"civilian camouflaged" OWB holster

[The Annoyed Man]

Well, to be honest it was never ment to fade into the background... just ment to not look like a gun holster...

OK... sorry, I meant no disrespect; but if that was supposed to blend, then I thought you might have pressing sartorial issues.

It kind of reminds me of "dazzle" camouflage painted on warships during WW2, where they had giant geometric patterns painted on them that was supposed to breakup the outline of the ship, particularly near the horizon, making it harder to recognize it as a ship.

Example:


As others have suggested with denim or other fabrics, it would make more sense to me if you wanted to pursue this kind of thing to coat the holster with the same kind of fabric that your pants are made of so that it blends into the background fabric of your pants. But that said, wise clothing choices will do more to conceal your gun than camouflaging the holster, and with a whole lot less trouble.

Interesting idea though...

[Excaliber]

Here's an idea for a refinement:

Holster "skins" that can be applied to make the holster blend in with common materials used in pants.

Sorta like the new ladies' purses where the cargo carrying module acts as a carrier for outer coverings to match the wearer's outfit.

You may have a highly profitable business idea here if you can commercialize (and patent) it.

[cbr600]

Misdirection can be useful. Like sewing a Sierra Club patch to your concealed carry pouch.

[Excaliber]

Misdirection can be useful. Like sewing a Sierra Club patch to your concealed carry pouch.

That works like a charm - especially if the pouch is in a nontraditional color like lime green.

Some makers of nylon rigs will whip one up for you in a custom color for a fee.

[K-Man]

IMO camouflaged print on a holster, of whatever sort, is only going to work if you're blending into the surrounding material. Producing a contrasting print is going to draw attention to it, rather than divert it. I've made holsters with denim and other traditional camo prints on them and have had great success in that respect.

[gigag04]

I'm actually beginning to stockpile holster making supplies. One of our guys at work makes holsters and I'll be learning from him. Trimming a holster in denim is a newt idea and I'll definitely try it out soon. Same could go for wool trousers, khaki. If I am thinking about it correctly you would just need to cut some fabric in the same shape as the exterior template. Possibly spray adhesive it on and then sew in place.

Another idea would be bright red with a white cross, like some sort of medical pouch.

[Excaliber]

I'm actually beginning to stockpile holster making supplies. One of our guys at work makes holsters and I'll be learning from him. Trimming a holster in denim is a newt idea and I'll definitely try it out soon. Same could go for wool trousers, khaki. If I am thinking about it correctly you would just need to cut some fabric in the same shape as the exterior template. Possibly spray adhesive it on and then sew in place.

Another idea would be bright red with a white cross, like some sort of medical pouch.

Or, if you're making it for yourself and not for sale, the logo of a well known tool company which has been removed from one of their pouches, e.g. DeWalt. That might not work in DC where nobody works with his hands, but it sure would fly in Texas.

[terryg]

Actually, the OP may be on to something here...but for the full effect, I think
the grips and the slide need to have an argyle print as well.

I don't which would be deadlier, looking down the barrel of this gun, or looking at it from the side.

[terryg]

Or, if you're making it for yourself and not for sale, the logo of a well known tool company which has been removed from one of their pouches, e.g. DeWalt. That might not work in DC where nobody works with his hands, but it sure would fly in Texas.

[AustinMRH]

I'd love to tip my OWB paddle holster in denim. Even on the higher of the two belt loops it still sticks below most of my tshirts and sweaters, particularly when I reach up. The problem with running it in the higher position is it is also less stable. More weight above the belt than below so it wants to swing out from the top, tenting.

Maybe I should buy my next jeans with really long legs, hem them and scavenge the bottoms for holster wrap. Exact dye job match.

[Keith B]

Or, if you're making it for yourself and not for sale, the logo of a well known tool company which has been removed from one of their pouches, e.g. DeWalt. That might not work in DC where nobody works with his hands, but it sure would fly in Texas.

You mean like this cleverly disguised tack driver?

[speedsix]

...sure would make my work more fun!!!

...hey, if the deco-holster ever happens...consider velcro face with more than one stick-on deco...blue jean material for jeans...black for dress slacks...brown...etc...I see real merit for it blending in with what we're wearing more than making a fashion statement....now if OC EVER happens...better make up about 1000 with orange and longhorns on 'em!!!

[Excaliber]

Or, if you're making it for yourself and not for sale, the logo of a well known tool company which has been removed from one of their pouches, e.g. DeWalt. That might not work in DC where nobody works with his hands, but it sure would fly in Texas.

You mean like this cleverly disguised tack driver?

I was thinking more of a logo plate than a color scheme but you're in the right ballpark.

[tacticool]

Maybe I should buy my next jeans with really long legs, hem them and scavenge the bottoms for holster wrap. Exact dye job match.

If the OWB holster has a rectangular profile, you can disguise it as a smart phone case.

[Dave2]

IMO camouflaged print on a holster, of whatever sort, is only going to work if you're blending into the surrounding material. Producing a contrasting print is going to draw attention to it, rather than divert it.

That's what I was thinking first, too. The thing is, unless your pants and the holster are both at least very dark or it's at night, the lighting is going to cast weird shadows anyway. Yeah, the holster an the pants might be the same color, but people will still see the holster's shadow. To my eyes, seeing a shadow where I don't expect one draws my attention faster than an unknown object that's mostly under somebody's shirt.

I can see how someone who's more interested with fashion might be more curious about the unknown object, though.