Every person who possesses a firearm is required by law to at all times have a holster that is of excellent quality on their back. A back holster of sufficient quality will allow you to keep your handgun secure while still keeping it within easy reach at all times, regardless of whether you are sitting or driving.
It is necessary that you do some research before deciding on the kind of back holster that would accommodate your firearm in the most effective manner due to the fact that there is such a broad selection of back holsters currently available on the market. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best available solutions, each of which is compatible with a wide variety of firearms and is available in a wide variety of price ranges and feature sets. In addition, each of these solutions is compatible with a wide variety of other types of equipment.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Small Of Back Holster
What makes a small of the back holster the greatest option for you is how well it fits, the kind of handgun that it can accommodate, and whether or not it is a permanent fixture in the vehicle that you drive. When looking for one, here are some things to think about that you should keep in mind.
Material
- Kydex is a type of stiff plastic that does not crack even when exposed to temperatures that are extremely high. Additionally, it does an excellent job of not breaking when dropped occasionally. However, because this material is not especially pleasant to have in direct contact with the skin, you should avoid wearing it if there is an alternative that can be worn instead.
- Leather is another durable material that is commonly used for holsters due to the fact that it is naturally pliable and flexible. It is also long-lasting and offers some degree of protection, despite the fact that it may require regular washing and conditioning.
- Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is strong and flexible. While it doesn’t have the same durability as leather or plastic, it does provide a more comfortable fit than those materials.
Size
Small of back holsters come in various sizes designed specifically for different types of guns and sized vehicles. The most universal size is probably medium, which usually fits between the waistband and the top of the spine, just above the tailbone. This size will accommodate most standard handguns, including 9mm, .40 caliber, and smaller, compact models.
For larger-caliber weapons, such as .50 AEAs, full-size M16s, and other large pistols, we found small of back holsters too restrictive, even with their adjustable straps. These guns don’t sit flush with the body, making them difficult to access in a hurry. We prefer to mount these weapons off to the side instead, where they’re easier to reach.
Fit
Finding the perfect fit for a small of back holster isn’t as easy as it seems. First, measure yourself at home using a tape measure to determine where exactly your hips bend when you walk. Then, when trying to decide on the right size, remember that measurements vary among individuals. A tall person might find it harder to get into a tight space than someone shorter. Next, check out our sizing chart to see if the brand you want sells sizes for your particular frame. If not, then try measuring again until you find something that does.
Quality Construction
When looking through the many options available today, its important to note that not all products use quality construction. Some manufacturers cut corners by using flimsy materials or substandard components, resulting in a product that wears out quickly or has issues holding up over time. Fortunately, Kydex holsters tend to be made from better materials because it’s a premium product intended for long-term usage. Leather holsters, while less expensive, should still be treated with care because leather is a natural material; treating it regularly with water and conditioner helps prevent cracking.
Style
There are several different styles of small of back holsters, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Classic style: As the name suggests, this is the traditional way of wearing a pistol belt, with the front facing forward and the buckle on the outside. This position allows for quick drawing if needed but makes it more obvious when you’re carrying a firearm.
- Reverse style: With the addition of a special button or switch, this style allows you to hide the handgun inside your pants rather than display it. Although this requires a bit more effort, it reduces the amount of clothing you have to move around and could make it easier to draw your weapon quickly if necessary.
- Low ride: Rather than sitting upright and high, this style sits flat and low to the ground, allowing the wearer to tuck their hip bone into the seat of the holster. This positioning creates a slimming effect and makes it harder for onlookers to tell if you are concealing a firearm or not.
- Slimmer: Similar to low ride, this position makes the gun disappear completely by contouring the body to match the shape of the weapon. However, unlike low ride, the gun remains accessible via a pocket or boot leg.
Types Of Small Of Back Holsters
Small of the back holsters are designed to be worn at a lower level than your waist. They’re typically worn for concealed carry, but there are some that can be worn in the open.
Concealment holster
A concealment holster is intended to keep firearms safe and secure while they’re being carried on or about one’s person. It should also help prevent unwanted attention as well as possible access to the firearm when it comes to drawing from a concealment position. The best small of the back holsters use a hook-and-loop system to allow for quick re-draws without removing the entire holster. This feature allows for safer CCW situations because you’ll have an easier time getting to your gun quickly if you need to draw.
Shoulder holster
A shoulder holster is meant to be worn high on the chest so that it doesn’t interfere with your range of motion. The idea is to keep the muzzle of the weapon parallel to the ground at all times. Shoulder holsters are commonly used by law enforcement officers who want to maintain their line of sight at all times. However, many people choose to wear a shoulder holster for EDC duty due to its ease of use and minimal impact on range of motion.
Belly Band Holster
A belly band holster is worn like a regular belt around your abdomen. However, instead of using a buckle, this type uses Velcro straps to hold the holster firmly in place. This type of holster tends to be more comfortable than other types since it does not disrupt your normal breathing patterns. However, it may be less effective at concealing a firearm because it leaves your front side exposed.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We drew from first-hand knowledge with a wide range of holster manufacturers and models when deciding which recommendations to make for this article. We looked at what experts in the hiking business had to say about their top picks before deciding which holsters from each category were the best (after we had tried and tested them, of course).
Following that, we read publications in search of the top reviews. After that, we assigned some of our authors the task of compiling lists based on their own personal experiences. At long last, we had the opinions of specialists in the sector. The end result is a collection of articles that are extremely well-informed and can be used by you to assist your journey toward concealed carry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Of Back Holsters
What is the most comfortable way to carry a firearm?
The answer depends heavily on what you intend to use it for. For self-defense, I recommend an ankle holster with a good cover garment such as a boot or skirt.
How do I wear a small of back holster?
This varies depending on your style of dress shirt. If it has buttons down the front, you’ll want to put the muzzle in between those two pieces of fabric and draw/don’t-tapered coat tails. Otherwise, you can just pull it over your belt and tape up any excess. Make sure you have a proper fit before wearing it anywhere important.
Is it legal to conceal carry a gun in my pocket?
In general, no. In spite of this, it is impossible for us to cover all of the national, city, county, and municipal laws that are now in effect within the confines of this page because there are so many of them. It is always in your best interest to double check the regulations and limits that apply in your area. Note that in some places, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon; others need individuals to be at least 21 years old; and in still others, there are restrictions on where you can carry a weapon at all.