Options for Concealed Carry Holsters

Make
Alien Gear Holsters
Model
Shape Shift Starter Kit
Fits
Popular Glocks, Ruger LC and SRs, S&W M&P Shields, Springfield XDs, and Taurus Millennium G2s
MSRP
$100
Further
www.aliengearholsters.com
Notes
Easily the most adaptable holster we’ve seen, the Shape Shift system gives you four holster configurations you configure without tools. We’ll admit to a major head-scratching moment when we opened the box to find a bento box filled with polymer holster components. Our initial confusion faded as we put our man instincts aside and read the manual. Each of the configurations slide together positively and the parts are secured with polymer thumb nuts. You get an OWB, paddle, IWB, and an AIWB, that each on its own is secure and comfortable, if slightly more bulky, than their one-mission brethren. The system is well executed, comfortable, affordable, and not as complicated as it looks. It even allows for expanded firearm compatibility with the purchase of accessory shells made for several popular pistols. While we’re guessing the novelty of swapping carry options will fade eventually, the Shape Shift offers guys a way to sample a range of carry methods without going broke.

Make
KCarry
Model
Holster
Fits
Universal, ideally subcompact .380 and smaller
MSRP
$95
Further
www.kcarryholsters.com
Notes
Clearly designed to give the fairer sex options when it comes to carrying in dresses or hip-hugging apparel, the KCarry also works well as a low-profile shoulder rig for dudes. The support material is some kind of super-soft, Velcro-backed, velour-ish fabric that’s secured around the torso. The shoulder straps are the same, soft material running over the shoulders and are adjusted with simple double D-rings. The holster is a wide, stretch fabric that encloses the trigger guard and uses a Velcro strap to provide retention. A D-ring on the end of the retention strap offers a tactile landmark so you can pull the strap and free your pistol with relative ease. The holster and retention strap provide wide compatibility, but be aware that clearing the retention strap complicates your draw and requires practice for proficiency under pressure. The pistol tucks under the armpit on one side, and the other side features a sleeve for an extra mag. We found the rig was comfortable and secure when carrying a Remington RM380, but our SIG P938, with more weight in the grip, sagged outward. It’s not an issue with the right cover garment, but don’t expect to wear KCarry with just a T-shirt or polo.

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