Alien Gear Holsters Blog

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

One of the most popular handgun lines out there is Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, and for a boatload of good reasons. These are the closest competitors to Glock in the domestic handgun market, and they are popular with police and civilians alike as implements of personal protection.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

There are a whole lot of CCW gun myths out there that people keep repeating. Here are 6 that are complete bunk...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

What makes for the best home defense gun? The same attributes that make for a great carry gun, like accuracy, reliability and being easy for you to shoot.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

2018 is half-way through, but some fantastic concealed carry guns came out this year. In fact, a concealed carry pistol could be found for nearly any and every sensibility from 2018's crop of CCW guns.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

There are some special considerations that a person should be mindful of if carrying concealed on July 4th. Holidays tend to attract very large crowds, especially if doing the traditional activities such as watching fireworks. There is also something of a summer festival atmosphere and everything that entails...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Load selection is critical if carrying .380 ACP, but what's the best .380 ammo? After all, you want to carry the best carry ammo you possibly can.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

A holster is used for safety. That's the primary reason it's there. That's what you need to be concerned with first and foremost when shopping for a leather shoulder holster.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

What's the difference between rimfire vs centerfire? Bullet design, as well as the mechanics of how the bullet goes "bang!" Read on to learn more...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Gun people have been arguing 9mm vs 45for decades. Let's settle this once and for all. Read on...

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Alien Gear Holsters released a modular, hybrid shoulder holster, the 10th addition to the ShapeShift Modular Holster System.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For a couple decades, people have been debating 40 vs 9mm. You might be sick of hearing it, but we're covering it anyway! Both rounds have something to offer the right person.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Alien Gear Holsters has created a new version of the ShapeShift thumb release in response to the feedback of some customers, for even more options in active retention.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Prospective gun owners may be wondering a few things when seeking to buy a new weapon: what exactly are universal background checks, which states require them, what sort of background checks are in place now and consequently how are people still getting around background checks and committing crimes?...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Which between the Sig P938 vs Kimber Solo are better for concealed carry? It's very subjective. Both are slim, single-stack subcompact 9mm pistols so they're well suited to the task...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You need to know the difference between cover vs concealment. The base definition is rather simple; cover will stop a bullet, concealment only covers you up. However, that only tells you so much of the story.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

The ShapeShift Driver Defense Holster is a holster mount with straps that loop over and below a car seat, buckling at its front and cinching an adapter for a full Shape Shift Shell configuration. It's a vehicle holster mount that doesn't require drilling into a surface.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Some people just want a .410 revolver, and this leads some people to ponder whether to get the Taurus Judge vs Governor by S&W. Since Smith and Wesson is such a long-lasting and trusted brand, some people wonder if you can get the same gun, just made better, by opting to not get the Taurus.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Wondering why you aren't getting the best groups while shooting? There could be a number of reasons, as a lot can throw off your shooting. Believe it or not, some very subtle errors in technique can pull, push or otherwise get shots off target.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

There's a difference between traditional marksmanship and concealed carry marksmanship. The latter could also be expressed as "combat shooting." Put a bit differently, there's a difference between target shooting and defensive shooting skills.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

You have made the decision that you want to concealed carry. Now you need to figure out how to make it part of your daily routine. After all, if you're going to carry you should do so as often as possible, rather than just on occasion.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

There are all sorts of fantastic gun-related gift ideas for the moms in your life. Here's just a few ideas for both concealed carry and those beloved range days.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

The root of any highly successful concealed carrier's degree of success will inevitably stem from developing some basic rules. Here's some suggestions based upon experience and observation...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Some people find as they age that they need to change concealed carry guns as the pistol they're used to just isn't to their liking anymore. Granted, some people have no issues; it's all really down to you in the end.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you want to carry a wheel gun but need something that's with a bit more beef than the standard snubby, two guns that will come up in your search are the Ruger SP101 vs GP100. Which is better as a concealed carry revolver?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're into guns that have a touch of class, a couple of old-school service pistols that you may find yourself weighing might be the CZ-75 vs 1911. Granted, the real answer is BOTH because both are amazing..

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

The difference between the Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster and the ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster rests within the shell, and what that shell can and cannot do. They both utilize the same comfortable backer that features twist-and-lock clips..

