Because of its size, the Ruger 57 is often carried outside of the waistband by the vast majority of shooters. However, due to the fact that this handgun is highly adaptable, it can also be carried in a variety of other ways. The Ruger 57 is versatile enough to be carried openly or covertly, depending on the situation. The only things you need to do are research the concealed carry rules in your state and choose a holster for your Ruger 57 from the options we have listed here.
The Ruger 57 is a one-of-a-kind firearm in terms of its dimensions and contours. Part of the reason for this is the length of the 5.7x28mm round, as well as the design that Ruger intended to incorporate into it. Because of the peculiar contours of the Ruger 57 and the fact that it is now considered to be a niche firearm, it can be challenging to locate a holster that is specifically intended to accommodate the firearm. You can go the road of universality, and we will offer one holster that is a universal fit, but nine times out of ten, I would prefer choosing a holster that is custom-shaped to fit a particular kind of pistol instead. This is due to a number of factors, all of which will be discussed in further detail later on in the article.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Ruger 57 Holster
The following section contains some of the most important considerations when shopping for a new Ruger 57 holster. These include things like material, retention, and size.
Material
- Kydex is a rigid plastic that can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. It’s also flexible enough to accommodate different pistol shapes and sizes.
- Leather is a tough material with a beautiful look and classic style. While it may be easy to assume all leather holsters are made in the same way, there are several types of leatherwork, each with its own set of characteristics.
- Nylon is another synthetic polymer that isn’t as durable as Kydex or Leather. However, it does tend to soften up over time and mold to your gun shape, so it’s a popular option among those looking for a custom fit.
Retention
Rugers have a reputation for making high-quality handguns, and they don’t cut any corners when it comes to building strong holsters around them. The result is an incredibly sturdy hold on your firearm. However, even with their impressive build quality, you still might experience something slipping out of your grasp during heavy use. To avoid this problem, Ruger uses a special friction fabric called Retention to wrap around the handle of your gun and prevent anything from sliding off during recoil.
Size
When choosing between a traditional leather holster or one made from Kydex or nylon, size should be one of your top priorities. A Kydex holster tends to run smaller than a leather one because they’re designed to flex with your weapon rather than bulkier materials like leather and foam. A Ruger 57 handgun measures about 7 inches long, and while these lengths vary by model, they average just under 5 inches wide. This means that if you wear jeans with a standard waistband, you shouldn’t have trouble fitting one of these holsters into the pocket behind the seat.
Fit
Finding the perfect fit for a holster is essential not only for safety reasons but also for comfort. Since these garments stretch with your body, finding one that fits perfectly is key. Also consider how much movement you want to allow while wearing the holster. If you plan to move freely, go with a looser fit; however, tighter fits offer better protection against slips and falls. For instance, if you fall down hard on concrete, a tight fit will protect your gun from damage. But, if you slip on ice, a looser fit will make it easier to get away from danger.
Style
While many people prefer a simple leather holster with no frills, others appreciate the added protection offered by buckles and other accessories. For those who value form over function, Kydex holsters come in a variety of colors and patterns to match almost any outfit. On the other hand, leather holsters often feature decorative stitching along the edge of the holster and a metal loop attached to the back for attaching to belt loops.
Weight
If you’d rather not wear your gun on your hip, weight could be a factor. Though lightweight holsters tend to be more comfortable, they do sacrifice some security. Generally speaking, leather holsters tend to weigh less than Kydex ones due to the absence of padding and insulation. Still, even with today’s advanced technology, a leather holster is going to feel heavier than a Kydex one due to the increased density of the former.
Length
Depending on where you carry your gun and what type of gun it is, length can matter quite a bit. Long guns require longer belts, which puts them at risk of falling out or getting caught on sharp edges. Shorter guns work fine with thinner straps, though they may lack durability.
Handguns and submachine guns usually sit higher on the waist than rifles do, so shorter jackets or pants won’t impede drawing these weapons. Most importantly, make sure the holster you choose has a good grip on the handle of your gun.
Types Of Ruger 57 Holsters
There are several different types of Ruger 57 holsters on the market. Each has its place, but you need to know what you’re getting into before making a purchase.
Shoulder holster
A shoulder holster is worn around your shoulders with the muzzle of the gun hanging off your side. The best type of shoulder holster for concealed carry is an under-the-shirt holster because it keeps the muzzle of the gun lower than most people’s belts and avoids drawing attention to yourself by carrying a large handgun in public.
The downside of this style is that it can be very uncomfortable and limits your range of motion during firing due to the extra material (shoulder pads) and the fact that you’ll have a bulky hunk of metal and plastic hanging from your neck. It also means that if you wear one of these bad boys at a trade show or out in public, you’ll get some strange looks as well.
Belt loop
Most law enforcement officers prefer to use a standard belt loop holster which fits over your pants like a normal belt. This allows them to keep their hands free while they respond to calls or search for someone who has gone missing. Most civilians find this kind of holster to be the easiest option as well since there aren’t any weird adjustments needed when putting the holster on. However, this does mean that you won’t be able to adjust the tension on the strap without taking the whole thing apart.
This may not seem like a big deal but having a proper draw angle is critical to shooting accurately. With a belt loop holster, unless you really contort your body, you’ll probably have to work harder to get your pistol drawn properly. Also, since the muzzle hangs down, it will likely catch on anything you attempt to move quickly, such as traffic signs or car doors.
Thumb break
Some companies offer a thumb break holster which fits close to your body so that it doesn’t interfere with your mobility during combat situations. These are meant to help you open your palm naturally to grasp various objects, allowing you to concentrate on performing your task rather than worrying about your firearm. However, many people consider these kinds of holsters awkward at best and downright impossible at worst. If you fall into this category, you should seriously think twice before purchasing one of these options.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
In order to select holsters for this guide, we relied on personal experience with a wide range of different manufacturers’ products.
In addition to this, we looked at customer reviews to see what other people were saying about these companies and the things they provide. It is helpful to get a sense of what other people think of a product by reading reviews written by other customers. However, it is important to keep in mind that the opinions of a single customer are not always reflective of the entire market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruger 57 Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Ruger 57?
The best answer to this question depends heavily on your lifestyle and preferences. Personally, I prefer ankle carry with a boot or leg harness.
How tight should my Ruger 57 holster be?
The fit of your holster will be determined by the items that you carry. In general, when carrying a hidden weapon, you want to wear something that doesn’t restrict your movement too much but yet isn’t too baggy either. In open-carry situations like those found in the field, it is possible to get away with anything less desirable.
Can you wear a holster with body armor?
Absolutely! Some of our staff members even do so regularly. However, make sure that your holster fits snugly without bunching or rubbing against anything sensitive like the backstrap of your gun. Otherwise, you might lose control of your firearm while drawing it, which could cause injury or death to yourself or others. Also, if you plan to engage in strenuous activity, you may want to consider getting a dedicated plate carrier/shoulder rig instead.
Is it legal to use a holster with body armor?
In general, local restrictions apply when it comes to using certain types of firearms accessories in conjunction with body armor. In many states, you cannot openly carry a fully automatic rifle or grenade launcher with you into public places. Certain types of plates are also illegal where you live. As always, it’s important to research your state, county, and city laws regarding body armor and weapons before making any changes to your routine.