Concealed Carry Requires The Right Holster

Finding the right holster is critical for concealed carry

Sticky Holsters, Live Free Armory
Looking for a compact concealment holster? Consider the Sticky Holsters brand.

The Sticky Holsters Brand

Though Live Free Insider’s focus is on AR platform weapons, sometimes I come across something that works so well, I just have to pass it on. While looking for a new handgun for my wife and a concealed carry holster for my KelTec P-32, we came across the ticky Sticky Holsters brand of holsters. I thought it was going to be more gimmick than holster, but after playing with it, I’ve become a true fan.

Live Free Armory, KelTec P-32, conceal
The KelTec P-32 fits very easily in the author’s hand.

KelTec P-32

A while back I inherited a KelTec P-32 semi-auto pistol. It’s compact, fits in my pocket, and fires a .32 ACP (7.65x17mm) round. Though this is not a discussion on the .32ACP as a personal defense round, tests have shown that the .32 in full metal jacket (ball ammo) it will penetrate a little over 11 inches. Unlike other higher caliber compact guns, the .32ACP is very controllable in such a small package.  I’ve seen friends of mine spend a lot of money on the next best pocket hand-cannon and yet couldn’t hit their target. My thoughts are simple…hitting with a compact .32ACP is better than missing with a compact anything else. I’m not trying to sell you on the .32ACP but rather draw your attention to the fact that shot placement and training trumps caliber every time.

Live Free Armory, KelTec P-32, Sticky Holsters
Sticky Holsters produces a great holster for concealing compact handguns.

Finding a Holster

When you’ve been a cop for 30 years like I have, you end up with a box of miscellaneous handgun accessories. I dug through my box and found a holster that would fit. The problem was it didn’t help with the P-32’s concealability. I might as well have been carrying a full-sized gun the way it stuck out from my body. It did OK for a while, but what I needed was an in-the-pants front-pocket styled holster. That way, it would look like I was carrying my wallet or cell phone instead of a firearm in my front pocket.

I also wanted a holster I could use in just about any clothing circumstance but specifically while I was wearing shorts. I live in Florida and though my preference is carrying a full-sized gun, it’s nice to have options. Sticky Holsters to the rescue.

B&H Gun Rack

I originally went to B&H Gun Rack so my wife could look at several guns. As my wife was trying to make up her mind on which gun felt better in her hand, Ms. Laura (sales associate and fellow gun enthusiast) introduced me to the Sticky Holsters brand which is made in Naples, Florida. When she first described them to me, I didn’t think it would work very well because it didn’t have any belt loops or any clips to attach to a belt. Then she showed me why they weren’t necessary.

Ms. Laura took a Bersa .380 Thunder and placed it in the holster and put it in her pants. She lifted her shirt and drew the gun with ease. The holster didn’t move. She then put the holster on different parts of her waistband and did the same thing. The holster did not move and she was able to perform a smooth draw each time. Of course, placing the gun back in the holster required both hands.

Live Free Armory, Sticky
Live Free Armory’s Shipping and Receiving guru, Ashton.
Live Free Armory, Sticky Holsters, KelTec P-32
Ashton showing the placement of concealed P-32.
Live Free Armory, Sticky Holsters, KelTec P-32
Ashton drawing the KelTec P-32.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts

I tried it several times myself. The holster didn’t move no matter what I did, and the draw was always the same; smooth and effortless. I bought it without question. The holster has a grippy feel to it but doesn’t leave any residue on your hands or clothing. If you are in a similar situation as I was, these holsters are worth looking at. To date, I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend the holster. You can bet that when my wife picks out her compact handgun, a Sticky Holsters brand holster will be right there with it.

Please note that the holster does not come with any security device so handgun retention is totally up to you. The only thing holding your gun in place is gravity and the tightness of your pants. Also remember, there is no perfect carry situation nor does one handgun/holster combination cover all situations. No matter what you decide to use, you must use practice drawing from your holster. Your failure to train will result in your failure to perform.

If you’d like more information or have any questions, feel free to email me at Murgado.a@livefreearmory.com. Please remember that Live Free Armory is here to help you whether you choose to buy from us or not.  We believe that obtaining the right information should always be your first step.

 

 

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