A classic belt scabbard such as those from (left to right) Blade-Tech, Matt DelFatti and Milt Sparks are tough to beat for daily carry, provided your regular wardrobe can cover it.

Weapon size is a critical consideration when deciding on a holster. For example, a full-size 1911 won’t work with a pocket or ankle holster unless you’re the size of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wore a Beretta 92 in an ankle holster in “Kindergarten Cop” without a bit of trouble. Still, a standard belt scabbard or inside-the-waistband holster would have been a better match for a full-size gun.

Body type is another limiting factor. For example, IWB holsters are very concealable, relatively accessible and pretty darn comfortable--provided you have six-pack abs and have yet to see the onset of love handles. But as your girth increases, the pointy parts of your pistol can make your soft parts sore pretty darn fast. Shoving said shootin’ iron between your pants and extra parts just exacerbates the problem.

For full- to medium-size pistols and full-figured guys, a standard, high-rise belt scabbard is a great compromise. It is very comfortable, easily accessible and relatively concealable under a jacket or box-cut shirt. You might be better off with slightly shorter-than-standard barrels, but this is the best rig going for daily carry.

For slimmer shooters, the IWB holster is the perfect choice. It is relatively comfortable, reasonable accessible and eminently concealable. In fact, an average-size shooter can hide just about anything under an un-tucked shirt with a quality IWB holster.

As you step down in size, hiding your pistol becomes much easier. Here you have the luxury of choosing from holsters that are comfortable, concealable and accessible. For example, a J-frame Smith & Wesson or baby Glock hides pretty easily in a belt scabbard underneath anything, including a T-shirt. IWB holsters make them disappear.

For deeper concealment, a pocket holster with a small auto pistol is a handy way to pack one of these potent pocket rockets without altering your daily wardrobe a bit. After all, just about everything has pockets, and even folks who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time can manage to find their pockets more often than not.

Other specialty rigs, such as ankle, cross-draw and shoulder rigs, as well as fanny packs and day planners with hidden pistol pockets, have their place. For example, shoulder and cross-draw rigs are perfect for people who spend a lot of time seated in a car or office, while ankle rigs are ideal for backup guns.

I have written several times about my disdain for obviously “gunny” accessories such as fanny packs, but they have their place. In fact, I tote my J-frame Smith & Wesson in a fanny pack on my evening run. I don’t wear shorts with belt loops when I run, so I use the fanny pack to keep my revolver, ammo and iPod handy. In the right situation--such as running, hiking or biking--the fanny pack is right at home, and not near as obvious as it is in, say, a restaurant.

Day planners and specialty bags with pistol pockets can also come in handy. For example, if you take your suit coat off when you get to the office and lead a relatively low-risk life, you can get by nicely with your carry gun tucked away in a bag or day planner. But keep that bag close so your pistol is there if you need it and to keep it from falling into the hands of a child, a fool or a crook.