Many individuals consider a cowboy holster to be a crucial piece of gear for contemporary cowboys. Without a good holster, you might be able to get away with using your trusty pocket knife or even a standard hunting rifle, but when you have a gun and money to spend, why not invest in a product that will make your weapons more effective?
The best cowboy holsters are made from durable materials like nylon and polyester, which tend to be the most affordable and lightweight options. They should also feature features that make them easy to use, such as large belts and suspenders that fit comfortably yet provide enough pressure on the arm to keep the holster in place. When choosing the best cowboy holster, there are certain factors to consider before making a final purchase. The following list includes some of the top products available today along with tips on finding the right fit.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Cowboy Holster
If you’re looking for the greatest cowboy holster, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your type of weapon and whether it requires a particular holster are your first two considerations.
Next, decide if an open or closed style holster would be better suited to your needs, and how much durability and protection you want from your new rig.
Material
Cowboy holsters can be made out of several different materials, including leather, nylon, polyester, fiberglass, and plastic.
- Leather is a tough material with a beautiful look and classic good-fitting feel. It’s been around since the days of Westerns, and today it still holds up well against modern technology. Leather has only two drawbacks: it’s expensive and it scratches easily.
- Nylon is another popular option. This synthetic polymer shares many of the same qualities as leather, but at a lower cost and without the upkeep of regular cleaning and conditioning. Nylon does not crack or wear out like leather; however, it may stretch with extended use.
- Polyester is a synthetic fabric woven with multiple threads to create a meshlike structure. Polyesters don’t hold up as well as leather or nylon, though they’re usually less expensive than both.
- Fiberglass is strong and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. However, these holsters tend to shatter if dropped on hard surfaces, so they should never be left lying about.
- Plastic is durable, inexpensive, and resistant to scratching. But this material isn’t as resilient as leather or nylon, especially after repeated exposure to moisture.
Size Options
When choosing between an open and closed style holster, there are several factors to think about, such as size and fitment. For instance, if you have large hands, an open holster might not close snugly over your pistol. Likewise, a smaller person might prefer a closed style holster because it prevents accidental activation while working.
Also, keep in mind that some guns require a shorter barrel than others to accommodate certain types of handguns. For example, a standard-size handgun won’t fit inside a compact carpenter hammer unless the handle is shortened.
Style
Open and closed holsters come in various styles, each with its own benefits and considerations.
- An open holster enables easy access to a pistol, but it doesn’t provide much more security than a straightforward key fob.
- A closed holster keeps firearms secure until needed, but it makes getting them out fast difficult. A combination lock or a complex latch system might work, but they’ll likely add extra weight to an already cumbersome item.
Fit
It’s important to find the ideal fit from all the available possibilities. Make sure to measure yourself against the measurements listed in the specifications. We also have options for people who participate frequently in hunting or shooting sports, when a vest or other apparel with pockets is required. We provide a huge selection of pocketing solutions that will keep you secure and tidy.
Quality Construction
The term “built to last” comes to mind when thinking about Cowboy holsters. These rigs aren’t typically designed to be disposable, and they often feature heavy-duty stitching and metal rivets. They also tend to be larger in scale, which means they’re built stronger than most other products.
Weight
If you’d rather not hang onto anything during your travels, weight could be an issue. While heavier items provide more stability, they’re also more prone to tipping over or falling out of trucks or trailers. If that’s a concern, opt for a lighter model.
Versatility
One benefit of purchasing a full set of Cowboy gear is that they can serve a number of purposes. For instance, a rugged pair of work boots can double as hiking shoes, and a hat can protect you from sunburn even if you forget sunscreen. However, this versatility comes at a cost: bulkier and heavier models tend to be more stable, but they’re also more bulky and harder to pack away when finished.
Types Of Cowboy Holsters
The variety of cowboy holster designs mirrors the diversity of the users. Each has a purpose, but before you buy anything, you should understand what you’re getting into.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
An OWB holster is worn where your firearm hangs outside your waist. This can be on or off your hip depending on how it’s carried and whether you have a cover garment like a jacket that covers your handgun. Most often, this type of holster will not come with an actual pocket for your gun because there isn’t one on the front of your pants. Instead, these types of holsters use some kind of strap or webbing to keep your weapon in place. The lack of a traditional holster makes drawing your pistol more difficult since you’ll have to reach under your shirt and unholster manually.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
An IWB holster is worn where your firearm is inserted through the front of your belt, right next to your body, so it comes out at the same time your other leg does. It should be noted that most law enforcement officers carry their firearms inside the waistband due to the fact that they want quick access to their firearm without having to dig around in a sidecar pouch or leave the position they are currently occupying.
Shoulder
A shoulder holster is worn by attaching straps across the shoulders, usually using hook-and-loop fasteners, and then inserting a magazine carrier and/or a muzzle guard into the loop created. Shoulder holsters are typically designed for smaller handguns, such as 9mm or less, although larger ones may work with some modifications.
Paddle
The paddle holster is worn by attaching a leather strip between the two center buttons on the chest plate of a uniform shirt, which secures the placement of a standard or tactical style holster. This allows for easy concealment while providing excellent range of motion during draw.
Thumb break
A thumb break is when the gun’s barrel extends slightly past the trigger, making it simpler to draw from cover. Thumb breaks are designed to minimize snags and cuts, especially when drawing from behind a large piece of furniture or equipment. They don’t need any unique permissions or licenses and are generally legal.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for holsters from reputable companies and sellers. Next, we narrowed our search based on feedback that the holster was either too loose or too tight in the hand. On the list are some holsters that we have personally used. These holsters were genuinely used by a friend of mine who works as an instructor, and I personally tested one of them when taking a training course. Moreover, the durability and safety of each holster were examined.
Finally, we read through customer reviews to get a sense of what people were saying about each product. In the end, we came up with this great list of the best cowboy holsters after narrowing down the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a revolver?
The most comfortable holster depends entirely on your body type and lifestyle. Some are more comfortable than others, but none of them are inherently better than any other.
How tight should my cowboy holster be?
Your holster’s fit will depend on what you intend to use it with. For concealed carry in public, you’ll want something that’s not too loose, but not constricting either. If you plan to go camping or work out in the field, you can get away with something looser still.
Can I wear a belt with a cowhide holster?
Absolutely! Many people do so every day. However, make sure your holster sits high enough on your belt so it doesn’t interfere with drawing your weapon quickly in an emergency.
Is it legal to carry a gun without a permit?
In certain states, carrying a concealed firearm without a license or permit is completely legal. In general, these are referred to as “open-carry” laws, and while they vary from state to state, most require some kind of licensing or training requirement before one may open-carry outside their home state. As always, it’s best to double-check your local regulations.