OWB Holsters
Outside-the-waistband holsters are the fastest and most comfortable way to carry a handgun, because nothing is pressed between the gun and your body. These run from leather belt scabbards to polymer paddles with active retention, for compact pistols up to long-barrel revolvers, and they are how most people carry in the woods. For concealed carry, see IWB holsters, 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
- 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 big dudes, comfortable carry on a bigger build
- Holsters for guns with lights or lasers
Belt slide, scabbard or paddle
A belt slide threads onto the belt and carries the gun high and tight, often with the muzzle exposed below. A scabbard is a full-length holster with belt loops, usually leather, and gives more coverage and retention. A paddle holster has a flat paddle that slips inside the waistband, so it goes on and off without unthreading your belt. That makes paddles the favorite for the range and for carrying only part of the day.
Retention
For open carry, hunting or anything with climbing involved, retention matters. A thumb break strap is the classic answer and appears across the leather holsters here. Blackhawk's SERPA holsters use a lock released by your trigger finger as you draw. The Blackhawk Omnivore, built for pistols with a weapon light, uses a thumb-activated level 2 retention mechanism.
Leather OWB
1791 Gunleather is the largest OWB maker in this collection, with belt holsters cut for pistols and multi-fit revolver holsters in black, brown and signature brown. DeSantis covers the Mini Scabbard, the Thumb Break Scabbard, the Speed Scabbard and the Mini Slide, with cuts for the Glock 19 among others.
Nylon OWB
For a truck gun, a range bag or a revolver you only carry in deer season, nylon hip holsters from Allen, Michaels, GunMate and Bulldog are light, weatherproof and inexpensive, and most are sized to cover a range of barrel lengths.
OWB in the field
A pack's hip belt can cover a strong-side holster, and sitting in a stand can push one into the seat. A higher-riding belt slide or a holster with a thumb break helps. For long barrels, a shoulder holster is often the better choice, and on a bigger build see holsters for big dudes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you conceal an OWB holster?
Yes, under an untucked shirt, overshirt or jacket. A high-ride holster that pulls the gun tight to your side conceals best.
Paddle or belt loop holster?
A paddle is quicker to put on and take off. Belt loops hold the holster tighter to your body and are more stable for all-day carry and fast draws.
What retention level do I need?
For concealed carry under a cover garment, passive friction retention is common, as on most women's holsters and ankle holsters. For open carry and outdoor use, a thumb break or an active lock adds security without much cost to draw speed once you practice it.