We have chatted before on our Instagram and facebook about holsters just a tad. Today we will get into it much more. Quality is more than a name brand. What I mean is, even the most reputable names on the market have less than stellar holsters. Price is not a factor of quality either. Some cheaper holsters will out last some high dollar counterparts out there. please note we will be speaking of holsters for concealed carry rather than competition or just range day, ( though this guideline is just as useful for those days as well). So lets get to it.
First off a holster must fit the firearm. As much as it pains some to hear, but truth is what it is, a universal holster can cause the firearm to shift in the holster potentially compromising your retention system. In my early carry days a buddy and I bought cheaper neoprene IWB holsters with a generic size denotation. While at work my buddy bent forward and out slid his firearm onto the floor. Talk about an "oh shit" moment. So buy a holster that is built for your pistol. Which leads us into our next item, retention.
Basically there is a need to "lock" your firearm in the holster. With kydex it is with pressure along the pistol, usually held in place by the kydex form fitted around the pistol and the retention is adjusted by some type of screw system. Leather can be formed to the body of the pistol, though some are not. Nylon or neoprene usually do not form to the pistol. Retention for both is usually a snap or velcro strap over the rear of the slide. Of course the last two styles of retention are more apt to fail and should be avoided if possible. I personally run a Kydex IWB lower descending colon (appendix for you righties) holster with a belt clip.
Rigid mouth opening. Whether you run OWB or IWB your holster should have an open mouth that does not collapse when the pistol is drawn. Regardless if you look or not when re-holstering, the dangers of a collapsing mouth holster should be self evident especially in IWB. Unless you live under a rock you have read a few accounts of negligent discharges of holstered firearms using one of these "universal" systems. Worn leather or floppy nylon/neoprene could potentially enter the trigger guard pressing the trigger rearward and causing a negligent discharge. Though if not careful even a rigid mouth holster could drag with it pieces of clothing with it.
Of course it should be common knowledge, but it is imperative the holster you choose must cover the trigger guard of the pistol, No matter the position of carry. Yes even pocket carry. Of the stories I have heard, pocket carry has been the most neglected. Even in the pocket you must have a holster that covers the trigger. Dumping a pistol in a pocket or in the waistband without a holster or one of inferior manufacture could lead to N.D.'s. an uncovered trigger guard is out right irresponsible.
Of course depending on how one decides to employ their firearm depends on the type of holster that will be used. For my attempts at competition I run an OWB Safariland injection molded holster with a natural grip release. My EDC holster is a custom Kydex IWB for *ahem* appendix carry. But I have leather and some nylon which are usually kept for leisurely range days when time and speed is not a factor.
I don't know about where you are located but shopping for a good holster here is a real pain. Most of our local shops give you that look when you ask if you can test a holster. There is only one shop here locally that has been more than generous to help you find the right holster. Even though prices are a tad higher it boosts the local economy and drives word of mouth.
Purchasing a holster is just as important as choosing the right firearm for you. It must be thought out and as much research needs to go into it as the firearm that rides in it. Choosing the wrong holster for your chosen activity will become quite evident real fast and if you are like me, if you have no other application for the holster you might have just wasted $50.00 or more for a holster that now resides in the proverbial holster box.
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