I'm a young woman who just purchased her first handgun. Any ideas for a good holster to carry and conceal?

Question

I have a new Springfield XD9 Sub-Compact. Awesome little gun. I am 5'7", and have a slim athletic build. I tend to dress on the tomboyish side, and never carry a purse. I'm working on getting my CCW permit, and I'm wondering what my options are for holsters.

Answer 1

Try www.thunderwear.com

This is as concealable as it gets. . .

Answer 2

I'm always happy to hear that a lady has decided to carry. Unfortunately, you're in such a minority that holster makers haven't put that much thought into products for you.

While in theory you can wear any holster designed for your gun, the reality is that most holsters were designed to be worn by men--and therefore do not take into account a common feminine trait: curves.

A holster on a man's hip will likely hold a pistol upright, flush against his side, unless he has a large "spare tire." The same holster on a woman's hip may angle the gun inward, into her waist, causing intolerable discomfort.

This problem could possibly be solved by wearing "low-rise" pants, which would keep the holster low on the hips. But you may experience other problems. For instance, the gun will tend to pull your waistband down, and since your hips aren't supporting the waistband, you may have to constantly be pulling up your pants. Also, there's the issue of fashion--you may not want to wear tops that would adequately conceal the gun, if they don't "go" with the pants.

Now, if you're willing to wear untucked shirts to cover the gun, you might be able to pull off wearing an outside-waistband holster. I think that the Blackhawk SERPA holster is very comfortable, and provides a measure of security with its retention mechanism. The holster does stand off a bit from your body, so it might not make the gun dig into your waist. Also, it's adjustable, allowing you to carry the gun in a forward-tilting position (if you carry on your strong side), or a rear-tilting positiong (if you carry crossdraw on your weak side), or straight up, if you've got narrow hips.

If you're wearing looser clothing, you might also try SmartCarry (or ThunderWear), which is a pocket that tucks into the front of your pants, below the waistband.

I have both of these holsters, and they work quite well for me--and I carry the XD45.

Answer 3

Couple things, stick with leather, don't let anyone sell you on anything else. Kydex and composites are uncomfortable and nylon wears horribly. I can't say I love the XD9, more of Glock fan myself (the 27 is very similar in frame size to the XD9) and I am your size (bit of belly...too much beer) and I find small of the back is the only way to go. It's too heavy for the ankle and far too bulky for high on the side and over the shoulder. I would recommend the Brommeland Max Con V. Stay aware from anything with a retention strap, when you need your piece the last thing you want to worry about is a stuck thumb break. Good luck and stay safe.

Answer 4

Houston Holsters have a pretty good selection that are made to fit a wide variety of handguns. I didn't see the springfield XD9 though but the one made for a Glock might work.

http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/holsterpts.htm

Fobus also has some interesting holsters.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/fobus.html

For a smaller, concealable handgun, with slightly less power than the 9mm, check this one out:

http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/detail_bersa380cc.php

Answer 5

Yeah, your as right as you are right, under the circumstances you stated it is legal for an 18 yr old to own and carry a handgun. It is not impossible but the laws do vary from state to state and even locality to locality. In some places an 18 yr old can legally carry a handgun in others it is strictly forbidden and can make you a felon. Unfortunately there is no simple yes/no answer. As with everything involving gun laws check with local law-enforcement or other knowledgeable people before assuming anything.

Answer 6

Congrats on choosing to protect yourself. Good gun choice. About holsters, consider a quality inside-the-pants holster from one of the major holster makers like Don Hume. For a woman these may prove to be too uncomfortable. Since you don't like to carry a purse you might consider somekind of pouch (like a fanny-pack).

Good luck.

H

Answer 7

There are a variety of different style holsters.

Shoulder holster - Its the kind of rig that is worn under clothing. Wraps around the upper torso, and contains a holster. Pistol goes into holster, and as long as you keep clothes over it, its concealed.

IWB - Inside the waistband - clips / tucks inside your pants. Shirts or other go over it to conceal it more.

OWB - Outside the waistband - not much in concealment there

Pretty much you will end up buying a variety of different holsters trying to find one that fits you. That's what they say anyway.

I would hop over to one of the many XD forums and look around.

They will provide you with several different options.

The http://www.XDTalk.com/forums someone recommend the CTAC from CrossBreed

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

There is also Impact Guns:
http://forums.impactguns.com/

One of my favorite shops is Lightning Arms. They have a variety of holsters, different styles. Nicest group of people.

http://www.lightningarms.com/

I'm partial to the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2.

Good luck!!!

Answer 8

Excellent choice on gun! I suggest trying the company Bianchi
(www.bianchiinternational.com) They make holsters fitted to just about anyone! They also make holsters that are disguised into a fanny pack, if you are interested. These fannypack holsters are speedily accessible, and are excellent when trying to be inconspicuous but doing outdoor activities. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Answer 9

No purse is too bad as there are some nice purses made with velcro release flaps for quick access to you thunderstick. One of my daughters has a little beretta bobcat that fits into what looks like some kind of cell phone clipped to her belt; which always causes me to look at her funny as she prefers to shoot a 45 colt. Whenever any of my little shedemons is wearing one of those things that go around your waist and have a pouch on them (the name eludes me right now) I know it has some kind of velcro releasing section for quick access to the thunderstick of the day. They come in leather and various kinds of material and look quite nice. If you are going to wear a shoulder holster you will always have to wear a jacket.

Answer 10

Google Uncle Mikes they have a wide assortment, I'd recommend a paddle or pancake style but it also depends on your type of clothing. A slide is about the smallest but takes some getting used to. You might also ask the instuctor of the CCW class what they think.

Answer 11

The Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster is pretty cool, and you can access your gun while seated in a car.