Both novice and experienced pistol owners should acquire a top-notch J frame holster. It might be challenging to determine which holsters are necessary and which ones are merely good to have if you’re new to the world of guns. The greatest J frame holster should be both robust and comfortable to carry around. While choosing a J frame holster, these are among the most crucial considerations to make. There are, however, many more significant aspects to consider.
Whatever level of proficiency you reach with weapons, there will always be a need to improve your knowledge and have access to a variety of carry alternatives. Purchasing premium J frame holsters is the best method to achieve this.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best J Frame Holster
Some of the most crucial factors to take into account when shopping for a new J frame holster is listed in the section that follows. These consist of elements like fitting, retention, and substance.
Material
- Kydex holsters are typically made from plastic because it’s lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the rigors of duty. However, leather is also a popular option that offers a more classic look and better grip.
- Leather holsters can be tough to clean and maintain due to the natural oils they contain. This makes them prone to cracking and peeling, which could cause issues when you’re using your gun.
Retention
A good holster should keep your gun where you want it to stay without having to use an extra piece of equipment or hand-retaining it. There are several different ways we measure retention in our reviews, but the basic principle is this: The higher the number, the less likely it is that your gun will slip out during movement. For instance, a high-retention belt would prevent your gun from slipping down toward your feet while working around the yard. In contrast, a low-retention holster would almost guarantee that your gun would fall out if you make any sudden moves.
Fitment
Finding the perfect fit on one of these rigs isn’t as easy as it might seem. Manufacturers use various sizing systems, so it’s helpful to know what system your firearm uses before buying a holster based on size alone. Smaller handguns tend to use smaller measurements, such as inches, whereas larger guns often use larger measurements, such as centimeters. It’s also worth noting here that many holsters feature adjustable straps, so you can customize the fit to your heart content.
Style
When selecting a new J frame holster, there are two main styles available today: drop-free and traditional leather. Each has benefits, and each works differently.
- Drop-free holsters eliminate the need for a loop or strap by allowing the pistol to sit flush against your body. They’re great for concealing weapons inside clothing, but they don’t allow for much mobility, since moving your arms gets rid of the gap between the pistol and your torso.
- Traditional leather holsters have a waist band that loops over your hips and a separate shoulder strap that goes across your shoulders. While these designs allow for freedom of motion, they require a bit more space than a drop-free model, making them ideal for large pistols.
Concealment
Among the most widely used weapons in history regarding conceal and carry is the J-frame. Even the most vigilant eyes shouldn’t be able to tell that you’re carrying a weapon thanks to a high-quality holster. Many holsters currently have unique design elements to lessen your gun’s profile, or “print,” which might be apparent through clothing.
Comfort
Comfort comes first, whether you’re going to the supermarket or hauling loads all day at work. Consider this: you wouldn’t use a pair of boots that make you suffer every time you walk in them. Why use a holster the same way? A holster’s level of comfort is frequently influenced by individual characteristics, such as body type. I’ve never felt at ease wearing a gun around my leg, but I know people who are absolutely OK with it.
Durability
After you find a holster you like, you really like to be certain it holds up well over time. A good holster should be composed of sturdy materials and not disintegrate after prolonged use.
Safety
A modern J frame gun can be carried safely in almost any position with the hammer down. The hammer block prevents the firing pin from striking the case primer till the trigger is pressed, so you may put this handgun in any holster, handbag, pocket, or backpack without worrying about the gun accidentally discharging.
Accessibility
It must be easily accessible. This implies that you shouldn’t require two hands to grab your gun when you need to use it. Life-threatening scenarios could arise if you need both hands to remove your gun from your holster. Even when you’re hurt, you must be able to draw your handgun from the holster with one hand. Additionally, it shouldn’t catch on your clothing while you’re drawing.
Abrasion Resistant
If there is no cushioning, strapping a holster to your sides or even your leg could lead to abrasions. All of the best holsters contain padding and moisture-wicking fabrics to provide you the most comfort possible.
Price
Not least among other things, the holster should fall within your budgetary range.
Types Of J Frame Holsters
There are numerous varieties of J-frame holsters available. Each has a purpose, but before making a purchase, you should understand what you’re getting into.
Shoulder holster
A shoulder holster is used at the front over your shirt and under your jacket or coat. The actual placement of the holster depends on whether you wear a suit or not. If you do, it goes right behind your belt buckle; if you don’t, it hangs off your left side near your armpit. It’s very comfortable and keeps your hands free to operate equipment, open doors, etc. However, there are some situations where this isn’t ideal. For instance, wearing one in an environment with heavy smoke can make it difficult for you to breathe.
Belt loop
The most common type of gun holster uses a single strap that loops around both legs of the gun holder. This makes it easier to adjust and more secure than other options. However, since the entire weight of the holster rests on a single point, the wearer’s motion range is limited.
Sidecar
A sidecar is like having a second pistol strapped to your hip. It’s carried inside your regular holster, which means it doesn’t get in the way when you draw your primary firearm. In addition to being able to carry two guns simultaneously, you also have access to both without drawing from either one. This allows for greater flexibility during emergency situations.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We began by looking for the most well-liked and rated options on Amazon, specialized websites, and online seller pages. We focused our search on holsters made of sturdy materials that will blend in nicely with the majority of street attire (leather is less common because it’s not very protective).
In order to keep things simple for this review guide, we only took into account holsters made particularly to hide the trigger guard. Since these two categories are often disregarded by holster manufacturers, we examined reviews from women who are also shooters or from members of law enforcement for concealed carry holsters that were more specialized.
Frequently Asked Questions About J-Frame Holsters
What Glock 19 holster is the most comfortable?
The ideal response to this query is highly influenced by your lifestyle and tastes. One of the two- or three-pocket designs mentioned above will typically be sufficient for the majority of people.
How tightly should I cinch the J-Frame holster?
What you want to use your holster with will determine how well it fits. You need clothing that isn’t too loose or too tight to be uncomfortable when moving around in it for concealed carry. Holsters made for open carry typically fit more loosely than those made for concealed carry.
Is a belly band better than a shoulder harness?
This entirely depends on your needs and intended usage scenario. Shoulder belts are generally more comfortable for longer-term usage scenarios, but they’re also less concealment efficient than other options, given their lack of cover plates.
Can you pocket carry a J frame?
The J-design frame makes it perfect for pocket carrying. The slide on many semi-automatic handgun types that are tiny and light enough for pocket carry extends so far past the grip that it could become caught in the pocket when the gun is drawn.
How long does it take to break in a holster?
Wearing the holster while your gun is inside of it ensures that the leather would break in well and become quite comfortable within a few days. Even though it won’t be completely broken in and expanded for another two weeks, many users report that it is already incredibly comfortable after about a few days.
What concealed carry position is the safest?
One of the greatest concealed carry locations is often thought to be within the waistband because it offers the maximum concealment of your weapon without having many drawbacks.