Choosing a Holster

First thing you will have to consider and decide is what you will be using a holster for? Then where on your person you want to carry your firearm? Holsters are available to place a firearm anywhere around your waist, higher on your chest or under a shoulder even in a pocket or lower down on your ankle.

Holsters for personal protection are designed to help hide the imprint of the firearm through clothing and keep the firearm close to your body. Duty or hunting holsters are worn outside clothing and provide the ability to access your firearm quickly and easily. Competition holsters will set the firearm away form your body to allow full access with your grip hand to establish an adequate grip and a very fast draw and first shot. Some competition holsters don't even look like a holster but more like a bracket that retains your firearm.

The size of your firearm may determine where and what type of holster your will need. Full size semi auto pistols and revolvers are not always comfortable inside your waistband and are best placed on the outside of your belt or under your shoulder against the side of your chest. Smaller carry and compact pistols fit more easily inside your waistband at 4 o'clock or forward as an appendix position. They can be carried in belly band and bra style holsters, as well.

Whatever you decide know that the first holster you buy will not be your last. It takes several to know what feels good, carries your firearm comfortably and works year round with clothing changing with the season. If you know other shooters that have holsters ask them, but take their words with a grain of salt. What works for one person may not be what's best for you. Visit our training page on our website and sign up for "Holster & Basic Carry" class to learn more and have an opportunity to see and try different holsters.

Happy Safe Shooting!