What to Look For and Open Carry Considerations
When it comes to self defense and carrying a firearm, outside the waistband (OWB) holsters are a popular choice among firearm enthusiasts for their comfort, accessibility, and suitability for open carry. These holsters are especially popular in states where firearms are more widely accepted, or there is a higher risk of running into wildlife. That being said, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice gun owner, understanding what to look for in an OWB holster and the nuances of open carry can significantly enhance your carrying experience.
Let’s delve into the essential features of OWB holsters, the benefits they offer, and important considerations for open carry.
What is an Outside the Waistband Holster?
An OWB holster is designed to be worn on the outside of your pants, typically attached to a belt. This type of holster is favored for its ease of access and comfort, making it a preferred choice for open carry and certain concealed carry methods, especially under loose clothing or jackets.
Key Features to Look for in an OWB Holster
- Material
- Kydex: Known for its durability and retention properties, Kydex holsters are rigid and maintain their shape, ensuring consistent drawing and reholstering.
- Leather: Offers a classic look and comfortable fit. Leather molds to the wearer’s body over time, providing a personalized fit.
- Nylon: Lightweight and flexible, nylon holsters are often more affordable but may lack the rigidity of Kydex or leather.
- Retention Mechanism
- Passive Retention: Relies on the friction between the holster and the firearm.
- Active Retention: Incorporates additional locking mechanisms, such as thumb breaks or retention straps, providing extra security against unintentional dislodging of the firearm.
- Belt Attachment
- Belt Loops: Secure and stable, belt loops ensure the holster stays in place.
- Paddle Attachments: Offer ease of removal and adjustment, but may not be as stable as belt loops during vigorous activity.
- Clip-On: Provides convenience for quick on-and-off but can be less secure compared to other attachment methods.
- Comfort and Fit
- Ensure the holster fits your firearm model precisely to avoid wobbling or excessive movement.
- Look for holsters with features like sweat guards to prevent irritation and protect the firearm from sweat.
- Accessibility and Draw Speed
- The holster should allow a smooth, quick draw while ensuring the firearm is secure during movement.
- Consider the holster’s position on your belt (e.g., 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock) to optimize draw speed and comfort.
Benefits of OWB Holsters
- Comfort: OWB holsters are typically more comfortable than inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, as they don’t press against the body.
- Ease of Access: Firearms in OWB holsters are easier to draw quickly, making them ideal for situations where speed is crucial.
- Versatility: Suitable for open carry and concealed carry under a jacket or loose clothing.
Recommended OWB Holster: The Rig Light Compatible from Guerrilla Tactical
When it comes to choosing an OWB holster that offers durability, security, and customization options, “The Rig Light Compatible” from Guerrilla Tactical stands out. Here’s why:
- Material: Made from .08″ Kydex, ensuring durability and maintaining shape under various conditions.
- Versatility: Comes standard with a molded paddle mount, accepting belts up to 1.75″. It can also be drilled for the Safariland Quick Locking System or Safariland UBL, offering flexibility for different setups.
- Retention: Features two points of retention to ensure a secure fit, preventing accidental dislodging.
- Customization: Molded to fit the light of your choosing, accommodating various tactical setups.
It’s important to note that “The Rig” is not designed to accommodate aftermarket rail systems. Additionally, for certain light models like the TLR7XL-X, TLR1, X300, and PL350, the holster may only allow a mid-length sweat guard height to cut down on materials waste. For specific questions about compatibility, Guerrilla Tactical encourages users to reach out via email.
Open Carry Considerations
Open carry involves carrying a firearm visibly on your person, as opposed to concealed carry, where the firearm is hidden from view. Here are some important considerations for open carry with an OWB holster:
- Legal Regulations
- Know the Laws: Open carry laws vary by state and locality. Ensure you are familiar with the legal requirements in your area, including permit requirements and restricted areas.
- Interaction with Law Enforcement: Understand how to interact with law enforcement while openly carrying to avoid misunderstandings or legal issues.
- Retention and Security
- Given that your firearm is visible and more accessible to others, choosing an OWB holster with strong retention features is crucial. Active retention mechanisms can prevent unauthorized access or accidental dislodging.
- Public Perception
- Open carry can elicit various reactions from the public. Be prepared for attention and ensure your behavior is calm and professional to avoid unnecessary alarm.
- Situational Awareness
- Maintaining a high level of situational awareness is essential when open carrying. Be aware of your surroundings and the people near you to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
- Training and Practice
- Regular training and practice are vital to becoming proficient with your OWB holster and firearm. This includes drawing from the holster, reholstering, and handling different scenarios you might encounter while carrying.
Is Open Carry Right for You?
Now while open carrying is a Constitutional right in many states, it can be seen as a poor way to carry, and there are a few reasons for this.
One reason that open carrying may not be the best option is that not everyone is comfortable around a firearm, especially in large crowds. Many people are afraid of these tools, and it can cause a lot of tension in populated areas.
Aside from firearms causing some people discomfort, open carrying can also put a target on your head when you are out and about. People who are looking to do harm to others will more than likely try to take out the person that could possibly stop them, and someone who is open carrying would be a target for that.
Do We Open Carry?
The team at Guerrilla Tactical fully supports someone’s right to carry a firearm, but we are fans of being as low profile as possible. While we offer plenty of outside the waistband holsters, we still like to keep it concealed.
Our favorite concealed carry holster would have to be the Low Pro Light Compatible. The “Low Pro” design is our most concealable IWB holster. It features two points of retention for a secure fit, along with a modwing claw attachment that presses against your belt, pulling the weapon closer to your body and reducing its overall imprint. Every Low Pro holster is crafted to accommodate optics, suppressor height sights, and threaded barrels. If you use a compensator, please include the brand name in the order notes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right OWB holster involves considering material, retention, belt attachment, comfort, and accessibility. OWB holsters offer comfort and ease of access, making them a great choice for open carry. However, it’s important to be aware of legal regulations, public perception, and situational awareness when open carrying.
“The Rig” from Guerrilla Tactical is an excellent example of a robust and versatile OWB holster, providing the necessary features for effective and secure carrying. By carefully selecting an OWB holster and understanding the responsibilities of open carry, you can enhance your carrying experience and ensure safety for yourself and those around you. Regular training and adherence to legal requirements will further ensure that you carry responsibly and confidently.
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