Concealed Carry vs Open Carry Holsters
Whenever you purchase a holster for a gun, you face a dilemma. You’re going to need to determine the right holster for it. And generally, that comes down to one of two holster choices: open carry vs concealed carry. The difference between concealed carry and open carry holsters is pretty big. You’ll want to figure out exactly what you’re looking for before you start shopping. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help!
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry Holsters: What’s the Difference?
Both open and concealed carry holsters can come in a huge variety of different materials and styles. At the end of the day, the main difference between open carry vs concealed carry holsters is their application. We’ll detail which situation works best for each of these holsters below.
Why Use an Open Carry Holster?
Under many circumstances, an open carry holster makes a ton of sense. Obviously, it’s the best choice for members of law enforcement and the military. But it’s a great choice for many civilian applications, too.
For example, an open carry holster is a great choice for any competitive shooter. You don’t want to be fumbling with your shirt to get access to your holster when a split second could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Additionally, you may want an open carry trigger if you’re hunting or backpacking. This is especially true if you’re hunting dangerous game, like bears, and need to be able to draw and shoot a sidearm at a moment’s notice.
Concealed Carry Holsters: Best Applications
Generally, concealed carry holsters have the advantage in two areas. First, a concealed carry holster may be the only way to legally carry a gun where you live. As a result, you need to invest in one of these holsters (and applicable permits) if you want to leave your house with a weapon.
However, concealed carry holsters also have one huge practical application: self-defense. If you want to discreetly carry a weapon for your own safety as you go about your day, there’s no better way to do it than a concealed carry holster. Typically, these will be in waistband holsters, also known as “inside the waistband (IWB).”
There are several different styles of IWB holster, with one of the most popular being the “appendix carry” option. This holster places your firearm on the inside of your belt, at the 1:00 position for righties (with 12:00 being your belt buckle). If you’re a lefty, you’ll appendix carry at the 11:00 position.
Choose the Southern Trapper for Concealed Carry and Open Carry Holsters
Now that we’ve covered some of the differences between concealed carry vs open carry holsters, are you ready to take the plunge and make the choice? Fortunately, you don’t have to limit yourself to just a single holster – you can get multiple for the same gun!
That’s where the Southern Trapper comes in. We carry tons of different holster styles, both in concealed carry and open carry variants. To learn more, explore our full holster inventory here.
