The sidecar holster is an excellent piece of equipment that should be included in the arsenal of each gunslinger. It can be worn either under clothing or exposed to the elements, and it is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate a variety of handguns. These holsters are made from long-lasting materials such as nylon and polyester, which are also among the materials that are known to be the least bulky and most comfortable overall. They are available in a wide variety of designs to support a wide variety of gun belts and harnesses.
The appearance of each of these holsters is relatively comparable to that of the others; yet, there are distinctions between them that make some more appropriate for performing specific activities than others. For instance, the shape of the handle on a sidecar holster differs depending on whether it is made for use with a left-handed or right-handed pistol. This is because a left-handed person tends to hold a firearm differently than a right-handed person does. The degree of control you have over your weapon is also impacted by factors such as the dimensions of the thumb hole as well as its location. When it comes to making a decision on which of these seemingly straightforward items would be ideal for you, all of the options available may leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Sidecar Holster
The best sidecar holster for you depends on how well it fits, how much space is available in your garage or work shed, and what type of firearm it works with. Here are some things to consider when shopping for one.
Size
Size is a crucial factor to take into account when choosing a new sidecar holster. If the gun is too big, it will either not fit inside the holster at all or will need to be altered in some way so that it fits properly. Due to the difficulty and danger of withdrawing your hand from a fully-clamped holster, this could be problematic if the holster needs to be accessed fast. The cutaway area could expose your skin to damage if it is not done properly.
If the gun is too small, however, it won’t hold up against the recoil of firing it and could easily slip out of the holster during use. This would obviously defeat the purpose of having a sturdy holster in the first place.
Material
Most sidecar holsters are made from leather, but there are variations in quality between manufacturers. Some brands use synthetic materials like nylon and polyester instead. These fabrics don’t rustle or tear as easily as real leather, though they’re not as durable.
Another difference among brands is whether they use full-grain or split-grain leather. Full-grain leather is thicker and more durable than half-grain material, making it ideal for longer-term wear. However, this leather tends to be harder to clean because it absorbs more water than half-grain material. On the other hand, half-grain leather is easier to wipe down and maintain because it doesn’t absorb water, so it dries quicker. It’s also less expensive than full-grain leather, which makes it a popular choice for disposable gear like gloves and hats.
Fit
Finding the perfect fit for a sidecar holster isn’t just about having the correct length. The angle at which the holster is worn affects its effectiveness. For instance, wearing an angled holster at a slight downward angle rather than straight down increases the efficiency of the weapon by reducing drag caused by friction while being fired. Additionally, an angled holster allows for drawing faster because gravity helps pull the pistol upward toward your body rather than allowing it to roll off your hip. Finally, many shooters find that wearing an angled holster reduces muscle fatigue over time because it takes pressure off of the trigger guard.
Firearm compatibility
Before deciding on a new sidecar holster, check to see if yours has any special features that might affect its functionality. For example, some models have built-in lights that help illuminate the area around the drawn handgun. Other guns come equipped with aftermarket slides that allow the user to adjust the position of the holster without affecting the ride height of the vehicle. Still others have swivel mounts that rotate freely, allowing the wearer to move their hips to get the most comfortable firing position.
Ride Height
Adjustable ride heights are another feature worth looking out for. Most vehicles have adjustable suspension systems these days, so why shouldn’t handguns? Aftermarket slides are readily available for cars and trucks, allowing the shooter to set the ride height at whatever height feels right. They’re especially handy for those who regularly switch seats while driving, as the seat height adjusts automatically to accommodate different drivers.
Style
Finally, take note of the overall look and design of the sidecar holster itself. While black leather is certainly the traditional color for law enforcement officers’ uniforms, nowadays there are plenty of options including brown, gray, olive drab, and camouflage patterns. Also, modern versions tend to incorporate soft-to-touch padding around the grip and controls to reduce shock damage to hands.
Types Of Sidecar Holsters
Sidecar holsters are designed to be worn on the hip, but they can also be worn at other locations. The most common is a strong attachment point near or behind your belt buckle.
Belt loop
The simplest way to wear a holster is with a single strap that goes over your pants and attaches to itself on the opposite side from where you want it to go. This type of holster has two basic designs: A regular one-piece design or an extended magazine carrier.
One-piece belts have a single slot for your pistol while the second serves as a backup in case something goes wrong with the first. Extended carriers use a hook and eye closure to keep the whole thing together. Both styles leave your waist open which isn’t ideal when wearing a jacket because you’ll likely get soaked if you get hit by rain.
Shoulder
A shoulder holster uses straps that cross your body to distribute weight more comfortably. It’s meant to look like part of your garment so you don’t draw attention to yourself. Most people find this kind of carry uncomfortable due to the fact that it requires constant adjustment during the day. Adjustments include things like re-drawing your weapon, removing/adding magazines, and performing other tasks that require reaching across your body.
Adjustments are usually made using pins inserted through loops on the outside of the holster. These pins prevent the holster from sliding around your body and make sure the gun stays put. Shoulder holsters tend to come in three types based on how much material they’re attached to (or lack thereof), whether or not there’s a muzzle break, and what style of draw they allow for.
Thigh
A thigh holster is worn where your hand naturally hangs on your leg. It doesn’t need to be very high up on your thigh; some prefer ankle level or below. However, these kinds of holsters aren’t recommended for women who might be wearing dresses or skirts because of the increased risk of being seen unholstered. This kind of carry tends to be less comfortable than other options since you’re essentially carrying a concealed firearm under your clothes. However, many feel it’s necessary to doff their outer garments to safely conceal a handgun.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for holsters that fit the side-by-side format, which is most common in concealed carry. This limits our search to a few specific categories of holster, but it does give us more options.
We drew on our knowledge of numerous open-carry and concealable holster models from multiple manufacturers for this review guide. We looked at customer reviews and feedback from internet resources to determine our top recommendations for the best sidecar holsters. The major problem we observed was holsters on Amazon and other e-commerce websites had consistently inadequate quality control. Some holsters had trigger guard holes that were either too little or too large, while other holsters had trigger guard holes that varied in size, giving your hand a different sensation as you draw your handgun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidecars Holsters
What is the best type of gun to have a sidecar holster?
The answer depends entirely on what you intend to use it in conjunction with. If you’re looking for something that can be easily concealed, then an ankle holster or shoulder rig might work better.
How do I mount a sidecar?
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer detailed instructions online and/or include pictures to help you out. Make sure you get a proper fit before wearing it in public though, as improper fitting can cause chafing and lead to rust and corrosion. Also, make sure you wear a good pair of leather gloves if you plan to go riding in cold weather.
Can you open-carry while riding a vehicle?
It’s your right to open-carry while riding in a vehicle with you, but local regulations may differ. As always, it’s best to be informed before taking such action.