Holsters and Gear Recommendations
Small of Back Holster: Pros, Risks and Safer Alternatives
Quick answer: A small of back (SOB) holster carries the gun at 6 o’clock, in the center of your lower back. It hides well under a jacket, but makers warn about falls onto the spine, a draw that can sweep your own body, re-holstering you can’t see, and gun grabs from behind. Galco’s limit is 5 o’clock.
What Is a Small of Back Holster?
Galco describes them as “holsters worn in the center of the lower back, over the spine, or what we’d call the 6 o’clock position.” Falco explains the design: “The small of the back holster features an OWB type modified to an extreme tilt,” which “limits the holster’s exposure beneath a covering garment.”
DeSantis makes its S.O.B. holster for “butt-up” carry only, and states: ““Butt-down” carry is unsafe and not recommended by DeSantis.”
Why Some People Choose It
Falco, which still makes SOB holsters, lists real advantages: “The extreme tilt of the SOB allows good concealment,” “The bottom of the holster isn’t as likely to run into arm chairs when seated,” and “The SOB distributes weight better than either IWB or standard OWB holsters.” It also notes the SOB “is useful when wearing a pack and hiking as the angle keeps the gun butt away from hanging straps.”
Even so, Falco stresses that “the SOB is an alternative for those who cannot acclimate to the inside the waistband holster,” and that “An IWB conceals better.”
Why Most Makers Advise Against It
Galco “hasn’t made a small of back holster in many years” and says it stopped “because, frankly, it’s just not a good way to carry a gun.” Alien Gear calls the 6 o’clock position “not advised for professional, tactical, or defensive purposes.” Their reasons:
| Risk | What the maker says |
|---|---|
| Falls | Galco: “if you should slip and fall on your back while wearing an SOB holster you’re at greater risk of a spinal injury.” |
| The draw | Galco: “It’s very easy to sweep one’s own lower abdomen, hip or thighs when drawing from the lower back.” |
| Re-holstering | Galco points to “the SOB wearer’s complete inability to see the holster while returning the handgun to it.” |
| Gun grabs | Galco: “It is by far the most difficult carry position to defend against an attempt to grab the gun.” |
| Speed | Alien Gear: drawing “requires a full arm sweep and reorientation of the firearm before presentation.” (Compare our quick draw holster guide.) |
| Sitting | Galco: “Small of back holster carry is seldom comfortable when you’re sitting for long periods.” |
Falco disagrees on sitting, saying “If you are seated or driving for much of the day the SOB has advantages.” Falco does accept the fall risk, though: “spine injuries are more serious.”
If You Still Carry at the Back
- Move it off the spine. Falco: “If the handgun is a short slide pistol the answer is to wear the SOB to one side over the kidney.” With larger guns, it adds, “some of the pistol will ride over the spine.”
- Butt up only, as DeSantis requires for its S.O.B. holster.
- Practice a draw that keeps the muzzle off your body, with an unloaded gun. Falco’s method: “Drop the hand to the holster by first traveling below the holster and then move upward scooping the handgun out of the holster,” then “immediately swing the muzzle outwards.”
- Use a stiff belt that fits the loops. DeSantis’s S.O.B. holster “Accommodates belts up to 1 1/2″ wide.”
Better Positions for Most People
Galco “recommends carrying a gun no further back than the 5 o’clock position for reasons of safety, draw efficiency and comfort.” Options that stay in view and in reach:
- Strong side, about 3 to 5 o’clock: see our strong-side IWB guide.
- Cross draw at the front of the support side: see our cross draw holster guide.
- Inside vs outside the waistband: our IWB vs OWB comparison.
Our overview of concealed carry positions compares them all, and our tips for carrying while sitting cover desk and car comfort.
The Belt Behind Any Back or Hip Holster
Whatever position you choose, the holster needs a belt that fits its loops. The Kore gun belts we carry are 1.5″ wide, which fits holster loops sized like the DeSantis S.O.B. The Kore Black Tactical Nylon Gun Belt, for example, is rated by Kore for “Up to 10 lbs. • IWB, OWB or Appendix,” with a “Power-Core™ Center for Added Stiffness and Support” and “40+ positions in ¼″ increments.”
Small of Back Holster: Questions People Ask
Is small of back carry safe?
Galco and Alien Gear both advise against it, mainly for spinal injury in a fall, a draw that can point the muzzle at your own body, and re-holstering you can’t see.
Do holster makers still make SOB holsters?
Some do: DeSantis and Falco sell them. Galco stopped making them.
Is SOB carry comfortable when sitting?
Makers disagree. Galco says it is “seldom comfortable” for long periods; Falco says it “has advantages” if you sit or drive a lot.
What is the best alternative?
Galco’s limit is 5 o’clock, so strong-side carry just behind the hip, or cross draw at the front, keeps the gun in front of that line.
Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts. We don’t sell holsters or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This is general information, not a substitute for professional training; check the carry laws where you live.
