Most of us give selecting the ideal handgun a lot of attention because it is a significant choice. Unfortunately, many people purchase holsters essentially out of habit. No matter how effective your pistol is, it won’t help you if you don’t count on it to be safe, simple to use, and quick to respond. It must be the ideal holster for your pistol, carrying style, and you.
The best holsters should fit the design of your gun and keep it in place when you’re moving around. The ability to keep it secure is more important than being able to use it comfortably. Even while you could probably find a carrying holster like that on your own, keep reading to learn why the following are some of the greatest options now on the market.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Open Carry Holster
When shopping for an open carry holster, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail and explains how they apply to your situation.
Intended Use
Before deciding on a new open carry holster, think about how you intend to use it. If you’re looking for a versatile option, then look for features that allow you to switch between different tasks or environments. For instance, if you’ll be carrying a gun around town, then a lightweight holster with a low profile might work better than one that’s bulky and draws attention to itself. However, if you’re looking for a discreet accessory that nobody will ever know is there, then a high-quality leather jacket with a traditional appearance may be your best bet. It won’t draw any attention to yourself (unless you start wearing it) but neither will it go unnoticed either.
Material
Materials used in holsters can vary significantly depending on price point and style. Cheap plastic holsters tend to wear out more quickly than higher quality leather options, which often last longer. However, this doesn’t mean that all plastic is bad; many manufacturers incorporate special plastics into the design that are stronger than other materials and less likely to break down over time.
The same goes for cheap metal holsters. While they’ll hold up just fine, they could easily be made of cheaper metals like steel rather than stainless steel, which is a much tougher material and typically more durable.
Size/Fit
Next, consider where you plan on wearing the holster and what kind of fit is appropriate. If you’re looking for a classic dresser-style holster, then you want something that fits snugly without rubbing anywhere. This means finding a size that fits you properly. With most brands, sizing runs small so it’s important to take measurements beforehand.
For those who prefer a more modern approach, then you may want something that has stretch fabric to help it fit comfortably. These styles usually come in larger sizes so it’s easier to make sure that they dont rub during use.
Quality Construction
Finally, check out the construction details of the holster. Is it stitched together with thread? Or does it have a welded seam? Does the stitching match up along the back and front? These are all crucial because poor stitching or mismatched seams can cause weaknesses that lead to premature failure.
Retention Level
Retention level is often used to rate holsters. Increased retention makes it more difficult for someone to take your handgun from the holster without your help, but it also slows down your draw time, so it’s not always good. The reason you’re carrying will determine the appropriate degree for you. Being concerned about someone trying to take your firearm out of your holster if you’re a police officer or a citizen who openly carries is very important. A flap that prevents the weapon from falling out should often be acceptable if you are a soldier.
Grip and Draw
Because the grip of the weapon will not be visible enough for fingers to wrap around it, it will be incredibly challenging to get a consistent grip and draw if your pistol sits too low in the holster. Your grip and draw won’t be steady if the gun isn’t secured tightly in the holster.
Your holster should allow you to quickly and easily draw your firearm. Your handgun should be easy for you to fully grasp while yet being able to remove any retention mechanisms thanks to the holster. When drawing, align up your sights and draw in a relatively straight line toward the target. Please note that for some holsters worn in the appendix, cross-draw, ankle positions or small of the back, this may not be the case.
Durability
Durability has the most role in this. Potentially dangerous is a holster that disintegrates and loses its shape.
Adjustment Features
Everybody is built differently, and every gun enthusiast has different requirements. Others accept the everyday carry habit and keep a firearm with them at all times, while some prefer to carry just under specified conditions. You should be able to change the fit, position, and retention of a high-quality holster to suit your preferences. These features are often only available in Kydex holsters.
Safety
The trigger guard should be covered when considering a holster. Ensure that no holster material pokes through the trigger guard and presses the trigger. The material must be stiff enough to prevent the trigger from being depressed by any potential contact with the holster. Does the holster’s design disengage the gun’s safety features? This is another thing to think about. In my view, you should look at another holster design if the one you are choosing does this. The explanation being that the firearm could discharge while in the holster if you ever engaged in a strenuous physical activity, such as protecting yourself from an attacker. The person carrying the gun will determine where to position the holster in relation to the final region of consideration. Is the owner at risk when drawing the gun because of the location of the holster? Here, it’s important to keep in mind that everything the loaded weapon is directed at could be destroyed.
Types Of Open Carry Holsters
Open-carry is a lot like the way you dress for an interview. You wouldn’t wear your combat boots to go shopping, and you shouldn’t draw attention with a holster that’s uncomfortable either.
Outside the waistband (OWB)
An OWB holster is worn outside the waist, meaning it hangs on your hip or around your hips. It should be noted that there are some companies who make OWB holsters specifically for concealed carry, which means they’re designed not to show at all when you have a gun in place. This kind of holster would be my first choice if I was looking for something discreet because it doesn’t leave anything hanging out. The downside is that most people don’t realize how much effort it takes to conceal an entire firearm unless it’s pointed directly at them.
Inside the waistband (IWB)
An inside-the-waistband holster is worn internally, meaning it goes right against your body. It can be strapped across your abdomen or over your appendix depending on what feels comfortable to you. The advantage to this type of holster is comfort since it doesn’t require any straps to hold it in place. However, it does mean that you’ll need to keep track of your keys, cash, and/or ID card as well.
Shoulder holsters
A shoulder holster is worn by attaching the muzzle of the weapon to the front of your upper arm using two straps. It should be noted that many law enforcement officers do not recommend carrying a firearm on your dominant side due to the increased risk of injury from drawing from the wrong end. This style of holster is very common in Hollywood movies where the main character always has a gun on him. While it may look fairly easy, it isn’t. There are several different types of shoulder holsters, but the best ones attach close to the skin so they won’t move around too much during use.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for the best-reviewed and most popular options on Amazon, professional publications, and online vendor sites. From there, we read a lot of different reviews to get a sense of what people are saying about each product.
Then, we looked at some well-known holster brands that have been around for centuries like Galco, LCR, or Blade Runner Systems (BRS). Next, we narrowed our search based on price point, taking into consideration that holsters aren’t cheap pieces of gear so you can buy them cheaply in bulk from third-party vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open-carry Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for concealed carry?
The answer to this question depends heavily on what you intend to use it in conjunction with. For example, if you’re a runner, you might want something that’s not as tight against your body.
How do I wear an OWB holster?
Most people will either sit or stand while wearing an OWB holster. Some may even lay down depending on their model of firearm and/or holster. The exception would be those who practice 3AMBO (three-anticipating move before shooting) style drills, which require you to lie on your stomach.
Can anyone open-carry?
Anyone can open-carry. However, only certain states allow residents to open-carry without restriction. To check out your state laws regarding open-carrying, click here.