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What Is the Dara Concealment System (DCS)?

The Dara Concealment System (DCS) is a modular, 4-in-1 holster system designed to accommodate multiple concealed carry positions using the same firearm-specific holster body. Instead of purchasing separate holsters for appendix carry, strong-side inside-the-waistband carry and outside-the-waistband carry, the DCS allows you to change configurations using interchangeable mounting components.

Prefer a dual clip IWB Holster? No problem. Want a simple single clip AIWB Holster? We got you. Now it's winter and you no longer want to deal with IWB carry? Just take 30 seconds to swap out the clips for loops and you've got yourself a concealable OWB Holster to wear under a jacket.

Whether you carry every day, work in plainclothes law enforcement, or need different setups for different situations, the DCS provides a way to adjust your carry position without replacing the entire holster.

Designed and manufactured by Dara Holsters in Wendell, North Carolina, the DCS combines a precision-formed holster body with adjustable mounting hardware, a detachable magazine carrier, and materials selected for durability and everyday use.

Four Carry Configurations in One Holster System

The DCS supports four primary configurations. Each uses the same firearm-specific holster body, allowing the user to change how the handgun is carried without purchasing four separate holsters.

1. Appendix Inside-the-Waistband (AIWB) and Strong-Side IWB

Inside-the-waistband carry positions the holster between the body and waistband. Appendix carry, commonly called AIWB, places the handgun toward the front of the waist. Strong-side IWB positions it on the shooter's dominant-hand side.

The DCS supports single-clip and dual-clip configurations, allowing users to adjust their setup for their preferred carry position.

Adjustable ride height and cant help position the firearm for access and concealment. The aluminum concealment claw can help rotate the handgun grip toward the body in compatible IWB configurations, reducing how much the grip protrudes under clothing.

2. Appendix Rig With Detachable Magazine Carrier

The DCS can be configured as an appendix rig that carries the handgun and a spare magazine together at the front of the waistband.

Unlike a permanently connected appendix rig, the DCS uses a detachable magazine carrier. This allows the magazine carrier to be separated when the user prefers a standalone holster.

This configuration is useful for concealed carriers who want to carry a spare magazine without using a separate magazine pouch elsewhere on their belt.

3. Concealable Outside-the-Waistband (OWB)

Outside-the-waistband holsters position the firearm on the outside of the belt and pants. Although OWB holsters are often associated with open carry, many are designed for concealment under a jacket, overshirt, or other cover garment.

The DCS can be converted to a concealable OWB configuration using the appropriate mounting components. This allows the same holster body to be used for both IWB and OWB carry.

For users who alternate between inside-the-waistband carry and concealed OWB carry, this eliminates the need for two separate firearm-specific holster bodies.

View the Dara Concealment OWB Holster

4. Standalone Magazine Carrier

The detachable magazine carrier can also be used separately from the holster.

This gives users the option to carry their spare magazine independently rather than keeping it attached to the appendix rig.

The ability to separate the magazine carrier is particularly useful when changing carry positions or adjusting equipment around other items worn on the belt.

How Does the DCS Convert Between Carry Positions?

The DCS uses interchangeable mounting components to change how the holster is worn. Rather than replacing the molded holster body, the user reconfigures the attachment system for the desired carry position.

For example, a user may prefer appendix carry during everyday concealed carry but choose concealable OWB when wearing a jacket. The DCS allows both configurations using the same firearm-specific holster body and the appropriate hardware.

The magazine carrier can also be attached or separated depending on the selected setup.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when changing configurations. Verify that mounting hardware is secure, the trigger guard remains covered, and the firearm seats correctly before carrying.

Materials and Construction

A modular holster needs to maintain secure firearm retention while allowing the user to change mounting configurations. The DCS combines a firearm-specific molded holster body with durable mounting components.

Kydex and Boltaron Holster Construction

Dara uses thermoformed holster materials, including Kydex and Boltaron, to create firearm-specific holster bodies. These materials maintain their shape and allow the holster to be molded around the intended handgun configuration.

Unlike soft holster materials, a properly formed rigid holster maintains its opening when the firearm is removed and provides consistent trigger-guard coverage.

Check out this article on the materials we use: Kydex vs. Boltaron

Tegris and Squadron Materials

The DCS incorporates Tegris and Squadron materials in its modular components, including the hybrid magazine carrier construction.

These materials help provide a combination of structure, flexibility, and low weight without relying entirely on thick, rigid components.

