Choosing a concealed carry holster is an important step. You need to get the handgun out of your pocket or waistband and into a holster. But not just any generic holster. You must choose a holster that keeps the pistol secure and does not move on the waistband. A balance of speed and retention is important for safety and self-defense. Choose a holster that offers good concealment.
Having a covering garment that drapes over the holster allows for a strong-side holster. When these are not feasible, an inside-the-waistband holster is needed. Choose quality. To be honest, it is difficult to wean the list down to 10 holsters. However, these are 10 of the best holsters I have used over the years. Let them be your baseline for choosing quality gear.
Galco Combat Master
The strong-side holster is the default first choice for concealed carry. The strong-side holster offers a sharp draw and real comfort. The Galco Combat Master is among the finest American designs. This holster keeps the pistol high and ready for a sharp draw.
The Combat master may be concealed by a light covering garment. The Combat Master is also a good all-around field holster. This is one holster all concealed carry shooters should be familiar with.
Galco Sto-N-Go
Galco offers a wide range of inside-the-waistband holsters including Kydex holsters and hybrid Kydex/Leather holsters, as well as the classic Summer Companion. Among my favorite inside-the-waistband holsters is the affordable Sto-N-Go. The Sto-N-Go may be inexpensive, but the holstering welt is reinforced and the stitching is good.
The Sto-N-Go features a strong plastic belt clip that takes a good bite on the belt. When a covering garment cannot be worn, a pulled-out sport shirt or T-shirt will conceal the pistol when using an inside-the-waistband holster. I own and use more of this type than any other single holster design.
FALCO Crab Hawk
The Crab Hawk is a strong-side holster that demands a covering garment. The balance of speed and retention is good. The Crab Hawk features a good design, sweat guard, excellent stitching, and a strong reinforced spine as well as a retention screw. The Crab Hawk is in some ways a true speed holster with good retention. Secured to the belt by a single tunnel loop, this is a strong choice for personal defense.
FALCO Fabric IWB
FALCO has changed my opinion on fabric holsters. This is not a cheap floppy holster. Those types are worse than no holster at all. The FALCO design features rugged fabric and nylon that would be at home on a hiking boot. The steel belt clip is wedded to the holster by a strongly stitched attachment.
These holsters are forgiving enough to fit several handguns in the proper size. As an example, the holster illustrated will fit the Walther PDP and Glock 17. Body compression keeps the holster secure between the trousers and body. The strong steel clip does the rest.
Edging is a term that doesn’t usually apply to fabric holsters. This is the edge that mates the front and back of the holster. The work is well done on this affordable and useful holster.
DeSantis Speed Scabbard
The DeSantis Speed Scabbard is technically a modified three-slot pancake-style holster. The pancake type was developed to provide concealed carry shooters with a holster that hugs the outline of the body. The three belt loops are used to adjust the cant or draw angle of the holster from neutral to butt forward. The holster features a retention screw. This is a good design that hugs close for concealment as designed but offers a sharp draw.
DeSantis Slim-Tuk
Kydex holsters are sometimes uncomfortable. The balance of robustness and comfort isn’t easy to find. The Slim-Tuk is thin enough, and quite comfortable, but doesn’t flex too much. The belt clip is mounted near the rear of the holster allowing the holster to be cinched tight against the belt.
The Kydex body doesn’t collapse after the pistol is drawn allowing easy re-holstering. The tuckable is designed to be worn under the shirt and between the trousers and the shirt. I prefer IWB carry, and this is how I carry the Slim-Tuk. This is a top-rated concealment holster.
Crossbreed Reckoning
Crossbreed pioneered the original Kydex holster with leather backing that so many find comfortable and comforting. The original design features wings that extend from the holster body spreading out the weight of the pistol. I prefer the Reckoning.
The Reckoning is a slimmed-down Crossbreed with a smaller footprint. Many will prefer the original, it is good to have a choice. This holster is tuckable and also an appendix holster or may be used as a standard IWB if preferred.
The Reckoning features two steel belt clips that are easily among the best designed in the business. Each offers good adjustment for both cant and ride above or below the belt. The Reckoning is a good design that offers excellent concealment.
Crossbreed Purse Holster
The Purse holster is among the few genuine innovations of late. The holster backing plate neatly solves the problem of keeping the holster stabilized in a purse. I would add that a briefcase or desk drawer are also likely homes for the Purse Holster.
The holster is a rugged Kydex type molded for the individual handgun. The rear of the holster features a Velcro attachment. The mounting plate is covered in Velcro on one side. The result is a tremendous number of combinations for mounting the holster.
N8 Tactical IWB Executive
The Executive is a well-designed inside-the-waistband holster. Among the features I like is a belt clip that rides relatively high on the holster. This allows the user to wear the holster deeper in the trousers.
Featuring an IWB design, the body of a larger handgun is easily concealed under a light covering garment. The Executive features tension screws. The design offers a sharp draw and will not collapse when drawn.
1791 Gunleather Belt Slide
1791 Gunleather offers a wide range of strong-side holsters, inside the waistband, and other designs as well as concealed carry belts. I use belt slides primarily for range work. The 1791 design, however, has much merit.
