A few years ago, I was all about sidecar holsters. I used one for almost a year, and for a while, I thought they were the ultimate concealed carry solution. But over time, my opinion started to shift. As I learned more about concealment mechanics, durability, and cost-efficiency, I realized sidecar holsters aren’t the ideal choice for most people. In this article, I’ll walk you through the three main reasons I stopped recommending sidecar holsters—and why I think there are better options out there.
1. They Resist Concealment Mechanics
One of the biggest issues with sidecar holsters is how they resist basic concealment mechanics. Concealment relies on using a belt, wedges, and other tools to press the holster closer to your body. This makes the firearm blend into your natural shape and minimizes printing. But sidecar holsters are wide and rigid, which makes it harder to fine-tune their position.
For example, when I tried to use a wedge to adjust the grip angle, the attached magazine carrier would counteract the adjustment. It was like fighting a losing battle. With an independent holster, I could easily adjust the position to find my concealment sweet spot. With a sidecar holster, I was stuck compromising between concealing the gun or the magazine – but rarely both.
2. They’re Prone to Breaking
Durability is another major concern. Sidecar holsters, especially those made from a single piece of rigid Kydex, are under a lot of stress. The tension created by their wide design and competing forces often leads to cracking or breaking over time.
I’ve heard from other users who had to replace their sidecar holsters as often as once a year. In my case, I noticed stress fractures forming near the attachment points after just a few months of regular use. While some manufacturers have tried to improve durability with flexible hinges or cords, these designs still fall short compared to independent holsters, which experience much less strain.
3. They’re Not Cost-Effective
When it comes to value for money, sidecar holsters don’t hold up. Most cost between $120 and $140, which might seem reasonable at first. But for the same price – or even less – you can get a high-quality independent holster, a separate magazine carrier, and possibly even a better belt or concealment accessories like wedges or clips.
Independent holsters offer more flexibility, allowing you to carry the magazine separately or skip it altogether if you don’t feel the need for a spare every day. With a sidecar holster, you’re locked into carrying both the gun and the magazine together, even if it’s not always convenient. Over time, this lack of versatility made me feel like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth.
The Evolution of My Carry Preferences
When I first started carrying, sidecar holsters seemed like a natural choice. They were popular, widely recommended, and seemed like an efficient way to carry a gun and a spare magazine. But as I gained more experience, I realized their limitations. The bulkiness, rigidity, and limited adaptability became hard to ignore.
Switching to an independent holster was a game-changer. It allowed me to experiment with placement, adjust concealment, and fine-tune my setup for comfort and effectiveness. I could carry in my concealment sweet spot and even leave the spare magazine behind on days when I didn’t need it.
The Illusion of Speed
One argument I’ve heard in favor of sidecar holsters is that they can improve draw speed. The theory is that the attached magazine carrier pushes the grip out slightly, making it easier to grab in a hurry. While this might shave milliseconds off your draw time, I found the trade-off in concealment and comfort wasn’t worth it.
For most people, draw speed comes down to practice, not holster design. With enough training, you can achieve fast, reliable draws from almost any quality holster. And let’s be honest – comfort and concealment matter a lot more in everyday carry than shaving a fraction of a second off your draw.
Flexibility Beats Rigidity
One thing I’ve noticed is that the best holster setups are the ones that adapt to your needs. Whether it’s adjusting for different outfits, body types, or carry positions, flexibility is key. Independent holsters excel in this area, while sidecar holsters often feel like they’re fighting against you.
For example, I’ve had days where I wanted to carry appendix and others where I needed to switch to a 4 o’clock position. With an independent holster, this was easy to do. With a sidecar holster, the rigid design made it almost impossible to adjust without compromising concealment or comfort.
Moving Beyond the Hype
Sidecar holsters gained popularity because they seemed like an all-in-one solution. But as with any gear, it’s important to look past the hype and evaluate whether something truly meets your needs. For me, sidecar holsters fell short in too many areas to justify recommending them anymore.
That’s not to say they don’t work for anyone. Some people swear by their sidecar holsters and feel they’re the perfect fit for their carry style. If that’s you, great—carry what works for you. But for anyone on the fence, I’d recommend exploring independent holster systems before committing to a sidecar.
A Deeply Personal Decision
Carrying a firearm is a deeply personal decision, and your gear should reflect your unique needs and preferences. While sidecar holsters might look appealing at first glance, their limitations in concealment, durability, and cost-effectiveness make them a less-than-ideal choice for most people.
No Compromises
If you’re serious about concealed carry, invest in a quality independent holster. It’s a choice that will give you more flexibility, better performance, and a setup that evolves with you over time. In the end, your carry gear should make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready – no compromises necessary.
Your Priorities
What’s your top priority in a concealed carry setup – concealment, comfort, speed, or something else? How does your current holster meet those needs? Have you ever encountered durability issues with your holster? If so, how did it impact your carrying experience and what did you switch to? Do you think the industry should focus more on innovation for sidecar holsters, or are independent holster systems already the optimal solution?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.