Sep222011
Review: The Flashbang Holster
Guest post by Liz Long. You can read more information about the Flashbang Holster here.
image by DrJimGlide
I have had my concealed carry permit for years now but I have never used it. Ankle holster? Not an option in the summer, or with skirts, or with a dress. Purse? I’m too careless with mine. I toss it, I leave it in shopping carts a few feet from me, and I bury it inside another larger bag. Hip or pocket holster? Seriously? With the low riding pants with micro pockets women have to buy today? Not gonna happen. Shoulder holster? I have one, but it’s a no-go in summer and with a lot of outfits, and you can’t to take your jacket off at all, which might be inconvenient. You get the idea.
I also have concerns about carrying with kids. They grab my legs and waist on a regular basis, and I still carry them sometimes, so I’m afraid they’ll accidentally do Something Bad to anything I carry anywhere near my hips or waist. They are not, however, supposed to grab me anywhere near where the Flashbang holster goes, which removes that concern.
image by mikepetrucci
When Lisa posted about the Flashbang, I liked it immediately. I always wear a bra! And I rarely wear dresses. Since I think dresses are the only thing that would make the Flashbang holster hard to access, I bought one immediately. I also bought a training (rubber) gun similar to mine so I can practice carrying with no fear of shooting anyone, including me.
My Flashbang holster came with the shortest of the three straps attached. We switched to the longest strap in just a few minutes. If you have multiple bra styles, they may not all fit with the same strap or the same snap. I know mine don’t, so I just fit it to my favorite style. If you are like me and wear different bras that fit the Flashbang holster differently, they are planning to start selling a strap that lets you select different snaps without having to use a screwdriver to move the snap.
I carried with my Flashbang this week, for at least six or seven hours per day. No one noticed at the bookstore or Costco, and my kids didn’t either. The strap can print a little bit, depending on fit and posture, but even knowing there was a holster and looking for it, I don’t think the average person would even remotely suspect a holster – unless you stretch. A big stretch can make it apparent that you are carrying. Realistically, assuming normal posture and movements, neither my husband nor I saw any evidence of printing with this holster, even under very fitted t-shirts.
image by Angela Schmiedel Randall
It feels a bit odd since I’ve never carried before, but I didn’t notice it unless I stopped and thought about it. It isn’t an irritant, although I can tell that it would make me sweat in hot weather. I can also tell that if the “muffin top” I need to exercise away was much worse, the revolver handle might bother me if I sat and slouched.
Really, I’m practicing carrying, not drawing, so I have only tried that a few times, but it was easy to do. It would also be easy to distract a guy by making him think you’re going to flash him, then flash bang instead!
© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
(26) Readers Comments
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Judi
I love the idea. My husband the practical one says, "What if you are wearing a coat or overalls?" It wouldn't be quick enough then. Thoughts?
LizLong
Yes, he's male.
Seriously, women's clothing has so many possible variations that there will always be something any method of concealed carry doesn't work with. If you are wearing a coat, you can put it in the pocket. There are coats designed for concealed carry. You can also leave the coat unbuttoned when you are in an area you think you might need to grab it quickly.
Depending on how low the sides are on your overalls, you may be able to reach through the side, particularly if your shirts aren't really long. Also, how often do you really wear overalls?
Even a purse has definite limits. I could see carrying in the yard, bike riding, or on a walk with a holster, but I wouldn't have a purse with me in those situations. Ultimately, I think the Flash bang is a very inexpensive option compared to anything else I saw and it works with a wider portion of women's clothing than anything else. If you want to convince him, you could try comparison shopping on price. My concealed carry purse was about $70 because having a lock on it was very important to me. My shoulder holster was about the same, but that's because it's a Galco.
Joe-R
What does your husband do when he wears a coat or overall? You adapt to the situation. Nothing works 100% of the time.
Joe-R
Matt
Thanks to your review, and in-turn my wife notifying me, I did a little research and ended up recommending the holster to our Category Manager for holsters to look into carrying this, and possibly other Looper products.
LizLong
Awesome! Glad to help.
Kelly
I'm wondering how much cleavage is required to conceal the gun. Is it feasible for those of us who are less endowed?
LizLong
I've wondered that as well. I have a friend who is more of a b/c cup who I will get to try it next time she visits, which is probably in a week or two, then I'll let you know.
Dan
They have a youtube video and the girl is wearing a t-shirt and I'd say she is a small B cup and you cannot see the gun.
