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Craft Holsters - Holsters - Smith & Wesson Holsters - Smith & Wesson Model 12 Holsters
Small Of Back Holsters for Smith & Wesson Model 12
Fan Favorite Holsters
How To Choose The Best Small Of Back Holster For Your Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4"
When you're shopping for a new Small Of Back holster for you.Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4", knowing exactly what you want matters. If you've narrowed it down to a Small Of Back holster, you're already on the right path. Below, we’ll walk you through why this carry style might be the ideal fit, how to find the best model for your body type and setup, and what materials and add-ons to consider.
Why Choose a Small of Back Holster?
Small of back holsters, often called SOB holsters, are designed for carrying your firearm in the center of your lower back. This carry style offers deep concealment and comfort for standing or walking, making it a discreet option for everyday carry.
Excellent concealment
Positioned along your spine, SOB holsters keep your Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4" hidden under most shirts and jackets with minimal printing, making them ideal for users prioritising discretion.
Comfortable while standing or walking
Many carriers find SOB holsters comfortable while standing or moving, as the firearm rests naturally along the curve of the lower back without pressing into the hip or thigh.
Natural draw for some users
For those who prefer reaching behind the back, SOB holsters offer an intuitive draw angle, though it requires specific training to execute safely under stress.
Keeps firearm out of the way
This carry style keeps your Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4" clear of your front and side, preventing interference with daily tasks or bending motions.
Best for compact firearms
Due to their positioning and draw mechanics, SOB holsters work best with compact or subcompact firearms to reduce discomfort and printing.
Drawbacks to consider
While SOB carry offers concealment, it can be uncomfortable when sitting, driving, or leaning back against chairs. Additionally, falling backward with a firearm positioned along the spine can pose injury risks.
Whether you’re looking for a discreet carry method for standing work environments or prefer behind-the-back access, an SOB holster keeps your Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4" hidden and accessible.
How to Choose the Right Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4" Small of Back Holster for Your Body and Lifestyle
Body type and fit
Choose an SOB holster that contours comfortably to your lower back. Slim users may prefer minimalist designs to reduce printing, while broader builds can benefit from wider platforms for stability.
Gun size compatibility
SOB holsters are best suited for compact or subcompact firearms. Full-size pistols may cause discomfort when sitting and are harder to conceal in this position.
Carry position
Most SOB holsters are worn directly over the spine at the 6 o’clock position, with some models offering slight cant adjustments for easier draw angles.
Handedness
Select a holster designed for your dominant hand. Right-handed users typically reach behind their right hip or center back for a palm-out draw, while left-handed users mirror this setup.
Retention and safety
Ensure your holster has strong retention and fully covers the trigger guard for safety during carry and draw. SOB draws require practice to avoid flagging your body during presentation.
Comfort features
Look for holsters with padded backing, smooth edges, and lightweight construction to maximise comfort, especially if worn for extended periods.
Check out other holster carry styles
Be sure to check out what other carry styles we have:
IWB Holsters
Choosing the best Small Of Back holster for your Smith & Wesson Model 12 - 4" comes down to fit, comfort, and confidence. Whether you carry concealed every day or need something rugged for outdoor use, this carry style delivers dependable performance.
Check favorite holster carry styles
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Best Gun Holster Accessories
Choose the right accessories below that will enhance your carry. Don't forget that a proper magazine pouch, a belt or a concealed carry bag are always good choices.
MAGAZINE
POUCHES
Get yourself a custom mag pouch or speedloader pouch. Because there is never "enough ammo" right?
See Magazine Pouches
GUN BELTS
A solid and stable gun belt is what you need to prevent your holster and the rest of your EDC from sagging.
See Gun Belts
care kits
Don't forget to get yourself a handy kit that contains everything you need to make sure your holster will last you a lifetime.
See Care KitsLight bearing holsters are quickly becoming a preferred choice among firearm enthusiasts for their functionality and innovative features. Whether you're in search of a light bearing leather holster or a light bearing nylon holster, Craft Holsters has a vast array of options to cater to your unique needs.
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
If you're an aficionado of cutting-edge firearm accessories, you've likely come across a light bearing holster. This special type of holster is designed to accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light or tactical laser, providing the perfect amalgamation of functionality and style. Initially adopted by law enforcement and military professionals, these holsters are now becoming a staple among civilians, especially those who prefer a holster with light for nighttime use or low-light environments.
Key Benefits of Light Bearing Holsters
- Modern and innovative design, marrying style and function
- Suitable for both concealed and open carry with light bearing iwb holster and light bearing owb holster options
- Exceptional balance and premium comfort when carrying
- Quick and easy access to your firearm, especially in low light conditions
- Can accommodate various handgun models with tactical lights
- Ideal for larger pistols with light attachments
- Often features additional compartments for ammunition storage
- Easy concealment with styles like the light bearing iwb holster, even in warmer months
Main Types of holsters with light
Craft Holsters specializes in bringing a wide range of light bearing holster choices to cater to different preferences and needs. Here's a sneak peek into our major categories of light bearing holsters:
IWB Holsters
Just like the name suggests, IWB holsters with light are a type of concealed carry holster worn inside the waistband, most frequently attached to the 1 o’clock or 3 o’clock waist area.
OWB holsters
These are mainly used for outside waistband carry and they fall under the category of open carry holsters.
Shoulder holsters
Explore our collection of pistol holsters with light for shoulder carry that allows you to carry your light-equipped pistol with utmost convenience and style. In general, shoulder holsters offer probably the highest level of comfort and are quite easy to conceal, especially in colder months.
Materials
At Craft Holsters, we utilize a range of premium materials to craft the perfect light bearing holster for you. Here’s a glimpse into our craftsmanship:
Leather Holsters
Our light bearing leather holsters are renowned for their quality and durability, promising a lifetime of utility and elegance.
Kydex and Nylon Holsters
Apart from leather, we also offer a range of light bearing kydex holsters and light bearing nylon holsters, promising durability and a comfortable carrying experience.
Light Bearing Holsters FAQ
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
A light bearing holster is a specially designed holster that can accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light, providing easy access and secure storage for your firearm. It is an essential accessory for those who prefer carrying a pistol with a light attachment.
How to Make a Light Bearing Holster?
Creating a light bearing holster involves utilizing premium materials like leather, kydex, or nylon, and crafting them to fit specific handgun models with light attachments perfectly. At Craft Holsters, each holster is carefully designed to provide a secure fit for your firearm with a light. However, making one at home would involve precise measurements and skills in crafting materials. It is recommended to consult detailed guides or seek professional assistance.
What are the Best Light Bearing Holsters?
The best light bearing holsters are those that are crafted with precision and quality materials, offering a perfect fit for your firearm and ease of access. Our top recommendations at Craft Holsters include:
- IWB Holster w Steel Clip (Light/Laser)
- Shoulder Holster System (Light/Laser)
- Comfortable Belt Holster (Light/Laser)
How to break in a light-bearing holster?
If you get one of our holsters with light molded exactly for your gun and tactical light or laser, you most probably won’t have to bother with holster break-in. However, in case your new holster feels a bit too tight, just follow our Break-in Guide. And if you don’t have any break-in solution at hand, feel free to get our Small Break-in Kit, which comes with everything you need for a successful shoulder holster break-in.
Most User Recommended Tactical Lights
There are many tactical lights on the market, we created a list of the most sought after pistol lights and we have custom made holsters ready for them. Here they are
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Streamlight TLR-1 HL X Holsters
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Streamlight TLR-7X Holsters
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SureFire X300U-A Holsters
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Viridian C5L Holsters
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