Gun Holsters: A Beginner’s Guide to Firearm Holsters

Gun holsters are a big deal. When you’re outfitting yourself with shooting gear, how you tote your firearm is key. Hip, shoulder, ankle holsters – there’s a whole gamut to pick from.

What matters? A holster that fits well, feels good, and lets you draw with ease.

What is a Gun Holster?

A gun holster is a device that holds and secures a firearm while it’s being carried. Holsters allow a person to easily draw their firearm when needed and keep it safe and secure when not in use. There are many types of holsters available, like hip holsters, shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, and more.

Holsters can be made of materials like leather, nylon, or synthetic materials and are designed to fit different types and sizes of firearms. Holsters can be worn on the body or carried in a bag or purse and are an important accessory for anyone who owns a firearm.

History of Gun Holsters

The history of gun holsters dates back to ancient civilizations, when people carried their weapons in simple sheaths made of leather or other materials. As firearms were invented and became more prevalent, the need for more specialized holsters emerged.

During the American Old West, gunfighters and lawmen often wore holsters on their belts to easily access their firearms.

In the 20th century, military personnel and law enforcement officers began using more specialized holsters to carry their weapons, including shoulder holsters and ankle holsters.

Today, there is a wide variety of holsters available to fit different types of firearms and meet the needs of different gun owners.

Types of Gun Holsters

There are many different types of gun holsters available, including:

• Hip holsters: These holsters are worn on the hip or waistline and can be worn on the front or back side.
• Shoulder holsters: These holsters are worn over the shoulder and can be worn on either side.
• Ankle holsters: These holsters are worn around the ankle, usually on the non-dominant side.
• Thigh holsters: These holsters are worn on the thigh, usually on the non-dominant side.
• Pocket holsters: These holsters are designed to fit in a pocket and are often used for smaller firearms.
• Belly bands: These holsters are worn around the waist and are often used for concealed carry.
• Chest holsters: These holsters are worn on the chest and are often used by hunters or outdoors enthusiasts.
• Backpack holsters: These holsters are designed to be carried in a backpack and are often used by hikers or other outdoor enthusiasts.
• Vehicle holsters: These holsters are designed to be mounted in a vehicle and allow the driver to easily access their firearm while driving.
• Purse holsters: These holsters are designed to be carried in a purse and are often used by women for concealed carry.

There are also many other types of holsters available, each designed to meet the specific needs of different users.

Hip Holsters

Hip holsters are worn on the hip or waistline and can be worn on the front or back side of the waist.

Shoulder holsters, on the other hand, are worn over the shoulder and can be worn on either side. Ankle holsters are worn around the ankle, usually on the non-dominant side. Other types of holsters include thigh holsters, pocket holsters, and belly bands.

Ankle Holsters

Ankle holsters are holsters that are designed to be worn around the ankle, usually on the non-dominant side. Ankle holsters are a popular choice for concealed carry because they allow the wearer to easily access their firearm while keeping it hidden from view.

One of the main benefits of ankle holsters is that they are comfortable to wear, especially for those who spend a lot of time on their feet. They can be worn under pants or socks, and they are often worn with a boot or shoe for additional support and stability.

Ankle holsters are also a good option for those who may not have a lot of room to carry a firearm on their waistline, such as those who wear tight clothing or have a small frame. They can also be a good option for those who want to carry a backup firearm in addition to their primary carry weapon.

However, ankle holsters do have some drawbacks. They can be difficult to access quickly, especially if the wearer is sitting down or in a prone position. They can also be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, especially if the holster is not properly fitted or adjusted.

1. Leather ankle holsters: These holsters are made of leather and are often more durable and long-lasting than other types of ankle holsters.
2. Nylon ankle holsters: These holsters are made of nylon and are often more affordable and lightweight than leather ankle holsters.
3. Elastic ankle holsters: These holsters are made of elastic and are designed to stretch and fit snugly around the ankle.
4. Neoprene ankle holsters: These holsters are made of neoprene and are often more comfortable and breathable than other types of ankle holsters.
5. Ankle cuffs: These holsters are worn around the ankle and are often used by law enforcement officers or military personnel.
6. Ankle wraps: These holsters are worn around the ankle and are often used by hikers or other outdoor enthusiasts.

