It’s not surprising that more people are turning to concealed carrying as the country becomes more dangerous and violent crime increases. However, not all concealed carry is created equal. Quality holsters will ensure that you have all-day comfort. We take a look at the top holsters in 2022. There are many types of holsters available, but we will stick to two chest rigs and a belt holster.
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Our annual firearms industry trade show, the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT), is held every January. The 44th annual National Shooting Sports Foundation hosted the event in January.
More than 2,400 exhibitors attended this year’s SHOT Show. The SHOT Show 2022 was 15 percent bigger than the 2020 show, and covered 800,000. This was the first year that SHOT moved from the Venetian Expo over to the Caesars Forum.
This list highlights the holster companies that we were able connect with while walking miles upon miles of aisles.
Alien Gear
Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Core Carry Kit is a new product for 2022. This pack contains four different holsters all in one. The ShapeShift shell can easily be converted into an IWB, appendix, or OWB belt slide holster to suit your carry needs.
Joe Lienemann, Alien Gear’s CEO, stated that the Appendix Carry IWB Holster is one of their top three sellers. We offer this holster for more than 500 different gun models. Our holster finder allows users to search for holsters based on manufacturer and model. This will provide a complete list for each model.
Alien Gear’s sister company, Bigfoot Gunbelts, is Bigfoot Gunbelts. The company makes 100% American-made, flexible steel-core-lined leather and synthetic guns belts.
Lienemann said, “They are extremely durable and can’t sag. The rigidity provides a stable platform to present consistent presentations.”
For more information, please visit AlienGearHolsters.com or GunBelts.com.
Black Arch Holsters
Jordan and I were trying to burn off the extra calories from our Venetian lunch of pork fried Rice and three colas each as we walked through the basement twice. As we did, a new holster company popped up.
Black Arch’s designs were well-executed and placed in a single booth between a vendor selling aftermarket extractors to 1908 Colt.25 automobiles and another manufacturer selling a bike seat that deploys an airbag upon contact. Their Entrada holster made a lot more sense for IWB appendix carrying.
The Entrada’s Kydex shell is low enough to allow for a red-dot sight. It has adjustable retention and a claw that pushes the gun’s butt into the wearer’s skin for concealment. The extra magazine carrier can be attached to the holster via flexible, polymer-coated webbed webbing. This allows for movement without binding. Customers can adjust the ride height and choose from three types of belt clips.
Black Arch offers the Entrada for guns up to 19 inches in size. This holster is great for micro-compact 9mms. I actually ordered an Entrada for my Springfield Armory Hellcat while I was at their booth. I’ll keep you updated.
Black Arch Holsters also offered a new, innovative carry belt. The 1.5-inch Open-Belt, made of polymer-coated webbing and featuring a billet 6061aluminum hard coat anoized, low-profile buckle, is almost indestructible. The belt is able to withstand all kinds of rigidity without the use of steel inserts. It also doesn’t need to be folded over. The result is a slimmer profile that allows the user to be comfortable.
For more information, please visit BlackArchHolsters.com.
Blackhawk
At SHOT 22, Blackhawk presented their new TecGrip Moldable IWB holster. This is going to be a popular conceal carry holster, judging by the number of people who watched their demonstrations.
Matt Rice, an old friend and industry veteran who is nearly as young as I am, guided me through the new holster despite his youth.
Rice stated, “If you have ever struggled to find a holster due to type or availability, then the TecGrip Formlok holster may be your solution.”
Retention is achieved by the TecGrip tacky material outside the holster. This holster does not have any attachments such as belt clips or other methods. The user simply places it between their pants or shirt. The friction keeps the holster in place while they draw the gun.
Blackhawk and me recommend that you remove the holster from your waistband in order to re-insert your gun. It is not a good idea to try to put the gun in the holster when it is still in the pants.
Blackhawk offers eight sizes of holsters to fit all sizes, from micro-compacts to full size duty guns. The molding process is easy. The molding process is simple. For retention, you can create a simple lock at your trigger guard. You can also mold a sight channel.
Blackhawk’s new TecGrip Formlok Moldable holsters are versatile, functional, and economically priced. They provide concealment solutions for today’s concealed carryer.
Blackhawk.com has more information.
Blade-Tech
Blade-Tech has completely re-named their Total Eclipse 2.0, and has re-named it. Owen Rolf, their Marketing/Media manager, gave me a quick overview of the new Kydex holster.
“Mod-Lok allows carriers to wear four different styles of clothing. The Total Eclipse 2.0 can quickly change from an OWB holster into a discreet carry IWB holster with no tools or frustration in just seconds.
The Total Eclipse 2.0’s pricing starts at $50 and offers shooters a festival that combines economy, durability, function, and economy.
Blade-Tech.com has more information.
