In the history of the military, the 38 Special has been in service for the longest. It was made with ease of use, affordability, and simplicity in mind. But with time, it has grown more complicated than it was meant to be.
When you consider that the average modern handgun costs around $500, the 38 Special starts looking pretty expensive. Add in the cost of ammunition and a quality holster, and you’re starting to spend a lot of money for something that’s supposed to be an affordable hunting rifle. The truth is that the 38 Special isn’t really meant for anyone except a highly skilled operator who knows how to use every part of the weapon properly. If you believe that this is a fantastic value for a gunsmithing endeavor, keep reading to learn why the following models deserve recognition!
What To Consider When Choosing The Best 38 Special Holster
There are several things to take into account while buying a new holster. In order to help you select the best alternative, the following section examines some of the most important features and functions.
Material
- Kydex is a rigid plastic material that feels comfortable against your skin when worn. It’s flexible enough to mold into almost any shape you need but durable enough to withstand daily use.
- Leather is tough and reliable; it works well in poor conditions and doesn’t tear easily. Leather holsters tend to be more stylish than functional, though they’re often made with quality materials.
- Nylon is another strong polymer used in holsters today. This lightweight fabric feels smooth and soft against your skin. While nylon isn’t as durable as Kydex or leather, it does absorb shock better and won’t stretch with wear.
Size and Fit
The size of the pistol grip affects how easy it is to control. Large grips make guns feel heavier and bulkier, making them harder to manage. Smaller grips, on the other hand, make guns easier to handle. Most handguns have a tapered barrel, so the diameter of the end of the gun changes depending on whether it’s being held upright or sideways. For this reason, a smaller frame will fit in the palm of your hand better if you turn it sideways rather than upright.
A larger frame will fit naturally in your hand if it’s held upright, but it might not fit comfortably if held sideways. Also, keep in mind that while large frames look intimidating, they don’t necessarily indicate greater power. Instead, consider how much power you would like to use if you were swinging an ax or hammer around your head.
Style
There are two basic styles of handgun holsters: those designed for concealing a weapon inside clothing and those designed for displaying a weapon. Whichever style you choose depends largely on how you intend to use the firearm and where you plan to carry it.
- Concealed-carry holsters are great for keeping a small handgun tucked away without drawing attention to yourself. They work by fitting snugly under the arm, allowing the wearer to move freely and quietly. However, these holsters tend to compress the blood flow in the arms and shoulders, which can cause the user pain if they’re moved suddenly.
- Display holsters hang from the shoulder or waist, exposing the firearm to public view. This may appear like a less discreet manner to carry a gun, but it is extremely clear what kind of weapon is tied to your belt.
Weight
Weight may be a concern if you’re searching for a versatile accessory that won’t restrict your ability to move or stand. A large gun might cause uncomfortable shifting and even blunders by weighing down the front of your jeans. A light one, on the other hand, won’t even be noticed, especially if it’s mounted very high on your body and won’t get in the way when you’re swinging a club or throwing a punch.
It’s really a matter of personal preference and intended use. If you’re looking for a rugged outdoor rig, then go with something heavy. If you’re just wanting to keep things discreet, then a lighter model might suit you better.
Mountability
One feature that differentiates display and concealed-carry holsters is mountability. Concealment rigs attach to the outside of the garment, whereas display ones embed themselves within the clothes. As such, concealment holsters are generally considered to be more effective at hiding weapons because they don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some brands include special clips that allow their products to be displayed together or concealed together, creating a bit of a hybrid between the two options.
Price
Depending on how nice the finish is and how much customizing you want, prices range anywhere from $50 to upward of $1,000. Be sure to understand each product before buying, including the number of holes in the sight, the type of sights (both iron sights and telescoping), the length of pull, and the overall weight of the gun.
Types Of 38 Special Holsters
38 special handguns come in a wide range of designs with a variety of distinctive features. What kind of holster your pistol comes with is the first thing you need to know.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
An OWB holster means that the muzzle of the gun sticks out past the edge of your belt when it’s drawn. This can be a good choice for concealed carry because there aren’t any sharp edges or corners where the muzzle could catch you if you fall. It’s also very comfortable since the muzzle doesn’t jab into you as much as an inside-the-waistband holster would. However, this isn’t ideal for open carry since you’ll have to keep the muzzle parallel with the ground at all times.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
An IWB holster means that the muzzle of the gun rides close to your body, so it won’t jut out like an OWB holster. This makes concealing the weapon more comfortable than OWB but not as convenient as carrying in the front pocket. However, most people find that they prefer having their firearm in the front pocket rather than being constantly reminded of its presence by constantly having to tuck and re-tuck the barrel every time you draw. For CCW situations, this is often the best option available.
Shoulder
A shoulder holster is another option. You wear the holster under your clothes, usually over your shirt, and then use straps to loop the holster around both shoulders. This allows you to keep the muzzle of the gun low down, which helps avoid snags and keeps the muzzle from getting damaged.
The downside of a shoulder holster is that it leaves your upper arms completely exposed. If you’re wearing one of these while shooting, you should consider putting a jacket or loose-fitting shirt on top of your skin armor.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When choosing holsters for this guide, we relied on personal experience with a variety of different brands and types of products. We also reviewed other sources to identify the best-rated ones.
In order to determine the characteristics that experts thought were important in a holster, we looked at professional opinion. After that, we reviewed customer reviews to find out which products users liked or didn’t like. Finally, we determined our top recommendations for the best concealed carry holster.
Frequently Asked Questions About 38 Special Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a 38 special?
This depends entirely on your intended use. While I personally prefer an ankle holster, some of my co-workers like to wear waist or shoulder rigs.
How tight should my 38 special holster be?
Your holster will have its own fit guide that tells you how tight it needs to be in order for you to comfortably carry with good control of your firearm while seated and standing. Make sure you follow those directions carefully before wearing it out in public. Also, make sure you practice your draw stroke (safely) in front of a mirror so you can see what’s going on during a self defense scenario. However, be careful not to over tighten it. You need room to move your arm without running into the holster’s edge.
What features should I look for in a holster?
Consider the following factors while shopping for a holster: concealment.
- Comfort.
- Safety.
- Correct Fit.
- Retention.
- Adjustability.
- Safety.
- Simplicity of attaching and ease of drawing.
Is a 38 Special good for concealment?
For concealed carry, a 38 special firearm usually works. Both novice shooters and skilled pros will find this gun to be useful. It is convenient to carry and fun to shoot.
How long do 38 special holsters last?
A leather holster may last 5-10 years with normal use, however a Kydex holster might last you a lifetime with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Should I get a right or left handed 38 special holster?
It’s imperative that you spend money on a left handed holster that works with your draw if you are left handed. It can be risky to draw with your right hand if you are a left-handed person or to use a right-handed holster in a left-handed carry position.