We spend a lot of time thinking about choosing the right handgun because it’s such a big decision.
Holsters are often picked up after thought by many.
If your pistol isn’t well protected, easy to handle, and quick to use, it doesn’t matter how good it is.
Your gun and your carrying style must be taken into consideration when choosing the right holster.
Holsters for concealing a firearm
Holsters for concealed carry must not only hold your weapon securely, but also make it as inconspicuous as possible. The bulky flaps and padding are gone; low-profile leather is in.
A holster can only conceal a certain amount of weapon, and your choice of weapon makes a huge difference.
You have very limited concealed carry options if you choose a revolver with a long barrel and a large frame.
Holsters inside the waistband
The most popular aliengearholsters.com concealed carry holster is an inside-the-waistband holster.
A belt loop or clip secures these holsters to your belt, and the pistol is held inside your pants waistband.
Due to the fact that only the butt and rear of the slide are exposed above the waistband, this is an excellent concealment option.
However, the style is not comfortable, and the weapon is exposed to perspiration. Semi Automatics that are flatter and compact are best suited to them.
Holsters that hang outside the waistband
A concealed carry OWB holster is best suited to revolvers and larger semi automatics.
The wide wings of these holsters hold it securely on the belt and smooth out the shape, reducing “printing” on your shirt.
Holsters for the shoulder
A waistband holster can be uncomfortable if you’re driving or sitting a lot – and drawing can be awkward, too.
A shoulder holster is a great choice for comfort; it has loops over each shoulder and a rear strap for spreading the weight of the weapon.
In addition to being easily concealed under an open jacket, shoulder holsters allow fast draws while seated as well. The holster is often accompanied by a magazine pouch.
One additional advantage of shoulder holsters is their effectiveness for concealing large revolvers.
Compact handguns can be holstered horizontally, which simplifies drawing, while long-barreled pistols can be holstered vertically.
Tactical and duty holsters
Holsters for belts
Traditional military and police holsters are belt holsters. The equipment belt or web gear is an ideal support for a holster, keeping all your equipment together in one place.
Police belt holsters usually have an open top and some type of retention. Modern retention devices make it hard for anyone to steal a weapon, and this allows a quick draw.
There are some differences between military belt holsters and civilian belt holsters.
It is desirable for soldiers to be able to draw their weapons quickly, but it is less important than for cops – only a few soldiers carry guns as their primary weapons, usually senior officers or non-combat specialists. Handguns in the military live a tough life, however.
Long periods of time are spent carrying dirty, muddy, wet, dusty, or cold items. In order to protect the gun, most holsters are full-flap designs that cover as much of it as possible.
Holsters for dropping the legs
Although belt holsters are great, they can be awkward to draw from – especially if you’re seated.
A pistol holstered on your belt is about 18 inches away from your hand when you drop it to your side.
There is no doubt that practice helps, but a drop leg holster seems more intuitive, at least in theory.
A strap around the thigh keeps drop leg holsters in place while they are suspended from your belt around mid-thigh.
Almost any military belt holster can be converted to a drop-leg holster with an extension kit. Most kits include a thigh panel with a PALS grid and retention straps. Their biggest advantage is that they work well with body armour that interferes with belt holsters.