February 03, 2020

As Jews around the country are purchasing guns and arming themselves, it is clear that there is a need not just for training but for guidance. While groups of Jews around the country are hiring companies to do risk assessments and active shooter training, there is one thing that I am not seeing and that is guidance to those who are beginning to carry a firearm. Let me explain.

Contrary to what many Jews (and new gun owners in general) might think, purchasing your first firearm and beginning to carry it does not make you infallible. It is not a magic talisman that will guarantee your well-being. First and foremost is training. This article, however, is not about training. That will be for another time. What this article is about is an introduction for new gun owners who plan on carrying a firearm on them to two incredibly important aspects to carry and a question I get asked a lot. Those two questions are what kind of holster you use and is there a belt one can buy that is inconspicuous made for carry.

Let me begin with the belt. There are countless companies that make fantastic belts for everyday carry. Some are tactical looking and are not conducive to the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. There are other companies that make great looking leather belts that can be used for Jews who wear suits every day or more dressy clothes. Those belts are your old-fashioned style with holes to size your waist. The issue with these old-fashioned style belts is like every type of normal belt we all wear. Hole number 3 is to tight but hole number 4 is to loose. What to do? I use a company called Nexbelt.

They make a style of belts called ratchet belts that allows you to pinpoint the exact waist size because of the little grooves in the back of the belt. I have 2 of these belts. One for my everyday life but more importantly, one for Shabbos. The belt can easily hold up a full-size firearm without any sag and again, because of the ratchet grooves in the back, it allows for a precise fit to your waist. The belt comes in a size 50 and you get to cut the belt to make a perfect fit.

I use this belt every day and on Shabbos and it’s the perfect belt for Orthodox Jews who carry. Furthermore, the cost for a fancy leather Shabbos belt from Nexbelt, is the same price as any belt you might normally buy.

The next point of order is a holster. I have had numerous talks with many Jews who have sent me messages with nylon holsters from Amazon or other types of holsters because they are universal and cheap. For the love of God, DON’T. The two safest places for a firearm are either in a safe or in your holster. Purchasing a junk holster is how accidents can happen. There are companies out there that make quality holsters at affordable prices. Spending $50-$80 might seem crazy to some people, but rest assured, you are making an investment to ensure accidents from happening. What is might every day carry holster? I use the Celator outside the waistband holster from a company called M2 Tactical Solutions.

The belt loops flex to the curvature of your waist allowing for a snug fit and minimal bulging. The cost is $79.95 which might seem pricey to many Jews who are just getting into firearms but can you put a price on personal security.

Again, training is important but so is the gear you use. A proper belt allows for proper placement without a firearm moving around on your waist. A proper holster allows for a secured firearm on your person which in turn makes you a safer gun owner.

Now of course, this works for me. This article is because many people have asked me what I use for EDC (Every Day Carry).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate in reaching out!