There are few things as personal in the gun world as holsters. There is a reason that there are a million to choose from. It is because the holster you select must fit you well and serve your needs. What may be the best holster for your friend may be a disaster for you. While I am thrilled that we have so many options, it can be overwhelming for new shooters. Like you, I was once in search of the perfect holster. In that quest, I ended up with a closet full of holsters that did not quite suit me. My challenge was a lack of information and education. To help you avoid most of that, I offer information on choosing the right holster.

Shop Wisely – Here Are Some Tips for Choosing the Right Holster

There are several styles of holsters out there. Each holster is designed for different purposes. Your choice should be based on your intended use, whether concealed carry, open carry, competition shooting, or duty use. The most common holsters in our world are those dedicated to EDC (everyday carry). I will say right now that there is no “Best” way to carry. That is purely an opinion; you should do what fits you best. Let’s look at the general types of holsters.

Inside the Waistband

IWB (inside the waistband) holsters are worn inside the waistband of your pants. They are popular because they provide excellent concealment. They are popular among concealed carry permit holders because they keep the firearm close to the body. This is a booming market, and there are countless options. Generally, these holsters are seated along the front of your waistline. A very popular design is the appendix holster. These holsters are positioned in the front of the waistband, around the appendix area. They provide quick access and good concealment but may be uncomfortable when sitting. Once again, where you carry is up to you.

Outside the Waistband

Next up, we have OWB (outside the waistband) rigs. These holsters are typically used for open, range, and duty carry. They offer easy access to the firearm but are more difficult to conceal without a jacket or untucked shirt. In the CCW world, many people transition to an OWB holster in colder months because it is easily covered with a cold-weather jacket. These holsters can be very comfortable, but as I mentioned, they are more difficult to conceal.

Shoulder Holsters

A retro holster that is making a comeback is the shoulder holster. Shoulder holsters distribute the weight of the firearm across your shoulders and allow for comfortable carrying, particularly when sitting for long periods. They are often used by law enforcement or individuals who prefer off-the-waist carry. These, like OWB rigs, require a jacket or baggy shirt to conceal sufficiently.

Pocket Holsters

For those that carry microblasters, you can look at pocket holsters. Designed for small handguns, pocket holsters keep the firearm in an upright position inside the pocket while protecting the trigger. They are best suited for deep concealment. An essential part of a pocket holster is the trigger protection. While there are multiple options on the market, you should get a holster that covers the entire gun. Our pockets are full of lint and general fabric debris that can work its way into our gun and possibly cause issues.

Belly Bands

The last ones we will look at are chest and belly bands. These holsters wrap around the torso, allowing for flexible carrying options. They are great for activities like jogging, hiking, or situations where a waistband holster isn’t practical. They are generally made of flexible nylon with a Velcro attachment system. Like the pocket holster, I encourage you to select one that protects the trigger. I will even say that the holster portion of this system should be ridged. A flexible material holster, such as a pocket on the rig, does not protect the trigger sufficiently.

The next thing we will look at is holster material. There are three primary types of material we find for modern holsters. Each has its own pros and cons. First up is Kydex. Kydex is a rigid, molded plastic material with excellent retention, durability, and easy reholstering. It is weather-resistant and maintains its shape well. However, it may be less comfortable than other materials against the skin. Additionally, the ridged material can cause wear on your handgun’s finish as you continuously draw and re-holster.

Choosing the Right Holster – Choose the Right Material

Another classic option is leather. Leather holsters offer a classic appearance and mold to the shape of the gun over time. They are much softer and provide a comfortable fit. However, they require maintenance and may lose retention with extended use. While all holsters must be inspected from time to time. Leather holsters require a little more attention.

The last material we will explore is nylon. Nylon holsters are affordable and lightweight. However, they generally lack retention. They act as more of a pocket that can hold a pistol. Many of these style holsters can accommodate multiple models of handguns. They also are commonly found with a retention strap that loops over the top of the gun to keep it in place.

There are a few other things that we need to discuss before you go shopping. First is the retention that the holster offers. The first style is called passive or friction retention. This style relies on the holster’s shape and friction to keep the firearm secure. Kydex and leather holsters often use this method. In short, the holster is custom-fit around the gun and makes contact with most of the firearm.

Retention Styles

Another style is active retention. These holsters use mechanical devices such as thumb breaks, straps, or locking mechanisms to secure the firearm. They are common in law enforcement and duty holsters and have also become popular in civilian OWB rigs. These are good choices if you are going to be very active or participate in activities like horseback riding or riding in off-road vehicles.

When it comes to choosing a holster, comfort is key. You will be wearing it for long periods of time, and if it is uncomfortable, you will simply not wear it. Make sure your new holster has good adjustability and is free of harsh edges. This is especially true with Kydex. A good Kydex holster manufacturer will take the time to radius the edges of the holster and remove sharp angles. Many good rigs will even incorporate padding on the back of the rig to improve comfort.

The fasteners on holsters must also be high quality. A personal suggestion is to remove all the screws and reinstall them with Loctite. Nothing is worse than to start losing screws out of your high-speed EDC rig.

Choosing the Right Holster

The last thing I suggest is to test drive before you buy. I know this can be difficult, but it is helpful in making the right choice. When it comes to getting your first or fifth EDC rig, it is important to take the time to figure out what serves you best. There are a ton of great options on the market today, and with a little patience, you can get the best one to fit your needs.