How to Find the Perfect Gun Holster for You

There are many types of holsters and they all have different advantages and disadvantages. Three things you cannot compromise on are accessibility, comfort, and durability. You need these elements to be both safe and effective.

Don’t settle for a holster that is not going to give you the best chance of successfully defending yourself against an attacker. With all the holsters on the market today, it can be difficult to understand what really separates one from the other.

At Incognito Concealment, we make holsters that stand apart from the competition in quality, durability, and efficiency. Our holsters come with a lifetime warranty so you won’t have to worry about replacing your new investment.

Things to Consider 

You need to determine what it is you want or need. Is concealment your top priority or is comfort? IWB holsters are the best type of concealed carry holsters. OWB and paddle holsters provide more comfort, but require a little more effort to be fully concealed.

Gun Size

If you already own a firearm, this may determine what kind of holster works best for your needs. If you own a compact or subcompact pistol, you can usually use OWB and paddle holsters for concealed carry purposes.

If you own a full-sized pistol, you may need to experiment with garments to ensure it’s concealed with an OWB or paddle holster, since the long barrel and wider profile are likely to stick out under shirts and jackets. However, full-sized pistols can also be uncomfortable to carry in an IWB holster.

For these reasons, full-size frames are best for open carry, while compact and subcompact pistols are the most versatile for most styles of holsters and body types.

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Holster Material

The material your holster is made from is important. Holster materials vary from leather to nylon to Kydex. Most leather holsters become deformed and lose their structure with time and use. They also tend to retain moisture and sweat, instead of repelling it, which can cause corrosive damage to your handgun over time.

Leather also requires more attention and maintenance than a  Kydex holster, including a break-in period and extended dry-out times after long periods of wear.

Leather can present safety issues as it wears down. Your gun might get stuck or caught on part of the leather. The trigger guard might not be as protected as it was initially when the material loses its rigid structure.

With a Kydex holster, you never have to worry about it collapsing or losing its shape. The trigger guard is always protected even from external forces like somebody bumping into you. This durable thermoplastic also repels moisture, keeping your gun clean and dry.

Holster Retention

A snug fit is important because you cannot afford for your gun to fall out or become loose while in your holster. However, it also can’t be so tight that your firearm is inaccessible.

Holster designs that have a retention strap may seem like a great choice at first; however, a retention strap usually means the holster by itself is not secure enough to hold your firearm in place. Furthermore, it requires more effort to get your weapon out with a retention strap and reduces your reaction time.

Thumb break holsters are holsters that have a retention strap that is released by some type of mechanism that you can break away from with your thumb. This ensures your weapon is more secure, but again, it takes away from your reaction time.

With an Incognito Concealment Kydex holster, your pistol slides securely into its place, and is held there with adjustable retention to keep it snug, yet accessible when you need it.

OWB Holsters

If you open carry, an  OWB holster is the most popular choice. OWB holsters don’t rub against your side since it rests on the outside of your gun belt. This is also why it is harder to conceal an IWB holster.

OWB holsters make it easier to draw, fire, and re-holster your weapon since it is easily accessible. All you need to do to conceal your OWB holster is put on a light jacket or loose outer garment. OWB holsters also work well if you want to carry as you complete chores and yard work on your property.

Paddle Holsters

Paddle holsters are another style of OWB holster, but they are even easier to remove and reattach as you go about your day. The concave paddle molds to your waist for security, while the holster attaches to a clasp on the paddle. It sits outside of your waistband, and you can simply detach the holster from the paddle whenever you need to.

Paddle holsters are favored by law enforcement who need to get in and out of vehicles several times during their shifts. They are also handier for taking off if you need to pass through buildings with metal detectors.

Because of how they sit outside of your waistband, paddle holsters are a bit more difficult to conceal than standard OWB holsters, despite your gun’s frame size. If you’re using a paddle holster, wear it with a bulky jacket or sweatshirt, or a long sport coat.

IWB Holsters

In order to easily conceal carry a gun, you need a holster that is close to your body and provides a snug fit. IWB holsters do just this. They are placed on the inside of your waistband so that your weapon is close to your body and not easily visible to other people.

Our  IWB holsters are designed to conceal your weapon but also to provide you with the comfort necessary to carry your gun all day without the pains and irritations that a cheaply-made holster may induce.

Adjust the cant and retention to find the perfect ride height and angle for keeping your pistol concealed all day long. Incognito Concealment’s IWB holsters are easy to access and wear for long periods throughout your busy daily routine.

Head to the Range

Once you have your preferred holster style, take it to the range with you and practice drawing, aiming, and shooting weekly until you build muscle memory. You can also try wearing different clothing combinations to see which works best for accessing your weapon while maintaining effective concealment as you move.

Final Thoughts

For fastest reaction time, buy a holster that can sit in an accessible position and is easily reachable. If you need more help deciding which holster style is right for you or have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (586) 333-4240.