Carrying a concealed firearm gives you a tactical advantage in threatening situations. However, for newbies, it is tough to navigate the world of CCW. There are many concealed carry positions, and choosing the right one makes all the difference in your ability to use the gun effectively. In this post, we'll go deep into various concealed carry positions so you can keep your gun secure and disguised.
Outside the Waistband Concealed Carry Positions
You may wonder how it is possible to conceal-carry outside the waistband. Well, if you have a compact gun, OWB carry positions are great for concealment. The only consideration is that you should refrain from wearing a tucked-in shirt. The OWB concealed carry positions work well with baggy and loose shirts. Let us explain them.
Strong-Side Carry (3 o'clock)
Strong-side carry is a 3 o'clock to 5 o'clock position for right-handed gun owners and 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock for lefties. It means you are carrying the firearm on your right or dominant side of the body. In turn, you can easily access the gun and draw it.
If you stand or walk for prolonged periods with your gun, strong-side carry is one of the most comfortable and concealed carry positions. Just be careful to wear a baggy shirt instead of a tucked-in or lightweight shirt. Otherwise, it will lead to printing. Also, make sure to have a custom OWB holster for your firearm to complement the concealment offered with this carry position.
Kidney Carry (4-5 o'clock)
The kidney carry position is 4-5 o'clock for right-handed shooters and 7-8 o'clock for others. In this position, the weapon in the holster is between your hip and the small of your back. Since the gun is behind you, concealment is easy to achieve. Wear an untucked shirt or tuck it over the holster to reduce printing.
Note that larger pistols do not align with this position because it can get challenging to draw them from behind the body. If you have an ongoing spinal issue, avoid this position.
Small-of-Back (5-6 o'clock)
SOB is 5-6 o'clock position for right-handed shooters and 6-7 o'clock for lefties. The pistol rests on the lower back area or the natural curve of your spine in this position. However, while sitting, you may experience some printing. If you want the most from this position, practice drawing the gun repeatedly, both standing and seated. In its absence, managing this position, especially under stressful conditions when every second matters, will be difficult.
Cross-Draw (10-11 o'clock)
The cross-draw position is 10-11 o'clock for right-hand dominant people and 1-3 o'clock for lefties. You keep the holster on your non-dominant or weak side and draw the gun across your body with your dominant or strong hand. Practicing a proper and safe technique to draw the weapon across the body requires time and patience. This is why cross-draw is not recommended for novice shooters. It is also not permitted in competitive shooting sports.
If you want to try the cross-draw concealed carry OWB position, use a leather holster specifically made for this position. It has a neutral cant and rigid construction, which stays in place as you move.
Inside the Waistband Concealed Carry Positions
IWB carry choice is made for concealment as you can hide your firearm under your shirt. Once inside, you can carry the pistol in any position without worrying whether it will show.
Appendix Carry (1-2 o'clock)
Appendix carry or AIWB is a popular variation of IWB in which you put the gun on the interior side of your front pocket area. It is slightly on the side of your navel. If you are right-handed, the gun sits at the 1-2 o'clock position, and if you are a leftie, it sits at the 10-11 o'clock position.
With the AIWB position, you can conceal larger guns inside your waistband and draw them efficiently. However, overweight people with big bellies may face issues like firearm printing due to a low beltline and discomfort while sitting. To rectify it, put on the holster, sit first, and find a comfortable spot. Also, there are no rules for the holster's placement on the front of your belly. You should place it wherever it feels right.
Strong-Side Carry
Strong-side carry is a popular IWB concealed carry position in which you keep the gun in the holster on the side of your dominant hand. This is the 3 o'clock position for right-handed shooters and the 9 o'clock position for lefties. This position can even become Appendix carry if you place the gun on your dominant side at 2 or 4 o'clock.
For pistols with a longer grip, wearing a cover garment with a strong-side concealed carry position is important. Otherwise, the gun will print. Also, since this position leverages the dominant side, you may find yourself in trouble if the need to use a non-dominant hand arises. Keep these things in mind before applying for this position.
Cross-Draw Carry
Cross-draw carry is similar to the OWB carry position, except that the weapon is inside the waistband. You holster the gun across your torso, between your weak side hip and belly button. If you use a wheelchair, sit, or drive for long periods, cross-draw carry is a great concealed carry position.
However, your draw speed may not be as great as other positions primarily because you retrieve the gun from your weak side. If you use an incorrect technique or have not practiced adequately, this position will not serve you well. It is also essential to use a strong IWB holster, preferably made of leather, with detailed hand-molding that promotes retention to keep your pistol secure.
Belly Band Carry
This position allows you to place the pistol at nearly any position around your midsection you choose. This concealed carry position works with most clothing, except shirts with a tight fit. This carry method also works well for women who tend to wear skirts, leggings, and long dresses.
The belly band method offers good concealment, particularly for smaller guns. The only problem is that it can feel uncomfortable during the summer when you wear the holster for a prolonged time. Issues like chafing and sweating are common.
Other Concealed Carry Positions
Besides IWB and OWB concealed carry positions, you can experiment with options that hide the gun and the holster on your upper body or lower body. These include shoulder carry and off-body carry.
Shoulder Carry
A shoulder carry position is one in which you keep the gun below your weak or non-dominant arm. The holster is suspended by a harness that goes around the shoulders. Vertical shoulder holsters keep the firearm straight up and down with the butt forward, while horizontal shoulders orient the muzzle of the pistol to the rear and butt forward. Leather shoulder holsters conceal service-size pistols like 1911s well under button-down jackets. However, since you need to reach across your body to retrieve and draw the gun, adequate practice is essential.
Ankle Carry
Ankle carry, as its name implies, is a position where the gun is in a holster that is worn on your ankle. The holster is inside your trousers, so it is concealable. If you want to conceal a small handgun and are mostly seated throughout the day, ankle carry is a great position. The downside is that you cannot draw the gun fast while standing and running.
Off-Body Carry
Off-body carry is when you don't wear the holster on any part of your body. You can carry it in a small purse, backpack, or messenger bag. Off-body carry eliminates the risk of printing. You also don't need to worry much about your clothing since the gun is not on your body. However, drawing the gun from a bag can be slower. If you leave the bag unattended, it can lead to unauthorized access.
How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Position?
The best concealed carry position feels comfortable, is safe, and fits easily with your needs and lifestyle. Consider the following points when choosing a position:
- Pay attention to your body type. For larger people, the 4 o'clock or 3 o'clock position, bellyband, and shoulder carry are more comfortable than other positions. Skinny individuals will find the Appendix Carry more comfortable.
- Find out how easy it is to draw. If you can draw quickly and securely without causing harm to other people, the position you are choosing is fine.
- Balance concealment with accessibility.Besides keeping the gun disguised, you must be able to access and re-holster the gun when needed.
- Choose the right clothing. Pieces like loose-fitting shirts, garments with busy prints, and jackets complement concealed carry positions effectively.
Concluding Words
There are a variety of concealed carry positions, but your choice is dependent on various factors. Each position has its strengths and weaknesses. It is best to try them all out to determine a fitting choice. Don't forget to pair your gun with a great custom holster that will impart sufficient security.
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