The Illinois State Police Department issues Concealed Carry Licenses for arms. The licenses are given to candidates above 21 years of age after passing 16-hour training. Open carrying of guns is prohibited in the Law. After getting the License, it is necessary that you choose a suitable gun. Concealed Carry is not allowed in public transportation or at any place which is within a certain distance from the sale of alcohol.
The first thing to do after procuring your license must be getting hold of a holster. There are many types of holsters available in the markets such as
1. Belt Holsters- this is usually attached to the belt or it uses paddles which make it very accessible.
2. Inside the Waistbands (IWB) Holsters- this is the best concealer of all. It holds the gun closer to your body and hence disarming becomes difficult. However, this requires extreme caution while re-holstering. A little extra force on the trigger and you might end up shooting yourself.
3. Outside the Waistbands (OWB),
4. Pocket Carry- these are most useful for smaller guns, and must keep them in the right direction.
5. Fanny Packs- this is not very recommended as the access is slow and disarming a person with a fanny pack is very easy.
6. Ankle Holsters- this kind really depends on the kind of job you are doing. It requires effort to remove, but it can be a good place for a spare gun and not the main one.
7. Shoulder Holsters- these aren’t particularly comfortable
Other types include Bra holsters, Purse Holsters, Behind the Back Holster, and Bellyband Holsters etc. Sometimes clothing is made specially to accommodate your holsters or attached holsters to hold your guns.
But what you finally choose must depend on things like your sex and your body type. Another factor is the kind of clothes you will be wearing which again depends upon the weather, humidity and also the type of job you are at.
When you choose a holster, make sure of two things. Firstly, the holster must protect the gun well; otherwise it isn’t of much use. Secondly, you must have easy and immediate access to it, without having to fish into your clothes too much, or else the purpose of carrying a firearm is completely lost. However at some point, there will be an opportunity cost involved- you can’t have access and safety and protection all perfect. So just make a choice according to your individual need and what is most important to you.
Holsters depending on its application are made of different material such as leather or more comfortable synthetic and nylon varieties.
Usually it is recommended that you choose a holster that allows you to take off your gun without un-holstering. Otherwise it can be pretty dangerous. For this reason, IWB holsters are recommended.
When deciding on the type, it is strongly recommended that you try it on along with your hand gun to judge your comfort levels and accessibility.