Small of Back Holster Overview & Top Choices

M_PP_DeSantisThere are commonly nine different positions for concealed carry. The “small of back” position usually referred to as SOB is carried as the name implies, in or near the small of your back, usually inside your pants. The SOB holster will be of benefit to those primarily with the interest in concealment of their firearm.

Three of the things you should look for in a holster are security, access, and concealment.

Based on your own reasons and lifestyle, one may take precedence over another, but those are the top three. While the SOB holster may have some opponents, the decision to use one is a personal choice made daily by many experienced gun owners.

While the most common position is six o’clock for the small of the back holster, many long term users prefer to move the position slightly to the left or right just below the kidney.

This alleviates any feeling of weight on the hip and gives you clear access to your weapon, while still keeping it concealed.

It also provides no pressure on the spine should you happen to fall to the ground. One of the main problems noted with a back holster is they are uncomfortable to wear when driving or sitting. Most wearers remove the firearm and slide it under their thigh or simply lay it on the seat next to them while driving.

There are several points that many may not consider though. One benefit to the small of back holster is that it’s not as vulnerable to an opponent’s grabbing hands in a scuffle, while still being easily accessed by the wearer.  Another plus to the back holster is you have full access to your pockets, which can sometimes be difficult with a regular gun holster.

 

The Perfect SOB Holster

There are a number of options for SOB carry but we consider the following choices among the best of the multitude of options available. Take a closer look.

 

1. Universal IWB & SOB Concealed Carry Clip Pistol Holder

For: Sig Sauer, Colt 1911, Beretta 92F, Ruger, Glock and S&W

This universal clip gun holster can be used with medium to large size automatic weapons and as noted is universal, meaning it can be used by left or right-handed owners. Cabeci Arms is an experienced leather goods manufacturer specializing in holsters and are known for hand-sewn, quality leather construction for the past 23 years. Many of their leather concealed carry holsters are wet-fitted to the specific gun they’re made for to ensure their proper fit.

This particular gun holster is more versatile and fits several medium and large semi-autos. It can also be worn inside or outside your pants leaving it up to the owner what they’re more comfortable with. It can be used by women as well as men in a variety of ways. Many sob users complain about driving with a gun attached. This makes a perfect addition to your collection because in addition to wearing it, this holster can be clipped inside the door of your car for easy access or to switch from a worn holster to the door for transportation.

Ladies can also clip it inside a handbag for security on the go. This is a very adaptable unit that is easy to use as well as lightweight and comfortable. This is an excellent pistol holder for owners with a variety of larger weapons who don’t want to buy several different holsters.  Quality and value wrapped up in a tight little package measuring 5 x 1 x 3 inches and weighing a mere 3 ounces.

 

2. Concealed in the Pants SOB Waistband Holster

Pro-Tech Outdoors Concealed in The Pants/Waistband Holster Fits Glock 17,19,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,36,38,39,40,41,42,43
  • For right or left hand, metal clip can change sides
  • Stitched with strong bonded nylon
  • Double stitched at pressure points
  • Edges turned under to prevent fraying
  • has a 30 day money back guarantee

For: Glock 17,19,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,36,38,39

This sob holster is sold by Protech Outdoors based out of Guntersville, Alabama. They are a family owned company that has been in business 13 years and are widely known for quality products at affordable prices, as evidenced by this sub $20 sob holster.

This particular in the pants holster is very versatile and actually comes in two models for small and medium autos with two additional sizes for guns with laser sights. This popular model has a metal clip attachment and can be moved for right and left-handed draws.

This small of the back holster is made from heavy duty 1200 denier water resistant nylon fiber. This is stitched and double-stitched with strong bonded nylon at all pressure points. The construction is very strong, yet comfortable and the stitching is robust. This is a very durable behind the back holster and conceals your firearm extremely well.

One of the difficulties in use is that the holster does not go on the belt easily. However, once it’s on, the holster attaches to the belt very securely which is also important. Another issue is that the holster wasn’t tight enough to properly hold the firearm and at a light jog the gun can fall out.  The manufacturer does offer a 30-day money back guarantee and a limited lifetime guarantee.

 

3. Advanced Performance Shoot Holster (ASOB)

Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters ASOB (Almost Small of The Back) Black
  • Custom made from the ground up. Even the belt loops!
  • All Day Comfort!
  • Super strong kydex hand-crafted in the U.S.A.
  • Virtually unbreakable design, even with hard use.
  • See our matching custom magazine pouches by searching: advanced performance shooting magazine pouches.

For: Springfield Armory XDM 3.8
KAHR PM9
Kimber Solo Carry 9mm
Ruger SR9
Ruger SR9 C
Smith and Wesson M&P 9/40
Ruger LC9/380
Glock 17/22
Glock 19/23
and more….

The ASOB holster is manufactured and sold by Advanced Performance Shooting of Waynesville, Missouri. The company is gaining a reputation of quality from their extensive training courses and quality products. This particular holster is custom made from Kydex which is a thermoplastic used in holsters and knife sheaths among many other products.

Some of the benefits of this type of material are the fact they’re waterproof, scratch resistant and lower friction which keeps your gun looking great. It also holds shape better because it will not shrink or stretch under normal conditions. As the manufacturer states, it’s virtually indestructible. Each holster is custom made which means it is created for your weapon and will fit it perfectly. This is made as an alternate to a regular behind the back holster as this sits to the side of your spine tilted. It may require some practice to get used to the pull but as any experienced gun owner knows, that’s to be expected.

Customers are divided being thrilled and frustrated with the extremely tight fit this holster offers. You have to keep in mind this holster was designed by military, police, and special ops officers. They wanted their firearm to stay with them through thick and thin, under any conditions. This will be a tight fit and won’t come out with a weak pull. However, your gun will be there when you need it, no matter what terrain you’re in or scuffle you’re involved in prior to drawing. They offer a lifetime warranty on their durable and reasonably priced products.

 

4. Gould & Goodrich Gold Line Small of Back Ho6

G&G Chestnut Brown Small of Back Holster 806-26R
  • Designed for ''at back'' concealment
  • Adjustable tension screw
  • Genuine leather
  • Fits belts up to 1-1/2
  • Quality edging

For: SIG P220 w/rail, P225, 226, P228, 229, P245;
SIG P226, P229 w/rail;
SIG P226DAK, P229DAK w/rail;
SW M&P 9MM, .40, .357, .45

This holster is from the good folks at Gould & Goodrich, known for high quality holsters, belts, and accessories. All their products are made in the USA in Lillington, NC and they have been in business for 30 years.  The 805 small of back holster is from their Gold Line which is documented as the finest genuine leather holsters in the world.

This particular holster is created from top grade vegetable tanned leather and holds the firearm canted to the side with the handgrip pointed up even with your spine, comfortably against your back. The belt loop can accommodate belts up to 1 ½ inches.  There is an adjustable tensioner near the trigger guard that can be tightened or loosened according to the individual owner’s preference.

The reviews for this Gold Line holster are almost universally glowing. Owners can’t get enough of the quality and craftsmanship provided by Gould & Goodrich. This holster fits light and tight while still being very comfortable to wear. You do have to remove your belt completely in order to take the holster off but for a good fit, it’s not too inconvenient. For an extremely well-made high quality small of back holster, you can’t go wrong with this one from Gould & Goodrich.

2 thoughts on “Small of Back Holster Overview & Top Choices”

  1. I’m looking for a SOB for my Taurus 38 special

  2. I’m looking for a holster for my 1911 kimber sob handle down.

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