Holster Considerations

By Zee

Ok, so you've decided to get a gun. Now you need a holster to carry it in. Just buy one off ebay or your local sporting goods store, right? Any old one will do?

Of course not. There are many different kinds of holsters, for many different types of carry, and each one should be designed to carry your specific model of gun.

Since we're concerned mostly with concealed carry, focus your consideration on the most common types used for concealment; Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, Ankle holsters, pocket holsters and "belly band" holsters. Factors to consider include: Concealment, Fit, Comfort, Adjust ability, Ease of Draw, Ease of re holster, safety and retention.

* Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters clip to a belt inside the pants, and allow for wearing a shirt either tucked in or un tucked.
* Ankle holsters wrap around the leg like a sock, and allow for carrying smaller handguns, such as a backup gun, but often bounce around when running.
* Pocket holsters, like the ankle holsters, allow for carrying smaller handguns, such as a backup gun.
* Belly band holsters consist of an elastic belt with a built-in holster, and are worn much like a girdle.

Note that even if you are considering carrying off-body, in a briefcase bag or tote, you should still use a holster. Holsters are as much about protecting the gun and providing safety in storage as they are comfort, fit and ease of use. A good holster will be designed not only to protect the finish of the weapon, but also to cover the trigger well and prevent discharge. Anyone who carries a handgun without using a holster is just begging for a negligent discharge.

Concealment holsters are designed to be easily concealed, as well as lightweight and unobtrusive. They are generally designed for subcompact and compact handguns since they are easier to conceal. Concealment holsters are designed to be worn under clothing, such as on the belt under a coat, under pants in an ankle holster, or in a trouser pocket. Since the holster is held close to the body, comfort is important, and concealment holsters often have broad surfaces in contact with the user's body, to distribute the pressure across a wider area and prevent abrasion of the skin. Protecting the handgun from the user's perspiration is often an important consideration in such carry locations. Often the outside of the holster is broader, to help break up the outline of the handgun and prevent printing, where the outline of the gun can be seen through clothing. For pocket holsters, the external flat side is often the side with a nap, or rougher surface, to hold the holster in place when drawing the pistol.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handgun_holster

Concealment:

A CHL's holster has 2 basic jobs. Concealment and retention. While other features may be very important, these two are essential. Make sure that the holster that you use will help you properly conceal your weapon at all times.

Safety & Retention:

Make sure that the holster you use will cover the trigger well, and will hold and keep the weapon in place despite whatever position or activities you will be doing. An unguarded trigger well can open you up to an accidental discharge, and poor retention can result in blown concealment, loss of a weapon, damage to the weapon, Accidental Discharge from dropping, or all of the above.

Fit, Comfort & Adjust-ability:

Make sure that the holster you use is comfortable. After all, you're going to be wearing it a lot. Concealed carry is a 24x7 job.  In the long run you will not be happy with a holster that rubs you wrong, doesn't sit right, or does not deal well with sweat.

Ease of draw:

Concealed carry holsters necessarily impede the process of drawing a weapon. Clothing will get in the way. Make sure that you can minimize any such obstacles when drawing your weapon. Seconds matter.

Re-holstering:

Make sure that the holster you use will allow for the ease of re holstering the weapon. This isn't just for your convenience - it is for safety. A holster that snags can cause a accidental discharge. If you are going to use a leather holster, regularly make sure that is it in good condition and holds it's shape. There is a reason that the International Defense Pistol Association requires the use of Kydex non-collapsing holsters.

SAFETY WARNING! Worn Leather Holsters Can Cause Accidental Discharges!
http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/safety-warning-worn-leather-holsters-can-cause-accidental-discharges/

Personally, I use a "Crossbreed Super Tuck Deluxe" In waistband (IWB) holster and I love it. It combines the best of both worlds: Leather and Kydex. The leather backing provides for an unparalleled comfort, while the Kydex provides the safe, secure, non-collapsing holster with excellent retention. The double clip system allows for adjustable cant, and distributes the handgun's weight, while allowing for wearing your shirts tucked in. I wear mine everywhere, and I am able to carry a full size tactical handgun with good concealment. http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

NOTE: I have not received any goods, services, or fees for reviewing or promoting any service or product through my posts. Not one freebie. Not one penny.

Whatever holster you choose, just remember: Proper care & maintenance of your holster is just as important as proper care & maintenance of your weapon. A holster in poor condition can cause an Accidental Discharge just as fast as not following the gun safety rules. Remember to inspect your holster for wear or damage regularly, and repair or replace it immediately as needed.