Choosing a Holster

When choosing a holster, there are a few key factors to consider. Comfort is important because you don’t want a holster that’s too tight or too loose. Accessibility is also crucial because you want to be able to easily draw your firearm when needed. The size of the holster is important too, because you want it to be the right size for your specific firearm. Holsters can be made of materials like leather, nylon, or other materials, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Carry Options

In addition to choosing a holster, you’ll also need to decide how you want to carry your gun. Options include inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), and concealed carry. IWB means carrying your firearm inside the waistband of your pants, often hidden under a shirt or jacket. OWB means carrying your firearm outside the waistband of your pants, often in a holster attached to a belt. Concealed carry means carrying your firearm in a way that is not easily visible to others, which can be achieved with a holster worn inside the waistband, under a shirt or jacket, or in a purse or bag.

Each of these carry options has its own pros and cons. IWB allows for a more concealed carry option, but it can be uncomfortable if the holster digs into your skin or is too tight. OWB is more accessible and easier to draw from, but it may not be as concealable as IWB. Concealed carry allows for ultimate concealment, but it may be harder to access quickly in an emergency situation.

Gun Holster Manufacturing

Gun holster manufacturing involves the production of holsters for firearms. Holsters can be made of materials such as leather, nylon, or other synthetic materials, and they can be designed to fit a variety of different types and sizes of firearms.

The process of gun holster manufacturing typically involves the following steps:

1. Design: The first step in the manufacturing process is to design the holster. This involves creating a prototype or drawing of the holster, taking into account the specific needs and preferences of the user.
2. Materials: The next step is to gather the materials needed to manufacture the holster. This may include leather, nylon, or other synthetic materials, as well as hardware such as clips or snaps.
3. Cutting: Once the materials are gathered, they are cut to the appropriate size and shape using a cutter or laser cutter.
4. Sewing: The cut pieces are then sewn together using a sewing machine or by hand.
5. Assembling: The sewn pieces are then assembled to create the final holster. This may involve attaching hardware such as clips or snaps.
6. Finishing: The final step in the manufacturing process is to finish the holster. This may involve sanding, buffing, or dyeing the holster to give it a polished appearance.

Gun holster manufacturing is a skilled process that requires attention to detail and an understanding of the specific needs and preferences of the user.

Gun Holster Manufacturers & Brands List

• Alien Gear Holsters (Made in America)
• We the People Holsters (Made in USA – Las Vegas, NV)
• CorssBreed Holsters (Made in USA)
• Kimber (Made in USA – Troy, Alabama)
• Blackhawk (Made in USA)
• DeSantis (Made in USA)
• Galco (Made in USA – Phoenix, Arizona)
• Kahr Arms (Made in USA – Worcester, Massachusetts)
• Glock (Made in USA & Austria)
• Bianchi (Made in Mexico)
• Ruger (Made in USA)

More Resources

1. National Rifle Association (NRA) – The NRA provides a wealth of information on gun safety and proper use. They may have articles or guides on choosing and using holsters. They also sell gun holsters.
2. United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) – USCCA offers extensive resources on concealed carry laws, safety information, and gear recommendations.
3. The Well Armed Woman – An excellent resource for women who carry firearms, including advice on various holster types suitable for women.
4. Shooting Illustrated – They offer detailed guides and reviews on firearms, gear, and accessories, including holsters.

Did we cover everything about Gun Holsters?

When it comes down to it, the right holster and carry option for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Consider your level of comfort, accessibility needs, and concealment preferences when making your decision.

Don’t be afraid to try out different holsters and carry options to see what works best for you. And once you’ve chosen your holster, be sure to practice drawing from it to ensure that you’re comfortable and confident in your ability to do so in case of an emergency.

Remember, choosing the right holster and carry option is an important part of being a responsible gun owner.