This belt slide firmly attaches to the belt. It is fully ambidextrous. A strong belt clip offers firm attachment and allows the holster to be used as an inside-the-waistband holster. The 1791 holster is a great design for those of us who use several different firearms. Large and small sizes are offered. For handguns that are difficult to find a proper holster for, the 1791 Gunleather belt slide is a useful option.
Here are a few of our favorite holsters. Which holsters have you had good success with? Share your answers in the comment section.
A strong point of the Reckoning is the leather backing pad. This makes for a comfortable carry. 
Crossbreed designed the Reckoning to offer a smaller footprint than most tuckable holsters. 
The Slim-Tuk is a good choice for most concealed carry chores. DeSantis offers the Slim-Tuk for several pistols including the Walther PPQ compact. 
While designed as a purse holster the Crossbreed design has many uses. 
Good use of Velcro offers a practically unlimited range of adjustment. The Crossbreed Purse Holster is an innovative design with much versatility. DeSantis’ Speed Scabbard has been adopted by a few Federal agencies after rigorous testing. 
The Speed Scabbard offers good adjustment with three belt loops. 
Among the author’s favorite all around designs is the Galco Sto-N-Go. The Sto-N-Go is offered for a wide variety of handguns. Note strong belt clip and reinforced holster mouth. 
Falco’s Crab Hawk is among the better all around strong side holsters. 
Note Falco’s quality stitching, sweat guard, and tunnel loop. 
The Executive features a sharp draw, good concealment, a well designed belt slip, and dual retention screws. 
Crossbreed holsters offer an excellent balance of speed and retention. Yet they are among the most comfortable carry guns. You should practice drawing and holstering the handgun. The Combat Master is well designed for all around use. 
The Galco Combat Master offers a sharp draw. 
The Falco IWB is durable and comfortable. Falco’s strong steel belt clip offers secure attachment. A belt slide holster is ideal for occassion or people who use several different handguns and need a generic holster.
Ira,
You are lucky to know such a legend in the industry!
PM Rich- that is a Taurus 605 Defender in .357 Magnum.
Thanks for reading
Bob
38 years ago Gene DeSantis asked me to loan him some of my handguns to develop a new holster called the Speed Scabbard. It was ahead of its time in both concept and reliability. I still use my original holsters with a DeSantis belt for my daily carry conceal. Never stretched, still hugs and I’m an overweight guy. Belt has been replaced once in all these years. Remember, you get what you pay for…
Can anyone tell me which revolver is in the first picture of this article?
Is it a Taurus Defender?
Those aren’t to bad. I’ve had my conceal carry permit for a while now. Carry a pistol on me every day. I was kinda surprised that the Don Hume leather company didn’t make the list. I’ve been working for them since 1989 running a sewing machine and hand cutting now and then. Long line of quality law enforcement leather gear. From security holsters to conceal holsters. The H 715 is a popular conceal holster, also have 001 conceal holsters if you prefer a pocket version. I’ve wore nylon holsters,tydex,and even suede. Myself personally.. leather is the way to go no matter what your type or style of holster is.
While everyone else seems to get a kick out of bad-mouthing it. I prefer the holster I just ordered my second of, the Blackhawk Serpa holster. One thing they are always harping about is that the holster puts the finger too close to the trigger guard. That is a bald-faced lie. The Serpa reinforces proper training, as pressing the release button positions the trigger finger along the slide. not by the guard. The Serpa is nothing like the old CHP clamshell, where you put your finger through the guard to press the button, and then needed both hands to re-holster.
Everybody has unique requirements.
The IWB full Kydex holsters (Kydex both sides) seem thicker and put a hard convex surface against your skin.
The IWB half Kydex holsters have a fabric mesh pad against the skin. Much more comfortable.
Single clip holsters tend to move a lot. Double clip holsters seem more stable.
My favorite carry is IWB cross draw. Useful if you’re seated a lot. Easier draw IMO. IWB double clip holsters can be adjusted for a somewhat more neutral 10 o’clock position.
The DeSantis M78-8J was a favorite, but seems to be out of production.
Marcos
You need a holster that stays put no matter what the physical activity!
I was once knocked over a chair literally upside down during a domestic call and the
holstered pistol stayed in place- I was in plainclothes it was a Galco Royal Guard.
The holster MUST be firmly anchored to the belt.
Do a couple of jumping jacks or push ups- mild indeed compared to a real fight- and I bet that holster shifts maybe even disgorges the gun.
Stay safe
Bob
You should consider the Remora holsters, with the full sweat shield.
I live in central Florida, and I’m sure many other people in the south, don’t feel like wearing two shirts to carry concealed.
Have you ever had one of the newer style aggressive grips rub against your skin for a couple of hours? It dies not feel good, and will peel your skin from your side.
I’ve been using mines for over two years, and they are great.
I carry a G21, on a full sweat shield with no clip, and it stays in place. Also, I carry a G3C on 2nf gen full sweat shield with clip, and i can carry it with gym shorts, or sweat pants, and it will stay put, as long as I’m not jumping/running.
Lynn
Glad you like the Super Tuck!
It is all you said. I simply have covered it before, and I actually like the Reckoning better.
Thanks for reading. Bob
I have found Crossbreed’s Super Tuck to be the most comfortable holster I have ever used. When I began carrying a handgun for which no Crossbreed holster would fit. I have found SnapRig’s SwapTuck to be virtually as good. I am surprised neither of these were mentioned.