Carry Position Options with Falco Holsters
- Graham Baates
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
I've been carrying concealed (yes, that is less awkward than "concealed carrying") since my return to the US in 2011. Over the past decade and a half what I've carried has changed, but little has changed in how I carry. My first real handgun training was at ITTS where strong side carry was tought and that was reinforced be several trips to Front Sight where strong side was the only accepted way to train. By the time appendix carry gained popularity I was so entrenched in what I had already practiced thousands of times that I didn't entertain trying it, or any other carry positions, but that doesn't mean that they don't have merit.
Last year, after years of being a fan and friend of Falco Holsters, I had an opportunity to visit the factory. What I have loved about Falco Holsters is that they will make just about any holster you can dream up. If you can name the gun, optic, light, carry position, and material (nylon, leather, kydex, real carbon fiber, or any mix thereof) they can likely make a solution for you. Every holster is made by hand to order. Over the years Falco Holsters has often been the solution for some of the less mainstream guns that I love so much. They have over 3,600 options already figured out.
As part of creating more complete story about Falco Holsters (that will be another article posted elsewhere), I asked for a sampling of their lineup beyond what my personal training bias would point me towards. The sampling included strong side in leather, appendix in kydex/leather, shoulder in kydex/leather, and a thigh rig in nylon. This gave me the opportunity to try out these carry setups.
Instead of either pretending to be a master, or training until I knew I could make it look good, I opted to learn on camera with the intent of showing you what the process was like as well as sharing any observations that might make the process easier for you. Keeping things realistic, I try each method from standing, seated, and the ground as all three are potential positions from which one might need to draw.
Leg Concealed Gun Bag: This is a means of carry I've always been curious about. While it may not fit my day-to-day lifestyle, it does answer a very specific need for being able to carry while hiking or other outdoor activity. My standard strong-side options are not only uncomfrotable for hiking, but typical spring and summer hiking garb is too thin to conceal a firearm. Rather than placing the gun in a backpack which would take too long to retreive from, a thigh rig keeps the gun accessible, concealed, and makes for comfortable carry. Any other small items that need a place to go can live in the outer pockets where their weight will only enhance draw speed should any four-, or two-legged critters need armed attention.
A personally-surprising revelation with the Leg Concealed Gun Bag aside from the comfort was the space. Usually hiking forces us to take a smaller pistol in the name of concealment contrary to four-legged threats likely needing a larger pistol. The Leg Concealed Gun Bag easily swallowed the Sig P226X Legion; a pistol I would otherwise consider a bit large for carry. The bag includes an elastic band which serves to secure the pistol, but any hook-and-loop style holster could be subsituted to add model-specific carry.
Strong Side is what I know most, but every holster and gun combination is different. The Hamilton is the model I had as a sample, but Falco has a wealth of other options. I had to learn a slightly different draw angle with this holster (as happens with most holsters) to prevent the sharp edge of the BUL Armory Ultralight Pro's front sight from digging against the leather. A different gun, or different holster positioning might not have had that issue. In the video I also unintentionally demonstrated the challenges one might face when wearing a loose jacket and relatively tighter shirt beneath it. Those draws were some of the worst I've had in years, but it's real, and I publish reality.
The Hamilton is the most comfortable strong side I've worn in recent memory. I was really impressed with it and intend on getting some more practice in with my normal street clothes.
Shoulder Holsters are something I had seen in the Army, but never trained with or tried. Drawbacks are that you must muzzle yourself to draw, and a good over garment is required to conceal. What you can get away with concealing will depend on your torso thickness and overcoat style. I found this to be incredibly comfortable and was personally shocked by how quick it could be. This Kydex shoulder holster (Falco has leather and hybrid options HERE) was quick to draw and I was also impressed with how predictable the draw location was despite the potential for movement. Some adjusting may be needed to find your personal ideal ride height and tension. I ran the holster as it came out of the box and may have gotten lucky. In an environment where an overgarment will always be worn, especially if it has the break-away feature like my 5.11 jacket, this would be my choice. Firearm used for demonstration was the Grand Power K100.
Appendix Carry has been all the rage in the US since influencers began pushing it a couple of years ago. I've never really taken to it as my body shape doesn't seem to work well with it and I have an aversion to pointing a gun at my genetalia and arteries. This hybrid design Talon Guard combines the comfort of leather with the positive hold of kydex. The combination of the Grand Power Q100 with a light might have been a bit too much gun in the front of my pants, but it was a good learning experience regardless.
Each carry position has its merit and drawbacks. Ultimately what's fastest comes down to what you train the most with, but if it's not comfortable chances are you're not training or carrying it. I encourage you to experiment with the guidance of a professional. Start dry and slow and work your way up to live fire at speed. Experimenting may expand your ability to be armed as it did for me, having now found a faster option when wearing a coat (shoulder) and more comfortable option for hiking (thigh rig).
No matter what you carry and where you want to carry it, chances are good that Falco Holsters either has an option for you, or can make one. I'm dead serious that each holster is hand made to order; I've seen it myself.