The right holster can make or break your pistol-carry experience. The perfect holster balances comfort, convenience, and concealment.
All shooters need to practice drawing from their holsters regularly. They need to know the pros and cons of different options to do that.
Comfort
The holster you choose is an essential component of your weapon. It should protect your gun, keep it handy and safe to draw, and let you carry it comfortably for extended periods.
When choosing a holster, you should consider the clothing you typically wear, your lifestyle, and why you carry a handgun. This will help narrow down the choices to a suitable one for you.
The holster you select must be made for the make and model of your gun and should include features that ensure trigger guard coverage to prevent accidental discharges. It should also be ambidextrous to accommodate left-handed shooters and allow you to choose how you’re going to carry your gun, including inside the waistband (IWB), appendix, or outside the waistband. It should also be durable and have a sight channel to avoid cuts to the sights during reholstering and drawing. Also, look for good manufacturing and a quality design that is durable and easy to clean.
Convenience
Choosing the right pistol accessories is intensely personal. It should be tailored to the gun, the user, and why you carry it. Your clothing and day-to-day activities will significantly impact which type of holster works best for you.
The holster should be able to secure your firearm to your body and prevent it from falling off the belt or getting out during vigorous activity. It should also allow the user to quickly and firmly establish a full grip on the gun during drawing and reholstering.
Most people learn what makes a good holster through trial and error. They buy a cheap one, but it doesn’t do everything they want, and they move on to holster number two. Considering the role you need your holster to play will help you make an informed decision that can save you money, discomfort, and frustration.
Concealment
It can be easy to forget the importance of concealment when shopping for a holster. However, a holster is the one thing that can stand between you and your handgun in intense and chaotic situations where concealment is of the utmost importance.
A holster must be able to hold and support the gun in the desired position, whether sitting, standing, or running. It also needs to retain the gun even if you bend over or fall to the ground and end up grappling with an attacker.
Lastly, it is essential to consider how the holster will look under the clothing you plan to wear. A holster with a footprint that is too large can print through the clothing, making it easier for someone to see that you are carrying a firearm, which in some states is illegal. Search for a holster with a sleek form-fitting design and perhaps with a bit of a forward cant. Ultimately, this helps conceal the firearm and makes it more difficult for an assailant to identify it.
Safety
With thousands of holsters on the market, choosing one that balances concealment and accessibility is crucial. The right holster will not only ensure the safety of your pistol but also provide comfort and convenience during use.
A good holster will be secure, meaning it’s easier for someone to pull the gun from your holster without you knowing about it. However, more retention will be needed to slow your draw stroke, so finding the right balance is essential.
Another aspect to consider is how the holster attaches to your clothing. Leather holsters are traditional and comfortable but require break-ins and can absorb moisture. Kydex holsters are impervious to moisture and more durable but may be less comfortable against the skin. Hybrid holsters, which feature Kydex outer shells on leather backers, are a safe and reliable option. They also offer consistent orientation so that your gun is always oriented toward the ground instead of being in a pocket or purse where it could be pointed up.