Concealed carry: What time is it?

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Anyone who has to or is allowed to carry a concealed pistol will quickly ask themselves: "How can I best conceal it?" One answer is with an Inner Waist Band (IWB) Holster. Therefore, we will focus here only on these carrying styles on the belt or inside the belt. Other methods, such as shoulder/leg or pocket holsters, will be excluded for now.

As is customary internationally, we follow the clock face where "12 o'clock" is at our crotch, and it is referenced from the perspective of a right-handed person. For left-handed shooters, it is mirrored accordingly. IWB models from BLACK TRIDENT - Viking, Guardian, and Valkyrie - can be found HERE on their website. 

11:00 AM

This carrying style forces the shooter to draw in a crossbody manner. It's a "Crossdraw" variant, which is uncomfortable, awkward, and impractical in close quarters combat. Sometimes, however, due to body shape reasons, it may be the only option for front carry. (Note: the author subtly suggests that some people are too thick for front carry concealed holsters.)

12:00 PM

Mostly used for crotch holsters like the "Full Concealment Holster" or "Smartcarry", or for larger IWB holsters, usually with an integrated magazine holder, such as the IWB Guardian Holster from BLACK TRIDENT.

Works quite well, but concealing a full-size pistol is difficult due to the long grip and may print through a tighter shirt.

01:00 PM

Also known as "Appendix Carry." The new classic, the advantages are obvious: it's easy to remove outer clothing, and the weapon is quickly accessible. You have constant, discreet visual control due to eye protection and the pistol is also drawable in close combat situations. This is particularly useful in ground fighting.

However, the pistol is usually uncomfortable when sitting and is often in the way during physical work (carrying tires/boxes, warehouse work, etc.)

03:00 PM

The advantage of this position is the minimal adjustment needed for the normal drawing process. The learning curve here is the smallest.

The disadvantage is, of course, the increased width that comes with carrying a concealed weapon here, especially when only wearing a T-shirt.

05:00 PM

Old school. Carrying method practiced and proven by detectives and undercover agents for many, many years. It allows unrestricted movement in the front area. It's not in the way when felling a tree or driving fence posts. Personally, it is more comfortable to sit with this method than, for example, at "01:00 PM."

The disadvantages include the difficult to impossible access in ground fighting, and the lack of visual control whether the weapon is peeking out from under clothing or if its edges are noticeable (printing).

06:00 PM

06:00 is simply the position on the back. By maximizing the kyphosis (curvature of the spine), even the largest "full service" pistols can be carried concealed here.

The disadvantages include the awkward drawing process, especially with winter clothing, the inability to draw while lying down, and a painful impact with a potential injury in case of a fall.

Each carrying method has its own characteristics. Not every carrying method is necessarily compatible with every gun size. The rule of thumb is: the smaller the gun, the fewer carrying issues.

Pistol: the smaller the size and weight, the more comfortable to handle and the more carrying options available. In this regard, polymer models in compact/subcompact sizes have an advantage, especially if the shooter - especially with small and extra small models - can still get enough precision out of the gun. However, if, for example, an employer provides a full-size Glock, the shooter will have to work with what they have. Subcompact can be ideal in this case. HERE you can find all the information about the new CZ P-10 M. 

Leather or Kydex

Well, it's a matter of taste. When Kydex "clicks," the weapon is either a.) out or b.) inside. Binary. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The distinct positive drawing process is a significant advantage. However, in a scuffle, Kydex holsters do not give as much flexibility as leather holsters. The comfort of plastic is simply not as good as that of leather. This is where (imitation) leather-covered models can help. Especially in summer, they provide unparalleled relief.

On the other hand, leather holsters tend to grab the