A great holster is a must-have accessory for any gunslinger. A quality holster keeps your weapon secure while on the go, and it can also be used to carry spare ammunition or even a small knife. The best holsters are made from durable materials like nylon or polyester, which tend to be the most comfortable yet tough.
The majority of holsters are designed with a single strap across the chest and two straps crossing over each other just above the knee. These cross-draw holsters are easy to operate and require minimal effort to conceal weapons. Many people prefer them because they’re lightweight and don’t impede movement in any way. The only real downside to this type of holster is that it doesn’t provide as much range of movement as a double-stack holster does. There are many different styles and sizes of holsters available, so finding the right ones for your particular situation can be challenging. However, there are certain things to keep in mind, so keep reading to learn about some important features to consider when shopping for holsters.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Holsters
When buying a new holster, there are some aspects to consider. The section that follows looks more closely at several of the most crucial elements.
Intended Use
How you will use your new holster is the first thing you should consider. You’ll want something that can halt an attack swiftly and effectively if it’s for protection. Instead of sitting stationary all day when hunting, you might prefer a lightweight holster that lets you move around. You’ll probably need a versatile holster for work or play that doesn’t restrict your movement but rather gives you the freedom to do what you need to do. Additionally, it needs to be simple to get to when you need to reload your weapon.
Material
Materials used for holster construction fall into two categories – leather and synthetic materials. Leather holsters have been around since the days of Westerns, and they’re generally considered superior to synthetics because leather absorbs shock better and feels smoother while wearing against your skin. But in order to keep them smooth and supple, these leather holsters need to be cleaned and conditioned to prevent shrinkage.
Synthetic fiberglass resin has become popular over the last decade due to its durability, comfort level, and resistance to odors and moisture. These holsters don’t absorb any shock, so they won’t wear out as fast as leather ones, though they’re less durable than leather.
Size and Fit
Next, consider how frequently and where you plan to use your holster. If you intend to carry it every day, you should choose a large size that doesn’t rub against your skin when you’re moving around. On the other hand, a smaller size can fit you better if you intend to wear it infrequently. Take into account how flexible you want your arm to be as well. Should you be able to lift it over your head without yanking it in an unnatural direction? How far could you point it forward before it started to hurt? Are you searching for a powerful, high-output rig or just a basic, functional setup? It all comes down to fit and size with these inquiries.
Quality Construction
Finally, consider the holster’s construction quality. Is it expertly crafted or built on a budget? A high-quality holster will feel comfortable immediately out of the box, unlike one that is poorly constructed, which can result in itching, burning, and even bruising after prolonged use. A metal loop attached to each end of the holster, double stitching all along seams, and a molded plastic component between the holster and the belt are all things to look for.
Style
There are two main categories of handgun holsters: those made to hide a weapon inside of clothing and those made to show a weapon off. Whichever design you go with mostly relies on how and where you plan to use the pistol.
- Holsters made for concealed carry are great for hiding a small weapon so that you don’t draw attention to yourself. They work by firmly fastening beneath the arm, allowing the wearer to move freely. These holsters can injure the wearer if they move quickly since they tend to restrict blood flow to the shoulders and arms.
- Display holsters hang from the waist or shoulder, displaying the firearm to spectators. Although it could seem like a less covert way to carry a pistol, it is very obvious what kind of weapon is fastened to your belt.
Weight
If you’re looking for a multipurpose accessory that won’t limit your mobility to move or stand, weight can be an issue. Because a huge gun will weigh down the front of your jeans, it may make shifting awkward and potentially lead to mistakes. However, a light one won’t even be noticed, especially if it’s put extremely high on your body and doesn’t interfere with your ability to punch or swing a club.
Personal taste and intended purpose are truly the deciding factors. Go with something sturdy if you want a tough outdoor setup. A lighter model might be more appropriate for you if all you want to do is keep things modest.
Mountability
Mountability is one characteristic that sets concealed-carry holsters apart from display holsters. While display rigs embed themselves into the clothing, concealment rigs attach to the exterior. As a result, concealment holsters are typically seen to be more successful in concealing firearms because they don’t stand out as much. There are, however, several exclusions to this rule. A little bit of a hybrid between the two alternatives, some brands offer unique clips that enable their products to be exhibited together or concealed together.
Price
Prices can range from $50 to over $1,000, depending on how great the finish is and how much customization you want. Before purchasing, be sure to fully comprehend each item, including the quantity of holes in the sight, the style of sights (both telescoping and iron sights), the length of the pull, and the overall weight of the gun.
Types Of Holsters
There are several different types of holsters, and each has its place in the right situation. The most common options include a single- or double-draw.
Single-Draw
A single-draw is when you have to reach across your body to draw your weapon. This can be very awkward if you’re not used to it, so don’t force yourself into doing this unless you really need to. It’s also slower than drawing from either side because you’ll have to turn your whole body around. If you do decide to go with this option, make sure that whatever you use as a holster doesn’t get snagged on anything while you’re drawing.
Double-Draw
This isn’t as bad as it sounds. You should still be able to keep your balance while drawing both guns at once. It just means that you’ll have to be more careful about where you point them. Make sure there aren’t any obstacles in the way before you pull out your firearms. The biggest advantage to having two hands free for drawing is redundancy. Having one gun drawn will leave your defense open to attack from an unseen assailant, but having both weapons ready gives you the opportunity to respond quickly with both barrels blazing. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to reload these weapons separately, which takes additional time.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for the best holsters made by reputable businesses. Then, we narrowed down our search to those designed specifically for concealed carry.
After that, we reviewed evaluations in magazines and asked professionals in the industry for their thoughts. Finally, we came across an impartial testing team that compiled a list of the top holsters after considering user and reviewer feedback. As a result, we have created a list of the top holsters for concealed weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Glock 19?
Which holster is the most comfortable depends greatly on your body type and lifestyle. An uncomfortable seat with inadequate back support could be harmful to your health if you spend the entire day sitting down.
How do I wear a holster?
Holster belts go over regular pants or skirts, but are not usually used with suit jackets or white-collar dress shirts. Instead, they’re generally worn with more casual attire like jeans, chambray shirts, or even cargo pants. The exception to this rule would be if the holster is integrated into your uniform or work outfit.
Can I use my Glock 19 without a holster?
Yes, but you will give up some degree of safety and cover. You won’t have quick access to your weapon when you need it, and being disguised won’t give you any protection at all. This means that you should only use your Glock 19 as a last choice in these circumstances.
How tight should my holster be?
Your holster’s fit guide will specify how snug it has to be for you to be able to carry your gun both comfortably and effectively while seated and standing. Before wearing it in public, be sure to carefully follow those instructions. Additionally, make sure you carefully practice your draw stroke in front of a mirror so you can see what is happening in a self-defense situation. Be careful not to over tighten it, though. You must have space to move your arm without bumping into the edge of the holster.