There are many psychological barriers that are easy to forget once someone becomes comfortable carrying a firearm as a defensive tool. Many of us grew up around guns, gun safety, hunting, and family members and friends who carried concealed pistols. But some folks are relatively unfamiliar with guns and face some uneasiness when venturing into the world of concealed carry.
Some of these psychological barriers include navigating the ever-changing world of gun culture, learning the basics, making that first trip to a gun store, choosing their first gun, and taking that first class. Just as each of these barriers has its own challenges, the decision to purchase one’s first holster can be an equally large step.
Finding the right holster for you can be very daunting, especially for someone new to the industry. My hope is to eliminate some of the uneasiness and make it a bit easier to find the right holster.
The Key Three Factors That Every* Holster Should Possess
All holsters should be evaluated on three factors. Each of these is important and if a holster passes all three, it’s safe to proceed.
Cover the Trigger:
The first check is to make sure the holster fully and safely covers the trigger. Whether a firearm has an external mechanical safety or not, modern firearms are discharged by one method: a pull of the trigger. Thus, the first goal of any holster is to fully cover the trigger ensuring that while holstered the firearm’s trigger cannot be pressed. The trigger should be fully covered, and there should be no reasonable way an object can inadvertently contact the trigger.
Firearm Retention:
The second factor is that the holster needs to fully retain the firearm through all levels of normal activity. In other words, the gun should only come out from the holster with deliberate action by the wearer. This retention can be achieved by a firm seating of the gun and/or the addition of retention devices or straps. Retention levels may vary slightly by manufacturer but generally include:
1) a uniform tension fit,
2) Level 1 (some form of mechanical device that locks the gun into place),
3) Level 2 (some form of strap that must be removed before the weapon can be drawn), or
4) Level 3 (or higher: combining level 1 and 2 retentions).
Though it may seem counter-intuitive to purchase a retentionless holster for civilian use, this is the most common type of holster as level 1-3 retention systems are more common on non-concealed duty holsters. The goal is to balance your ability to draw the firearm when needed with relative ease while ensuring that the gun remains in the holster with the trigger covered unless needed.
I will often test new holsters with a cleared gun (or Blue Gun) to see if the holster passes the Dairy Queen Blizzard test. That is, can I turn the holster upside down and provide typical jarring motions of everyday use without the gun falling free? If the gun stays in place, the holster has passed my retention test. If it falls out, the holster has failed. Pretty straightforward.
Holster Retention:
The final factor to examine when determining the safety of a holster is the holster’s retention to the person when drawing the firearm. When a person is intentionally drawing their gun from a holster, the holster needs to retain its position as the firearm is cleared from the holster. For inside-the-waistband and outside-the-waistband holsters, this may also include the addition of a high-quality gun belt that is made to stand up to the strain of having a gun decisively removed from a holster.
No matter the type of carry (attached to a belt, in a purse, around an ankle, or in a pocket), the holster needs to be designed to reliably stay put through the process of drawing the weapon.
Caveat*:
The astute reader may have noticed the “*” after “Every” in the title of this section. This was included intentionally as these three factors are for an optimal holster, especially for a newer shooter. That said, many holsters on the market may not fully ‘pass’ these three criteria. Generally, these deficits can be overcome with awareness and training. For instance, I often carry a sub-compact semi-automatic in a neoprene soft calf holster. I would rate the holster retention as high, the firearm retention as moderate (I am aware it may fail if I am forced to sprint), and the coverage of the trigger as moderate to low (there is only a soft covering over the trigger).
I am aware of these issues and only carry in this manner in business settings (sprinting is highly unlikely, the need for concealment is high, and I carry a firearm with a mechanical safety engaged as the trigger is only softly covered). With proper and consistent training, you become more comfortable in carrying a firearm, and, in turn, more comfortable selecting the “right” holster that works for you.
The All-Important Fourth Factor: Comfort
Comfort is a multifaceted concept that includes clothing choices, personal body style, lifestyle and activity levels, and personal expectations. Holsters might be strong in the first three factors, but if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to use it. Determining what’s “comfortable” is a very personalized process, but if a holster is difficult to attach and or is uncomfortable to wear, you are much more likely to just stop carrying. I find carrying slightly behind the mid-point of my right waist (often called the 4 O’clock position) fits my lifestyle and dress style well. I also like inside-the-waistband holsters with a single clasp that easily attaches to a belt or outside-the-waistband holsters that loop into my belt with two connection points.
However, I have a close friend who hates wearing his holsters at the 4 O’clock position and appendix carries because it’s more comfortable for him. I can’t stand appendix carry, but it goes to show that what works for one person might not work for another. Decide what works for you.
Conclusion
In closing, don’t let a safe but uncomfortable holster prevent you from carrying a firearm. Be ready to try different methods and choose the one right for you. Further, take what the “pros” say with a grain of salt. I have holsters that work for me, and there’s a good chance you won’t end up using the same holster, with the same gun, carried in the same position as I use. That’s okay. Try a few out, but give them their fair chance before you throw in the towel (as long as they’re safe and reliable)!
