AllOutdoor Review – The Best OWB Holsters (for the Money $$$) in 2023
Travis Olander 08.04.23
When it comes to daily carry, IWB holsters reign supreme, but OWB holsters come in at a close second, and for plenty of good reasons. They’re arguably more comfortable and more accessible, and with the right clothing, they afford good concealment even still. But with so many options on the market, picking the right OWB holster can be a headache. Here are our top picks of OWB holsters (Outside-the-Waistband) that money can buy in 2023.
Safariland 7378 7TS (Best OWB Holsters for Comfort)
Safariland’s naming conventions could use some work, but that doesn’t stop the numerically titled 7378 7TS from providing arguably the best comfort when it comes to all-day carry. This all-Kydex OWB setup is simple but effective in execution: A wide, hip-shaped paddle and small, light, model-specific holster keep weight overall light, well dispersed, and close to your frame.
Coupled with a simple but functional cant angle adjustment and active retention lever, the 7378 7TS is all function, with practical form. It’s also a successor to the 7377 model – this iteration features a revamped paddle shape and small retaining lip to prevent the paddle from fully unseating when pulled against your belt. The 7378 is, thankfully, ambidextrous and available in black, brown, or Flat Dark Earth for around $70 to $85.
Alien Gear Cloak MOD (Honorable Mention, Best Comfort)
Alien Gear makes some amazing gun buckets, and their most popular OWB setup, the Cloak MOD, is no exception: It’s practically identical to Safariland’s 7378, albeit with a smaller paddle. Smaller, skinnier shooters may actually prefer this more curved, thinner paddle. The Cloak can also be reconfigured as a belt-slide holster – just ditch the paddle and thread your belt through the backside. The Cloak’s Kydex construction provides a compact fit with a low center of gravity and little bulk. All that, and the Cloak’s $63 price tag, make it a great alternative to the Safariland OWB.
DeSantis Speed Scabbard (Best All-Leather OWB Holsters)
The Speed Scabbard was originally made for undercover law enforcement, but it dutifully serves any daily carrier who wants an all-leather OWB setup. Building a quality leather holster that doesn’t fold or fray over time isn’t a simple thing, but DeSantis has been at it long enough to perfect the process.
The result is the Speed Scabbard: A damn near perfect cowhide gun bucket with beautiful stitching and perfect molding for the most commonly carried pistols. At under $100, you’re getting one helluva leatherworker’s product that’s comfortable, clean, and plain good lookin’ to boot. Available in black or tan, for left- and right-handed shooters.
Falco C904 2021 (Best Hybrid OWB Holsters)
Some folks don’t like high-riding holsters – which, admittedly, the Speed Scabbard suffers. So, if you’re looking for something with a lower center of gravity (but you still prefer leather grain), check out the hybrid C904 from Falco Holsters. This kydex-and-leather setup provides the best of both worlds: A springy, lightweight, practically indestructible bucket riveted to a quality piece of cowhide with two belt loops. It’s simple, effective, comfortable and compact, and it provides plenty of customization – like optic and revolver fitment, straight or canted wear, and belt width trimmings – for around $100.
We The People OWB Holster (Best for “Cool” Custom)
Holsters don’t have to be purely utilitarian things. OWB holsters are easy to spot and many folks carry them fully open, with tucked shirts. If you’re looking for something that provides both good carry and sweet looks, check out the OWB holsters from We The People. They’ve got more than a dozen designs available for print atop your choice in Kydex.
These holsters aren’t just for looks, though. Adjustable retention, adjustable ride height and cant angle, and adjustable clips with a sweat guard provide plenty of dialed in fitment to ensure you’re not suffering function for the sake of form. At publication, a custom graphic option from We The People can be had for $70.
Bravo Concealment BCA (Best Budget OWB Holsters)
If you think $40 isn’t enough to get you a decent holster, then reconsider: Bravo Concealment’s BCA is one helluva budget-branded OWB holster that’s not short on features nor fitment. This belt-loop-fit setup keeps everything tidy and close to your frame, while a slight curve against the waistline improves carry comfort. Cant angle can be adjusted up to 10 degrees, while active retention prevents your piece from coming loose. Bravo Concealment boasts that – despite the low cost – the machining tolerances of this Kydex holster are as tight as three thousandths of an inch to promote solid lock up. We gave the BCA a standalone review with a Springfield Hellcat in the hot seat. Check it out here.
