Around The Ankle
The ankle holster is another method of concealment carry that deserves some discussion. As a rule, ankle holsters work well with small, lightweight handguns. And the best ankle rigs have plenty of padding to protect the ankle. The best carry technique is to install the ankle holster above the inside ankle on the weak-side leg. In this manner, your weak hand pulls up the pants leg while the strong hand goes directly to the gun.

Carrying a defensive handgun inside the waistband is an effective method. If an inside-the-pants holster is to be used, select one that utilizes belt loops rather than belt clips. (Pictured) Galco Royal Guard With Les Baer's Thunder Ranch 1911

Obviously, the ankle holster is not a good idea if you usually wear jeans or other tight pants. You need a rather full pant leg to help conceal your rig and to make a smooth, quick draw.

Actually, I have a real problem with using the ankle holster to carry the primary firearm. To access the handgun, you either have to stand on one foot and raise your other leg, or you have to drop to a kneeling position. Neither move is a wise one when someone is in your face and pressing an attack. For this reason, the ankle holster is really a better choice for carrying a backup gun.

Under The Arm
Modern shoulder holsters are also worthy of consideration for the defensive handgunner. Like the crossdraw holster, the shoulder rig is especially useful in dealing with carjackings. Both carry methods are just easier to get to when you are seated. The modern shoulder rig is usually designed to carry spare ammo, a flashlight, or other accessories on the opposite side of the body from the handgun.

The best of the defensive shoulder rigs hold the handgun horizontally under the weak-side arm. For this reason, especially on the larger handguns, the holsters nearly always have a thumbsnap safety. This is the one exception to my retention rule, because it is simply necessary to safely carry the handgun.

Shoulder holsters really have only two drawbacks. The first is that carrying a large handgun, extra ammunition, and other accessories for long hours in a shoulder rig can really put a strain on the shoulder muscles. The second consideration is that the typical shoulder holster is not as rigidly fastened as is the belt holster, so when you make your draw, the holster rig is going to give a little. What this boils down to is that the shoulder rig is just not as fast as the average hip holster. Personally, I like the shoulder rig for carrying a second gun or when I have to spend all day driving.

One Other Worthy Way
Finally, regardless of your preference for a concealed-carry technique, everyone ought to have at least one fanny pack. These little rigs are just so handy for those times when the climate or activity don't encourage conventional carry.

One carry technique that is effective in defense of a carjacking is the shoulder holster. It allows the defender to draw his handgun while seated. (Pictured) Galco Miami Vice With Les Baer's Thunder Ranch 1911

Some fanny packs come with zipper enclosures while others have Velcro to fasten the pistol pocket. Given the choice, I prefer the Velcro that can be snatched open to expose the handgun.

I generally prefer the kind of fanny pack that has pockets in the front so that you can actually carry your wallet and keys. It's a good idea to avoid getting a black fanny pack; pick another color if you have a choice so that it won't look so much like a gun bag. And it's also a good idea to get a patch from your favorite sports team or camera company and have it sewn onto the front of your fanny pack. That way, you just kind of blend in with the other tourists until the Big Bad Wolf shows up.

This overview of concealment techniques and holsters should get you started down the right track. I wish I could factor in your age, size, and the gun you carry to come up with just exactly the right holster for you. But due to the vast differences in our body sizes, clothing preferences, and the climates in which we live, I just can't do that. Each carry technique has its good points and its weak points, so you'll have to do some experimentation on your own to find what works best for you.

Just remember that the selection of a proper holster is exactly like finding the right defensive handgun. You ignore the latest fads, avoid the gizmos and gimmicks, and you buy quality.