Holsters for Big Dudes
If you are built like a lineman, appendix carry is a punchline and the holster that looked great on a skinny guy in a review starts digging into your side by lunch. This collection is sorted for bigger builds: OWB holsters that ride outside the gut, shoulder holsters that take the waistband out of the equation, forward-cant IWB, and belly bands that go up to a 65-inch waist. Or browse the full gun holster collection.
Shop more holsters
- All gun holsters, the full collection
- Revolver holsters for J, K, L and N frames and single actions
- Glock 19 holsters in IWB, OWB, optics-ready and light-bearing cuts
- IWB holsters, inside the waistband and appendix
- OWB holsters: belt, paddle and scabbard
- Leather holsters from DeSantis and 1791 Gunleather
- Shoulder holsters and chest rigs for long barrels
- Ankle holsters for backup and deep concealment
- Women's holsters, belly bands and off-body carry
- Holsters for guns with lights or lasers
Position matters more than the holster
On a bigger frame, the right holster in the wrong spot still hurts. The 3 to 4 o'clock position, just behind the hip bone, is where most big guys end up, because the gut is in front of it and the back of the hip is flatter there. Pushing back to 5 o'clock hides the gun well but makes it hard to reach and harder to draw from a seat. Appendix carry puts the muzzle and the grip exactly where your belly folds when you sit, which is why it works for so few heavier shooters.
Cant helps as much as position. A forward cant tilts the grip forward so it sits along the curve of your side instead of pushing out into your shirt.
OWB belt holsters
Outside the waistband is the most comfortable carry for most big men, because nothing is pressed between the gun and your body. 1791 Gunleather, DeSantis and Bulldog make leather and nylon belt holsters for full-size pistols and revolvers, and Stealth Operator makes a full-size OWB holster. Wear it under an untucked shirt or an open overshirt and a full-size pistol disappears better than you would expect.
Shoulder holsters
A shoulder rig removes the waistband from the problem entirely. Michaels V-shoulder holsters are sized for autos with barrels up to 5 inches and revolvers up to 8.5 inches, on a harness built for freedom of movement. Under a jacket or a vest, it is the easiest way for a big man to carry a full-size gun all day.
Belly bands up to XXL
Most belly bands top out well short of a big man's waist. Sticky Holsters makes them in Large (32 to 50 and 37 to 58 inch) and XXL (43 to 65 inch), and sells an extender for anyone in between. Mission First Tactical belly bands adjust up to a 52 inch waist. A belly band is also the easiest answer for gym clothes and sweatpants.
IWB that works on a bigger frame
If you want inside the waistband, look for a full-size holster with forward cant and a wide footprint that spreads the load. The Stealth Operator Full Size IWB is multi-fit with a forward cant. Size up your pants by an inch or two to make room, and pair the holster with a stiff belt so the gun does not sag into your side. The Glock 19 holsters include OWB and paddle options that suit a bigger frame.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best carry position for a big guy?
For most, strong side at 3 to 4 o'clock with a forward cant, carried outside the waistband under a loose cover shirt. If you need to stay inside the waistband, the same position applies.
Can a heavier guy carry appendix?
Some can, many cannot. If your belly folds over your belt when you sit, an appendix holster will dig in. Try a strong-side position or a shoulder holster first.
Do I need a special belt?
A stiff gun belt makes any belt holster more comfortable, and on a bigger frame it matters more, because a soft dress belt lets the gun pull your waistband out and away from your side.