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Divided Attention wrote:While that is fabulous criteria, it is not always "viable" in every circumstance.

Certainly there are situations where you may have to accept compromises but you should do so knowingly. A lot of people don't appreciate what a good holster provides and, therefore, underestimate the importance of them. I've a friend who's dress code is, at its most relaxed, business casual. He has carried mid to full sized guns in a Belly Band for more than twenty years and he has done more work than anyone I've ever encountered on accessing and using his guns from this mode of carry.

Excaliber wrote: I'd suggest 6th and 7th criteria

I like those. With your permission, I think I'll add them to my list.

Afff_667 wrote:Don't forget a belt as appropriate for the holster.

Here are my thoughts on Choosing Gear for Concealed Carry. Hope you guys find it worthwhile.

Personally, a holster must exhibit five attributes for me to consider it viable for carrying a gun in the real world.

1) It must be made for the gun. The generic One Size Fits All/multiple guns are crap. Get a holster for the gun you are planning to carry. If it's not made for the gun, consistency goes all to hell.

2) It must cover the trigger guard. Yes, you can get your finger on the trigger faster when the the trigger guard is exposed. This is not a good thing.

3) It must mount rigidly to the belt. Consistency, again. If the holster moves side to side or up & down on the belt, you fight your gear before you ever get the gun in motion.

[These may seem 'commonsensical' but you'd be surprised.]

4) It must allow for a Full Firing Grip on the holstered gun. Consistency, again. You will shoot with the grip that you have. A suboptimal grip translates into suboptimal shooting. Obtaining a FFG prior to gun movement is critical.

5) It should remain open when the gun is removed. This supports reholstering. In most situations, this is not a huge deal. When it comes to working with the gun one handed, it is.

Can't seem to embed the video. Sorry.