How to Conceal Carry a Revolver

Blog
23 Mar, 2022
Posted By: Patrick Long

Recent polls show that 21 million Americans carry handguns in public, and revolvers make an excellent choice for concealed carry. If you’re new to the CCW world, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options, especially for revolvers, so we’ll break down the main ones.

To conceal carry a revolver, you need a comfortable holster that you can discreetly wear in 1 of 9 carry positions. Your carry position will depend on the size of your firearm, your holster, the type of clothing you are wearing, and personal preference.

Revolver Concealed Carry Positions

Inside the Waistband (IWB)
Appendix Carry
Small of Back (SOB)
Outside the Waistband (OWB)
Ankle Carry
Thigh Carry
Pocket Carry
Shoulder Carry
Bra Carry

Revolvers are a tried and true handgun platform. They are inherently safe and reliable, and their small frames make them easy to carry in many different positions. There are also many high-quality holsters to accommodate each of these carry positions. Let’s get into the details.

Finding the Right Position

Finding the best carry position is the hardest question because it is unique to every shooter and changes depending on what you’re wearing and what activities you plan to do. If you plan to be physically active, you want to make sure you’re using a position and holster that provides good retention.

It is inherently more challenging to conceal a handgun when wearing less clothing, such as shorts and a t-shirt. If you’re wearing a belt, you have a few more options available than without. Also, if you know you’ll be wearing a jacket or loose-fitting overshirt, some options become more manageable. We’ll start with what many consider the most popular positions for concealed carry.

Inside the Waistband (IWB)

As you can probably guess, IWB means inside your pants. There are multiple positions you can carry IWB, but the standard is the 4 o’clock position. 4 o’clock is a safer position because of the direction the barrel points inline or away from your leg, not toward any major arteries.. Many holsters are produced for IWB, but you do have to be wearing a belt.

Appendix

Appendix carrying places the revolver flush against your stomach at the 1 o’clock or 11 o’clock position. Appendix carry is my personal favorite for a few reasons. I find it comfortable, and you have a lot of control over your weapon. It is also a very easy position to conceal. Making this position comfortable is all about finding the right holster for you.

Belly Bands

A caveat to the typical belt requirement for IWB carry is belly bands. These are elastic wraps that go around your midsection and can be a very comfortable way to conceal a revolver that also allows you to wear shorts or have a little more mobility than you would have with other IWB holsters.

Small of Back (SOB)

Another IWB position, SOB refers to the 6 o'clock position. If you’re going to be standing a lot, this position can be comfortable. On the other hand, if you’re going to have pressure on your back from a chair or driving a car, this is unlikely to be a great position. Additionally, because you have to reach behind you and bring the revolver around your body, it takes considerably longer to get on target than other positions.

Outside the Waistband (OWB)

Outside the Waistband is not a popular concealed carry position because the holster will sit outside your pants. To be concealed, you have to be wearing a large shirt or a jacket or coat. However, this can be a good option in cool weather months as OWB is typically more comfortable than IWB and is a faster draw.

Ankle Carry

A favorite for would-be spies, ankle carry can be pretty inconspicuous if you’re wearing the appropriate pants. Having easy access requires loose-fitting pants that can easily pull up your calf. While this position can be harder to access when sitting down, it is definitely more comfortable than any waistband position.

Thigh Carry

While not a common position, thigh carry can be a good option for women wearing dresses or skirts or guys if you plan on wearing loose-fitting shorts. It provides easier access than ankle carry while still providing good retention and concealability. This position is only viable in warm weather, however.

Pocket Carry

If you have a smaller frame revolver, pocket carry might be a good option. While a bit heavier, many pocket holsters make your handgun feel similar to a large cell phone in your pocket. I know several travelers that stand by this carry method for their revolvers. Still, retention can be an issue as nothing physically attaches the holster to your clothing/body.

Shoulder Carry

A classic carry position in movies, shoulder holsters have been around for over a hundred years, dating back to the late 1800s. Having been used by cowboys, gangsters, and police alike, the shoulder carry has seen plenty of use but is a less popular option today.

To be concealed, a shoulder holster requires an outer jacket or coat. However, it is still easy to accidentally reveal your weapon unless the coat is buttoned or zipped up. The tradeoff is that it takes extra time to access your handgun in this case. Shoulder carry is still a viable carry position, but these days it is a little more fashionable than practical.

Bra Carry

For women looking for extra concealability, there are some holsters like this one from flashbang designed to attach under your bra. Bra carry might take some getting used to, but it is very discreet.

Selecting a Good Holster

Whichever position you choose to carry, making sure you get a proper holster is vital. A good holster should have retention, meaning your revolver will not easily come out unless you are deliberately drawing it. Additionally, good holsters have some rigidity around the trigger to prevent something outside the holster from putting pressure on the trigger. Many modern holsters are hybrid and use plastics like Kydex to provide this safety.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to concealed carrying your revolver. Try some different combinations of positions and clothing options to find what works for you, and you’ll be able to have protection wherever you go.

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