Chances are, you’ve been excited to pick out your first holster since before your concealed carry class. You’ve probably perused all the options and settled on a major brand, like Desantis holsters. Before you make that purchase, note that picking out the perfect holster is difficult.
Getting the wrong one can mean that you end up with something floppy that doesn’t meet holster retention standards. Fortunately, you can take a minute to learn more about these necessary accessories so you can choose the right one.
Table of Contents
Angle
Before you start carrying a firearm, you must think about where you are going to wear it. The most common location is just behind the hip on your strong side. When it is in this location, you must be sure to set yourself up for success by situating the draw angle, so it is perfect. To do this, you need to take some time to brush up on your vocabulary and learn more about cant, rake, and drop.
Fit
Before you even begin carrying, understand that you will go through a certain acclimation period. While having a firearm at your hip is comforting, it is not comfortable. You are going to be reminded that it is there. That said, getting the right holster will block the hard edges of the firearm from rubbing against you, which will make the experience much more enjoyable. Look for a fit that keeps all parts of your weapon off your skin and fits against your hip.
Materials
Leather holsters are thick and heavy, like a western saddle’s material, although they look cool and last forever. These are generally laid out and formed specifically for your firearm. The edges are then sewed together and glued shut.
However, Kydex and other synthetic materials are other options. These come in varying weights and thicknesses, so you can find exactly what you are looking for. Unfortunately, they are bolted together, so they don’t look as cool as a hand-sewn leather holster.
Types
Most of the time, you should go with an inside-the-waistband holster. Your second-best choice is an outside-the-waistband holster under a cover garment. There are also more advanced options. For instance, you can try an appendix, cross-draw, or shoulder holster. However, your go-to will likely be an inside-the-waistband belt holster.
Before choosing a holster, take the time to find the right option for you. Obviously, you don’t want to go with the cheapest one on the market. But, at the same time, you don’t need the most expensive one either. Instead, think about the features you want. Consider your needs and make a good plan for purchasing a holster. This will help you find an excellent fit.
