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Holsters - The Good, The Bad and How To Judge Them.

VictoryArmsMN

Updated: Feb 1

So - in the world of firearm professionals there is a bit of contention as to what, exactly, is a good holster. There are thousands of them out there on the market and the irony of other professionals immediately shooting each other down for their choices in holsters and how to apply their experiences and opinions on the topic is not lost on me; it happens to every single instructor. And to start the year off right, I'm going to make a very verbose entry regarding holsters, what to look for, and sprinkle in my experiences.


Now, that being said - I do things slightly differently than most internet instructors; I don't just plug a holster because I get a kickback or because I'm a nepo-baby grifter that reinvented the wheel and made my holster line that is essentially the same thing as a thousand others, just in cool colors. I started just like everyone else - I picked what I thought was fun, neat, and sometimes cool - and through years of trying out new and different products found what I liked most and what worked best for me.


So yes; let's first address the elephant in the room - as I've stated in social media posts before - I do what most in the industry call a "bad case of the stupids - disregard anything else they say because they are not a serious professional" and recommend a "crappy-to-ok holster" as a starting point for people AND THEN pick up something of decent quality/repute. (But do be sure to buy their "Grey Man utility Kydex holster with the bespoke leather straps" because it's industry standard, right?)


Meme generated illustrating me sabotaging myself and blaming it on marketing (which I also handle.)
Stick with me; there's purpose to this...

But, what counts as good quality? What makes a good holster, a good holster? Why wouldn't I just start by plugging a good holster?


I've likened finding a good holster to dating because that seems to be the thing everyone can relate to - It's a one-in-a-million chance you are ever going to be a one-and-done person; but if you also don't ever date outside of the circle of people you know, you won't see that there are a plethora of other - possibly better (or worse) - options out there. Your bestie can sit there and tell you about how Greg or Cindy is the absolute bottom of the barrel, but you will simply not listen and find out the hard way.


That's cool; you will generally get an "I told you so" and then life goes on. There are rare exceptions where your choices lead to some hazardous results, but with a little bit of time and hands-on you learn from your experience and do something different; that's human nature.


I also consider human psychology when attempting to teach things; let me tell you that most humans typically don't ever just simply agree with you because you are the "subject matter expert" - humans are REALLY bad at sorting through their internal judgments and biases, even when empirical evidence is presented with the arguments.


After I recommend a starter and you try it for a month or two, hopefully, you still have this list and handy-dandy chart I have here and you try something like a KSG when you want customization and quality. But I won't give you an "I told you so" because my decisions helped me learn the hard way so you don't have to (hopefully.)


So with that, let's explain different holster types and styles.

 

Let's Start With Style


And by style, I mean the style of carry - there are holsters for Inside the Waistband (IWB), Outside the Waistband (OWB), shoulder holsters, pocket holsters, belly bands, fanny packs, messenger bags, cars, homes, major appliances - there's so many different ways of carrying a gun outside of just sliding that thing in your pocket and going about your day.


Typically the main holsters you are going to deal with are subsets of on-body or off-body carry, so let's start there.

 
People in beige uniforms stand in an office. One holding a yellow mug  has their firearm/holster upside down with the muzzle pointed up and forward instead of down.
On-Body Carry (Not a good setup)

This is what most people reference when they talk about a "holster" - one that is somehow attached to your personage, typically it is on a belt, on an underarm strap, etc.

The firearm is close to your body and somehow the holster is physically attached to your attire.


Pros:

  • More direct control of the weapon

  • Faster access and draw

  • Lower risk of weapon being stolen

  • More consistent positioning

  • Better retention during physical movement


Cons:

  • Can potentially be less comfortable

  • May require specific clothing choices

  • Potential printing/visibility of weapon

  • Some positions might impede long-term sitting/movement

 
Person in a dark shirt holds an open gray chest bag displaying an tourniquet, scissors, and handgun in a holster.
Off-Body Carry (The modern fanny pack)

This is when the firearm and/or holster is attached to something like a backpack, fanny pack, purse, briefcase, etc. and THAT item is attached to your body either by merit of you carrying it around, or a strap of some kind.


The firearm is still close to your body but the holster part is attached to some sort of additional clothing article or item. My best example is my 5.11 laptop bag; it has an internal pocket on the body side where you could attach a holster and it stays contained within the zipper pocket. (I don't use it for that, it's relatively inconvenient when the things chockablock full.)


Pros:

  • More concealment options

  • Can use with varied clothing styles

  • Potentially more comfortable

  • Easier to carry larger firearms


Cons:

  • Slower draw time and awkward draw angles

  • Higher risk of the weapon being separated from the carrier

  • Less immediate control

  • Greater potential for unauthorized access

  • Higher chance of the weapon being forgotten or stolen


These appeal to the busy on-the-go socialite because they allow for more outfit options, but also increase risks.

