16 Dec 03

Excellent comments on women's holsters from my friend, Doc Gunn:

"Holsters for Women: Holster used by females must take the shape of the female hip into consideration, as well as the fact that the female torso is shorter than that of a male of equal height, allowing less room to draw.

Holsters designed for male hips allow the bottom of the holster to protrude too far, so that the mouth of the holster will press into the female waist, preventing easy access and reholstering. Belt holsters with jacket slots ar e better, as they hold the pistol out more, and the loop may be shaped to fit the female hip. While these holsters are well-suited for range work or uniformed belt carry, they are not very concealable and therefore not our first choice for concealment or general use.

While IWB (Inside the Waistband) holsters are generally the preferred male mode of carry, they may be problematic for the female hip, and the shorter female torso makes drawing a handgun from an IWB difficult.

The "Appendix Carry" is therefore recommended for females for concealment an d general purpose carrying. This positions the handgun muzzle down and forwar d and permits the draw back and upwards. It is comfortable and concealable for most women. Holsters designed as "right-handed, cross-draw" work well in th is appendix position for right-handed women.

When concealment at the waist is not possible, because of attire, off-body carry is an option. There are a number of purses specifically designed for concealed carry such as those by Guardian Leather and Coronado Leather. The difficulty with any off-body carry is that the weapon is not always readily available.

For the purposes of our courses, we want you to carry the pistol on your waist. We recommend a kydex or leather holster in the "Appendix Carry" posit ion. If you are a uniformed officer or want a holster only for range work, a good choice is the DOH, or 'Dropped and Offset Holster' by Blade Tech or a Level II or III retention duty holster from one of the police suppliers such as Uncle Mike's, G&G or Safariland.

I prefer a double-thickness leather belt between 1.25" and 1.5" wide. A width of 1.25" is recommended for women. and some belts are available that t aper to 1" in the front. Non-tapering 1.25" belts are available relatively inexpensively from Dillon Precision. Dillon belts tend to run on the short side, so add an inch or two to your desired length.

I also recommend the Blade Tech 'Combo Pouch' for a Surefire G2 and a single magazine. This will be carried on your support side. Get the Tech-lock fastener. Get the Tech-lock fastener on the holster too, if it is offered th at way.

The holster recommended for females is the kydex "Settable Cant Holster" by Gregg Garrett at Comp-Tac in Houston. This holster may be worn in the append ix carry position at an adjustable angle from fifteen to forty-five degrees, using the belt loop appliance. It is available in various colors. You may w ish to contact Gregg and discuss your needs with him."

/John