Choosing a Gun Holster

Although it sounds simple, choosing a gun holster can actually be a difficult and confusing process. Some of the confusion seems to arise from the large numbers of holsters on the market coupled with lack of information regarding specific holster styles. In an effort to help you wade through this mountain of choices and information, we've put together this short guide to get you started.

Evaluation
Before even starting your search for a gun holster, take the time to decide how and when you will be carrying the weapon. Be realistic with yourself in this process as it will have a significant impact on this process. By "realistic", I mean honestly evaluate when you will doing with the weapon. Will you be carrying concealed? Or on the range only? Will you be using it in shooting competitions like IDPA or 3 Gun? Is this a primary weapon or a back-up that needs to be carried in a secondary position?

Asking these types of questions will help provide you with a solid starting point. Please realize that you may find that you end up with more than one specific use for the weapon. In cases like this, one holster could possibly meet your needs; but, it could also be necessary to look at two different holsters.

Material
Twenty years ago, you probably wouldn't have to consider any holster materials other than leather. However, with the growing popularity of thermoplastics (kydex), you may now have some decisions to make. In today's market, you will probably need to choose from one of the following:

• Leather
• Thermoplastics (Kydex)
• Ballistic Nylon

Each material has it's own pros and cons. Leather is the most popular and makes a great holster. As a material, Kydex has some amazing properties that could really be beneficial to you in certain situations. For example, if you live in a very humid or hot climate, kydex is completely waterproof whereas leather isn't. Ballistic nylon is the least expensive of the three, but really won't mold or form fit like leather of kydex.

Holster Models

Belt Holsters - Belt holster are designed to worn threaded through the belt. They can't be worn without a belt, and are sometimes called outside the waistband (OWB) holsters. Belt holsters have a number of applications and can be used for the following:

• Concealment (certain models)
• General range use
• Competition
• General carry (also called field use)

Belt holsters tend to be the most popular and are typically worn on the strongside (same side as the shooting hand).

Inside the Waistband Holsters- Also called IWB holsters, inside the waistband are designed pretty much for concealment only. The holster is worn inside the waistband so most all the weapon rides inside the waistband, with only the butt being exposed above the belt line. IWB holsters are probably the most type of concealment holsters on the market.

Crossdraw Holster - Crossdraw holsters are a variation of the belt holster that is worn on the weak side of you body. With those holster, you move across your body to draw the weapon.

Small of the Back Holster - Also called an SOB holster, small of the back models are designed to be worn right on the small of the back. SOB holsters can be either belt models or IWB models.

Pocket Holster - Only made for small revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, pocket holsters are produced in designs that can be worn in either a front pocket or a back pocket.

Ankle Holster - Ankle holsters are generally produced for small revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, and are designed to worn on the ankle of the strong side leg. For example, if you shoot right handed, an ankle holster would ride on the outside of your right leg.

Shoulder Holster - Shoulder holsters consist of a single or double loop harness system that fits over the shoulders. The holster itself typically either rides horizontally or vertically under the weak side arm. So if you right handed, the holster would ride under your left armpit.

The information above is really designed as a quick primer about holsters. This info will allow you know what's available in the market today as well as how these specific holsters are carried.