By: Teresa Mull
Carrying concealed as a female can be challenging. Ladies’ clothing, of course, is generally more form-fitting than men’s, and there’s less room on our smaller frames to hide any sort of appendage.
Hence why I normally carry my Glock 43 in my purse. I know, I know – this method isn’t ideal, as it leaves your firearm more prone to loss and theft than it would otherwise be if it were physically attached to your belt.
Enter Bravo Concealment, a Kydex holster manufacturer based in Texas who got me second-guessing my skittish stance on holstering. Bravo sent me an inside the waistband (IWB) Torsion gun holster (currently $42.49 online) to test and asked for an honest review, “good or bad.”
While I didn’t come away as a total convert to everyday IWB carry, the Bravo holster has certainly earned its way into my wardrobe line-up (along with a handful of concealed carry purses, of course!).
How It Fit
As I’ve admitted, carrying concealed (on my person) isn’t my MO. Nevertheless, this holster did not intimidate me. It has a minimalistic presentation and is somehow light and solid at the same time. It’s also comfortable. Getting used to wearing this holster didn’t take long.
I initially wore this holster as appendix carry, since I was driving a lot and running errands the first day. I was conscious of the holster rubbing somewhat against my pelvic bone after walking for some time, but sitting down (I have a smaller-than-average length torso) did not cause any discomfort.
I also tested this holster by wearing it at 4-5 o’clock, and, again, had no problems with how it fit. It was even less noticeable in this position than it had been with the appendix carry, though I do prefer to draw from appendix, and I find it easier to obsessively check for printing when the gun is in my direct line of sight.
The Bravo holster can be worn at various positions.
Concealability
Concealing my 43 with appendix carry presented a bit of difficulty while wearing a plain shirt with no loose garment over top. I don’t count this against the Bravo holster itself, however, since this is a proverbial problem for females carrying concealed, and, as I mentioned earlier, my reason for preferring to carry in a purse.
That said, the Bravo holster seems to be about as streamlined and bulk-free as a holster could possibly be, so the solution is not to find a different holster, but, rather, to refine outfits. Concealing this holster either as an appendix carry weapon or behind the hip during the winter is easy to do with a sweater or flannel.
The author wearing the Bravo holster with appendix carry.
The author wearing the Bravo holster behind the hip.
In the summertime, a light cardigan, flowy poncho, etc. would do the trick.
I wore this holster to a place that sells sneakers and has customers test the shoes by jogging around the store. My mother accompanied me and said she couldn’t see that I was carrying, and no one seemed to notice. I also wore the holster to tend our ancient Pennsylvania coal furnace, and was happily not impaled while stooping, standing, bending, or shoveling!
The Bravo holster goes where you go!
Drawing
Drawing my weapon at the range from this holster was straight-forward. My favorite aspect, strangely, of shooting with it was re-holstering: there’s a satisfying “click” that provides a much-appreciated sense of safety and stability. The double belt clips (the clips are removeable) holds the holster securely in place throughout the day, too.
The author practicing with the Bravo holster at the range.
The Bravo Specs
Here’s what Bravo’s website says about the Glock 43 Torsion IWB kydex gun holster:
The Torsion IWB concealed carry kydex gun holster is a dedicated IWB kydex holster.
Whether you run appendix or anywhere else around your waist line this kydex concealment holster is tough and built to last. The Torsion is easy to wear with our standard double IWB belt clip configuration. If you want more comfort and flexibility in your Everyday Carry positions simply remove the shorter belt clip and utilize a single belt clip for on-the-fly adjustments.
Running the Torsion kydex holster in the "single belt clip configuration" allows for the holster to go "Tuck-able" This means that you can tuck your shirt between your pants and the holster for a more formal style of concealment.
Kydex TORSION Gun Holster:
• Custom-made for the Glock 43 pistol.
• Even Deeper Concealment with NEW Torsion Technology.
• Integrated 10 degree inward cant for greater conceal-ability.
• Designed specifically for IWB concealed carry.
• Virtually drops out of sight and erases your weapon’s visual signature.
• Comfortable to wear.
• One of few IWB holsters offering retention.
• Holster adds minimal mass to weapon.
• Holster retains its shape for efficient one handed re holstering.
The Take-Away
I was very pleased with the Bravo Concealment Glock 43 Torsion IWB kydex holster. It’s slim, fits my gun like a glove, and remains tight and secure on my belt. This holster, in my opinion, would be a great one for any woman to wear confidently, with, as is always the case, some conscientious clothing choices.
Bravo makes several other types of holsters for various brands of popular guns. The company also offers free shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, military/law enforcement/first responder discount, and a lifetime warranty.
Bravo for Bravo Concealment!
Teresa Mull is editor of Gunpowder Magazine. Contact her at [email protected].