Picking the best concealed carry holster is as important as choosing the right gun. Much of your selection will depend on personal preferences, but there is some general advice you should consider too.
A concealed carry holster is a handgun holster that you can hide under your clothes. It differs from a regular holster that might sit on your hip, because its design helps it remain out of sight until you need the firearm. These items come in various styles and materials, so you should consider every aspect of them before purchasing. One key attribute is to keep you and others safe, for example, so that should be top of mind when making your choice.
This guide will take you through some basic information on conceled carry holsters and examine how you can select the best one for carrying your handgun.
The Purpose of a Concealed Carry Holster
It might seem like the reason for needing a concealed carry holster is simply to hold your firearm. There’s more to it, though, considering the essential safety purposes of keeping your gun secure and ensuring that it’s accessible when necessary. The following info delves deeper into the jobs of a concealed carry holster:
Securing the Handgun
The first thing your holster does is to always keep your handgun in your possession. These devices use a combination of friction, pressure, and shape molding to prevent the weapon from slipping out of your control. You can test your holster’s ability to hold onto your firearm by giving it a good shake, with an unloaded handgun and away from your body, and seeing if the weapon comes free.
Protecting Its Trigger
The second purpose of a concealed carry holster is to protect the gun’s trigger. Firearms don’t discharge unless someone pulls the trigger, so investing in a holster that covers the trigger and prevents fingers or other objects from triggering the weapon is an excellent way to stay safe.
Allowing You to Draw Quickly
A final purpose of a concealed carry holster involves permitting you to draw your gun and get it into a firing position quickly. You could be under duress as you attempt to draw your weapon, so the holster should allow you to intuitively and safely remove the handgun with one hand to protect yourself. A concealed carry holster also ensures the gun is pointing in the right direction when you draw it, unlike when carrying it in a bag.
Weighing all these factors can assist you in selecting the best one for your situation. There are other aspects to think about too, all of which come together to help you make the best choice.
7 Things to Consider When Buying a Concealed Carry Holster
Buying a concealed carry holster is a significant step toward keeping yourself protected. You’ll want to carefully go through a few different options and select the one that provides you with the best attributes.
1. Ability to Conceal
The most important thing to consider when selecting a holster is its ability to keep concealed. It doesn’t make much sense to buy one that doesn’t stay concealed on an accessible part of your body. Failing to keep your firearm hidden could lead to people calling the police when they see a weapon, which you want to avoid.
2. Comfortable Level
Another important aspect of selecting a holster is making sure it feels comfortable on your body. Buying a device that isn’t comfortable could tempt you to leave it at home, meaning you’ll be unprotected if you end up in a confrontation.
3. Quality
The quality of the production is vital when selecting a holster. You’ll see a significant difference in the quality of the materials used between manufacturers, making it advisable to shop around. It’s always a good idea to go with high-quality artisanship and materials because it could be the difference between life and death.
4. Retention Ability
A holster’s retention ability pertains to how well it holds the gun on your body. You could end up in a sudden physical conflict, and you want your firearm to stay in place before you safely remove it from the holster to deescalate the situation.
5. Safety
The device’s safety features should be a primary consideration. Its trigger guard is one crucial aspect, but you should also ensure that no materials interfere with the guard and that the holster can’t disengage the safety. It’s advisable to examine whether the draw stroke from the holster endangers you as well.
6. Re-holstering
Verify that the holster’s mouth stays open when the gun is out. This feature allows you to reholster it with one hand, keeping your other arm free to handle different tasks, depending on the situation.
7. Local Laws
Learn your state’s laws on concealed carry firearms to avoid ending up in trouble. You might need a concealed carry permit or some additional training before bringing your gun with you in one of these holsters.
You’ll want to test your concealed carry holster before buying it to ensure you can draw it quickly and it fits you correctly. It’s also worth mentioning again that you should learn about local concealed carry licensing requirements so you don’t end up breaking the law with your firearm.
Get Concealed Carry Training
Receiving state-approved concealed carry training could be an essential part of the licensing process and is something to consider before buying your concealed carry holster. This training and certification keep you safe while carrying your firearm and maintain your compliance with local laws.
Concealed Coalition provides concealed carry training and certification for gun owners all over the country. Our training, in combination with the proper documentation, allows you to apply for licensing in your state without any trouble. Contact us for more information on your concealed carry educational needs.
