Roughly 72% of firearm owners own a handgun. Most people spend days or weeks researching handguns but buy a gun holster with little to no research.
While it may seem like an inconsequential part of the purchase, choosing the right holster is essential for gun safety. Even the best handgun can be useless if your holster is difficult to use.
If you aren’t sure which kind of gun holster is right for you, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing a holster!
Types of Gun Holsters
Holsters are one of the most important gun accessories for carrying a gun. Which type is best for you depends on a few different variables.
There are holsters designed for concealed carry and ones for open carry.
Most commonly for concealed carry, inside-the-waistband holsters are the preferred gun equipment. This type of holster, as the name suggests, sits inside the waistband of the owner’s pants.
Other kinds of concealed carry holsters include outside-the-waistband, shoulder, ankle, and pocket holsters (see more).
Which kind you choose is mostly up to personal preference. Consider which type will be most comfortable and easiest to use based on what you do on an average day.
For open carry, belt holsters are by far the most common. This type of holster clips to the belt and keeps the gun accessible without causing discomfort.
Sometimes, however, shoulder holsters may be the appropriate gun gear for open carry. For people who spend most of the day sitting or driving, a shoulder holster will be more comfortable.
Choosing Gun Holster Material
Gun holsters come in three primary materials: leather, plastic, and synthetic fiber.
Leather holsters are the traditional choice and remain popular for a few reasons. This material is durable and flexible, and molds to a shape over time.
Leather is the best choice for concealed carry because it’s lightweight. However, it’s important to maintain the material, as leather degrades over time with use and isn’t waterproof.
The most common type of plastic for holsters is Kydex, which is rigid and waterproof. Plastic holsters are usually molded for a specific firearm.
While plastic is great for open carry, a rigid holster can be uncomfortable for concealed carry.
A good middle ground between plastic and leather is a synthetic fabric holster. Synthetic fiber isn’t the best for concealed carry since it can be bulky, but it is somewhat flexible.
While these holsters aren’t as easy to maintain as Kydex, they’re still less maintenance than leather. They are also more comfortable than rigid plastic.
The Bottom Line on Choosing a Gun Holster
When you carry a handgun, the right gun holster can be the difference between life and death. Make sure to determine which holster will be best for open versus concealed carry.
Think about what your average day looks like to figure out which carry position will be most comfortable. Finally, choose the holster material that’s best for you.
Check out the rest of our blog to learn more about other fascinating topics!