Barracks 616 Beginners Guide to Holster Buying
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We all have experienced the frustration of finding the right holster that fits both your gun, and your lifestyle. Whether you are searching for a holster for concealed carry, on the farm, or for the endless list of other needs and wants, holster buying can be both tedious and time consuming. That's why we at Barracks have set out to provide you an easy way to compare holster types, materials, and more. Here, we will address different types of holsters for different needs by looking at their pros and cons in regards to concealed carry.
To start, here is a key for the common acronyms and terms you may come across or hear at the gun store when looking at holsters:
- OWB: Outside the Waistband - This means that the holster will sit outside of the waistband and will typically secure via a belt
- IWB: Inside the Waistband - This means that the holster will sit inside of the waistband and will typically (but not always) secure via clips or hooks
- AIWB: Appendix Inside the Waistband - A holster that sits inside the waistband and is designed to be carried in the appendix position (typically from 12 o'clock to 2 o'clock)
- Cant: This refers to the angle the holster is molded. This will dictate the angle in which your firearm will sit in the holster
- Level I: This refers to the level of retention on the gun. Level I typically indicates that the gun is held in place by friction of the holster and requires the user to make one step to draw the firearm - in this case, simply pulling up on the firearm.
- Level II: The second level of retention in a holster. Level II typically indicates that the gun is held in place by both the friction of the holster, and another - often mechanical - device or button. Ex: Blackhawk Serpa, Safariland ALS Holsters
- Level III: The third level of retention in a holster. Level III typically indicates that the gun is held in place by the friction of the holster, and two separate devices or buttons. Ex: Safariland ALS/SLS Combo Holsters
Holster Types:
Leather: Leather holsters have been around since the beginning, and for good reason. They look good, are comfortable, and while often molded for one specific gun, can sometimes fit multiple guns of the same type (ie: 1911's, Glock's, ect). When it comes to OWB carry, leather holsters typically excel in regards to comfort. While not a super common occurrence (and I'd like to emphasize that), its worth mentioning that depending on the rigidity of the leather and the quality of the molding, leather holsters have been reported to sometimes "fold" in at the trigger guard, causing the firearm to discharge on re-holster. This however should not scare you away from considering a leather holster. A good quality leather holster from the likes of companies like Bianchi or Galco will do the job just as well as any other quality non-leather type holster. Like any other leather product, leather holsters require more care and can sometimes have a break-in period. While often-times more expensive, a quality leather holster that is cared for can last you a lifetime of average use. Typically, leather holsters can be found in Level I, and Level II retention.
Pros: Comfortable, classic, multiple levels of retention available
Cons: Often expensive, require increased care, can have a break-in period
Nylon: Nylon holsters are generally considered to be and often fill the role of the "universal" type holster. These holsters often fit a range of firearms due to their lower-level (but not necessarily lower quality) of molding. Nylon holsters are typically lightweight and don't break the bank. Because of their minimal profile and ability to conform to objects, Nylon (or similar fabric based holsters) are very popular for pocket carry, small firearms, or for larger firearms where holsters are hard to find (ie: big bore revolvers).
Pros: Affordable, "universal", lightweight
Cons: Typically cheaper materials, difficult to re-holster due to holster "flattening" when not in use
Kydex: What is it? Kydex is a thermo-plastic material that can be easily mold-able with heat. Since its introduction into the holster world, Kydex has taken the industry by storm and fulfills a large portion of the holster market today. Because of its relative ease of manufacturing/molding, Kydex holsters can be found in a plethora of different configurations and gun models. If you are looking for a holster for just your gun, your gun and an extra mag, or your gun, a mag, and a flashlight, someone out there is likely making it. With everyone and their grandma making Kydex products, its hard to narrow down what company you want to go with. What then should you look for when considering kydex? To start, mold lines are important. A kydex holster with distinct mold lines often is a good indicator of a quality product with good retention. Secondly, holster thickness. Depending on your job or what you are looking to get out of the holster, the thickness of the kydex can play a role in holster rigidity, and longevity. Kydex holsters can generally be found in either .06", .08", .093", and .125" thickness. No thickness is better than the other but certain thicknesses will excel at certain tasks better than others. Most consumer-level Kydex holsters will be found in either .06" or .08" Kydex. Thirdly, mounting hardware. Most Kydex holsters will use one of three different mounting solutions - a clip(s), a hook(s), or loop(s). Once again, one mounting system is not better than the other and comes down to personal preference. A clip typically allows greater surface area on the belt thus resulting in less "play" in the holster, while hooks and loops provides a very limited profile which can be advantageous to concealment. Lastly, price. While certainly not always, price can be an indicator of quality when it comes to Kydex holsters. Typically, a kydex holster that is slightly more expensive can indicate a certain level of quality control as most of these kydex companies utilize vacuum forming or CNC machining to manufacture their holsters.
Pros: Large variety, robust, easy re-holstering, all three levels of retention available, can be affordable
Cons: Can be expensive, less comfortable, can get hot/sweaty with IWB carry