C&G Holsters
Just before I left for the SHOT Show was over, I completed my evaluation of Smith & Wesson CSX, a single-action, microcompact 9mm pistol. C&G Holsters was among the first to receive the new CSX. C&G gave me a sample of the IWB Covert Kydex holsters before I received my Smith & Wesson test gun.
C&G has a variety of options. I chose the IWB Covert with the C&G custom belt clip. It adjusts for ride height and can accommodate a 1.5-inch belt. It has two retention screws and wicking channels at the back that help to wick away moisture. They also serve as a wedge to push gun’s butt into the body of the wearer, allowing for undetectable carry.
It also has a tall sight channel. Covert’s safety levers are covered, which I love. The Covert is completely secure, so it is impossible to accidentally knock the safety levers off the holster.
The OWB holster can be adjusted for ride height and is designed to conceal the gun as much as possible. An adjustable retention screw controls how tight the holster grips CSX’s trigger guard.
Both holsters were extremely comfortable for me, but I prefer the IWB holster due to its simplicity and ease-on/off convenience. These holsters are my only experience with C&G. However, I can assure you that they provide friendly and responsive customer service.
CandGHolsters.com has more information.
Crossbreed
Crossbreed’s vice-president of Sales Grant Buckman allowed me to stop by Crossbreed’s booth. Grant took the time to tell me about the all-Kydex Rogue.
It’s an IWB system that includes a sidecar magazine carrier and a claw to push the gun’sbutt into the carrier’s body. Crossbreed currently has the Rogue available for approximately 50 handguns, but they are hoping to eventually offer it to more than 100. To find out if the Rogue is available for your favorite carry gun, visit crossbreed.com.
For more information, please visit CrossbreedHolsters.com.
DeSantis
The Outdraw Chest Rig is a new 2022 model that allows users to carry guns on the chest while sitting. It allows shooters to carry full-size guns without putting on extra weight.
The Outdraw is made from Kydex and has adjustable retention. It can also be used with optics. DeSantis includes a substantial amount of harness strap in the holster, so it can be worn over an outdoor jacket or under a concealable coat.
To prevent unwanted movement, they also have a non-slip rubberized fabric covering the shoulder pad. The Outdraw is designed to fit pistols from small to medium sizes up to full-size Glocks.
DesantisHolster.com has more information.
Galco
Galco’s Mike Barham has been a friend of mine for many years. He’s one the nicest people I know. I’m sorry for the pun, but he is a straight shooter. His no-bull attitude, confidence in American-made products, and no-bull attitude have made me a huge fan of his.
The veteran combat soldier took a few moments to show me what was new at Galco in 2022. The Paragon 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster, which most people will wear in the appendix position, was one of them.
The holster’s dual tuckable clips can be adjusted for ride height and cant. There are also two adjustable retention screws. The holster’s back has a raised sweat guard that protects the user from sharp edges and prevents corrosion-causing sweat from getting into contact with gun’s finish. It protects clothing from gun oil and shooting residue.
Galco has lowered the holster to red-dots, and added a claw that pushes the gun’s butt into wearer’s skin. Galco and Jackass Leather were pioneers in the holster market using leather. However, the Paragon 2.0 Kydex holster is sure to be a hit with concealed carriers.
GalcoGunLeather.com has more information.
Kaos Fusion
Kaos Concealment Holsters has a new conceal carry holster. The Fusion 2.0 ambidextrous concealed carry holster is adjustable in cant and retention and can be worn IWB, OWB, or both. The same holster can be worn IWB or OWB and allows concealed carry for both left- and right-handed shooters. The Fusion 2.0’s excellent finish and smooth edges are what impressed me the most. Kaos reduces the Fusion 2.0’s price for optics.
The Fusion 2.0, along with other Kaos concealment and holsters, is economically priced. It offers users a high-quality, American-made, versatile way to carry.
Visit KaosConcealment.com for more information.
Rounded by Concealment Express
A Kydex inside the waistband holster was advertised on popular social media sites. It had a quick-attach clip and a carbon-fiber finish. It was only $30 and became my everyday carry for my S&W Shield. I’ve seen this small business grow exponentially over the years. Pablo Conde, one the owners, told me about the name change.
He said, “We’re doing an easy re-brand.”
This is an attempt to be more inclusive of one of the fastest-growing segments–female gun owners. Rounded will offer holsters as well as apparel such as leggings with concealment pockets or other leggings with belt loops for heavier guns.
Conde emphasized that the name change will not impact the quality or origin American-made products.
Conde showed me Rounded’s Kydex holsters to hold weapons with mounted lights. Weapon retention is determined by the light, not on the weapon. Rounded currently offers these IWB holsters to fit the TLR and X300 families of lights.
Conde claims that retailers love this product because it only has two SKUs of holsters. This means that hundreds of pistols can fit in the holster as long as it has a TLR or an X300 light.
