Are Chest Holsters Considered Concealed Carry?
Did you know that concealed carry, in some form, is legal in all 50 states?
Carrying a gun is a great safety measure in many situations, but it's important to carry it correctly. That's where gun holsters, like chest holsters, come into play. You might wonder if chest holsters count when it comes to concealed carry, and we're here to answer that question and more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Are Chest Holsters Concealed?
Put simply, yes, chest holsters are considered concealed carry. For a gun to be concealed, it can be either holstered or unholstered and it isn't plainly visible.
When Should You Carry a Chest Holster?
Most chest holsters are purchased for outdoor use. Whether you're going fishing, hiking, or exploring a new area, having your gun can make things a lot safer, and a chest holster makes access a lot easier.
You can naturally expect to carry a lot of things outdoors, and it can be hard to rely on a normal shoulder holster or belt, as they both obstruct movement quite a bit. That's why chest holsters are such a popular option.
Chest holsters are supposed to allow you free movement while still maintaining easy access when you're spending time outdoors. They also don't take up a lot of space and are easy to keep discrete if you find it necessary. In that sense, they can be used in urban settings as well, since you can hide your holster away fairly easily.
Which Guns Fit Best in One?
Typically, chest holsters are going to be best for small guns. However, if you'd like to keep your primary carry gun in it, it's still completely possible. Whether it's a full-sized pistol or revolver, you'll be able to strap it on whenever you need it.
In fact, chest holsters can make things more comfortable if you're carrying something like a .44 magnum revolver. As long as your holster fits correctly, you'll be able to carry what you need at all times.
How Do You Mount a Chest Holster?
For a Razco chest rig, in particular, you're going to wear it over the shoulder of your dominant hand. So, if you're right-handed, then the mount should go over your right shoulder. If you're left-handed, it should go over the left.
When first putting your rig on, start by loosening all three straps to their loosest extension, and then unbuckle the piece at the muzzle end of your holster. From there, you'll place your dominant hand through the loop the two remaining straps make. Remember to not place your head through, though.
From there, the remaining strap (the one with the quick-release buckle) straps behind your back and under the opposite armpit (of your non-dominant hand). Place that accordingly and then clip the buckle.
Now is when you'll adjust the straps. Place the holster where you'd like it to sit on your chest, and then tighten both the straps going around your midsection equally. From there, you'll tighten the shoulder strap.
To test things out, you can place an unloaded firearm into the holster. Adjust until things are comfortable for you, and then remove the holster. For proper storage, roll up and Velcro the loose ends of all three straps.
What Are the Biggest Benefits?
So, what are the benefits of strapping on a chest holster? Here are a few of the biggest:
Comfort
Easy retention
Difficult to grab off your person
Easy to conceal
Great for all body types
Not only are they comfortable and sturdy, but chest holsters also provide easy access to your gun whenever you need it. Whether you're using it for your backup carry on a hunting trip or your everyday carry to take a hike, you won't have to worry about quick access.
A well-made chest holster can free up your movement in a lot of scenarios, especially if you're out walking around or toting a lot of gear. You're also not going to be limited to any specific gun, as they're great for a variety of different sizes.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
No carry option is perfect, though, and there are a few potential setbacks you may want to consider before you opt for a chest holster of your own.
The first is that they're not ideal for hot climates. They can be difficult to get into and out of, and if you need to take your holster off in the heat you might face issues. Even if you don't run into problems, it could potentially get uncomfortable.
They also come with an adjustment period and can be difficult to get used to if you're not properly acclimated. Also, if you have chest or shoulder injuries, or any breathing problems, this might not be the best carrying option available to you.
No matter what potential cons you may foresee, giving a chest holster a try before your next outdoor venture is a great thing to do if you're curious.
Is a Chest Holster Right for You?
You might be used to other concealed carry options, but chest holsters are a great variety piece to add to your arsenal. If you explore the outdoors a lot or simply want something more sturdy for your everyday carry, having this on hand is going to make things a lot easier.
Luckily, we have plenty of options to choose from no matter what you're looking for. Check out all our options to find the perfect fit for you.