News from Center Target Sports

Iny Meeny Miny Moe, Which Holster Do I Wear Today?

With the exception of "Which caliber should I use for defense?" "What holster do you recommend?" is the most asked question in our facility. That is a loaded question (no pun intended). Many people are looking for the one holster that fits every occasion. I don't believe such a holster exists.

Conceal carry requires a different set of requirements than open carry or backcountry. Just look at our holster selection. It is growing every week. As best we try, we can't stock every holster for every application. Be aware that we can special order any holster at your request at no extra charge.

The first thing that must be considered is the fit of the holster to the firearm. The firearm must sit in the holster correctly. Not just about right but exactly right. You would be surprised how many people I have seen with improperly fitting holsters.

Many people feel that if a gun is concealed, security devices, such as straps, are unnecessary on a well built holster. In fact, many holster makers do not even offer concealment holsters with thumb-break straps, generally regarded as the lowest level of retention device on a holster.

I believe retention is very important in concealed carry. A holster which has no retention device is only suitable for competition games of some sort. If you are forced to run or get physical or complete strenuous activities your firearm could become loose from your holster. In a scuffle, retaining the firearm is critical.

Belt holsters offer two major considerations. (1.) Just where on the waist do they position the firearm and (2.) whether or not they are worn inside or outside the waistband. Body shape is another consideration. Most women and some men are "short-waisted." As men gain weight they fall into two categories: "apples" and "pears." Pear types may also experience some of the holster frustrations of the average woman. The hips widen driving the grip into the side.

The most common carry position is called the FBI position - on the hip of the gun hand side. This position offers quick access and provides a direct path to the sighting plane. It generally does a good job of tucking the grip area of the gun into the relative hollows of the anatomy of a physically fit male. This position places your gun where you can cover and protect it with your elbow.

The cross-draw position the firearm rests butt forward on the opposite hip and can offer great concealment. The concealment is even greater if the holster is worn behind the hip joint. A downside to this placement is that it requires a long reach to acquire your grip.

The Kidney Position is an exaggeration of the FBI position, moving to the rear. This position enhances concealment for the slim user and will get the firearm out of the armpit or ribcage for the short-waisted among us. The downside here is that it takes more lateral motion to withdraw the firearm from the holster and will likely make your weapon at least somewhat inaccessible when seated. This position may also make sitting a bit uncomfortable.

The Middle or Small of the Back Position (S.O.B.). This position is an extreme version of the kidney position. Yes, it is highly concealable but the downside is that it not only adds to the lateral component of the draw stroke but places the weapon right over the spine. Should you fall onto your back or be pushed up against a wall or solid structure of some sort you now have an opportunity to do serious damage to your spine.

Inside or Outside the Waistband? When the holster is held inside the waistband (IWB), concealment is normally increased in two ways. First, most of the length of the holster is covered by the pants, the upper body garment (shirt, coat, etc.) only has to conceal the portion of the gun projecting above the waist band and the loops holding the holster to the belt. Secondly, the belt goes outboard of the holster, the gun is pressed closer to the body and usually does not appear to project as far to the side.

Some disadvantages of IWB holsters include the requirement for a larger size pant and belt than normal. Women and pears may find the butt of the gun angled too sharply into the ribcage if worn in the FBI position.

With holsters worn outside of the waistband the covering garment has to come lower to cover the entire holster or length of the firearm. You may need a wider belt to stabilize the firearm in the holster. This is particularly true for semiautomatics with heavy, high-capacity magazines which place much of the gun's weight above the waistband.

Paddle holsters are outside the waistband holsters which do not use loops to secure them to a belt. Instead they use a paddle which rides inside the waistband, to which the holster is fastened over the top of the waistband. This last factor tends to make the holster ride fairly high, a potentially undesirable feature for the short-waisted user of one of the larger handguns.

Many woman say they find belt holsters to be most comfortable when worn in the Appendix or Front Cross-draw positions. As mentioned above, this is due to the combination of rounded hips and short waist and their tendency to stick the butt of the weapon into the ribs or the armpits of most women who try to use FBI canted holsters. Most women can easily conceal an IWB holster in this location under a loose, un-tucked shirt or blouse, such as a golf shirt. Such a garment will usually drape from the breasts, giving plenty of cover to the gun.

It's been my experience that no holster will be faster than a belt holster on your gun hand side unless you've already got your hand on the gun when the shooting starts. That being said, there are a variety of holsters that may be considered for various specific purposes. Ankle Holsters are really not a good place for a primary weapon but the ankle is not necessarily a bad location for a backup weapon. This type of holster is accessible when seated, especially if your car's seat belt blocks access to your primary weapon. This type of holster gives you good access to your weapon if you are knocked to the ground on your back and can pull your knees toward your chest as you roll.

Pocket Holsters are not the fastest access for a primary weapon. They will however, most likely work well if you are willing to put in the practice. They offer the greatest range in carry with minimal clothing

Shoulder Holsters offer the CDI (Chicks Dig It) factor but bring with them the disadvantages of a cross-draw along with the fact that it tends not to be as concealable in real life as they are in the movies.

If you carry in a Fanny Pack, you might as well wear a sign that says I'm packing. It's been my experience that most fanny packs of any size conceal a weapon of some sort. Most fanny packs carry the same disadvantages of a front cross-draw with slower access.

Many of you know I am a believer in On-Body carry. However, Off-Body carry like a gun purse may not be a bad option but maintaining control of your firearm may be a concern here. You take on a lot of responsibility when you carry a gun; carry it where you can keep control of it.

Be sure that you can acquire a full firing grip on the handgun while it is still in the holster. If you haven't drawn with a full firing grip you may be forced to shoot without the gun in its proper position in your hand. That translates to misses on target. Make sure that the mouth of the holster is capable of remaining open during a variety of uses. You and your holster both contribute to the ability to re-holster your gun one-handed with your eyes on the threat. This is a crucial gun handling skill which could be impeded by the wrong equipment.

One final consideration. Don't make the mistake of selecting that "Perfect Holster" and then slip it over a belt that offers NO SUPPORT. The holster will only provide you with the safety and security it is designed to when worn on a quality belt. Next time you are in the store, feel the quality and rigidness provided by belts made by companies such as Wilderness Tactical.

In summary, finding the right holster will most likely be frustrating. Most people I know who carry a gun eventually collect a drawer full of holsters. I can't think of anyone that I know that is still using the same holster they first bought when they decided on a firearm to carry. So as you start your quest for the perfect holster bring your gun with you and try a variety of styles and sizes. Our staff is always ready to assist you.