Pros And Cons Of A Clip-Free IWB Holster
When you shop for an inside-the-waistband (IWB) handgun holster, you'll notice that the majority of these products come with a clip toward the top of the holster. This clip is integral, as it allows you to secure the holster to the top lip of your pants. You'll inevitably come across some IWB holsters that don't have a clip, but that instead are designed to stay in place because they're made of a grippy material. Here are some pros and cons of such holsters.
Pro: Less Bulky
The clip atop an IWB holster doesn't add a huge amount of bulk, but it definitely makes this style of holster a little bulkier and may thus make you more aware of the holster's presence. If you're wearing a tight shirt, the clip's outline may even be evident at your waistline. A big benefit of a no-clip IWB holster is that it's less bulky. Such holsters tend to be smaller and because there's no clip that could form an outline under your shirt, they're also more discreet.
Con: Potential For Movement
A no-clip IWB holster's grippy material is designed to keep it in place, but you may sometimes feel this holster moving. Even a subtle movement can be enough to cause you concern, because the last thing any gun owner wants is for his or her weapon and holster to slip away from where it's supposed to be. For example, a nightmare scenario would be to have a small handgun in an IWB holster fall down your pant leg and onto the ground.
Pro: More Places To Put It
When you buy an IWB holster with a clip, you need to use the clip to secure the holster to your clothing. To a degree, this can limit the number of locations that you have for placing the holster against your body. For example, you'll always need a stiff piece of clothing, such as the waist of your pants, to which you can attach the holster. This isn't a concern with a no-clip IWB holster, and its grippy texture will allow it to sit under your clothing in many locations.
Con: May Seem Flimsy
A conventional IWB holster made of plastic or leather can seem substantial, and while it may also seem a little bulky, you probably aren't going to experience any doubts about the firearm falling out of such a holster. A no-clip IWB holster is conventionally made of thinner material, which may seem a little flimsy to you.
For more information, reach out to a company like Freedom Holsters LLC.