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Some people have made using the ShapeShift holster system out to be a whole lot more complicated than it is, and to prove it we're going to demonstrate changing a 4.0 IWB to the ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster. These are two of the most popular models of ShapeShift holsters, and a lot of people are carrying with both.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A folding Glock will make concealed carry very easy, especially if carrying a folding Glock 19. But does that come at the cost of function, to the point where it's no longer a viable carry gun?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

An aspect of the 1911 pistol that some people really appreciate is that you can take a gun that's basically average and - with a few 1911 upgrades - make it a tack-driving machine with surgical-grade accuracy that would stop the Incredible Hulk in his tracks.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're looking for a big double-stack but won't have a darn thing to do with tactical Tupperware, two guns you might wind up considering are the Beretta 92A1 vs. M9A1. You might further ponder just what the heck the difference actually is...and if it's worth paying for..

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're going to carry a gun, you should concealed carry. Not that open carry shouldn't be allowed; there is a time and place for it.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

For those that like Kahr pistols, choosing a CCW pistol from their lineup often comes down to the Kahr PM9 vs. CM9. They don't always get the same amount of press as some of the other gun brands do, but Kahr pistols actually have a lot to offer believe it or not.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Granted, a lot of people are going to gravitate toward the M&P Shield and for good reason. It's one of the most popular carry guns on the market. However, you shouldn't discount the Kahr; Kahr pistols are actually overlooked to a degree that some might consider criminal. They deserve a look, and for reasons we will get into.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

What do you need to know aboutconcealed carry holsters? Everything you need to know will be right here. We'll go over what you need to know about the various types of concealed carry holsters and methods for concealed carry.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Innovation is a three-part equation: a new idea solves a real problem to serve an end user or intent.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

As you are likely aware, there are a number of handgun features that all pistols have. Certain features, like control mechanisms, are found on basically all handguns today. Others are found on only a few.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Inclement weather can make concealed carry a bit more of a chore than it is during other periods. Among the worst is summertime. Concealment is a little more tenuous, given that you'll be wearing fewer layers. Carrying is going to be a little more uncomfortable, given the heat.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

If you're mulling a decision between the FNP vs FNX in .45 - or any other caliber - then you probably know that they're both damn near the same gun. Or maybe you don't; we'll actually go over that.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Alien Gear Cloak Mag Carriers are compatible with the ShapeShift Modular Holster System in two carry styles: drop leg and MOLLE. The point of modularity is to increase the options available so the carrier themself may control the end product according to their preferences.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

A popular method of concealed carry is to use a shoulder holster. It's certainly been featured on television shows and films, as they've been worn by everyone from James Bond to "Dirty Harry" on the big screen, on "Miami Vice" to "Justified" on the small screen and so many points in between.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Over a dozen states specifically authorize teachers, principals, and other school officials from carrying concealed on school grounds.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Injection-molded holster shells start as a blend of polymer pellets or fillings that are melted and compressed in a mold designed by tool and die makers. The end result is more precision, lower costs and in many cases stronger materials.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Browning revolutionized the world of handguns with his 1911 and Hi Power models, with these two enduring choices of carry it leaves a prominent question... Which one is better for concealed carry?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Most presidents have historically shown support and appreciation of firearms. Several have even concealed carried, so what handguns did they use?

By James England | Contributing Editor

Whichever the case may be, it's always best to be upfront and direct. If you're legally carrying a concealed firearm and you intend to take it with you on a date – your date should be aware of that. That's an ethical choice that can only be made by you. Depending on your state's permit requirements, you may not be legally required to disclose whether or not you have a concealed pistol on your person. Take a look ...

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

Two good options to narrow down your daily EDC for CCW are the CZ-P07 and CZ-P09. Featuring DA/SA, old-school operation with modularity, these two are sure to be difficult to choose between.

By Jake Smith | Contributing Editor

Every element of every Alien Gear holster is subjected to immense stress testing until failure. During the product development process. If the material fails, it's replaced with something more effective or redesigned into something more efficient.

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

With the differences between the Sig P238 and Sig P938 varying little in size and round, choosing between them for a micro-sized everyday carry can be a challenge. Which of these small Sigs should you pick?

By Sam Hoober | Contributing Editor

In society’s terms, it’s called “fight or flight.” In the courtroom, it’s discussed as Duty to Retreat or Castle Doctrine. In reality, it is knowing when to use deadly force in a situation or when not to. The lines aren’t always clear, but it is important to know the laws and how to train for these scenarios ...