Guide to Choosing a Holster

Looking to a buy a holster but you are overwhelmed with all the options?

What you carry, how you will carry it and what you are wearing are all things to consider when deciding on a holster.

When there is no one-holster-fits-all solution, this guide can help you narrow down your choices. Here are some acronyms and terms you will come across when purchasing a holster:

AIWB – Appendix inside the waistband

IWB – Inside the waistband

OWB – Outside the waistband

PRINTING – Outline of gun protruding from under cover garment

CLAW – Also called wing or wedge – holster attachment that pushes the grip close to the body

RIDE HEIGHT (or drop) – Holster height above or below belt line

CANT – Holster tilt – either forward or rearward

Composition of Holsters:

KYDEX (or polymer) – Won't collapse when gun is drawn. There will be a positive "click" when the gun is holstered.

LEATHER – Will relax over time and collapse when gun is drawn. Kydex with leather backing is more comfortable than an all kydex holster and won't collapse when gun is drawn.

FABRIC (Bellybands) – Collapses when gun is drawn. Can add a Velcro backed kydex holster to prevent the holster from collapsing. Convenient when not wearing jeans.

Holster Safety:

• Trigger guard MUST be covered while holstered – even during pocket carry
• Isolated pocket for your firearm while using off body options
• Fabric has no retention

Active and passive retention

There are two types of holster retention: active and passive. In active retention, the holster may have one or multiple locking mechanisms that you have to manually deactivate to perform the draw stroke. This can be a thumb break, a lever, a rotating hood, or a combination. When you deactivate the locking mechanism, the gun is free. These types of retention systems are highly beneficial for open carry when a potential assailant knows that you're armed. It, however, complicates the stroke.

IWB holsters often use passive retention where possible. Passive retention involves a close-tolerance fit between the firearm and the inside of the holster, relying on friction to retain the weapon and resist upward movement.

Leather holsters molded to the firearm can provide excellent retention; however, as the leather wears, this tight fit may become looser over time.

Retention levels:

Level 1–

Kydex uses friction for retention – passive

Leather / Nylon – uses strap or thumb break

*Must pass upside-down test - gun will not fall out of your holster when turned upside down.

Level 2–  

Kydex – a mechanical system (active retention) that locks the gun into place: Trigger guards, locks, hoods,  thumb break – a retention that needs to be deactivated with fingers prior to drawing

Leather / nylon – 2 retention devices need to be deactivated: thumb break & button press

Level 3 –

Kydex – 2 actions are needed for access – a thumb break (or hood) released and a lock release from trigger guard or ejection port. Usually for military or law enforcement use.

BUY QUALITY BELT & HOLSTERS and your firearm won't fall out.

Clothing options

• Layering Pieces: Unbuttoned flannels, structured blazers, and utility vests disrupt the distinct silhouette of a firearm, a problem known as "printing"
• Asymmetrical and Patterned Tops: Ruched fabrics, peplum cuts, and busy geometric patterns visually camouflage any hard edges or protrusions near the waistline.
• Sturdy Bottoms: Higher rise denim jeans provide the rigid structure needed to support the weight of a firearm without sagging.
• Sturdy Belts: Rigid ccw belts or heavy duty leather belts will help keep your holster in place as your jeans waistband relaxes during the day.

Here is an article I wrote for women on choosing the right carry method. Some of this would apply to you guys as well.

Since most ranges do not allow holster draw – DRYFIRE, DRYFIRE, DRYFIRE! You can never practice accessing your gun too many times – especially if your carry position changes with your wardrobe.

Not sure how to dryfire? Read this article to get started.

Also, it is highly recommended to seek out professional training for concealed carrying in your state.