 

Position Is Everything


Once you start digging into holster positions, people will begin referring to things like "strong side 3 o'clock carry" or "6 o'clock carry" and that's probably the easiest way to explain positioning to people; using the clock method to describe holster positioning on the body (if typically assumed you are a right-hand dominant person) will read something like this:


12 o'clock: Centered at the front of the body, directly over the belt buckle

1-2 o'clock: Appendix carry (AIWB) - front right side

3 o'clock: Strong-side hip, directly on the side

4-5 o'clock: Behind the hip on the strong side

6 o'clock: Small of the back

7-8 o'clock: Behind the hip on the weak side

9 o'clock: Directly on the weak side hip


Simple black and white hand-drawn clock reads 12:00 on a white background.
You are in the middle, facing noon.

Professional Notes:

  • Most people typically prefer 3-4 o'clock strong-side hip carry for comfort.

  • Appendix carry (1-2 o'clock) offers a fast draw and the most control over the firearm but requires careful holster selection.

  • Small of the back (6 o'clock) is popular but can be uncomfortable when seated and does risk spinal injury in a fall. Also provides very limited control/handling of the firearm.

  • Positioning can/will depend on body type, clothing, and personal comfort.

  • Proper holster retention and trigger coverage are critical for safety in any position.

 

Materials - Not All Holsters Are Created Equally


OK, now that you know some basics, let's start tackling some of the more important aspects; what the holster is made of. You have everything from nylon and leather to injection-formed plastics or a combo of all of the above. (This is not an all-inclusive pros/cons list, but an amalgamation of a lot of the common considerations and talking points.)

 

Pros:

Revolver with a white handle lies on a wooden surface alongside a leather belt with cartridge loops.
Leather Holster
  • The most traditional material

  • Breaks in and molds to the firearm after extended use

  • Can be contemporary and traditional

Cons:

 
UTG black polyester holster with strap and snap button on a white background.
Nylon Holster

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Inexpensive

  • Flexible

  • Can typically be ambidextrous due to velcro fittings


Cons:

  • Less structure

  • Velcro fittings

  • Lower durability

  • Less precise fit

  • Often used in budget/universal holsters

 
Black handgun, magazine, and carbon fiber-patterned holster on a white background.
Kydex Holster

Pros:

  • Rigid

  • Extremely durable

  • Precise weapon fit

  • Excellent retention

  • Minimal maintenance

  • Lightweight

  • Resistant to moisture

Cons:

  • Can be loud*

    *That "chunking" sound of the rigid points of retention releasing the firearm on draw and sliding in/out

  • Can be uncomfortable due to rigidity

  • Can wear on your firearm if you consistently practice draws/re-holstering

 
Tan handgun in black carbon-fiber & leather holster on textured dark surface.
Hybrid Holster

Pros:

  • Combines materials such as leather backing with Kydex outer-facing shell

  • Offers comfort and retention

  • Provides breathability

  • More leniency in fit

Cons:

  • Complexity of material combination can lead to higher costs

  • Durability can vary depending on the combination used

  • Backing can loose rigidity over time

 
A black plastic holster with belt attachment on a white background.
Injection-molded Polymer (plastic)

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Durable

  • Moisture resistant

  • Low maintenance

Precise molding


Cons:

  • Design flaws can potentially cause unintended discharges of the firearm

  • Depending on retention mechanics, can easily be defeated


*Note Blackhawk or Safariland are the big names you hear about, but these are typically the majority of holsters you find on Amazon and the like due to how easy it is to manufacture them

 
A black handgun mostly encased in a speckled gray silicone-coated holster on a white background.
Silicone-coated holster

Pros:

  • Flexible

  • Good for minimalist designs


Cons:

  • Less rigid structure

  • Limited retention capabilities

  • Holster materials can still be cheap quality


*Note - the holster itself is not made of silicone, the outside (typically a fabric holster) is coated in some proprietary blend of rubber/silicone to ensure it doesn't just slide around. The inside is still simply a nylon/fabric holster.

 

What's The Deal With Clips?


No, not magazines. We use the proper terminology here.


We are talking about belt clips. Specifically belt clips on holsters. There are most likely many variations of the below examples, but these are the most common.


So, as with holsters, there's a plethora of ways to attach the thing to your person. They all make sense, with some context, but that doesn't mean they are all built for what you need them to do... Sure, they might all technically hold the holster in place, but do they give you an easy time of it without compromising on things like safety? Or are they built for a civilian-style carry option? Or is it just "tacticool" to flex on the normies?

