National Carry AcademyHow to Choose the Best Holster for Your Concealed Carry Pistol
January 18, 2019
Why Do I Need a Holster?
That should be your first question. Do you really need a holster or is it just for show? In fact, doesn’t a holster make it more difficult to get at your concealed carry weapon?
Like your pistol, a holster is not just for show. And it doesn’t just hold your gun. A well-chosen holster conceals your weapon. After all, it is a concealed carry handgun. A holster also should keep your weapon secure. Finally, a good holster should allow you quick access to your weapon.
Your holster should cover the handgun’s trigger. This is a safety issue. Also the holster should protect the barrel of the gun from scratches and other damage.
Your gun ‘s holster should fit it perfectly—like a glove. You don’t want your gun to drop out of the holster when you move because it is too loose. At the same time, you don’t want it so tight that it is difficult to draw the weapon.
In its holster that two-to-three-pound pistol should feel as comfortable as an old shoe right from the start.
Like guns, and gun belts, there is a stunning array of holsters out there. They come in a wide range of styles, configurations, materials, and colors.
It’s always safest to look at the holster that was built for your gun. For example: there’s a Model 19 holster for the Glock Model 19 handgun. Then, things get complicated. There are also holster styles and types. It is safest to start with a paddle holster or pancake style.
I’d advise you to start with a strong, leather holster in an inside-the-waistband style. They conceal better. They go inside the waistband of your pants and outside your underwear. Many like this style because they can feel the gun safely located next to their body, within easy reach and away from the hands of others. This means you won’t develop the habit of printing or fingering your handgun—touching it to make sure it’s still there. This is a bad habit because it draws attention to the fact that you are carrying and thus defeats the purpose of concealed carry.
However, you need to try it out. Some conceal carry owners find this style uncomfortable. You will also need to consider clothing. This style means the waistband on your pants needs to be large enough to accommodate your weapon and holster. Some also find inside-the-waistband guns are harder to access and draw in a hurry.
If this seems bulky, try an outside-the-waistband style. This type is harder to conceal. You can reach it more easily but since it is farther from your body, there is a greater tendency to print—pat your gun through your clothing. But it is easier to draw your gun from its holster with this type that is anchored to the belt
With a pancake style holster, you can alternate between inside-the-waistband and out-side the waistband with the same gun belt and holster.
You may decide there is no need to change once you get accustomed to either the inside-the-waistband or the outside-the-waistband style of holster. Many don’t change.
There are lots of good holster manufacturers out there. Look at the pancake holsters made by Galco Leather, Bianchi and Desanatis. For handmade holsters, you might consider Milt Sparks, Soteria Leather, or Rosen.
If you are planning to buy only one holster then your best choice is a leather, pancake style, strong-side, to be carried inside or outside the waistband. Next, you need to pair your holster with a good gun belt. But that’s the topic for another blog!
How to Choose the Best Holster for Your Concealed Carry Pistol
January 18, 2019
Why Do I Need a Holster?
That should be your first question. Do you really need a holster or is it just for show? In fact, doesn’t a holster make it more difficult to get at your concealed carry weapon?
Like your pistol, a holster is not just for show. And it doesn’t just hold your gun. A well-chosen holster conceals your weapon. After all, it is a concealed carry handgun. A holster also should keep your weapon secure. Finally, a good holster should allow you quick access to your weapon.
Your holster should cover the handgun’s trigger. This is a safety issue. Also the holster should protect the barrel of the gun from scratches and other damage.
Your gun ‘s holster should fit it perfectly—like a glove. You don’t want your gun to drop out of the holster when you move because it is too loose. At the same time, you don’t want it so tight that it is difficult to draw the weapon.
In its holster that two-to-three-pound pistol should feel as comfortable as an old shoe right from the start.
Like guns, and gun belts, there is a stunning array of holsters out there. They come in a wide range of styles, configurations, materials, and colors.
It’s always safest to look at the holster that was built for your gun. For example: there’s a Model 19 holster for the Glock Model 19 handgun. Then, things get complicated. There are also holster styles and types. It is safest to start with a paddle holster or pancake style.
I’d advise you to start with a strong, leather holster in an inside-the-waistband style. They conceal better. They go inside the waistband of your pants and outside your underwear. Many like this style because they can feel the gun safely located next to their body, within easy reach and away from the hands of others. This means you won’t develop the habit of printing or fingering your handgun—touching it to make sure it’s still there. This is a bad habit because it draws attention to the fact that you are carrying and thus defeats the purpose of concealed carry.
However, you need to try it out. Some conceal carry owners find this style uncomfortable. You will also need to consider clothing. This style means the waistband on your pants needs to be large enough to accommodate your weapon and holster. Some also find inside-the-waistband guns are harder to access and draw in a hurry.
If this seems bulky, try an outside-the-waistband style. This type is harder to conceal. You can reach it more easily but since it is farther from your body, there is a greater tendency to print—pat your gun through your clothing. But it is easier to draw your gun from its holster with this type that is anchored to the belt
With a pancake style holster, you can alternate between inside-the-waistband and out-side the waistband with the same gun belt and holster.
You may decide there is no need to change once you get accustomed to either the inside-the-waistband or the outside-the-waistband style of holster. Many don’t change.
There are lots of good holster manufacturers out there. Look at the pancake holsters made by Galco Leather, Bianchi and Desanatis. For handmade holsters, you might consider Milt Sparks, Soteria Leather, or Rosen.
If you are planning to buy only one holster then your best choice is a leather, pancake style, strong-side, to be carried inside or outside the waistband. Next, you need to pair your holster with a good gun belt. But that’s the topic for another blog!