What to Look For in a Concealable OWB Holster

Choosing the right Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster is more than just a matter of convenience; it’s a decision that hinges on comfort, safety, and quick accessibility.

While the market offers many options, there’s a standout that’s been turning heads since 2011: GunfightersINC’s Ronin OWB Holster.

Heralded for its design precision and adaptability, the Ronin not only encapsulates what one should look for in an OWB holster but also sets the benchmark for how concealable and comfortable an OWB holster can truly be.

In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of what makes a great OWB concealed carry holster and why the Ronin should be at the top of your consideration list.

Why Concealable OWB Holsters?

The way you carry your firearm for personal defense can be as vital as the weapon itself.

An OWB holster provides a balance of accessibility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for many gun enthusiasts.

But why has the OWB style, especially its concealable variants, grown in popularity?

Accessibility and Speed

Concealable OWB holsters allow for a natural and fluid draw. Positioned just outside the pants, they offer quicker access compared to other carry methods, ensuring that the firearm can be reached and drawn in one swift motion when seconds count.

Comfort and Wearability

OWB holsters distribute the weight of the firearm externally, avoiding the discomfort of an inside-the-waistband approach. This external positioning can be especially valuable in warmer climates, reducing sweat and irritation.

Versatility

Concealable OWB holsters can be paired with a variety of clothing options. Whether you’re wearing a jacket, a long shirt, or an open button-down, the holster remains discreet, ensuring that you can adapt your attire to any occasion without sacrificing your firearm’s accessibility.

Safety

A good OWB holster offers a snug fit and ensures the firearm is held securely, minimizing the risk of accidental discharges. It also provides a clear and unobstructed path for the firearm during the draw, reducing the chance of snags or misfires.

Key Features to Look for in a Concealable OWB Holster

Choosing the right concealable OWB holster goes beyond mere appearance. It’s about finding a balance between discretion and readiness, ensuring that your firearm remains hidden yet instantly accessible.

But what truly defines a top-notch OWB holster? Beyond the basics, there are crucial features that differentiate the best from the rest.

Concealability

Concealability ensures not only discretion but also an added layer of safety by preventing unwanted attention.

Here’s what to consider regarding concealability:

Design and Contour: The more a holster is designed to align with the natural curves of the wearer’s body, the less it will print or show under clothing. A perfectly contoured design like that of the Ronin OWB Holster ensures that the firearm sits as close to the body as possible. This close fit minimizes any noticeable bulge, making it easier to conceal even when wearing lighter clothing.
Cant and Positioning: The angle or cant at which the firearm is held can greatly affect concealment. A forward cant, like the one featured in the Ronin, can make the grip of the firearm tilt forward, reducing the chances of the grip printing through the shirt.
Belt Loops and Attachment: Holsters that pull the firearm close to the body, without gaps, tend to be more discreet. The Ronin’s hand-formed contoured belt loops ensure the pistol’s weight is balanced and pulled snugly against the body without any uncomfortable digging.

Comfort

While concealability is a crucial factor in selecting a holster, comfort cannot be overstated, especially for individuals who carry for extended periods.

Here’s what to look for when prioritizing comfort:

Material: Soft materials might feel better against the skin, but they may not offer the rigidity needed for secure carry. The ideal holster strikes a balance, using durable materials that are also designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind.
Holster Contour and Design: A well-contoured holster aligns with the body’s natural shape. The Ronin OWB Holster stands out with its contoured design, which ensures that there are no hard edges or points poking into the wearer. This makes sitting, bending, and other daily activities more comfortable.
Position and Cant: A holster that allows for some adjustability can be a godsend, as it lets the user find their optimal angle. The forward cant in the Ronin, for instance, is not just great for concealability, but also places the firearm in a natural position for many, making long-term wear more comfortable.
Weight Distribution: Holsters that distribute weight evenly, like the Ronin with its hand-formed contoured belt loops, prevent the firearm from feeling like a cumbersome addition and instead make it feel like a seamless part of your attire.

Security and Positive Retention

Without positive retention, the risk of accidental discharges, weapon loss, or unauthorized access increases.

