6 Concealed Carry Holster Positions to Consider

There are a number of different concealed carry holster positions to choose from, each presenting a unique set of pros and cons. One CCW position isn’t necessarily better than another, but the best concealed carry position for you depends on what is most important to you, whether that be comfort, quick access to your gun, or how well your weapon is concealed. This article discusses the most popular concealed carry methods and weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you find the best carry position based on your weapon and holster and why you’re carrying it.

It’s OK to Waist Time

Terrible puns aside, it’s essential to know that when carrying at your waist, the position of your gun is usually referenced in terms of a clock’s face. That means carrying at the 6 o’clock position would be your back, and carrying at 3 and 9 o’clock would be on your right and left-hand sides, respectively. The position you carry at is just as important as the method you choose because it impacts your comfort, concealment, and ability to quickly draw your weapon.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) | Strong Side Carry

Outside the waistband is the most obvious method to carry a firearm. It was actually the original standard when people started carrying guns hundreds of years ago. While this option may seem counterintuitive for concealed carry, it’s actually very comfortable and effective if you wear an outer garment like a long shirt or jacket. Once that garment is removed, though, your firearm will no longer be concealed, so you should review your state’s laws regarding open carry. 

When at the 3-4 or 8-9 o’clock positions, this is often referred to as strong side carry because you can keep your weapon near your dominant hand with instinctual access. However, the strong side carry method makes it more difficult to draw your weapon while sitting down. Thankfully, this can be eliminated with an FBI cant, which is when your OWB holster is tilted forward a bit, providing an easier draw while sitting down.

Pros: 

• Offers the easiest access to your weapon
• Comfortable
• Can be easily concealed with longer garments like jackets

Cons:

• Difficult to draw while sitting
• Can be fixed with FBI cant
• Level of concealment depends on your clothing
• If your weapon is only concealed while wearing a coat, you’ll need to keep your coat on at all times 
• Usually need both hands to draw

Inside the Waistband (IWB) | Strong Side Carry

Inside the waistband is widely considered one of the best concealed carry positions because it conceals your pistol the most without many downsides. Like outside the waistband, most gun owners tend to strong side carry with IWB for a natural draw. It’s also much easier to conceal your handgun since the weapon is kept inside of your clothing, providing a solid layer of cover.

With a correctly fitted IWB holster, this method of carry should be comfortable and create minimal to no printing, which is when your weapon outline is visible through your clothing. However, IWB carry makes it a bit more difficult to draw your weapon compared to OWB, but the trade-off for better concealment is worth it.

Pros:

• Maximum concealment of your firearm
• Comfortable with properly fitted holster
• Rides higher on the hip 
• Can be easily concealed without requiring certain apparel

Cons:

• Slightly more difficult draw than OWB
• Usually need both hands to draw

Inside the Waistband (AIWB) | Appendix Carry 

Appendix carry can be considered a “love it or hate it” CCW position. It’s when you carry your gun inside the waistband towards your front, usually at the 11- or 1-o’clock position. The biggest benefit of AIWB carry is that it provides immediate access to your weapon, and you can draw your gun with either hand.

The two biggest drawbacks of this concealed carry position are comfort and muzzle position. Some people find appendix carry to be rather comfortable, but for those of us who love to eat, it can be a bit uncomfortable if you have a larger physique. Finding the right appendix holster is key to comfort.

Appendix carry also positions your firearm right above your groin and thigh, which makes some people uneasy, especially since your thigh hosts a vital blood vessel, the femoral artery. That being said, you shouldn’t fear your weapon discharging if you practice proper firearm safety and avoid carrying weapons that only have a safety on the trigger.

Pros:

• Very quick draws
• Gun can be drawn with either hand
• Easier to draw weapon while sitting down

Cons:

• Can be uncomfortable, especially if you’ve got some extra meat on your bones
• Gun’s muzzle points in a dangerous direction
• Should never be an issue if you follow firearm safety guidelines
• Should never be used with a gun that only has a trigger safety
• Is not compatible with certain longer firearms

Small of Back Carry (SOB)

Small of the back is not a popular concealed carry position, and it’s hard to disagree with the majority. It provides the slowest draw and requires much more movement to unholster your weapon. If you’re sitting and need immediate access to your weapon, you might as well be shouting this method’s initials. 

SOB carry does conceal your weapon well but no better than any of the IWB carry methods. Personal preference would dictate if you should carry this way, but other concealed carry positions are much more beneficial, especially if you carry for emergency self-defense situations. 

Pros:

• Conceals your weapon well

Cons:

• Very slow draws
• More difficult to access weapon
• Can be uncomfortable while sitting
• Exposes you more to a takeaway
• Holster with higher retention level would eliminate this problem

Pocket Carry

The pocket concealed carry position is great for smaller handguns because it’s very discreet and provides quick access to your weapon. Holster manufacturers are catching on to the trend, so there are plenty of pocket holsters to choose from on the market. 

The biggest drawback of pocket carry is that it limits your firepower since it only works well with smaller handguns. Plus, your weapon is only easily accessible on the side you’re carrying. 

Pros:

• Conceals your weapon well
• Comfortable
• Quick access to your weapon
• Easy to carry 

Cons:

• Can only be used with small handguns
• Gun can only be accessed with your dominant hand

Shoulder Holster Carry

Using shoulder holsters for concealed carry is not always practical, but it is a suitable option for the winter months where you’ll be wearing long jackets and other layers of clothing. The biggest benefit of this position is that you can easily carry extra magazines, speedloaders, and other gear with your shoulder holster. It also provides quick draws, even while sitting down.

However, shoulder holsters are not that discreet, and you’ll need to wear longer jackets and apparel to completely conceal your rig. 

Pros:

• Provides extra storage space for magazines and gear
• Easy access to your weapon 
• You’ll look like a cool 1930’s detective

Cons:

• Offers the least concealment of your weapon
• Longer clothing and outerwear is required for concealment

Pick Your Position

There are several other concealed carry positions we didn’t mention such as ankle holsters, concealed carry purses, off-the-body carry, and more. While those carry methods also have their own advantages and disadvantages, they’re just not as popular in comparison to most of the positions we discussed today. The right CCW position for you depends on your weapon, desired level of concealment, choice of wardrobe, and why you’re carrying in the first place.

Hopefully, these pros and cons of different concealed carry positions help you find the best method to discreetly carry your firearm. Your next step is to buy a holster that fits your gun, needs, and budget. Make sure to check out our guide on How to Buy the Best Gun Holster for tips on selecting the right holster for your gun and preferred method of carry.