National Carry Academy10 Factors You Need To Know For Choosing A Holster
July 5, 2016
A holster can be made of different materials like leather, kydex or a combination of the two. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, and there are a number of reasons why you should choose either kydex or leather.
The choice of holster depends upon a few things and, in this article, we will discuss 10 factors that you should consider when choosing your own holster. As a recommendation, the BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing Hybrid Holster is an excellent choice. It comes with a kydex shell with two wings on both sides that are made from leather. This Leather Wing provides flexibility and comfort for whoever uses it. The leather easily conforms to the body and the hips, while the kydex facilitates easy drawing of the gun. Take note, this is just a personal choice. What suits me may not suit you, so judge based on the criteria and decide which type of holster is best for you.
While each concealed carrier may have different priorities and criteria when looking at a holster, these factors are of general consideration when choosing one. Here are the 10 factors that you should consider:
- Quality of the Material
What is/are the material/s used in constructing the holster? Is the material of high quality? How do you classify the leather based on quality? How much do the kydex or the leather weigh? What about the durability of the holster? Is it suitable for everyday use? Will it tear and wear easily? Will it not affect your performance during shooting? How thick are the materials? What about the other parts like rings, metals, snaps, clips and rivets? What company manufactures the materials used? Is it a good and reputable company? Does the holster come with warranty? How long is the warranty period? Is the holster too bulky and heavy or is it very light?
- Comfort
Will you feel comfortable with the holster in different positions? Does it feel awkward when you are sitting or bending? Will you be able to wear the holster when driving? Can you carry it for the whole day? Does it fit your body build?
- Concealment of gun
Does the holster provide a complete concealment of your gun? Is it effective equipment for concealed carrying? Which parts of the gun can be covered by the holster? Which parts are not? Is the trigger well protected? Will it be easy for you to grab the gun? Will the gun show when you do a sudden movement? What about when you walk, bend, stand, twist, sit or reach high? Before buying a holster, practice such movements to see whether the gun will stay concealed or not.
- Fitness to Gun
Can you use the holster for other handguns? Is it adaptive? Can both men and women use it? Women usually have wider hips than men, which may affect the holster’s fit. Is the holster designed specifically for the model of your handgun? A custom-fit holster adds to the safety of the gun owner. Can you modify the holster so that you can use it for other handguns? How much will it cost for such modifications? How deep does the gun insert into the holster? Can you properly draw the gun from the holster? Will you need two hands to be able to draw the gun? Does the holster come with matching accessories?
- Cost
How much does it cost? How cheap or expensive is it compared to your other options? Are there special features or free services included when you purchase it? Can you return the holster within a certain period when you are not satisfied or when it breaks? Will there be a free replacement or repair? Is it worth the pay?
- Safety
What level of protection can the holster provide you? Does it prevent accidental pulling of trigger during reholstering or drawing of the gun? How about the safety mechanism and the hammer? Are they protected from being moved?
- Ease of Drawing and Reholstering
This is a very important factor for all concealed carriers. A concealed gun must be easily accessed and reholstered using one hand only. If it requires both hands to reholster and take out the gun, then that is not a good holster. During a defensive encounter, can you reach for the gun easily either when sitting, standing or in other positions?
- Ease of Putting It On And Taking It Off
Is it easy for you to put the holster on either Inside-the-Waistband or Outside-the-Waistband? How about taking it off? How fast can you do these two? Do you need to remove it when you are in a public restroom? If yes, can you take it off and put it back on easily?
- Support
Does the holster support the gun and keep it close to your body? Is it too tight or too loose? Is your gun secured inside the holster? A perfectly designed holster should provide retention and support to prevent an attacker or other people from taking it.
- Clothes and Cover Garments
Will you need an extra cover to conceal the holster? Are there special garments, vests or pants that are needed to provide more concealment? Can you use it for open and closed cover garments?
Those are the some of the factors that you should check out when choosing a holster for your gun. Remember, there is no single type of holster that is perfect for all concealed carry handguns. It will depend upon the owner’s preferences, style and own criteria.
