What's the point of a concealment wing?

I'm about to blow your mind

When I started carrying I couldn’t seem to get my holster and firearm concealed at all. It would stick out no matter how tight my belt was and how baggy my shirt was. I was new so I assumed it was my body shape and almost gave up.

Turns out I was missing a key element on my holster—a concealment wing (or claw).

I ordered a holster from Blacksmith Tactical as a last ditch effort; figuring it would end up in the basket of other failed holsters and wasted money.

It came with this odd looking contraption that made it look like it would print WORSE than the holsters I already had. I gave it a try anyways and wow it was like the angels came down to sing just for me!

The purpose of a concealment wing or claw is to reduce printing, specifically the grip, but I’ve found it helps overall. The wing, combined with pressure from a belt, pivots and pushes the grip of your gun so it makes contact with your body. 

On the left, I’m wearing a holster without a wing and you can see the grip sticking out from my body quite a bit. Almost any shirt I own would print that grip.

And on the right, I’m wearing a holster with a wing. Notice how the grip has pivoted and tucked back into my body so I can easily conceal.

Note: the photos are offset a little because it’s hard to stay in the same spot when putting a holster in your pants, but I promise there’s no other trickery going on.

So, if you don’t have a concealment wing (or claw) on your holster and you’re having trouble with printing—get one!

I highly suggest getting your holster from Blacksmith Tactical. I’ve been using their holsters for several years now and they’re the highest quality you can find. Plus, they have the best customer service and they’ve been kind enough to give me a code for you to use and save 10%.

Have a great weekend and stay casual+tactical.