How We Choose and Test Products
Concealed Carry Society recommends holsters, belts, handguns, safety gear and carry insurance. This page explains how those picks are chosen, what “hands-on” means on this site, and what we do not claim. If an article says something different from this page, this page is the standard we hold it to.
Who is behind CCS
CCS is owned and edited by Daniel Guerra, who took over the site in October 2026. He is trained in firearms and has range experience. The site was founded by Corey Rawlins; his original notes are still credited to him where they appear. More about the site’s history is on our About page.
How we choose products
- Fit first. Holster and accessory picks are matched to specific pistol models using the maker’s own fit lists.
- Specifications from the source. Dimensions, weights, capacities and materials come from manufacturer pages or authorized retailer listings, and we cite them.
- Stock and price checks. We check that a product is actually available on the retailer’s site and show the date we checked. Prices and stock change, so always confirm at checkout.
- Policies that protect you. We look at warranty, return windows and retention or safety features, and we call out limitations.
- Reputation and track record. We favor established makers with clear support and avoid products we cannot verify.
What “hands-on” means here
When a product has been carried or used by our team, a reader, or a friend of the site, the article includes a clearly labeled Hands-on notes section with our own photos and the conditions it was used in. Some of those products are free samples from the manufacturer; when that is the case, we say so. Getting a free sample never guarantees a positive review or a placement.
If an article has no hands-on notes, its recommendations are based on research: manufacturer information, fit lists, specifications and policies. We label it that way rather than imply testing that did not happen.
What we do not do
- We do not run laboratory, ballistic-gel or drop testing.
- We do not sell rankings. Sponsored placements are always labeled “Sponsored” and are kept separate from our picks.
- We do not invent quotes, statistics or user experiences.
How we make money
Many product links on CCS are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commission rates do not decide our rankings. Details are in our Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure.
Safety and the law
Carry laws vary by state and change often. Nothing on CCS is legal advice. Get proper training, follow the four rules of firearm safety, and check your state’s current laws before you carry.
Corrections
If you spot an error, an out-of-date price or a product that no longer fits as described, please tell us through our contact page. We fix confirmed errors and update the date on the article.