Belt and Paddle Holsters

Belt & Paddle Holsters

Belt and Paddle Holsters

Concealment belt holsters come in a variety of shapes and size. Some are attached using belts loops and others, like the paddle holster, utilize a paddle attachment to secure the holster to the hip. The most popular is what is often referred to as the pancake holster. The pancake holster is attached to your belt with loops in the back of the holster. It is generally carried on the hip of your strong side and features a thumb retention strap. This is probably the safest way to carry your gun while off duty. Many chiefs of police require officers to carry their weapon this way while off duty.

Another type of concealment belt holster is the small-of-the-back holster. this holster is also attached to your belt using loops in the holster, but it is designed to be worn on the rear of your belt. The holster is well concealed in the small of your back. The disadvantage of this holster is that sitting can be uncomfortable and it can slow your draw.

Cross draw holster belt holsters offer another, yet less common concealment option. They are worn on your weak side. You need to reach across your body with your strong hand to draw your weapon. The disadvantage of this is that when drawing your firearm you are potentially putting many people in your line of fire.

Paddle holsters generally look the same and feature the same options as concealment belt holsters. The difference is that paddle holsters do not attach to your belt. Rather they use a paddle on the back of the holster which you slide between your body and your pants. Paddle holsters are easy to put on and off because you do not need to remove your belt. The main disadvantage is that they are less secure being that they are not attached to your belt with a loop system. Some paddles holsters feature a locking mechanism on the paddle which grabs the under side of your belt. This is a safer version of the paddle holster but still not as secure as a belt attached pancake holster.