There are many concealed carry holsters in the market today. Without proper guidance, it is possible to make a wrong choice.
Often, beginners decide on their handgun before the holster. Experienced users spend more time deciding on the holster than choosing the right firearm for their holster. Why decide on the holster first, you may ask?
The following guide will help you understand what matters when selecting concealed carry holsters.
Safety
Your holster should fully cover and guard the trigger. The rule is simple: if the holster cannot guard the trigger, drop it. The last thing you want is your firearm going off when you do not want it to.
Retention
The right holster should not only fit your handgun but also retain it. Avoid a holster that will allow your gun to fall off. A holster made either by Kydex or leather should do a great job.
You will prefer a holster that has an adjustable retention, especially using a screw. It will adjust your firearm at your preferred position and accordingly as the holster wears out.
Concealability
The basic feature of a concealed carry holster is concealability. The concealment of the holster will depend largely on body shape, the kind of clothes you wear, and how you plan to carry the firearm.
Although the type of firearm seems to dictate how cancelable it is, this is not always the case. Your current situation determines how concealable the gun is. For example, it is possible to conceal a handgun using a shoulder holster, but you will need an external garment like a shirt or jacket. If you are in a warm climate, such a garment would be an issue.
Comfort
Most people enjoy the freedom and excitement of concealing a gun. However, sometimes it is at the expense of their comfort.
If your concealed carry holster is comfortable to wear, you will have it on most of the time.
Allows Full Grip
The right holster should not only allow you to draw the gun quickly but also give you a full grip on your gun while still in the holster.
The easier you can draw, the more accurate you can get. Experienced users confess that the success of the shot starts with how you drive the web of your hand as you draw the gun. If the holster presses the grip into the body exceedingly, you cannot get your thumb around the pistol’s backside. However, this is more dependent on your body shape.
If you have to readjust your grip after drawing the gun, you are more susceptible to danger. Some people have ended up dropping the gun after trying to pull them quickly.
Adjustability
The holster should be adjustable to fit your belt. Just because the holster fits your partner does not mean that it will fit you. This variation mostly applies to IWP holsters.
Being able to adjust the holster up and down will give you a full grip on the firm. Therefore, the holster should be at the right height, and easily adjustable in different situations.
The angle of the holster might also need to change depending on how you carry the gun.
Allows Re-holstering
Although this might not come up often, you need this feature for training purposes. If you plan to use the holster more often, returning your gun might be equally important as drawing it.
Price
If you have a limited budget, rest assured that some holsters are beyond your price range. However, most holsters are affordable and available locally.
Types of Concealed Carry Holsters
There are four types of holsters. They are:
- Inside the Waistband (IWB): You wear IWB holsters inside your pants’ waistband. Their clip attaches to your belt, allowing the grip of your firearm to sit above the belt for easy access. You can wear them on your hip, in front of your body, or at the back.
- Outside the Waistband (OWB): OWB are worn outside your pants’ waistband. They could have some clips attached to your belt. Although they are harder to conceal, they are more comfortable carrying than the IWB.
- Shoulder holsters: Commonly used by law enforcement officers, they are more comfortable and can carry larger firearms
- Belly Band Holsters: They have a stretching band to wrap around your stomach. Belly band holsters do not need a belt.
Conclusion
When choosing a concealed carry holster, consider the climate of where you live. Choose an option that fits all seasons.