Any hunter or firearms enthusiast who wants to carry their weapon without worrying about it becoming destroyed or injuring someone else should invest in a high-quality shotgun holster. This gear is an absolute need. Your firearm will be safe and within easy reach if you have a holster that’s up to the task, but if you don’t have one, it’s going to be a lot easier for it to fall out of your armpit and be lost.
The strongest materials, such as nylon and polyester, are used in the construction of the best shotgun holsters. These fabrics are not readily torn or damaged in any other way. In addition to this, they should be adjustable, allowing you to vary the position of your gun to achieve a more comfortable fit and preventing them from falling off. These holsters are offered in a variety of sizes to handle a wide range of firearms and other types of weapons. The amount of space required to store a gun comfortably is contingent on both the type and size of the firearm. Before making any final decisions, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when looking for the best shotgun holster.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Shotgun Holster
When you are in the market for a new holster for your shotgun, there are a few things that you should bear in mind that are key priorities. The discussion on these topics will continue in the following section in greater depth.
Intended Use
How do you intend to use your firearm? That should be the first question you ask yourself. If it is for protection, then you will need a high-quality concealing option that will help prevent uninvited guests from reaching into your vehicle or patting down your pockets. If this is the case, then you should consider purchasing one of the following: When going hunting, you should look for a firearm that is not too heavy and can be quickly accessed even if you are climbing a tree or moving through thick cover. If the issue is more one of convenience than one of safety, then a conventional pistol belt equipped with a standard buckle might do the trick just well. If, on the other hand, you are interested in taking a more strategic approach, a high-quality rig that features a number of different attachment points is most likely going to be your best option.
Material
The types of materials that are utilized in the production of modern holsters are very different from one another depending on whether the holster is intended to hide a pistol or a rifle and what kind of weapon it is designed to hold. However, regardless of the material, holsters should be able to comfortably fit the majority of their intended users.
- Kydex (thermoplastic) holsters tend to be very popular because they are flexible and allow users to adjust the size and shape to suit their needs. These holsters come in many sizes and styles and often include a carrier that fits inside the car door frame, allowing the user to carry a firearm without touching the metal. Some Kydex holsters also feature a built-in flashlight, which helps illuminate the area while preventing the wearer from accidentally striking something with the barrel of the gun.
- Leather holsters have long been a favorite choice due to their classic look and comfort factor. Leather carriers do not require any extra equipment to wear; however, they can become stiff and uncomfortable after a few hours, so keep this in mind.
- Nylon holsters are another great option as they’re comfortable, easy to clean, and won’t tear easily. They’re available in different widths and colors and some even offer shock absorption, meaning the gun doesn’t jolt forward during rough handling.
Size and Fit
The next step is to give some thought to where you plan to wear your holster and how much room you have for it. The majority of leather and nylon holsters have a snug fit around the waist, however holsters made of Kydex are designed to be more flexible and can therefore stretch out a little bit more. There are a lot of options available for people who choose to keep their gear in a more casual style. There are a variety of manufacturers that currently produce soft caps that can be worn on top of a leather or nylon holster. They lessen the amount of skin contact that the wearer has with the firearm, making the gun appear and feel lighter as a result.
Style
Choose a style that you feel best represents who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. A holster can be worn in an almost infinite number of different ways. You have the option of going with a traditional two-star layout, or you could go with something more modern like a single dot. You may decide to go with a model that has a lot of cushioning or choose one that is lighter and easier to manipulate. It’s possible that you’d prefer a color that isn’t black or brown, or that you’d like to shake things up a little bit by opting to wear jeans rather than slacks.
Price
The price of a holster of decent quality can range anywhere from $50 to $200, and this range is determined by how well the holster protects weapons and how comfortable it is to wear. The price is always determined by the level of quality and the number of features.
Types Of Shotgun Holsters
Shotgun holster types are as follows:
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
An outside the waistband (OWB) holster is one that is worn on the outside of the waistband and holds the shotgun in front of the body with the muzzle pointed toward the center back or the front of the hip. Because it maintains the muzzle’s alignment with the ground even after the firearm is drawn from concealment, this is the style of holster that is most commonly employed for concealed carry. In order to prevent presenting a big target area at an early stage in the draw process, the draw stroke needs to be as smooth and fast as possible.
Shoulder
When wearing a shoulder holster, the straps are attached such that they go over the top of the arms and across the shoulders. In most cases, the straps will cross over in the middle to create a system in which one strap will go under each armpit and connect onto loops located on either side of the barrel. Buckles are sometimes used in place of hooks in some versions. Although most models do not restrict the muzzle’s ability to move freely up and down the barrel, you may need to exercise some muzzle discipline depending on how well the particular model meets your requirements.
Kangaroo
Kangaroo holsters are unique in that they go around both legs and fasten to themselves using Velcro straps. The shotgun is thus carried high on the thigh, where it is out of the way but still conveniently accessible in the event that it is required. In addition to that, you may use it to keep other items, like magazines or knives, safe.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When deciding which holsters to recommend for this article, we drew on our own personal experience with a wide range of holsters from a variety of different manufacturers and categories. In addition to this, we looked at information from a variety of other sources to determine which solutions received the highest ratings.
In addition to this, we discussed the matter with professional organizations in the industry to obtain their point of view on the matter of which holster was the most favorable choice in general. In the end, we decided on some parameters that every reliable holster ought to be able to meet (such as being able to be concealed or having a low profile), and we evaluated all of the existing holsters in light of these requirements. The end result is a ranking of the top holsters for shotguns that are suitable for concealed carry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Holsters
What is the best type of gun for self defense?
The one you train with.
Are there any legal ramifications to carrying a concealed firearm without a holster?
In most states, it’s completely legal and no training requirements or licensing are needed in order to conceal carry a weapon. However, some jurisdictions may require you to be at least 21 years old, have attended an approved firearms safety course, and/or qualify with the most difficult task – shooting from the waistband only.
How do I wear a shoulder holster?
This depends entirely on the design of the holster. Some designs will fit more comfortably inside-the-belt-line position while others place the muzzle closer to your belly button. The main thing is to experiment and practice with different positions until you find one that works well for you.
Can you ankle-carry a shotgun?
It can be done, but you’ll need to look in the 1970s-era section of the thrift store for some pants that are flared wide enough.