If you've recently picked up the new S&W, you're probably already looking for a reliable owb holster for bodyguard 2.0 to round out your carry setup. It's an interesting little gun because it sits in that weird middle ground—it's technically a micro-compact, but it shoots and feels a lot like a much larger pistol. Because of that, a lot of people are moving away from the traditional pocket carry or deep-concealment IWB (Inside the Waistband) setups and looking at OWB (Outside the Waistband) options instead.
Why OWB Makes Sense for a Micro-Compact
Most people assume that if you have a tiny gun like the Bodyguard 2.0, you have to hide it inside your pants. But honestly, OWB carry is underrated, especially for a gun this slim. The Bodyguard 2.0 is significantly thinner than most of the "stack-and-a-half" 9mms on the market, which means an OWB holster sits very tight to the body.
If you've ever dealt with the "poke and prod" of a holster digging into your hip or appendix all day, you know why OWB is tempting. It's just flat-out more comfortable. You don't have to buy pants that are two inches larger than your waist size, and you don't have to worry about your undershirt bunching up. With the right owb holster for bodyguard 2.0, you can go about your day without constantly adjusting your belt.
Another big plus is the draw speed. It's just faster to grab a gun that's sitting outside your waistband. There's no clearing of undershirts or fighting with a tight belt line. For folks with mobility issues or those who just want the most efficient access to their tool, OWB is a great way to go.
Choosing Between Kydex and Leather
This is the age-old debate, isn't it? When you're shopping for an owb holster for bodyguard 2.0, you're going to see a lot of both.
Kydex is the modern favorite for a reason. It's lightweight, it doesn't hold onto moisture (which is great for preventing rust), and it offers that satisfying "click" when you holster the gun. That click is your tactile confirmation that the gun is locked in place. For a carry gun, that's peace of mind you can't really beat. Plus, Kydex won't lose its shape over time. You can draw and re-holster a thousand times, and it'll still fit exactly the same way it did on day one.
Leather, on the other hand, is all about comfort and classic style. A high-quality leather OWB holster will eventually mold itself to your body's curves, making it feel almost like a part of your belt. It's also much quieter than Kydex. If you need to draw or holsters quietly, leather wins every time. The downside? It requires a bit of a break-in period, and it can eventually soften up too much if you don't take care of it.
For the Bodyguard 2.0, I tend to lean toward Kydex. Since the gun is so light, you want a holster that keeps it snappy and secure without adding any bulk.
What to Look for in a Quality Holster
Not all holsters are created equal, and since the Bodyguard 2.0 is still relatively new to the market, you want to make sure you're getting something actually designed for it—not just a "universal" pouch that's supposed to fit any small .380.
Precision Molding
The Bodyguard 2.0 has some specific lines, especially around the trigger guard and the slide serrations. You want a holster that's vacuum-formed or injection-molded specifically for this model. This ensures that the trigger is fully covered and that the retention is based on the actual geometry of the gun, not just friction from squeezing it tight.
Adjustable Retention
Speaking of retention, being able to adjust it is huge. Everyone has a different preference. Some people want the gun locked in there so tight you could do a backflip without it falling out. Others want a smooth, light draw. A good owb holster for bodyguard 2.0 will have a couple of screws near the trigger guard that let you dial that in.
The Sweat Guard
Even with an OWB holster, the gun is still close to your body. A full-length sweat guard (the part of the holster that extends up between the slide and your skin) is a lifesaver. It protects the finish of your gun from salty sweat, and it keeps the cold metal (or hot metal, if you've been practicing at the range) from rubbing against your side.
Can You Actually Conceal an OWB Holster?
A lot of people think OWB means "open carry," but that's not necessarily true. If you're wearing a slightly oversized t-shirt, a flannel, or a light jacket, a slim owb holster for bodyguard 2.0 disappears.
The trick is the "ride height" and the "cant." * Ride Height: You want a holster that sits high enough that the bottom of the scabbard doesn't peek out from under your shirt. * Cant: This is the angle of the gun. A slight forward tilt (often called the FBI cant) helps hide the grip of the gun, which is usually the part that "prints" or shows through your clothes.
Because the Bodyguard 2.0 has such a short grip compared to something like a Glock 19, it's actually incredibly easy to hide OWB. You can get away with a much shorter cover garment than you'd expect.
The Importance of a Good Belt
I can't stress this enough: your holster is only as good as the belt holding it up. Even though the Bodyguard 2.0 is a featherweight, a floppy "mall belt" will let the holster sag outward. When the holster sags, the grip of the gun tips away from your body, making it impossible to conceal.
If you're going to invest in a solid owb holster for bodyguard 2.0, do yourself a favor and get a dedicated gun belt. It doesn't have to be a thick, tactical-looking thing. There are plenty of reinforced leather or low-profile nylon belts that look totally normal but have the stiffness required to keep that holster pulled tight against your hip.
Training with Your New Setup
Once you get your holster, don't just strap it on and head out the door. Every holster has a slightly different "draw stroke." Spend some time doing dry-fire practice (with an empty gun and no ammo in the room, obviously).
Practice clearing your garment and getting a solid grip on the gun. The Bodyguard 2.0 is small, so you need to make sure your hand lands exactly where it needs to be every time. Since an OWB holster sits slightly further away from your body than an IWB one, you might find that your hand naturally finds the grip a lot faster.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is a fantastic little shooter, and it deserves a carry setup that matches its quality. While pocket carry is fine for some, an owb holster for bodyguard 2.0 offers a level of comfort and accessibility that's hard to beat for daily wear.
Whether you go with a minimalist Kydex shell or a high-end leather scabbard, the goal is the same: security, comfort, and speed. Don't settle for a generic "small gun" holster. Get something that was built for the 2.0, pair it with a stiff belt, and you'll probably forget you're even carrying it half the time. And honestly, isn't that the whole point of a great CCW setup?