Alien Gear Holsters Blog

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Handgun rounds in the .38 caliber family have always been the most popular, but since some (.38 Special, .380) are a bit weak the most popular are .357 Magnum vs 9mm. Each of these rounds has a long history and pedigree of efficacy in the realm of self-defense, so that both are good carry rounds is not in dispute.

By James England | Contributing Editor

You can call it whatever you wish but some of us are carrying more than just a concealed pistol in our waistline. And for people with a bit extra around the waist, sometimes an inside the waistband concealed carry holster can be a bit uncomfortable.In this article, we'll discuss some concealed carry techniques and positioning that are helpful for us huskier gentlemen...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Springfield makes many firearms that are great for concealed carry. Here, we focus on the two that most concealed carriers end up weighing together: the XD(M) and XD-S. Two of Springfield's most popular compact firearms... How do they stack up against each other?

By James England | Contributing Editor

First thing's first – just because you're in a bar doesn't mean you can't legally protect yourself. However, depending on which state you're in, there are very specific prohibitions against you carrying your pistol on your person. Before you take a sip of that frosty brew or down a cowboy's shot of whiskey, here's a few things to keep in mind ...

By James England | Contributing Editor

Not all of us like to have long, droopy clothing that hangs loose. Some people like to dress up, wear a nice button-up shirt, and maybe some good slacks. For those of you that do, you may have been traditionally stuck either carrying outside the waistband or wrapping your dress shirt over and around an inside the waistband concealed carry holster that clips directly onto your gun belt.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

The thing about whether you can fire a gun in the woods is that it depends on just who controls said parcel of forest and where it's located.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Wanting to get on the .40 S&W bandwagon? Any one of these 7 .40 cal pistol models is a great starting point.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you've decided you want to get a CZ for a CCW but want it as tactical as it is practical, the two choices that will quickly emerge are the CZ P07 vs P01. You'll have a hard time choosing between the two, because a lot of the on-paper aspects are like incredibly close...though some aren't.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A 1911 9mm? Actually, it's a fantastic idea. The 9mm round gets more out of the platform than .45 ACP does, and makes it much more in-line with modern sensibilities.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking for a carry pistol with fewer onboard ounces? Start with these 7 lightweight concealed carry pistols...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Is an H&K VP9 vs Glock 19 comparison a foregone conclusion? Is the VP9 really that much better? Read on to find out...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you've decided you want to get a CZ for a CCW but want it as tactical as it is practical, the two choices that will quickly emerge are the CZ P07 vs P01. You'll have a hard time choosing between the two, because a lot of the on-paper aspects are like incredibly close...though some aren't.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're after a subcompact striker gun, two of the most popular candidates on your list will likely be the M&P Shield vs Ruger LC9s. In fact, those happen to be two of the most popular holster models we sell here at Alien Gear and with good reason.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking for Father's Day gifts for the dad that conceals and carries? Here are 6 great gift ideas for your father or husband for this father's day...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For the person looking for a quality concealed carry gun on a budget, two that get brought up a lot are the S&W Shield and the Taurus PT111 Millennium G2.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

There's no doubt that Sig Sauer makes some of the finest pistols available, but Sig Sauer concealed carry is not necessarily an easy proposition with some of their larger offerings. Let's face it - not everyone wants to conceal a service pistol everyday.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Pondering getting a CZ P07 vs Glock 19? Torn between them? Let's take a look at these two compact carry pistols...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking for 1911 pistols that are a bit off the beaten path? A little different? Check out these 6 brands that you may not have heard of...

So, what is that CLP stuff that so many people talk about? It's an all-purpose maintenance product for firearms. Learn more...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both of these guns have track records that speak for themselves. Both are iconic. Who will come out on top in this matchup?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For those who prefer to pack a sixgun (or five-gun...because they don't always hold six) the best concealed carry revolver is partially subjective. You'll find you like one more than the others. That said, what would the best concealed carry revolver look like?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Smith and Wesson make some of the best CCW pistols around, and what a number of people come down to is choosing a Smith and Wesson Shield vs M&P Compact. Both guns have their merits, and it would be hard for a person to go wrong with either one.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Why does it seem so difficult to find pistol holsters for laser sights? We can't speak for everyone else, but here's why we offer the models we do offer.

