Choosing a Handgun Holster

Gun holsters: what is the best? Many new shooters ask this question, but there is no objective answer because it’s a personal choice for each shooter. PDN Contributor Deryck Poole has some guidelines and several gun holsters to examine.

Four Criteria

There are four criteria for selecting a defensive handgun holster. First, select a holster that completely covers the trigger of the firearm. You don’t want anything to get into the trigger guard area and accidentally discharge the firearm while it’s holstered.

Second, the holster should be designed for the firearm you’re carrying. When you insert the gun into the holster, you should get a good positive retention. The holster should be made to fit your make and model of handgun and allow you to get a full firing grip while the gun is still fully in the holster.

Third, select a holster that securely holds the firearm. You don’t want the firearm to move around or potentially come out of the holster unless you’re drawing it.

Lastly, the holster should retain its position on your body. The holster should stay in place—you should not have to adjust it because it’s moved as a result of your regular daily activities. This is especially important for concealed-carry holders.

Keeping these four criteria in mind, Deryck looks at some specific gun holsters.

Leather

If you’re looking at all-leather gun holsters, choose one that is designed for your specific handgun. Deryck shows an all-leather pocket holster that meets all four criteria.

Kydex

All-kydex gun holsters are popular. Kydex is a manmade material. When you hear a solid “click” sound when inserting the gun into the holster, you know the holster is doing its job of retaining the firearm.

Hybrid Leather/Kydex

Gun holsters with a leather backing and kydex front are very popular too. Many IWB carriers like the feel of leather against their body as opposed to plastic, especially in the heat of the summer.

Deryck also demonstrates the different types of clips that come on gun holsters to lock them into place on the body and much more.