A great belly band holster is a must-have accessory for any modern firearms owner. A quality belly band holster keeps your weapon secure while you are running, walking, or driving. Holsters with a belly band are ideal for people who want to feel more secure knowing that their entire waist is securely fastened. These are also the perfect for people who struggle to conceal guns in their waistband due to their preferred style of clothing.
Belly band holsters should also be made from high-grade materials that will last for years without breaking down easily. The best ones come with a belt and a harness that goes around the lower portion of your stomach just above your hips. These devices feature two straps that go around the waist and then attach to a buckle that sits between your hip bones. When you run, this forces your body into an athletic position which reduces muscle strain and increases your heart rate. The result is that you feel like you’re really moving when you run because your muscles aren’t working against each other.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Belly Band Holster
The best belly band holster for you depends on how well it fits and what style of weapon it works with.
Size
When selecting a new belly band holster, size should be one of your top priorities. An oversized holster can fit poorly, bunch up when moving, or not move at all when firing. Smaller holsters tend to be more flexible, but they may not provide enough protection against falling debris or sharp corners. A good rule of thumb is that if an item isn’t snugly fitted, then it’s too large. If an item feels like it could slip out of hands or fingers while doing everyday activities, then it’s sized correctly.
Material
Belly bands are typically made from heavy-duty nylon material, which helps them hold up to recoil without stretching. However, over time these materials can become brittle and split open. To prevent splitting, manufacturers sometimes use reinforced seams and thicker walls. These additions help make the holster more durable over time.
Style
There are several different styles of belly band holsters, each of which has its own benefits and considerations.
- Classic belly band holsters feature a straight waist strap with no padding or extra pieces attached. This classic look works great for traditional guns with minimal modifications, such as standard pistols and rifles.
- Rivets extending down the side of the holster can add some rigidity, making this style ideal for handguns with extended barrels or modified handles.
- Padded waist straps are common among women, and many feel that they offer additional comfort. However, this style does sacrifice durability since the soft foam can compress and stretch with movement.
- Flexible waistbands allow the user to position the holster anywhere along the body, though they’re generally considered less comfortable than other options.
Fit
Finding the perfect fit for a belly band holster is important because it ensures that the gun doesn’t fall out during activity. Since these holsters are designed to sit at a slight angle at the hip, finding the right balance between the height and width of the holster will help secure the gun in place. Waist sizes vary greatly among individuals, so finding a belly band that fits perfectly is often a matter of luck rather than skill. Fortunately, most holsters include size charts to help determine whether they’ll work for you.
Firearm Type
While there are universal designs that work with any type of firearm, several factors affect their functionality, including weight, shape, and retention. For instance, a heavy pistol might have a hard time getting back into action quickly if it falls out of a belt holster during vigorous activity. Also, a long barrel rifle may have trouble fitting through a tight space if the muzzle end gets caught on something solid. Finally, a handgun with a plastic grip may experience reduced friction and overheating if it becomes trapped inside the holster pocket where the hand naturally grips the handle.
Retention
This refers to how easy it is to get your weapon out and ready to go again after putting it away. How well a particular holster keeps your gun in place throughout active living conditions is directly related to how tightly it secures to your body. A looser fit allows for easier removal, whereas a tighter fit makes it harder to lose your gun. However, even with a high level of retention, if the holster isn’t properly tightened before storing it, the gun could easily come out during transport or simply while reaching in the drawer.
Quality Construction
Heavy-duty nylon construction is the backbone of a good belly band holster. It needs to be able to withstand the forces placed upon it during normal operation without tearing. Look for features such as double stitching, reinforcing panels, and metal rivets to ensure a quality product.
Versatility
One benefit of choosing a belly band holster is that you get a bit of extra protection beyond just having your gun tucked away safely. The angled design means that the holster sits at a slight angle at the hip, creating a natural barrier that prevents slipping out of the holster during activity. Additionally, the curved shape creates room for a small amount of swelling around the base of the penis called the glans, preventing accidental exposure during rough handling.
Comfort
For the majority of the day, you’ll be using your belly band holster. As a result, you should always think about comfort. You will not be tempted to take it off and leave your firearm somewhere remote if you do it that way. Choose belly bands that are washable and comfortable. If you can use it on the lower or upper abdomen, that will allow you to modify as needed.
Safety
No matter how attractive a belly band holster may be, if it lacks a trigger guard, it should not be used. This is one of the first factors you should check because safety must always come first. When carrying a loaded handgun, an accident is the last thing you want to happen.
Types Of Belly-Band Holsters
Belly bands come in a variety of styles and materials. The most common types are the single-piece style, which is made up of an elastic waistband and a stomach strap; and the two-piece style, which has a separate upper piece that fits over your shirt collar and ties behind your belt.
Single-piece Style
The single-piece style is more comfortable than the two-piece version because it doesn’t require you to wear a bulky top piece. However, this type isn’t as secure as the two-piece version. If someone wants to take a run at you, they can easily grab your abdomen without getting their hands on your clothes or gear.
Two-piece Style
This type offers better protection against surprise attacks because it requires your assailant to get his/her hands on your clothing before attempting to assault you. It’s also easier for them to carry out a successful attack since they have both arms free to move your body around.
Thigh Holster
A thigh holster is worn where your hand naturally hangs when you’re carrying a weapon. This position keeps your muzzle parallel with the ground so you don’t accidentally shoot yourself or others while drawing from your hip. You may be able to conceal a larger gun under normal circumstances but there are many people who would be unable to draw from a thigh holster due to size constraints.
Shoulder Holster
A shoulder holster is worn by inserting the muzzle of the firearm into the front of your shoulder blade. This allows you to keep your hands free to operate equipment or search for someone who needs help. You’ll find it very easy to conceal a large pistol under these conditions.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
In the beginning, we looked for holsters from reliable retailers and manufacturers. Our search was restricted to items made especially for concealed carry.
Then, we focused only on holsters with strong stitching made of long-lasting materials like leather or nylon. The holster’s capacity to completely enclose the trigger guard while hiding the hand holding the gun is the most crucial aspect. This restricts the holster’s total breadth but does help us eliminate a few potential candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comfortable way to carry a firearm?
This depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. Some people feel more comfortable carrying in an ankle holster, while others prefer shoulder or hip belts.
How tight should my belly band be?
Your body type will determine how snug you need your belt. If you’re athletic, you might want something that’s as loose-fitting as possible; if not, you can go with something tighter fitting.
Can I wear a belly band with a plate carrier?
Absolutely! A lot of tactical loadouts incorporate both a plate carrier and a belly band into their design, allowing you to customize it to suit your mission.
How does a belly band holster work?
A belly band holster uses a belt loop to hold your gun in place when you’re carrying it in your waistband. It’s similar to how a standard shoulder holster holds a handgun in position.
Is this type of holster safe?
Yes! A belly band holster is just like a traditional shoulder holster – they both use belts to keep guns secure. In fact, most law enforcement agencies recommend using a belly band over a shoulder holster because it provides more security than a shoulder holster.
Can I put my gun in a belly band if I’m not wearing pants?
You certainly can! Most belly bands have two loops so you can adjust the size of the hole to fit whatever kind of clothing you’re wearing. You’ll find that the belly band will be snugger around your waist than a regular belt would be, but it won’t dig into your skin.
Do I need special training to use a belly band holster?
No! All you need to know about belly band holsters is what you already know about shoulder holsters. Just make sure you follow all safety precautions before putting your weapon inside.