How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Holster
Shopping for the right concealed holster can be hard. With many different holster brands out there, how do you know which one is right for you? The worst thing that can happen when choosing a concealed carry holster is you pick the wrong one, and then you never wear it, always leaving your gun at home. That defeats the purpose of carrying concealed for protection.
There are many factors that go into finding the right concealed carry holster for you, and some CCW holsters may miss the mark. This article explains the factors to consider when buying a holster and tips for ensuring you choose the best one for you.
Comfort Is Key
Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a holster. If your holster isn’t comfortable, you won’t use it — and this is a common occurrence. With people shopping on the internet now more than ever, it can be hard to find the right holster without trying it on.
It’s a good idea to try your gun in a holster and try wearing it for a day while you’re working and driving. Whether your job involves moving or sitting, that will help you see if it works for you.
Clearly, most stores and online retailers aren’t going to let you try it before you buy it. So just make sure they have a return policy in case the one you choose doesn’t work. You can even borrow a friend’s holster to try.
Concealment — OWB vs. IWB Holsters
Of course, concealment is important when you’re looking for a concealed carry holster. Do you want a holster that sits outside the waistband (OWB) or inside the waistband (IWB)?
For some people, you need both because you may need an OWB holster for range day. Since these holsters are for two different purposes, you need to evaluate them differently. They may share similar features, but they are different since one holster is meant to be worn concealed.
Another affordable option is a high-riding OWB Belt Slide holster that’s easier to conceal, too.
When you’re evaluating a concealed holster, one vital feature is adjustability. You want to be able to move your holster to a height and angle that makes it blend in with your clothes and body. Another feature to look for is the material it’s made from. Certain materials mold tighter to your firearm so it doesn’t add much bulk while other holsters stick out more.
Buy High-Quality CCW Holsters Here
Aryia J/Shuttertock.com
Stick to Your Budget
No matter what your price range is, make sure you stick to it. Luckily, good holsters don’t cost a fortune. But know your budget and pick a holster that has the features you need in your price range. A quality holster is important, but you don’t have to break the bank.
You also need to determine if you need two holsters or one. Do you need an IWB holster for every day but an OWB holster for the range? If you need two, that factors heavily into your budget. You may also find two-holster bundle deals at certain stores so you can get both holsters.
Straight 8 Photography/Shutterstock.com
Retention and Ease of Draw
Retention and ease of draw are two important things to consider when you’re buying a concealed holster. The perfect holster molds to your gun and secures it while still allowing you to draw it easily. While you probably shouldn’t do cartwheels wearing your gun, the holster should keep your gun in place while you’re running. If you need to hold onto it while you run, you’re going to give yourself away.
But on the flip side, you don’t want a holster that grips so well that you can’t draw it out of your holster quickly and smoothly. Seconds count when you’re drawing your weapon, so you don’t want to fight your holster to get your gun out.
Consider these factors and characteristics when looking for the perfect concealed holster for your firearm. As you can see, there are many elements that go into finding the right concealed carry holster. So, it’s important to actually wear your holster doing the normal activities you do every day to make sure it fits. Plus, you want to make sure the holster retains your gun, but lets you draw it easily.
Or you can skip the hassle and use the LAPG holster finder to pick the right one for you.
