What to Look for in an OWB Holster
As a proud American, I am so grateful to the Founding Fathers for having the wisdom and foresight to include the Second Amendment to our Constitution of the United States. Those few words, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. In one simple sentence, we the people have been given the right to openly carry a handgun (at least in 45 freedom loving states in the Union).
Today, the practice of open carry is alive and well, and depending on who you ask, is growing in popularity. People choose to open carry for many different reasons. Some citizens open carry as a deterrent. They feel safer because would be bad-guys are going to be reluctant to attack someone that is obviously armed and able to protect themselves and others around them.
Many people open carry because it makes for a faster draw in a self-defense situation. They won’t have to fumble around drawing from a concealed carry set-up, or worse, not have any way to protect themselves at all.
Other folks may open carry as a way to make a political statement. They want to show the public that they aren’t afraid to exercise their Second Amendment rights. If a right is exercised, it won’t be jeopardized.
Some people carry a handgun in public in an effort to desensitize people. They want to show folks that good people are able to safely open carry guns. It’s a fact of life – no big deal, it’s normal.
The decision to open carry is a personal one for each individual involved in the practice. Many open carry for one or more of the reasons mentioned and maybe a few more that weren’t mentioned here. The one thing we all have in common is that, the advantages of open carry, out-way, any disadvantages.
The Best Outside the Waistband Holster
I began open carrying with a traditional leather holster awhile back, but found the one I was using to feel uncomfortable and bulky after a couple of hours of wear each day. After four months of this misery, I decided to see if there wasn’t a better, more comfortable OWB holster out there for me.
So, I visited the local gun shop where I bought my handgun and asked the guy behind the counter if he had any suggestions for me. He smiled and turned a little to the left and showed me what he had on his hip. It was a unique looking paddle holster. He pulled it from his hip (after removing his gun), and set it on the counter top, and told me that it was the best OWB holster he ever owned.
I was curious to find that it was an Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster. The paddle feature on the holster was shaped in the likeness of an alien’s head. I thought that was kind of cool. Dave (the clerk), told me to go ahead and pick it up and I was surprised to find how light it felt in my hands. He let me clip it on my hip and I immediately noticed how secure the paddle held to my waistband. No amount of tugging could break the hold.
Dave then showed me how I could adjust things like the retention pressure, cant angle, and carry position on my waistline. The most impressive feature was that I could configure the Cloak Mod to a belt slide holster and back to paddle if I wanted.
I handed the Cloak Mod holster back to the clerk and asked to see a couple of other comparable OWB models. I really wanted to make a more informed decision this time. Dave patiently showed me the features of two other OWB holster models, but there was no comparison. The Alien Gear Cloak Mod had so much more to offer than any other model, and at a better price too.
After sleeping on it overnight, I got up the next morning and called the Alien Gear customer service dept. and ordered the Cloak Mod with both the paddle attachment and belt slide attachment. The young lady I talked to was so helpful and the whole ordering process only took a few minutes.
Alien Gear Cloak Mod Breakdown
My Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB holster arrived five days after I ordered it. I was amazed by all the stuff it came with. This truly is a versatile and customizable holster. Everything I need to make adjustments is included in the parts pack that came with it. Simple directions, flathead screws, a wrench and rubber spacers, they’re all here.
I decided that I wanted to carry in the paddle configuration with the retention lip because I liked the added security it provides and I would be able to slot it at any point at on my belt. I like to wear it at the 3’oclock position. The paddle is also quick and easy to attach and remove from my waistband or belt. Since the holster rides so flat and close to my hip, I can cover it with my shirt tail if I choose to concealed carry it with no print at all.
The retention is adjustable too. I like a more secure hold, so I used the middle length spacers and shorter screws. Nobody is going to pull my gun from my holster except me.
I customized the cant angle to a little more upright position than the proprietary 15 degrees the Cloak Mod came with. It makes for a faster draw for me. A simple turn of a couple of the flathead screws was all it took.
The holster shell was custom-molded for my specific model handgun and my pistol slips into it like a glove. The shell is attached to the retention membrane that has a stainless spring steel flex plate between it and a nylon rigid backer. This adds strength and flexibility to my Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB.
Speaking about the nylon backer, it comes with a really cool feature too. A copy of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is stamped right into the middle of it.
Why You Should Carry an Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB Holster
I am so happy I decided to go with Alien Gear. They are a great company and employ the finest craftsmen and women in the business. Every product they make is made from the highest quality materials and engineered for precision.
Adding icing to the cake, is the Iron-Clad Triple Guarantee. With that, you get a Free Retention Shell Trade, which means that if you replace your pistol with another model, you just send Alien Gear your old shell, tell them your replacement model, and they will send you a new shell at no cost to you.
Also included is a 30-Day Test Drive. You have up to 30 days to decide if your new Alien Gear holster will work for you. If not, you can return it and your money will be refunded.
The Forever Warranty guarantees your holster for life against damage or defect. Alien Gear stands by their products and doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality. You will also be happy to know that every product Alien Gear makes is 100% crafted right here in America.
Without a doubt, there is no better OWB holster available on the planet. I’m so happy with mine, and I know you will be happy with your Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB holster too.
Check out Alien Gear’s outside the waistband holsters on their website.
Or check out the best OWB holsters available on Amazon:
Glock OWB holsters
S&W OWB holsters
Taurus OWB holsters
Springfield OWB holsters
Walther OWB holsters
1911 OWB holsters
Sig Sauer OWB holsters
CZ OWB holsters
Beretta OWB holsters
Other great OWB holsters from Alien Gear.