How to Determine Your Ideal Concealed Carry Position

Whether your body is stick straight or fabulously curvy, this video will guide you on finding your ideal carry position—even if it's the appendix position!

posted on September 28, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Whether they refer to a mountainous landscape, or proverbially about one’s career or life, the words “peaks and valleys” describe the high points and low points of each.

But your body also has peaks and valleys, physical ones that you should acknowledge—and use to your advantage—if you have decided to carry a concealed handgun. Because when it comes to carrying, the goal is to ensure that you can do so discreetly, safely and comfortably. Much like with firearms, which should be selected based on what is right for you, the same principle should be applied when figuring out your ideal concealed-carry location.

But how do you know what is right for you, and what constitutes a proper holster fit on your body as opposed to just a fit to which you have simply adapted?

That’s where our friends Sarah and Jon Hauptman from PHLster Holsters come in with this very educational video on finding your ideal carry position. Without body shaming and without discouraging anyone who may have a few more peaks than valleys in their critical carry region, they walk through the fundamentals of the optimal carry position, tell you how to identify and embrace your peaks and valleys, as well as how to find your own “sweet spot” for concealment—even if you want to appendix carry!

Sarah and Jon also walk through some advantages and disadvantages of certain carry positions, as well as other matters relating to holsters. Watch it here, and then begin your journey to comfortable and safe concealed carry.

For more, visit PHLsterholsters.com and LTTdiscover.com.

Latest

Deering Ccw Dont 2 Istock 1764000522
Deering Ccw Dont 2 Istock 1764000522

When NOT to Draw Your Gun

If you carry concealed, we hope you’ve given some thought to the circumstances under which you’d draw your gun. But have you thought about when you WON’T?

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 19, 2026

A woman used a revolver she had just purchased to save her husband's life during a violent attack outside their home. 

Kim Rowe Delivers Standout Performances at 2026 NRA National Championships

Rowe earned top honors and multiple podium finishes at both the NRA National High Power Mid-Range Prone Championships and the NRA National High Power Long Range Championships.

New Guns 2026: Ruger Adds More America 250th Anniversary Firearms

Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Delights for Dad on Father’s Day

Whether Dad is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, avid reloader or simply enjoys spending time outside, here's a selection of products that is sure to please.

4 Gun Sayings That Are Absolutely True … and 3 That Aren’t

There are a lot of cliches and one-liners we throw around in the gun community. Some of them are true, but some are just baloney.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.