 
Black plastic adjustable mount with visible screws and holes, against a white background.
Belt Loop

Pros:

  • Low profile

  • Standard universal design

  • Often inexpensive

Cons:

  • Varying width/thickness options

  • Typically only for use with outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters

  • Typically found in use with "duty belts" (belts that are thicker-than-standard civilian belts)

  • Requires the removal of the belt to take the holster off

 
Black plastic belt clip with screws on a white background.
Paddle Clip

Pros:

  • Easy to take on/off without removing the belt

  • May distribute the weight of the holster across a larger area

Cons:

  • May not conceal as well due to larger profile

  • Due to open design, may shift/completely disengage from belt during wear/activity

 
Close-up of a black carbon-fiber holster with a belt clip and screws on a white background.
The FOMI (fold-over) Clip

Pros:

  • Basic design - large plastic clip

  • Easy to attach and remove

  • Minimal printing


Cons:

  • Higher risk of holster detachment due to being configured for thicker belts

  • Less durability compared to metal/reinforced clips

  • Not ideal for aggressive movement/physical activity


 
Two black plastic clips on a white background. They have a rounded end, and the other clearly shows an open loop design.
Low-Profile C-Clip

Pros:

  • Typically two clips instead of one - helps distribute weight and retention

  • Adjustable height on some holsters

Cons:

  • Typically plastic, but can be metal

  • Must be used in a pair

  • Open-ended design, so potential to disengage from belt always present

 
Two black plastic clips on a white background, side profile clearly shows the open J-shape.
The (underhook) J-Clip

Pros:

  • By placing the clip body behind the belt, is more discreet than the C-Clip

  • Can be adjustable depending on holster attachment method

  • Used primarily with inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters

Cons:

  • Puts weight on pants versus the belt

  • Tends to want to pull down with heavier guns & weaker waistbands/belts

 
Close-up of a black carbon fiber holster with two fabric snaps and a textured pattern on a white background.
Soft Loop Clips

Pros:

  • Loops slide around the entire belt and use a snap to secure - making it easy to attach / remove

  • Snaps typically have to be attached/detached at a certain angle, otherwise they stay secured

Cons:

  • Snaps can become deformed if impacted or force-fit

  • Typically a non-standard upgrade for most holster companies

  • Snaps may wear out over time and will need to be replaced

 
Clip set on light wood background includes a black metal Ulticlip, six washers, and a plastic bag with printed product information.
The Ulti-Clip

Pros:

  • Metal clips versus plastic

  • Can attach to different clothing layers

  • More secure than standard C/J clips

  • Minimal printing


Cons:

  • Might require specific holsters / fittings for compatibility

  • Can be more complex to attach/detach

  • Learning curve for proper positioning

 

What Makes A Good Concealed Carry Holster?


So now that we've knocked out the technical side of things, let's get into some actual criteria for what IS a good holster.


*Note - these are MY criteria based on MY opinions from MY experiences and hands-on trials of holsters and in no real particular order. These may not be YOUR most important factors, or even a consideration for you when you look to purchase one; you might just grab the first thing you find and deal with the "good enough" approach, but do remember that if you make the lifestyle choice to carry every day you should look for optimization and growth.


 

Here is a relatively uncomplicated matrix you can use to gauge whether or not a holster is "good" or "bad" objectively. The more items the holster hits on the high end, the better. Or if you go into it expecting it to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it falls short - easy assessment. (We will use this in Part 2 for an example.) See below for a breakdown of each of these criteria.


Fails Expectations

Below Expectations

Neutral

Meets Expectations

Beats Expectations

Safety






Retention






Comfort






Adjustability






Concealability






Ease of Use






Quality






Cost






 

Safety

Safety is critical when you are strapping a potentially dangerous device to your body for extended periods - how well the device is protected from the outside world is just as important as making sure it won't be set off when you are fishing around in your pocket for your keys.


  • Trigger Protection: Must have complete trigger mechanism coverage

  • Retention Mechanisms: Prevents accidental holster disengagement/maximizes retention while the firearm is in the holster

  • Mechanical Integrity: Ensure stable firearm positioning - no excessive wiggling & jiggling once secured in the holster

  • Fit Precision: Confirm holster matches specific firearm specifications - no holsters that have extra room for lights or optics when you don't have them attached


*Please note that if you are testing safety, you should NEVER test it with a loaded and live firearm - make sure it is empty and safe for handling if you feel like you have to insist on a drop test or anything of that nature.


Retention

The retention capability of the holster directly impacts both safety and ease of use aspects when it comes to whether or not it can/should be used on a daily for proper concealed carry.