Mckenna
So surprised to see this post this evening, as I just received my Flashbang holster in the mail TODAY! It took me a few tries with the different straps & an assortment of my bras before I found what seems to be the right combination. My only complaint is the "texturing" on the barrel end of the holster. While I understand that it is supposed to help secure the holster from slipping out of the bra cup, I am large busted and the "textured" area is hitting my skin instead. I'm thinking it's an easy fix with a small piece of duct tape or even a bandaid over that area of the holster.
After getting the correct strap/bra combination, I wore my gun around the house for a few hours. My husband nor my teenagers noticed even after I asked them if they saw anything different in my clothing. Pretty impressive!
LizLong
You could try putting moleskin on it.
Mckenna
That's a great idea! Thanks!
rightwingmom
We went to a gun show today. A guy was selling Flash Bangs and allowed me to take one to the bathroom to try it on. It was completely concealed. No one could tell I was wearing a holdster with a demo gun inside. Using the demo gun, I was able to learn how to use it in a manner of seconds. It's great. Bought one for my Kel Tec 380.
thecottagechild
This is the first thing I've seen that looks even remotely comfortable or concealable for an average woman, as you described, with kids hanging on and around and not wanting to dress like a lumberjack. I'm so impressed, and how can you beat the price?
LizLong
Exactly!
Rebootd
Will they be offering one to fit the new compact Ruger LC9?
LizLong
I don't know, but they have a FB page. You can like it and ask them there.
Kris
The thing I'd be worried about is in the heat of the moment, if I were trying to pull out my gun to actually use it, I'd be afraid I might accidentally shoot myself in the breast or chest.
rightwingmom
Kris,
I tried one on at a gun show and used a fake demo gun to practice. The trigger is completely contained. You pull the gun by the handle ONLY. Once out, you put your finger in the trigger.
Here are a few great demo videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw6AgnYz5To http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8r6CY5UZyw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OntykEToHPE
rightwingmom
Also, if you purchase one of these….practice, practice, practice!
Pulling a gun (from any holster) must become as normal and common as driving a car.
It's called muscle memory. Like with driving, you no longer have to remind yourself which pedal is the gas and which is the brake. It's automatic.
LizLong
That's why I got a practice gun – so I can practice, practice, practice, just like rightwingmom says. And I don't have to worry about shooting anyone, myself included. You can also get snap caps, which aren't live ammo, and use those in a regular firearm.
Mine was from the internet, ebay I think. My husband found it for me.
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Jon Boy
I just ordered my wife one for het Ruger LCP after she showed me a link to this holster and asked me ” proffessional gun guy” if I thought it would work…I said “honey I don’t know I have no bra wearing expirience” but I’ve waste far more on holsters that I thought might be “the answer” for me in a given situation. For $40 free s&h it was a worthy gamble…we recieved excellent service and the holster this morning. She LOVES it! Very good match to the thin light ruger lcp! Maybe not for every bra or every outfit…but many…and on car trips it is easily accessible while seated in the car (unlike her pocket holster that takes some doing to get out while seated) those two carry modes stay with her in her purse when not in use so she can swap out if need be on the fly. It’s the best $40 holster I’ve ever bought that “I” will never wear…no husband will complain about this purchase…trust me…i told her uf she want another on to leave set up for different bra styles or two more to order at will $40 is cheap for something that works! She is thrilled with it and showing all her girl friends now how they all need one! These are good folks with a good product… I think they are going to sell a LOT of these just from word of mouth! We are very happy!
LCP granny
I was really excited to see the video on this holster. My order arrived shortly thereafter and with some "modification" for my particular fit, I'm sold. Best holster EVER produced for us gals and what a shock for some perp when you whip out your concealed firearm. SURPRISE!
CHC
I just received my Flashbang yesterday. I work it all day with my empty .38 to practice my draw, get the feel and see if it was comfortable. I have tried 3 other types of hoslters (ankle, shoulder and hip) and I like the bra holster the best so far. I felt its presence but it did not pinch or bind like the ankle or hip and it was easier to get to than the shoulder. I will comment more in coming weeks but so far it is a win. However, it does become more obvious if you slouch when you sit or you have extra "baggage" around the middle. Sitting up straight helps but it may not be ideal for heavier women or small busted. I am neither so it works for me!!!
AnnieOakley'sKitchen
I just came across this review and wanted to say thanks. I have been going through the same trials and tribulations of finding the right holster with no luck. I just received a DeSantis Belly Band from Midway but have to send it back because it's too small (and kinda feels like a corset.) I think I might exchange it for a flashbang if they have it but am a little concerned about printing because I am pretty small chested. I guess it's worth a try though!
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