The IWB appendix hybrid holsters are also new for 2022. They can be made from leather, Armaloy or a padded medical grade of antibacterial foam. The Hybrid’s unique feature is Rounded’s use of retention on both sides the trigger guard to ensure secure, fool-proof retention. Prices will vary depending on the backing you choose.
RoundedGear.com has more information.
Safariland
Safariland has announced a new venture, timed to coincide with 2022 SHOT Show. Safariland’s 6000 Series holsters feature Cordura wrapped with Aloha Poppies of War prints licensed to Safariland.
Andrew Bawidamann’s iconic “Poppies of War” print by Otte pays tribute to the ongoing U.S. campaign in Afghanistan. The weaponry images are woven through picturesque poppies to honor the country’s rolling hills. Eric Gasvoda (Vice President and General Manager for Safariland Duty Gear) said that Safariland is honored to be able pay this tribute to our holster wraps as well as to Safariland’s customers.
Safariland’s partnership with industry partners is the next chapter in the brand’s commitment to providing customers innovative, high-quality goods. I am curious about how the holster will be received in the military, intelligence community, and contractors working on opium poppy elimination.
Safariland deserves a special mention for trying to honor those who risk their lives to make this world safer and better.
Safariland.com has more information.
Spetzgear
Spetzgear was born out of the dark world of clandestine operations, foreign intrigue, and in 2012 Spetzgear was founded to provide elite law enforcement officers and intelligence professionals with uncompromising carrying solutions designed to conceal semi-automatic pistols up to size service.
Spetzgear’s Walter Jermakow was recommended to me by a mutual friend. He asked, “Does Spetzgear have a Glock 19?” with an Iron Curtain accent.
“Of course,” I replied.
He gave me a Kydex OWB holster with a single retention screw and sweat guard. It can also accept a suppressor-ready barrel.
He promised, “This will be your most comfortable holster for your Glock,”
It is designed to fit the contours of the hip and rides high above the belt line.
“All our products have been battle-tested and we stand behind them 100%. Spetzgear products are handmade and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
My test sample looks high quality and I look forward to more time with the Glock 19.
SpetzGear.com has more information.
Tacrig
Tacrig offers a cost-effective and innovative solution to concealed carryers who carry more than one gun. Its IWB backing is flexible and breathable, with a universal mounting platform. The pistol’s Kydex shell, made from thick Kydex, covers the gun’s front and back for great retention. Each pistol shell is made for red-dots.
The open-bottom design allows for threaded barrels and suppressor height sights. The holster attaches with four pins to the backer. The shell can be removed from the backer and the four quick-attaching pins used to attach belt loops for OWB carrying can be used. It’s quick and easy and doesn’t require any tools.
Tacrig.com has more information.
Versacarry
Versacarry is a well-known firm for their leather holsters. The new Obsidian Deluxe Kydex IWB Holster features a raised-back sweatguard and adjustable cant. It also has a belt clip that can hold a 1.5-inch belt.
Popular micro-compact guns from Glock 19-size up to Glock 19-size guns are available at prices starting at $35. The American-made Obsidian Deluxe comes with a lifetime guarantee.
VersaCarry.com has more information.
Warne
American company Warne Scope Mounts is well-known for its precision optics rings, scope mounts, and scope mounts. Now, Kydex holsters are available for concealed carry. Randy Parks was kind enough to let me stop by the Warne booth.
Parks claims that Warne’s machined aluminum pistol magazines extensions, which were designed to increase capacity, led to other handgun accessories as well as the new holsters.
The Kydex line by Warne is extensive and includes chest rigs, many IWB and OWB models, hybrid models that can carry everything from micro-compacts and full-size duty guns, as well as a range of carry belts.
For more information, please visit WarneScopeMounts.com.
We The People Holsters
Try again if you don’t succeed the first time. This is the gunwriter’s creed.
I received an email recently from We the People Holsters describing their versatile Freedom Holster. We the People claim that the Freedom Holster Platform can be configured in more than 2,500 configurations. I was thrilled and contacted the company via their site. They did not respond.
My old friend Laura Burgess, who handles media contacts for many companies within the industry, sent me a press release shortly after. Laura Burgess Marketing was capable of getting me the information and photos I needed to let you, the reader, learn more.
Modularity is key to the Freedom Holster’s versatility. It is fully ambidextrous and can either be used for IWB or OWB carrying. The ride height of the mag carrier when worn as an appendix holster can be adjusted for comfort.
This all-American-made holster features clips that allow the wearer of the holster to tuck their shirt in. They evenly distribute the gun’s weight and spare mag, and come with a lifetime warranty.
For more information, please visit WeThePeopleHolsters.com.
This article was originally published by Combat Handguns May/June 2022. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email [email protected].
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