Have you ever considered that you didn’t make the right choice in securing that holster you just acquired? Or you currently have a backlog of IWB concealed holsters that you stopped using after a few times, or you didn’t even wear at all?
And then you’re unhappy that you spent a lot of money to acquire them only to be disappointed with the turn of events. No matter how much assurance you get in the market, if you do not follow due process of selection, you’ll keep having a backlog of unfit concealed holsters. Choosing the best IWB concealed holster can be achieved if you heed the following few tips.
- Inspect the Material
There are two crucial materials used in producing the IWB concealed holster, which are leather and Kydex. For decades leather dominated the holster market, but with the advent of Kydex, holsters are becoming more comfortable.
IWB holsters are light, and the use of Kydex adds a bit of strength and thickness to them. The Kydex helps to balance the rubbing effect of the holster between the clothes and the body. They are also affordable and last longer.
When the weather is hot and humid, the Kydex holster will answer the call. The Kydex material brings the much-needed stability to the IWB concealed holster, so when selecting, ensure the holster has thick Kydex finishing before purchasing. The quality of craftsmanship when using Kydex allows it to achieve its purpose.
- Observe the gaps
In selecting your IWB concealed holster, there is a high chance that there will be collapses in the holster after using it for a while. It is due to the internal pressure from the IWB holster towards the body, making it too tight for easy drawing of a firearm and reholstering without having to draw attention. When selection is going on, ensure that there is an allowable space within your IWB concealed holster. Also, make sure it is a Kydex material or a combination of Kydex and leather to avoid this problem.
- Crosscheck Safety
Double-check all the essential safety measures. Observe the configuration of the sweat shield. The sweat shield is a part of the IWB concealed holster where all forms of moisture and dirt are swiveled away from the body; it protects against abrasion or cut when drawing the pistol from the holster.
Also, ensure that the trigger guard is entirely intact. When a wrong calculation ensues at this point, there are bound to be unpleasant occurrences in the future.
Examine the retention capacity of the IWB holster. However, they are an excellent retention holster, but in some shops, you may find that the holsters may have been adjusted. You have to keep an eye out for that as they can loosen within the period of usage. So you can examine properly for retention if you fix your firearm and hang it upside down while shaking it to ensure no movement.
You should also check out the flip side of the IWB holster to ensure proper reholstering so as not to have a careless discharge. Your IWB holster must agree with you and not fight against you when the time comes.
- Test the holster
If after all the inspection of the holster and you fail to try it on, it’s as good as if you never went to purchase a holster! Testing the holster to ensure it’s comfortable and a good fit.
More importantly, you have to practice drawing your handgun with it to ensure that there’s no issue when the real test comes. Trying it on makes the whole difference as it ensures you won’t be stashing the holsters away anytime soon or going back to return them to the merchants.
Also, ensure that the holster’s weight is commensurate with your body size; the gun is already heavy. Don’t add extra inconvenience by selecting a heavy IWB holster.
This act also enables you to decide on the type of clothing accessories you will be putting on to accommodate your IWB concealed holster. The goal is to have the weapon concealed and ready for use when drawn. When trying it out, also ensure that you can sit comfortably with the IWB holster without flinching.
Also, check if the holster is in tandem with your dominant hand and the clips are present. Ensure all these, and you’re almost on your way to choosing the best IWB concealed holster!
- Recall your training
During basic training, you were taught many things, one of which you’re about to embark on. You should ensure you go to the shop with your handgun when choosing your IWB holster. After acquiring your near-perfect IWB concealed holster with careful considerations, you’re faced with the task of constant practice with your full gear. Without regular exercise, your IWB holster will not be as effective as it is designed to. As often as you change your environment, it would help if you practiced acclimatizing to the situation around you.
Practice your drawing speed, gun handling, target, and positioning like everything depend on it.
No one knows when danger can come knocking; practice wearing your IWB concealed holster inside your house as well as training your loved ones on actions to take and primary usage of the gear in your absence.
Also, train your mindset and build your confidence level to overcome any form of assault when accosted.
Conclusion
There are many guns out there, and the ability to select the right concealed holster that will fit and enable you to use it perfectly well is an added advantage. Don’t let anyone discourage you and tell you otherwise. You are on your way to a perfect start, and although there will be challenges along the way, you have to stay true to your instinct and training. And above all, stay safe out there.