Small Of The Back Holsters. Do you need one?

A type of holster once very popular seems to go in and out of favor. For some the SOB holster is ideal and for others it isn’t a good idea at all. But then that is why Falco offers so many types of holsters. Unlike the versatile OWB (on the waistband) the SOB isn’t for everyone and while the IWB (inside the waistband) may be acclimated to by most shooters the SOB is an alternative.

With excellent stitching fit and finish the Falco SOB is a nicely made holster

What Is a Small of the Back (SOB) Holster?

The history of the SOB as best I am able to determine begins in Europe, in England as far as the story goes. The SOB was born during a generational upgrading of police and anti terror units. Moving from an unarmed status or from being armed with .32 and .380 ACP pistols these units began carrying pistols such as the SIG P220 and later the P226 9mm. When armed security in Europe began carrying serious armament during the first wave of terrorist events, concealment was an issue. The powers that be wanted a professional look but no exposed firearms. Airport security wore blazers similar to other staff. A standard belt holster protruded past the hemline of the jacket. The inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is often difficult to acclimate to, especially for those carrying the firearm only at work. I like the IWB perhaps the best of any type for concealed carry. The handgun is easily concealed as most of the firearm is carried inside the trousers and only a short jacket is needed to cover the handgun’s butt. The IWB, however, requires the shooter purchase his or her trousers an inch or so wider than the usual size to accommodate an IWB holster. High riding OWB holsters work better for some applications but were not ideal. The SOB was developed to offer belt carry with concealment nearly as effective as an IWB holster.

Note sharp draw angle of the SOB

The small of the back holster features an OWB type modified to an extreme tilt. This draw angle rides the slide of the handgun more perpendicular to the belt and limits the holster’s exposure beneath a covering garment. 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. For some the drag of a heavier handgun is spread out on the belt. The SOB became popular to an extent with professionals who needed this type of holster but was used by many who did not need the type or used it inappropriately because it looked cool. When properly used in the niche it was designed for the SOB type is useful. I must stress than only a good quality SOB should be considered. They are not the easiest holster to design and execute. Thankfully Falco offers good quality examples. I am glad a major maker like Falco offers this niche holster. While the market may be limited it is important to offer a quality holster for those who favor the SOB- a poorly designed SOB is worthless.

Advantages of SOB Carry and Safety Considerations

I haven’t used the SOB type in some time and was able to refresh my memory and make several observations during wearing the holster and practicing the draw several dozen repetitions. My recommendations that have grown from these experiments and training should be considered. I am not self indulgent in training but push hard, otherwise training is incoherent. I don’t fit the scenario to the gear but the gear must work in several scenarios. I have no problem wearing IWB holsters but I have to admit that the SOB may be more comfortable in some scenarios. The SOB distributes weight better than either IWB or standard OWB holsters with more of the weight spread about the belt axis. I stress the SOB is an alternative for those who cannot acclimate to the inside the waistband holster.

The SOB draw must be practiced

The SOB has been criticized because it appears to be designed to be worn over the spine. If you fall on the holstered handgun there could be a serious spinal injury. Hip injuries could occur if you fall on any holster, but spine injuries are more serious. If the handgun is a short slide pistol the answer is to wear the SOB to one side over the kidney. This isn’t difficult with the SOB types designed by Falco. With larger guns some of the pistol will ride over the spine, it is the nature of the beast. Also practice the draw from the holster in a manner in which you do not sweep the muzzle over the body. The trick is to practice the draw often. Drop the hand to the holster by first traveling below the holster and then move upward scooping the handgun out of the holster. As the handgun is drawn rather than allowing the muzzle to point toward the body  immediately swing the muzzle outwards. This will allow the shooter to move quickly and smoothly into the presentation toward the threat.

The SOB neatly splits the difference between an OWB and IWB in foot print

The SOB draw isn’t as fast as drawing from an OWB but then nothing is as fast as a strong side scabbard. With time and practice the SOB draw is sharp enough for personal defense use. If you are seated or driving for much of the day the SOB has advantages. It seems like the gun butt isn’t as likely to push up into the ribs with the SOB holster. When seated you must cant the body heavily to draw from an OWB. The OWB isn’t much different, but it depends on the situation. It is more comfortable in some situations.

FALCO SOB Holsters: Performance and Build Quality

Falco offers several SOB holsters in both leather and  Kydex. The C914 and leather C636 are among these. I tested each set up for Glock handguns. The Kydex version is rigid and offers a sharp draw for an SOG type. The belt loops are particularly strong and allow cinching the holstered handgun up tight to the body.

Kydex makes for a rigid sturdy holster 

Note sturdy belt loops on the Kydex SOB

The belt loops are not molded in but screwed on. That is security!

I still prefer and love good quality leather products and tested the leather SOB as well. This design from Falco features a thumb break strap for greater security. This thumb break allows a severe draw angle with better security. I tried several draws and re-holstering. These holsters work as designed. I discovered something I had never noticed many years ago when testing the SOB. The SOB is useful when wearing a pack and hiking as the angle keeps the gun butt away from hanging straps. This report has two parts. First I am looking at the small of the back holster. It has uses but they are limited compared to the more versatile OWB. An IWB conceals better. There are certain scenarios in which an SOB fits well. The second part is to evaluate the quality of the FALCO SOB holsters. They are as good as it gets. The Kydex holster is sturdy while the leather holster- my favorite- is superbly done with good stitching and tanning. Quality cannot be faulted. If SOB carry is for you these are good choices.

The C636 is double stitched where needed

The thumb break safety strap is reinforced with good stitching