By Trevor Dobrygoski | Contributing Author

Imagine removing your handgun from the holster, pointing, aiming and pulling the trigger can seem like it happens in slow motion when you’re in a stressful situation. Your mind is trying to comprehend everything going on, your heart is pumping and you’re trying to do anything you can to stay alive ...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you were leaning toward a CZ to CCW, two of the strongest contenders are going to come down to the CZ 75 Compact vs PCR. CZ makes some of the best pistols to be had, though their product lineup is a bit heavier on the full-size guns than on concealed carry pistols.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Want to get a Beretta 9mm and find out what they're all about? Here are 6 Berettas to get you started...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

When it comes to autoloading big-bore, 10mm and .45 ACP are the two mainstream choices. While there are others, you'll most likely end up choosing between 10mm vs the .45.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Dry fire training systems are a great way to hone shooting skills at home for relatively cheap. What can one expect to find? Read our brief guide!

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Terminal ballistics are fun, but what does the average person really need to know? Find out in this brief guide!

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Dry fire training systems are a great way to hone shooting skills at home for relatively cheap. What can one expect to find? Read our brief guide!

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Glock generations have you confused? Alien Gear Holsters is here to guide you all the way from the first to the latest...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For the most part, concealed carry is relatively easy to do from a legal perspective but there are a few snags - one of which is an age barrier. For the most part, a person has to be 21 years of age in order to concealed carry.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Both the Sig P320 and Sig P226 are strong contenders for a Sig 9mm, but how do they stack up against each other? Alien Gear Holsters stacks up two of the most popular firearms for concealed carry side-by-side so you can make the most informed decision.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

In recent years, a growing number of people have resorted to a concealed carry method called appendix carry.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Do "no guns allowed" signs have force of law? Actually yes, though the degree varies by state. Read on to learn how that works...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

The Glock 48 is a slim version of the 19. Does it shoot as well while concealing more easily? Find out in our Glock 48 review...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Ever hear of something called a press check and wonder just what it is? It's a simple technique for checking whether a firearm is loaded, in case you don't trust or don't have a loaded chamber indicator on your pistol.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Ever hear of something called a press check and wonder just what it is? It's a simple technique for checking whether a firearm is loaded, in case you don't trust or don't have a loaded chamber indicator on your pistol.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Jonesing for a German pistol for carrying? Some people ponder the smart features of the VP9SK vs P365 handguns. Which is best? Read on...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Open carry of handguns - to distinguish it from open carry of ANY firearm - is currently permitted in 45 states, with limitations, depending on the state.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Since S&W launced their M&P Shield M2.0, some have begun to wonder if the new model is going to improve upon the old Shield. Hence, folks will find themselves pondering over getting the original Shield, or the Shield M2.0.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

The Ruger Security 9 promises a lot of bang for not many bucks. Is it worth looking into? Find out in Alien Gear Holsters' Ruger Security 9 review...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Looking at a slim single-action pistol? Check out Springfield's new hotness in our Springfield 911 9mm review!

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

What's the best 9mm ammo for concealed carry? The 9mm round is the most common, but what are the ammunition brands and boxes you should look for?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you had to only have one, it would be the devil's own job of trying to choose between Sig P320 vs. Glock 19.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You might be mulling a Glock 43X vs. Shield now that Glock has a subcompact with more generous capacity. Which is better? Read on to find out...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Since the two cartridges share so many virtues, some wonder which is best between .38 vs 9mm. The short answer is both are very good for the same reasons.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Ruger does make some great guns, but what are the Ruger 9mm pistols for CCW that should be on a persons' shortlist? These 6 Ruger 9mm guns for a start.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Wondering what the difference is between a custom 1911 and a standard factory gun? If it's worth the extra cash? Read on to learn more...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Wondering if the Walther PPQ Subcompact is a worthy carry gun? Find out in Alien Gear Holsters' Walther PPQ Subcompact review...