How to Properly Conceal Carry With Paddle Holsters

A quality paddle holster is an essential part of your concealed carry setup. You want one that will secure your firearm and be comfortable to wear.

They are easy to wear without undoing your belt or pulling your pants. Many people use paddle holsters as a supplementary concealment method in addition to an IWB or other OWB holster.

Concealment

Paddle holsters can be easy to draw from and comfortable to wear. However, they are more concealable than other holster types. Paddle holsters typically ride lower and farther away from the body than different holster types, making them less likely to be concealed by a typical shirt or jacket. This can make them more challenging to access in an emergency.

To improve concealment with a paddle holster, consider choosing loose clothing that can cover the firearm and holster. Also, adjust the holster cant angle to match your preferred draw position and body type. Finally, use a belt designed for paddle holsters to prevent the waistline of your pants from sagging. This will keep the holster and weapon more secure against physical activity. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and practice trigger finger discipline to avoid accidental discharge. This is essential for all gun owners. The safety should be on before attempting to remove the pistol from its holster.

Retention

Paddle holsters often feature retention mechanisms that ensure the firearm is securely held inside until it is needed. This prevents accidental trigger engagement and enhances safety. In addition, paddle holsters are typically made of Kydex, which can be easily cleaned with water or sweat and won’t sag or stretch. Proper trigger discipline is essential by keeping your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to draw.

To keep your pistol safely and securely in place, look for a paddle holster that clips to the belt or waistband using a secure clip. A clip that doesn’t attach firmly to the pants’ waistband can easily dislodge while you are drawing. Additionally, look for a paddle holster with adjustable features that allow you to move the location of your gun for optimal concealment and comfort. It’s a great idea to test your paddle holster several times and adjust it for maximum comfort and ease of draw.

Safety

Paddle holsters have a unique design that uses friction to prevent the gun from being pulled up and away when drawing it. They typically also have a feature called an internal lock that attaches to the front trigger guard area within the holster. The lock must be unsnapped or disengaged for the handgun to be drawn.

Some paddle holsters have adjustable cant, which allows you to tilt the holster up or down for comfort and concealment. This is a great feature and can help ensure your firearm is safe when you draw.

One potential disadvantage to paddle holsters is that they can be more difficult to conceal than other types. Since the holster rides farther away from the body than a belt loop holster, it can be more visible under specific clothing or in certain situations. This may not be a problem for people who don’t carry their pistols on the back, but it should be something to consider if you plan to have your firearm in a situation where concealment is essential.

Comfort

Paddle holsters don’t attach directly to your belt like belt loop holsters, so they are at greater risk of accidentally dislodging and potentially falling off while you’re removing or drawing. This can put your weapon into the hands of the wrong person before you’re able to react.

Wear loose clothes and a jacket (if possible) to mitigate this danger when using paddle holsters for concealed carry. Also, always keep the clip flush against your body as you wear it and adjust the cant as needed to ensure a natural draw motion.

Paddle holsters work best with a gun belt that is 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) thick and secure enough to hold the holster firmly in place. Many paddle holsters come with a belt slide that can be attached by swapping the paddle attachment for a more secure connection to your waistband.