How to Choose a Pistol Holster
Pistol holsters are typically designed to provide a safe and secure means of carrying a pistol. Hunters, law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians often use holsters to carry pistols on a routine basis. A wide variety of holsters can be obtained from sporting goods and gun shops made from materials including plastic polymers, leather and nylon. Choosing a holster requires that the pistol owner consider various options to select a holster that best fits his or her needs.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine if the pistol holster will be used for open or concealed carry purposes. Concealed carry holsters are designed differently from open. Typically, concealed carry laws do not allow for any part of the holster or gun to be visible.
-
2
Select a holster that provides a secure fit for the gun while at the same time allowing for access based on personal preference. Try the fit of the pistol, if possible, before buying to make sure the gun is held in place and there are no rub points to cause damage.
-
-
3
Select a restraint system such as a strap or pressure restraint based on personal preference. Choose a strap that fits across the pistol and is secured by a snap, for example, or a holster that fits tightly and uses pressure to hold the gun in place securely until drawn.
-
4
Determine the material for the holster based on personal preference and the conditions in which the pistol will be carried. Nylon, for example, is typically lighter in weight than leather and is easy to clean while leather is more durable overall but can be affected by moisture and humidity.
-
5
Select a method for how the holster will be carried. Choose from belt attachment, inside the pants paddle, ankle holster and shoulder holster models. Also consider how the pistol will ride or the angle at which it sits in the holster. Choose a holster such as a plastic polymer model that allows for changing the carry position of the pistol while in the holster.
-
6
Choose holsters that are designed to accommodate mounted accessories, including scopes and lasers. Hunters and law enforcement officers can often use scopes or laser sights attached to pistols on a regular basis. Select a holster that is designed to accommodate and protect the pistol as well as the accessory.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose a holster that is period specific when dealing with antique firearms. Look for leather holsters made to resemble period holsters to match the pistol being carried.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