Here are the crucial components of security and retention in a holster:

Retention Mechanisms: Different holsters offer various mechanisms, from thumb breaks to passive retention systems. The ideal holster provides a secure hold on the firearm without impeding quick access. The Ronin OWB Holster, for instance, is designed to pass rigorous tests like running, jumping, or physical confrontations. Its retention is set using the actual pistol, ensuring the firearm remains secure yet remains free of cumbersome snaps or straps that might hinder a draw.
Fit to Firearm: The best form of retention often comes from a holster that’s specifically molded to the firearm it’s meant to hold. With the Ronin OWB, each pistol is scanned into a computer, and a specialized mold is created. This ensures the holster is an exact fit for the firearm, further enhancing security without compromising on ease of access.
Material Rigidity: While comfort is important, a holster should still offer some rigidity to ensure that the firearm doesn’t slip out inadvertently. The Ronin’s robust design guarantees that the firearm remains snugly in place.
Ease of Draw vs. Retention: It’s a delicate balance to strike. Too much retention can make drawing the firearm cumbersome, while too little can pose safety risks. The ideal holster provides a friction fit that holds the firearm securely, yet allows for a smooth, unobstructed draw when required. The Ronin OWB achieves this balance, ensuring that the firearm remains secure during daily activities but is easily accessible when needed.
Ease of Attachment: For everyday convenience, a reliable holster should allow for straightforward attachment and detachment, enabling users to put it on or remove it swiftly without complicated mechanisms.

Material Durability

A well-crafted holster should withstand daily wear and tear, adverse conditions, and the test of time.

Let’s explore the significance of material durability in a holster:

Resistance to Environmental Factors: A holster will often be exposed to various elements, from sweat and body oils to rain, dirt, and extreme temperatures. The Ronin’s Kydex construction ensures that it’s resistant to these environmental factors, ensuring the firearm remains protected, and the holster maintains its structure and function.
Daily Wear and Tear: Regular drawing and holstering can exert strain on the material, especially around the mouth and edges of the holster. The Ronin’s Kydex is not only durable but also hand-formed against the firearm, ensuring it can withstand this constant activity without degrading or losing shape.
Rigidity and Flexibility: A delicate balance is necessary. While the material needs to be rigid enough to ensure the firearm’s secure placement, some degree of flexibility is essential. The Ronin strikes this balance perfectly, ensuring the holster isn’t brittle, reducing chances of cracks or breaks.
Maintenance and Upkeep: High-quality materials often require minimal maintenance. The Ronin, with its Kydex construction and absence of threaded fasteners, ensures longevity with little upkeep, retaining its aesthetic and functional properties over time.
Longevity and Value for Money: Durable materials lead to a longer-lasting holster, offering better value for the investment. With the Ronin’s marine-grade friction tape for stability and its unconditional lifetime guarantee, it’s evident that it stands as a testament to durability and value for money.
Attachment Durability: Furthermore, it’s not just the primary material of the holster that should be robust but also its attachments. For instance, the Ronin OWB Holster exemplifies this by hard riveting its hand-formed loops, ensuring they remain securely in place, showcasing both longevity and reliability.

Customizability

In an age of individual expression and personal branding, a holster isn’t just a functional tool – it’s also an extension of one’s style and personality. Just as people customize their firearms with unique finishes, grips, and accessories, many seek similar customization options for their holsters.

Here’s why and how customizability in a holster can elevate the user experience:

Reflecting Personal Style: Whether it’s a discreet, classic look or a bold, attention-grabbing design, having a OWB carry holster that resonates with one’s aesthetic preferences can make carrying a more enjoyable experience.
Match with Other Gear: For those who prioritize coordinated gear, customizable holsters can be matched to gun finishes, range bags, clothing, and other accessories. This harmonized look can be particularly appealing at shooting ranges, competitions, or firearm-related events.
Stand Out or Blend In: Depending on the individual’s preferences, a holster can be customized to stand out with vibrant colors and patterns or blend in for a more subdued, covert appearance. The Ronin OWB Holster offers a vast range of design options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Redefining Readiness

The Ronin OWB Holster sets a high standard, showcasing an impressive blend of design excellence, comfort, durability, and versatility. However, when making your choice, the primary focus should be on a holster that aligns seamlessly with your individual needs, the specifics of your firearm, and your unique style. The best OWB holsters aren’t just an accessory for your firearm—they’re an extension of you.