6061 Aluminum Concealment Claw

The DCS features a machined 6061 aluminum concealment claw. In compatible IWB configurations, the claw works against the waistband and belt to help bring the handgun grip closer to the body.

This can help reduce printing, which occurs when the outline of a concealed handgun becomes visible through clothing.

Adjustable Retention, Ride Height, and Cant

The DCS provides several adjustments to accommodate different carry preferences:

• Retention: Adjust the amount of resistance encountered when removing the firearm from the holster.
• Ride height: Change how high or low the holster sits relative to the waistband.
• Cant: Adjust the angle of the handgun.
• Sweat shield: Select the available sweat-shield configuration based on carry preference.
• Carry position: Change between supported IWB, appendix, and OWB configurations using the appropriate mounting components.

These adjustments allow the user to fine-tune the holster's positioning rather than relying on a single fixed setup.

Standard and Light-Bearing DCS Holsters

The Dara Concealment System is available for supported handguns with and without weapon-mounted lights.

Standard DCS

The standard DCS is molded for the selected handgun configuration without a weapon-mounted light. It provides the same modular carry concept for users who prefer carrying without an attached light.

View the Standard Dara Concealment System

Light-Bearing DCS

The Light-Bearing DCS is designed for specific handgun and weapon-light combinations. Because weapon-mounted lights vary in shape and dimensions, the holster must match the supported firearm and light selected when ordering.

Light-bearing DCS holsters provide the same modular approach for users who carry with a compatible weapon-mounted light.

View the Light-Bearing Dara Concealment System

Who Is the Dara Concealment System Designed For?

Everyday Concealed Carriers

People who carry daily may prefer different holster positions depending on clothing, activities, and personal comfort. The DCS allows users to change between supported carry configurations without maintaining a separate holster for each position.

Plainclothes Law Enforcement

Plainclothes officers and investigators may need a holster that accommodates different clothing and assignment requirements. The DCS provides concealed carry configurations for users who need flexibility between appendix, strong-side IWB, and concealable OWB carry.

The DCS uses passive retention and should not be treated as a substitute for an active-retention duty holster when agency policy requires one.

Executive Protection and Security Personnel

For personnel working in discreet protective or security roles, concealment requirements can change with clothing and equipment. The DCS allows the same firearm-specific holster to be configured for different concealed carry positions.

Range Training

Some shooters prefer using different carry positions during practice. The DCS makes it possible to train with supported appendix, IWB, and OWB configurations using the same primary holster body.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DCS

Is the DCS an appendix holster or an OWB holster?

Both. The Dara Concealment System is a modular holster platform that supports appendix inside-the-waistband carry, strong-side IWB carry, an appendix rig with a detachable magazine carrier, and concealable OWB carry using the appropriate components.

Do I need a different holster body for each carry position?

No. The DCS is designed around one firearm-specific holster body that can be reconfigured for different supported carry positions.

Can I carry the magazine carrier separately?

Yes. The DCS magazine carrier is detachable and can be used independently from the appendix rig.

Does the DCS support weapon-mounted lights?

Yes. Dara offers a Light-Bearing DCS for supported firearm and weapon-light combinations. The holster must be ordered for the correct firearm and light configuration.

Is the DCS compatible with red-dot optics?

The DCS is optics ready for compatible slide-mounted pistol optics. Always verify compatibility with your specific firearm, optic, and other installed accessories.

Can I adjust the retention?

Yes. The DCS includes adjustable passive retention, allowing users to fine-tune the fit according to the system's adjustment instructions.

Is the DCS a Level 2 duty holster?

No. The DCS is a modular concealment system with passive retention. Dara's Level 2 Duty Holsters incorporate an additional active retention mechanism for applications requiring that level of security.

Where is the Dara Concealment System manufactured?

Dara designs and manufactures its holsters in Wendell, North Carolina. Each DCS holster is produced for its selected firearm configuration and fit tested before shipment.

One Holster System, Multiple Ways to Carry

The Dara Concealment System was developed around a straightforward idea: a concealed carrier should be able to change carry positions without needing an entirely different holster for the same handgun.

By combining a firearm-specific holster body, interchangeable mounting components, adjustable retention, and a detachable magazine carrier, the DCS provides multiple carry options in one modular system.

Whether you prefer appendix carry, strong-side IWB, an appendix rig, or concealable OWB, the DCS allows you to configure the system around your equipment and carry preferences.

Explore the Dara Concealment System and available configurations