Utah Self Defense Instruction

Having carried a concealed weapon for a few years, I have tried virtually every type of concealment holster out there.  After a while you learn what is an essential feature of a good holster, and what is not.  Eventually you settle on a type of holster that you like.  For me, I initially settled on the holsters from The Holster Store.  I stuck with them for a while, as they were reasonably comfortable and inexpensive.

After about a year of carrying in one of their Pro Carry Deep Comfort holsters, I decided that I was going to spring for a crossbreed holster, as I had heard good things about them.  Well, after waiting about six weeks for it to arrive, I was impressed.  It was very comfortable, albeit somewhat larger than I had anticipated.  It concealed better than anything I had previously tried, and did so with better retention and comfort than I could ask for.

Well, a couple weeks ago, while at the local gun show, I ran into a guy named Jason Christensen, with Concealment Solutions.  He makes holsters locally, which I liked, and after I picked one of his holsters up, I could immediately tell it had a higher build quality than the Crossbreed.  After the show was over, I sent him an email and picked up a couple of his holsters, one for a Kahr CW-9 and one for a Glock 19.

First, it took a few days, rather than a few weeks, which was great.  Second, compared directly to the Crossbreed, the holster is much better built, the kydex covers more of the gun, allowing for increased safety when holstering, and the cut of the leather side of the holster better fits the shape of the gun.  The clips are infinitely better than the Crossbreed.  I have had the Crossbreed come off with the gun on a draw, but the Concealment solutions clips hold the holster onto the belt from both sides, keeping this from happening.  Where the Crossbreed has excess leather where it isn’t necessary, the Concealment Solutions Black Mamba CE, is large enough to provide maximum comfort, while at the same time doesn’t have excess leather where it isn’t needed.  This makes the Black Mamba THE most concealable and comfortable holster you can buy.  And trust me, I have tried many.  Combined with the shorter wait time this makes the Black Mamba CE a no brainer.  Go buy one.  He also makes similar holster for sub-compacts and micro pistols.  If you have a custom design, or some oddly-shaped light or accessory, he does custom builds, and you won’t be waiting six-months for it either.

This list is meant to be a starting point for those who are new to guns, or at least new to Concealed Carry.  Each of these guns are good, reasonably priced concealed weapons.  They are chosen for their reliability, conceal-ability, or ease of use.  I am not picking favorites with regards to caliber, and their are many substitutes if you prefer a different caliber than the one listed.

1. Glock 19 – The Glock 19 is the compact size 9mm.  I picked this gun first as it is my personal CCW gun.  In my opinion, this gun is sized perfectly, it’s not as bulky as the full sized Glock 17, yet it is large enough that I am able to fit all fingers on the grip.  This makes the gun very controllable, while at the same time it is concealable enough that I am able to conceal this firearm beneath a t-shirt.  It also has a 15+1 round capacity.  I use this with a Crossbreed Supertuck.

2. Kahr CW Series – This gun is also one I own.  I have it in the 9mm variant.  This gun is great because it is incredibly thin and light.  Thickness plays probably the biggest role in how well a gun can be concealed, and how comfortable it is when concealed carrying.  The trigger is smooth, although it is long, but since this is a carry gun, and as such, in my opinion, should be carried with one in the chamber, the long trigger doesn’t bother me.  This is a great gun for someone who wants a very comfortable gun to carry.

3. Smith and Wesson J-Frame – For those that like revolvers or are uncomfortable with their ability to manipulate an auto under stress, the Smith J-Frames are a good bet.  You pull the trigger and it fires.  End of story.  They are utterly reliable, no magazine to fail, no safety to manipulate, and they are safe.  For CCW, I recommend a hammerless, or shrouded hammer version.  This makes it easier to draw and less likely for the gun to snag on clothing during a draw.  The trigger can be heavy for some, so make sure that you can handle the pull and maintain accuracy before purchasing this gun.

4. Ruger LCP – This is a good option if you are unable to carry and conceal a larger gun.  It is very small, and extremely light.  This can be concealed easily in a pocket, but if that is how you are going to carry, make sure that you are using a holster, otherwise there is a higher chance of a negligent discharge.

5. Smith & Wesson M&P Compact – The M&P Compact is very easy to conceal, although it is a bit thicker than the Kahr.  It shoots smooth, has a decent trigger, and is a good looking gun.  If you are biased against Glocks, check out the M&P.  This firearm manages recoil quite well considering its size.  It is a subcompact really, and for most people, the grip is not long enough to accommodate the little finger.  However you can always get a magazine extension if that bothers you.