How to Choose a Gun Holster

When it comes to your weapon, you need quick access to it. Since your holster is the only thing separating you from that weapon, it’s important to choose the right holster to house your firearm. The wrong holster can cause a myriad of unpleasant and possibly hazardous outcomes such as longer reaction times, discomfort, and violating the realms of concealed carry. When it comes to choosing a gun holster, having a few tips to guide you is always a good idea. Here are our top 3 tips on how to choose a gun holster to fit your needs.

1. Know carrying type

The most obvious factor is to know your carrying type. If you are an LEO on duty, or in an open carry state, your holster needs will be different from those on a concealed carrying basis. The first step to buying a gun holster is to know the rules behind carrying your weapon. Since the whole point of a concealed weapon is to keep it hidden, your holster needs will be dramatically different from a holster designed for open carry. This is the first factor to consider when choosing a gun holster for your firearm.

2. Consider retention

If you are in an open carry state or work as an LEO, the second biggest factor on how to choose a gun holster is definitely retention. Retention determines the ease of grabbing the weapon from the holster which can be a major concern for anyone, but especially police with their weapon on display. You always want to look at the retention capacitates of any holster you are considering to avoid not only someone else grabbing it, but also the potential for dropping it, as well as the ease in which you can access the firearm. Even if you are looking for a concealed carry holster, you should still look at retention. When it comes to firearms, it is always better to be safe than sorry on all accounts.

3. Choose the right materials for your carrying needs

There are basically two types of materials used in gun holsters. The first is leather which offers a great long-lasting holster. You will need to break it in, but the good news is it will never warp and it if starts to lose its fit to the firearm, you can get in back in shape by dunking in warm water for about 30 seconds and then leaving it to dry overnight. This will tighten the leather back up to fit the gun more closely. The main advantages of leather are that it is long lasting, easy to access, and comfortable against the body since it will conform to you over time.

The second option is plastic or thermoplastic which is specially treated for durability and firmness. This option requires no break-in time but can become warped by exposure to high temperatures over time. The main benefits of choosing plastic over leather are that it offers a better grip of the gun overall, as well as being able to click into place without friction so you can be confident the gun is secured.

Which material is best for you will depend on your needs and preferences. However, knowing about the unique benefits of each one is important before shopping for this essential.