s clothing will have a major impact on whether they can keep their weapon hidden as they go about their day, and it can also play a role in preventing accidents. A good concealed carry jacket is one of the best tools at the average person’s disposal, since it provides both protection from the elements and a safe, discrete place to keep a weapon. There are a lot of different jackets to choose from, but it’s easy to make a good choice as long as you look at a few important factors.

Climate

It’s important to remember that a concealed carry jacket is not a holster. It is a piece of clothing, and you need to make sure that it suits your local environment. If you don’t pay attention to the weather, you’re liable to end up with something that is so uncomfortable that you won’t want to use it.

Starting by making sure that the jacket won’t be too warm or too cold. Some suppliers will provide guidelines with the jacket, but that isn’t universal. If that kind of guidance is unavailable, try to compare the concealed carry jacket with a traditional jacket that you have worn before. If you have one that you know is comfortable, try to find something that is made of the same material and has a similar thickness. If you want a jacket that is suitable for every season, look for something with several removable layers. When in doubt, err on the side of something light. It’s easier to add a layer and make things a little warmer than it is to do the opposite.

Climate concerns don’t end with temperature. Water resistance is also an important factor, since many guns function poorly if they get exposed to too much moisture. Finding a water-resistant coat is normally easy, but they can also cost a little bit more than the alternatives. Look at the frequency of rain in your area, and then think about how likely you are to spend long periods in it without shelter. If that’s a common occurrence, then water resistance is almost certainly worth the cost. If rain is a rare problem, it won’t be too important.

Finally, some jackets will have a UPF rating. This refers to the amount of protection that it offers from ultraviolet light, and it’s comparable to the ratings that show up on containers of sunscreen. Most clothing offers too little protection to matter, but concealed carry jackets are often tough enough to offer significant security against the sun. This won’t have a huge impact on the jacket’s comfort or on a concealed firearm, but it’s a fringe benefit and choosing the jacket that offers more protection can break ties when choosing between similar options.

Durability

A good concealed carry jacket is a big investment, so you want to make sure that you are getting something that will last. The best way to do this is to check for any reviews that complain about frequent or rapid damage, but looking at the jacket’s material can also provide some useful information.

Leather is popular for its appearance, but it also offers a lot of durability. It is especially resistant to abrasion, which is going to be one of the biggest risk factors for the average jacket. People who don’t like leather should look for artificial materials, such as nylon. They tend to be mixed with cotton or other natural materials, and even a small amount will make for a tough jacket.

Materials aren’t the only concern. Almost any material can make a strong jacket if it is put together properly, and poor construction can lead to damaged seams long before the fabric gives out. There are two rules of thumb to remember when looking at construction quality. First, you should trust your instincts. Most people have spent enough time with clothes that they can estimate quality just from looking at a garment. It isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough to spot basic problems. Second, remember that you get what you pay for. It’s possible to find a cheap, high-quality jacket, but you should always do your research if a deal looks like it might be too good to be true.

Capacity

Cargo capacity makes the difference between a concealed carry jacket and a conventional piece of outerwear. People buy these jackets because they offer a place to keep a weapon where people won’t see it, but that isn’t the only type of cargo space that you need to look at.

You should also look for external or internal pockets. They will allow you to keep extra ammunition or other useful tools that relate to your firearms in one place, which makes it much easier to keep track of everything in an emergency. A special compartment for documents can also be valuable, especially if you live in a jurisdiction that requires you to carry a concealed carry permit at all times. The special compartment will make sure that you don’t misplace it or forget to bring it with you, which is perfect for preventing inconvenient discussions with law enforcement.

You also check the holster’s position in the jacket. They can show up in a few different places, and they each need a different motion to draw the firearm. Being able to draw and fire quickly is vital in an emergency, so you should make sure that you can quickly comfortably reach the holster.

Appearance

The final factor to consider is how the jacket will look once you put it on. This is mostly a matter of person taste, but there are a few things that you should consider carefully as you make the choice.

The first thing to consider is the formality of the jacket. Some jackets are designed to look like hoodies or biking gear, while others are designed to look like flannel jackets and other relatively formal clothing. If you only plan to wear the jacket as you go shopping or to other informal places, you can choose anything that looks comfortable. If you intend to take it to restaurants or other events, you might want to choose something that will match the dress code. You’ll have trouble finding a jacket that you could wear to a black tie event, but a relatively formal jacket will still get you into plenty of places.

Subtlety is also an important concern. Bright colors, unusual styles, or anything else that stands out will draw attention. The more people that look at you, the more likely someone is to notice that you are carrying a weapon. Anything that clashes with the rest of your outfit will also draw attention. Try to pick something that looks good with your normal wardrobe to avoid drawing attention specifically to the concealed weapon.

A Few Options

There are dozens of jackets out there that can meet almost any person’s needs. Even so, there are a few especially popular options, and those are the best place to start the search.

Rothco 3 Season Concealed Carry Jacket

This is a good choice for people who are after a casual and versatile jacket. It’s a little light for use during the winter in most areas, but it’s perfect for the rest of the year. Two concealed pockets that are suitable for handguns and four pockets for magazines give it more than enough space for most people, while the external pockets provide some extra space for your wallet or anything else that doesn’t need to be hidden. This jacket is made of two layers, with the inner layer made of polyester and the outer being made of cotton, so it offers a reasonable mix of durability and comfort.

5.11 Tactical #48038 Tactical Fleece Jacket

This fleece jacket is one of the most casual options available, but it’s also one of the most comfortable. Side zippers allow you to open up the jacket to stay cool in warm weather, while hand warmer pockets can help keep out the winter chill. which makes this a very versatile choice. Internal provide space for your weapon, and an additional sleeve pocket provides a little bit of extra storage space. It’s compatible with some of the brand’s other offerings, so this is one of the best choices for people who want to leave plenty of options open.

Rivers West Full Metal Jacket

This waterproof fleece jacket is meant to accommodate a variety of shooting styles. Notably, it is designed to enable cross-draw or strong side-draw for both right and left handed shooters. This leaves most wearers with a few extra pockets, which can be used for magazine storage. The jacket is suitable for a range of moderate temperatures, although many people find that it can be a little too warm in the summer and a too cold in the worst parts of winter. Be aware that it has a tendency to run large, and keep that in mind when choosing your size.