The first time I ever saw someone wearing a cross-draw holster, I probably thought something along the lines of “aw, he got the recoil!” Recoil is the force that pushes your gun rearward when you fire it. The faster you pull the trigger, the more recoil you get. I was wrong about that guy. He wasn’t just getting the recoil; he was putting it to good use. His name was Jack Cade and he was an upstanding member of the community. A dedicated father, husband, and grandfather, he spent his weekends helping people with their guns and educating them on safe firearm handling.
One day, while working at my local gun shop, I noticed this cross-draw holster lying in the back. It had a rubberized grip and was made out of some kind of nylon. When I asked the owner what it was for, he told me it was designed so you could carry multiple firearms without worrying about your hands.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Ruger Ec9S Holster
There are a variety of factors to think about while purchasing a new holster. The most important characteristics that can help in your search for the ideal choice are examined in the part that follows.
Intended Use
Before deciding on an appropriate holster for your needs, think about how and where you would wear it. If you’re looking for a versatile option, then look for a model with multiple uses; however, if security is more important than comfort, then a single-purpose rig might be the better choice.
- Concealed carry permits holders should look for a high-quality concealable carry holster that offers protection from potential thieves or casual passersby. These holsters will have a layer of padding between the gun and skin to prevent accidental shocks or scratches.
- Military troops on active duty might prefer a ruggedized pistol grip or a unique color scheme, but they shouldn’t count on these modifications to make their handguns more comfortable to wear. Standard issue winter gear isn’t really designed to be used when handling a pistol, so active-duty military personnel who must keep their hands warm may want to look into a heated vest or pair of gloves.
- Professionals in dangerous professions such as law enforcement, firefighting, and military operations require a sturdy hand tool that won’t let them down when they need it. This is why we see so many tactical knives fitted with durable leather handles.
Material
Rugger’s classic double-action revolvers were made entirely of steel, which makes them heavier and less flexible than today’s polymer models. However, because of their strength, they tend to last longer and don’t require regular maintenance like plastic guns do. Modern day polymer holsters aren’t perfect substitutes for metal ones either. While they’re lighter weight and more affordable, they don’t offer the same durability or performance.
Size
The size of the gun you use dictates the size of the holster you’ll need. Smaller handguns fit in smaller holsters, and larger ones work better with bigger weapons. For example, a large revolver likely won’t fit in a small holster designed specifically for a 9mm handgun, even if the two guns share the same caliber. Likewise, a small .380 ACP handgun won’t fit in a big holster meant for a full-size 9mm handgun.
Fit
Finding the right fit ensures that the holster doesn’t impede drawing your weapon or doing anything else. For instance, if the waistband sits too low on hips, it could cause problems drawing or firing the gun. Too high and the holster will feel tight and uncomfortable, making it difficult to move freely. Finding the right balance is essential.
Quality Construction
If a holster is poorly made, bad things can happen when it’s being used or carried. For example, if the holster contains loose components, moisture may enter and eventually corrode the mechanism. Additionally, a poorly constructed holster may exert excessive pressure on the trigger, leading users to jerk the handle back rather than pulling it back smoothly. Last but not least, a shoddy connection between the holster and the weapon might cause a loss of control and accidents.
As far as construction goes, Ruger holsters fall somewhere in between those made by Kydex Industries (a leading manufacturer of industrial safety equipment) and those produced by Leathercraft (the makers of high-end leather goods). Kydex holsters tend to be stiffer and stronger than leather ones, though they lack the fine details and aesthetic appeal of top-notch handmade leather products.
Locking Mechanism
If you’d prefer not to expose your gun when it’s stored in an emergency vehicle or workplace locker room, a locking system is a great way to go. There are several types of locks for securing a holster including knob, lever, push button, and combination.
- Knob locks feature a simple circular knob that fits into a corresponding hole on the holster frame. Twist the knob until it locks in place, and it won’t come out unless you twist it counterclockwise. Knobs tend to be easy to unlock, although they’re not necessarily easy to reach in a hurry.
- Lever locks operate similarly to knobs except that they have a long rod attached to the end of the knob rather than just a circle. To lock or unlock the holster, simply lift the lever and pull it toward or away from yourself. Lever locks tend to be slightly trickier to access quickly, especially in an emergency situation.
- Push-button locks consist of a small round button connected to a spring-loaded latch. To engage or disengage the lock, simply press the button. Pushbuttons tend to be highly secure but finding the release button can sometimes be tricky.
- Combination locks contain numbers and letters that must be entered using a numerical keypad or a keyboard to unlock the holster. Although very secure, these locks can be tough to crack in a pinch.
Types Of Ruger EC9S holsters
The Ruger EC9S is compatible with a variety of holster designs. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to understand what you’re stepping into because each has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster
An OWB holster is worn outside your waist, meaning that when you draw your firearm, you’ll have to reach across your body to do so. This type of holster tends to be more comfortable than other options because there isn’t any pressure on your skin from being pressed against something hard. However, this makes concealing your weapon more difficult since you’ll need to find somewhere to put an extra layer of clothing in order to conceal your pistol. Also, some people feel like they look less professional or don’t project authority as well when wearing an OWB holster.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
An IWB holster is worn inside your waist, which means that when you draw your firearm, you’ll have to reach around your body to do so. This type of holster tends to be less comfortable than OWB options because you’ll be constantly reaching under your clothes for your gun. However, this also makes concealing your weapon easier because you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to store your handgun. Additionally, most employers require employees to wear their firearms concealed due to security reasons.
Shoulder holster
A shoulder holster is worn where your normal hand naturally hangs at your side. It attaches via loops or straps that run front to back over your shoulders and down your arms. The advantage of a shoulder holster is that it keeps your hands free to operate equipment or control devices. Disadvantages include increased risk of injury if you fall and land on the gun, awkwardness when drawing from a shoulder holster, and not very many options for carrying multiple weapons simultaneously.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
On Amazon, specialist websites, and other online stores, we started by looking for the most popular and well-reviewed products. We concentrated on finding holsters constructed of durable materials that won’t hurt your hand or trigger guard easily (leather is less common among people with concealed carry permits).
The holsters we selected were then divided into groups of similar construction based on price point and availability. The most affordable group consisted of only one holster, while others in the selection had more than one option available. Availability is obviously a matter of time and demand, so we made sure to include several months worth of production for each offering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruger Ec9S Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Glock 19?
The best answer to this question depends heavily on your lifestyle and preferences. For those who sit all day, it might be worth investing in a good leather nbsp;holster.
How tight should my Ruger Ec9S holster be?
The holster should be snug without being constrictive. If it does, a slide lock or notchback strap can be used to loosen it (Ruger does not offer these alternatives).
Can I wear a Ruger Ec9S holster with body armor?
Yes, provided that the armor fits over top of the pistol, and that you use an approved holster. Make sure you practice your draw stroke(s) before wearing them in public, as they are part of your self-defense toolkit.