How to Wear OWB Holster? – Carry Positions & Tips to Conceal Carry

Concealed and open carry are two major ways to carry firearms in the US. Law enforcement professionals and those who carry larger pistols usually prefer OWB carry as it offers convenience and ease of access. If you have started training and prefer this open-carry method, knowing how to wear an OWB holster correctly is essential. Even if you prefer discrete carry, this type of holster can help you with concealability.

In this post, we'll break down the steps involved in wearing different types of OWB holsters and give tips on using them for concealed carry.

What is OWB Holster?

OWB holster is designed to carry a firearm openly outside your belt. It has clips, loops, and slits through which you attach it to the exterior part of your gun belt. Since you can strap the holster on your belt from outside, it feels more comfortable and allows you to draw faster.

You can carry the weapon discreetly when you wear a light jacket or an overshirt after securing the holster. This versatility is one of the major reasons for the popularity of an open-carry holster. Find out how to wear an OWB holster in the sections below.

How to Wear OWB Holster?

To wear an OWB holster effectively, first choose the right type of holster, such as a paddle, pancake, or belt slide holster. After that, find the best position to carry the holster. It is usually 4-5 o'clock for right-handed people and 7-8 o'clock for lefties. Then adjust the holster securely and conceal it (optional) with the right clothing.

Below, we have broken down the important steps for wearing the OWB holster.

1. Select the Right OWB Holster

Choosing the right kind of OWB holster is essential to carry it comfortably. Here are the three major types of OWB holsters:

• Paddle Holsters - These have a flat and broad paddle-style clip that tucks inside the waistband. Once fully inside, the paddle holster does not move from its place unless you pull it deliberately. You can insert and remove a paddle holster while sitting, standing, and walking.
• Pancake Holsters - Pancake or standard OWB holsters are easier to conceal than paddle holsters. They have a low-profile design similar to an IWB holster, and your gun is secured through passive retention. Most leather OWB holsters for concealed carry are molded to the shape of your gun, and the friction between the weapon and the interior of the holster offers security to the gun.
• Belt Slide Holsters - These holsters have an open-muzzle and low-profile design. This type of holster is also easy to conceal, especially those made of leather. The holster is stitched and custom-molded to your particular gun.

2. Find the Best Position for OWB Carry

You can wear an OWB holster in various positions. Still, it is essential to decide on a comfortable placement. An OWB holster is made to be worn on the strong side, which means 3 to 5 o'clock positions.

The strong side is the side from where you draw the gun. For right-handed shooters, it is the right hip, and for lefties, it is the left hip. Let us break down the most comfortable and safe positions for OWB carry.

• 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (for lefties) - In the 3 o'clock position, you wear the handgun on the right side of the body and against your right hip. This OWB holster position provides ease of accessing the gun and is one of the most convenient positions. However, this position is not easy to conceal with light clothing.
• 4-5 o'clock and 7-8 o'clock (for lefties) - In the kidney carry position, the holster is kept just behind the hip and the small of the back. Kidney carry is a great position for concealed carrying a gun outside the waistband. With untucked clothing, you can easily prevent the detection of the firearm. However, the ease of drawing in this position is not as clean as in the 3 o'clock position.
• 5-6 o'clock - In a 5 to 6 o'clock position, your holster is placed flat across the center of your lower back. Although you can discreetly wear all three types of OWB holsters mentioned above in this position, you may feel that drawing is a bit cumbersome. The gun's grip is more easily achieved on the strong side or at 3 o'clock.
• Cross-draw - In the cross-draw OWB position, you wear the holster on the non-dominant or strong side. While drawing the gun, the dominant hand is used. This position is good for accessing the gun when you're seated in a vehicle. However, if you are an inexperienced shooter, it is best to use your strong side.

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3. Wear the OWB Holster and Adjust It

After choosing the right type of OWB holster and a comfortable position, it's time to wear it. A pancake holster has three belt loops that stabilize it in every position. Take the empty holster and thread it through your gun belt through those loops. After that, thread the belt through your pants and buckle it. In the end, insert the gun in the holster.

If it's a paddle holster, use the clip to attach it to your gun belt until it's seated in place. If you don't secure it properly on your waistband or belt, you will need to grab the holster with your other hand to draw the pistol. A properly worn paddle holster makes it easy to draw the gun without exerting significant force.

For belt slide holsters, you should thread the gun belt through the loops on your holster. Ensure the holster sits securely against your body without making you feel uncomfortable. Use a short-barrelled gun with this holster. If you want to conceal it, wear a light jacket.

Once worn, adjust the cant of the holster for comfort and accessibility. It involves removing the screws holding the belt loop, changing the angle at which the holster sits on your belt, and reinserting the screws.

How to Draw from an OWB Holster?

After learning how to wear an OWB holster, spend plenty of time drawing the firearm. By practicing drawing with an unloaded, you will be able to access your gun when needed. Follow these steps to draw a gun from an OWB holster securely.

• If you have concealed the holster, use the non-dominant hand to clear the cover garment.
• If open carrying the holster, your support hand should move to a consistent point on your chest or belly to meet the weapon and grip it.
• Your hand should touch a point high up on the grip. There should be no space between your hand and the beavertail.
• Your chest and head should not move in a standing draw. Contrarily, if it's a moving draw, only the legs should be moving while the upper body posture remains consistent.
• Level out the gun at the earliest to acquire the sights.
• Don't increase or decrease your speed while presenting the gun.

Tips to Conceal Carry OWB Holster

Although an OWB holster is not meant for concealed carry, there are some ways to make it less detectable. Use these techniques to carry an OWB holster concealed.

• Invest in a secure OWB holster with a slim design and no unwanted material. Leather OWB holsters in pancake style are wet molded to a gun's dimensions and feature no additional material.
• Use a high-quality gun belt to keep the gun close to your body, thereby enhancing concealability.
• Wear baggy shirts and jackets to cover up the holster.
• Keep the ride height of the holster lower so it sits close to your body and reduces printing.
• Use a forward cant on the holster. It tilts the grip forward and aids in concealability.

Summing Up

This post would have made how to wear an OWB holster clear to you. Holsters in this style emphasize ease of access and comfort. You must choose the right type of OWB holster according to your needs and wear it in different positions until you find the best place. When these two steps are done properly, wearing the holster and using it becomes effortless. Check out Wright Leather Works' range of OWB holsters for open and concealed carry, and step out with your gun safely and confidently.