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Ok, so here you are. You spent hours researching your next gun purchase and you finally found the weapon for you. Great! Now you’re ready for your next research project: how are you going to carry it? Let’s jump into different types of holsters so you can find which one will work best for you.
Purpose of a holster
Your next holster needs to serve a few main purposes.
- It needs to secure your firearm properly. The firearm should fit snug within the holster and cover the trigger completely.
- Your firearm should still be smooth to draw and accessible.
- By making sure your firearm is secured while still being simple to access, you ensure that you’re going to have a safely holstered firearm.
Types of holsters
There are several main types of holsters on the market
- IWB or Inside the Waistband holsters
- OWB or Outside the Waistband holsters
- Pocket Holsters
- Shoulder Holsters
- Ankle Holsters
Holster types for concealed carry
Fortunately the industry has been busy constantly innovating new ways for you to carry your new firearm. You can now find carry-ready clothing all the way to bands that wrap around your torso (commonly referred to as belly bands). For this article we are only going to cover the most common and basic carry options.
- Inside the waistband holsters are some of the most commonly used holsters for most concealed carriers. They provide great security and accessibility if you find yourself in a situation where you may need to draw. IWB comes in a variety of materials such as Leather, Nylon, and Kydex. For most modern weapons, Kydex may be your best option for carrying in most situations. The hard plastic-like holsters give the carrier more options for their carry such as: angle of carry and tension on the weapon.
- Pocket holsters are a great option for your micro-gun types. It allows the carrier to securely place the firearm in their pocket. A good pocket holster should be designed to “snag” the pocket, so if the carrier finds themselves needing to draw their weapon, the holster will remain in the pocket as the weapon is being pulled. A good rule of thumb is to practice drawing your unloaded weapon from the pocket. If the holster comes out with it, then that is a good indication that the particular pocket holster you’re using may not work for you.
- Shoulder Holsters are a great option for your larger guns that you want to conceal carry. However, should holsters tend to only be used in cooler climates where its much easier to conceal with a jacket or coat.
- Do you tend to wear long pants with a tucked in shirt? Then an ankle holster may be your best option! Ankle holsters allow the carrier to strap their weapon around their ankle. Like pocket holsters, the ankle holster tends to work best with micro-guns like small 380’s and lightweight revolvers. With larger guns you may find that the pant leg begins “printing” the weapon too much.
Competition Holsters
For most competition settings, you’re going to find yourself needing a good Outside the waistband holster. Depending on the level of competition you will need an OWB that allows you to draw your weapon safely and securely. OWB can come in a few different varieties:
- On the outside of your waist
- Thigh holsters
- A holster that attaches to your shooting belt
How to choose a holster that is right for you
When choosing your next holster, it’s most important to figure out what will be the most comfortable for you and what your overall purpose is for the carry. For example: if you need a holster for your EDC (everyday carry), you should look for something where the weapon will sit most comfortably on you. Doing so will give you more confidence in carrying your weapon on a daily basis.
Do you have any tips on finding your next holster? Leave us a comment down below and let us know!
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