HOLSTERS

It’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

by Logan Metesh

Selecting a gun for concealed carry is the most crucial part of the process, but picking the right holster is a very close second. You’ve got to have a solid and safe way to carry your gun; if not, then all the careful consideration you gave to gun selection is irrelevant. There are myriad options to choose from, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed trying to decide on material, carry style, and carry position, to name only three considerations. As a retailer, your job is to help your new CCW customer select a holster that best fits their everyday carry needs. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular materials, styles, and positions for concealed carry holsters to help you get a good grasp on the basics that can help your staff match the customer to the right holster.

Leather Versus Kydex

Leather holsters have been around for hundreds of years; Kydex, a type of thermoplastic, is a relative newcomer. As the tried-and-true material in the holster market, you can’t go wrong with a leather holster. On the whole, leather is a very durable material that holds up well over time. It’s sturdy yet supple and is comfortable to wear. However, leather is more susceptible to moisture, such as sweat and rain, meaning that a user will have to condition it from time to time to keep it in optimal shape for a lifetime of concealed carry.

Kydex is the polar opposite of leather. A rigid plastic-type material, it is formed to the shape of a gun with heat for a perfect fit with a level of durability that will probably outlive us all. It is impervious to moisture, so the user won’t have to worry about the climate, and long-term care is essentially nonexistent. Because it’s a plastic, though, it can be less comfortable to wear; it does not give at all like leather does.

Some holster companies offer hybrid holsters that pair leather backings with Kydex shells to give the best of both worlds. These have become incredibly popular, and for good reason.

Inside Or Outside The Waistband

Inside the waistband (IWB) and outside the waistband (OWB) are the two main methods of holster carry, but don’t feel like you’ve got to limit yourself to one or the other. OWB is generally the more comfortable and easier of the two because the holster doesn’t come into direct contact with the body and you don’t need to make any adjustments to the waist size of your pants. However, you will need a bigger cover garment because the holster will be sitting proud on the waistline.

IWB lends itself to better concealment because the majority of the holster and gun are concealed in your pants. However, this means you’ll need to buy pants that are a few inches bigger in the waist to yet accommodate the holster. You’ll also have to get used to the holster sitting closer to your body, which means you may need to experiment with different positions before you find the one that’s most comfortable.

Shoulders And Ankles

When it comes to shoulder holsters and ankle rigs, those types of holsters might conjure up images of Miami Vice and law enforcement. Don’t let that deter you; they are great options for “regular” people, too.

Shoulder holsters are a good way to get the weight of the gun and spare ammo off of the waistline and distribute it evenly across the shoulders. This kind of setup is a great option for someone who works in a professional setting and has to wear a jacket or suit coat all day long.

Ankle holsters are good for smaller guns such as micro pistols or snub-nose revolvers. They’re also more suited to a backup gun; they are not a primary location of concealment because of how far your ankles are from your arms when standing.

 A rigid plastictype material, such as Kydex, is another popular option. It is formed to the shape of a gun with heat for a perfect fit.

OFF-BODY

Sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where carrying the gun in a holster that is attached somewhere to the body isn’t feasible. This is where off-body holsters come into the picture. There are a number of different types of daypacks, purses, and padfolios that are tailor-made with built-in holsters. These items can be very convenient, but they also require the owner to be vigilant. Because the gun is not literally attached to you at all times, you need to be extra aware of where you’re setting your pack, purse, or padfolio down so that the gun is not inadvertently picked up by someone else or stolen by a neer-do-well.

As you work through the various options, don’t assume that women only want off-body solutions. Stress the fact that whatever holster they choose, it must comfortable to wear. If it’s not comfortable, they won’t wear it. The same (or nearly so) goes for off-body options. Here, the gun must be easily and quickly accessed.

The best kind of concealed carry holster is one that holds the gun securely, is comfortable to wear, is easy to conceal the gun, and easy for the user to draw the gun when needed. The exact kind of holster that does all of the above will vary from person to person, so don’t be afraid to ask the customer about how they intend to carry concealed.

As you and your customer move through this process, bear in mind that picking a concealed-carry holster is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. In fact, there’s probably just as many variables that go into picking a holster as go into picking a concealed-carry gun in the first place.

The simple fact of the matter is that many customers will not own just one concealed carry holster. They’re going to end up experimenting with different holster materials, different carry positions, etc. In fact, they may end up with multiple holsters for the same gun. This is a situation in which all concealed carriers find themselves. The world of holster design and development is ever-changing. When you couple that with the fact that a lifestyle change may require a change in carry methods, it’s easy to see why holsters are rarely a one-and-done proposition. Your best approach is to listen to the customer’s carry needs and then help them figure out what works best for them.