10 Factors You Need To Know For Choosing A Holster
July 5, 2016
A holster can be made of different materials like leather, kydex or a combination of the two. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, and there are a number of reasons why you should choose either kydex or leather.
The choice of holster depends upon a few things and, in this article, we will discuss 10 factors that you should consider when choosing your own holster. As a recommendation, the BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing Hybrid Holster is an excellent choice. It comes with a kydex shell with two wings on both sides that are made from leather. This Leather Wing provides flexibility and comfort for whoever uses it. The leather easily conforms to the body and the hips, while the kydex facilitates easy drawing of the gun. Take note, this is just a personal choice. What suits me may not suit you, so judge based on the criteria and decide which type of holster is best for you.
While each concealed carrier may have different priorities and criteria when looking at a holster, these factors are of general consideration when choosing one. Here are the 10 factors that you should consider:
- Quality of the Material
What is/are the material/s used in constructing the holster? Is the material of high quality? How do you classify the leather based on quality? How much do the kydex or the leather weigh? What about the durability of the holster? Is it suitable for everyday use? Will it tear and wear easily? Will it not affect your performance during shooting? How thick are the materials? What about the other parts like rings, metals, snaps, clips and rivets? What company manufactures the materials used? Is it a good and reputable company? Does the holster come with warranty? How long is the warranty period? Is the holster too bulky and heavy or is it very light?
- Comfort
Will you feel comfortable with the holster in different positions? Does it feel awkward when you are sitting or bending? Will you be able to wear the holster when driving? Can you carry it for the whole day? Does it fit your body build?
- Concealment of gun
Does the holster provide a complete concealment of your gun? Is it effective equipment for concealed carrying? Which parts of the gun can be covered by the holster? Which parts are not? Is the trigger well protected? Will it be easy for you to grab the gun? Will the gun show when you do a sudden movement? What about when you walk, bend, stand, twist, sit or reach high? Before buying a holster, practice such movements to see whether the gun will stay concealed or not.
- Fitness to Gun
Can you use the holster for other handguns? Is it adaptive? Can both men and women use it? Women usually have wider hips than men, which may affect the holster’s fit. Is the holster designed specifically for the model of your handgun? A custom-fit holster adds to the safety of the gun owner. Can you modify the holster so that you can use it for other handguns? How much will it cost for such modifications? How deep does the gun insert into the holster? Can you properly draw the gun from the holster? Will you need two hands to be able to draw the gun? Does the holster come with matching accessories?
- Cost
How much does it cost? How cheap or expensive is it compared to your other options? Are there special features or free services included when you purchase it? Can you return the holster within a certain period when you are not satisfied or when it breaks? Will there be a free replacement or repair? Is it worth the pay?
- Safety
What level of protection can the holster provide you? Does it prevent accidental pulling of trigger during reholstering or drawing of the gun? How about the safety mechanism and the hammer? Are they protected from being moved?
- Ease of Drawing and Reholstering
This is a very important factor for all concealed carriers. A concealed gun must be easily accessed and reholstered using one hand only. If it requires both hands to reholster and take out the gun, then that is not a good holster. During a defensive encounter, can you reach for the gun easily either when sitting, standing or in other positions?
- Ease of Putting It On And Taking It Off
Is it easy for you to put the holster on either Inside-the-Waistband or Outside-the-Waistband? How about taking it off? How fast can you do these two? Do you need to remove it when you are in a public restroom? If yes, can you take it off and put it back on easily?
- Support
Does the holster support the gun and keep it close to your body? Is it too tight or too loose? Is your gun secured inside the holster? A perfectly designed holster should provide retention and support to prevent an attacker or other people from taking it.
- Clothes and Cover Garments
Will you need an extra cover to conceal the holster? Are there special garments, vests or pants that are needed to provide more concealment? Can you use it for open and closed cover garments?
Those are the some of the factors that you should check out when choosing a holster for your gun. Remember, there is no single type of holster that is perfect for all concealed carry handguns. It will depend upon the owner’s preferences, style and own criteria.