Probably one of the most important factors; if you go for your gun and it isn't there, what good is it?


  • Secure Fit: Ensure proper retention while in the holster - minimal, if any, slop (unnecessary movement) when it's riding in the holster.

  • Retention Level Customization: Ability to adjust retention features to personal requirements

  • Draw Consistency: Verify smooth, predictable, and consistent firearm retrieval.

  • Security Against Unauthorized Access: Prevent potential access by anyone other than yourself (on-body carry assists with keeping the firearm closer to you)


Comfort

Comfort is a basic (but very important) concern for daily, consistent concealed carry. Most of it is contextualized with either the holster or the firearm being positioned where it's going to potentially provide discomfort during long-term use.


  • Positional Comfort: Comfortable from multiple body positions - sitting, standing, bending, etc.

  • "Pinch Points": Identify potential areas of irritation or discomfort

  • Ergonomic Features: Evaluate padding, rounded edges, and materials that will come in contact with body (skin or even undershirts that won't provide much padding)

  • Extended Wear Performance: Determine if the holster becomes unnoticeable during prolonged use or if it starts poking, chafing, rubbing, etc.


Concealability

Concealability regards the entire primary holster function; how well does it keep the firearm from printing - what about while bending, stretching, running, working, exercising, wrangling kids, etc?


  • Body Compatibility: Consider how the holster integrates with your physique and typical daily movements

  • Positioning Versatility: Adjustment capabilities for gun cant (how the gun rides in the holster - zero cant is straight up and down, positive cant is the grip angled towards your front while negative cant angles the grip towards your rear), ride angle,

  • Movement Accommodation: Test concealment during various physical activities including walking, sitting, bending, and reaching

  • Garment Interaction: Determine how different clothing styles impact concealment


Quality

Material selection and construction quality can directly influence holster performance.


  • Material Durability: Assess material type (cowhide vs horsehide/plastic vs kydex, etc.)

  • Construction Methodology: Evaluate stitching, grommets, rivets, seams, tabs, etc. and overall craftsmanship - no flash lines, no bubbles in plastics, quality of stitched seams, etc.

  • Hardware Quality: Examine components for overall strength and options like corrosion resistance for metal components that may come in contact with sweat


Adjustability

Adjustability is just that - how easy is it to change how the holster rides on your person? Can you adjust the draw angle of the firearm? Can you adjust the ride height? Does it come with the little feet that help adjust how much the grip pushes in towards the body?


  • Ease of Attachment/Detachment: Convenient daily usage

  • Weight and Profile: Consider holster's physical characteristics are in line with your wardrobe, daily life, etc, and will not require significant changes in one/other

  • Positioning Adjustments: Cant, ride height, retention, and pitch modifications

  • Attachment Variety: Offer multiple clips, hooks, loops, etc.


Ease of Use

Not only should the mechanism used to keep the firearm in place be simple, but it should also attach to your person simply and be able to stay where it needs to stay or be adjusted easily if you need to customize ride height, cant, etc.


  • Draw Speed: Assess one-handed drawing capabilities

  • Positional Accessibility: Test retrieval across different body positions (counts for both if the holster can be placed in multiple configurations, and if it's as easy to draw while sitting versus standing, etc.)

  • Reholstering Mechanics: Smooth, clean replacement into holster

  • Restroom Accessibility: Facilitates safe & discrete management (without leaving it on the back of the toilet or the paper dispenser when sitting down)

  • Minimal Disruption: Prevent significant clothing fussing every time you do any activity


Cost

Let's talk "investments" for a minute; yes - you are going to spend money on something that typically isn't cheap (unless it's the Amazon special or an Uncle Mikes, but do try to just avoid those) and user ratings aren't always indicative of the quality of the product. So what do you measure off of?


  • Market Comparison: Why does this holster, which looks like 15 other ones on the market stand out to ME? What draws my attention to it over the others?

  • Warranty Features: Limited warranty, lifetime warranty, lifetime parts replacements? Any sort of customer service over the initial purchase should be considered.

  • Potential Repair/Replacement Options: Even if they won't replace "wear and tear" how easy is it to purchase a new set of clips? Or what if a belt loop snaps - how easy is it to repair versus just buying a new one? Will it be just as good as it was? Are those parts always "out of stock" on their website?

  • Long-Term Value: Bang for your buck - do you plan on using it briefly, is it for a specific use case or is it something you are actively going to apply to daily use? A 150$ holster you are only ever going to use when you travel to Kentucky because of state requirements or whatever; is it worth it? What other options might you have that can be used more than once or twice a year?

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