When carrying a firearm is allowed by law within a state, it obviously prompts important decisions for the one carrying that firearm.
And, we’re not just talking about the huge responsibility that comes with owning it.
But yes, obviously, responsibility and safety definitely come into play when you’re thinking about getting a gun.
And since we’re on the topic of guns, we need to talk about gun holsters. So, let’s dive right in.
The need for a gun holster
Gun holsters… they’re basically what keep your firearm secured and safe. You might think that any gun holster probably does the job, but there are certainly different types. Some offer more concealment. Some offer more accessibility.
Of course, for a person buying a gun for the first time, these differences might seem totally irrelevant. But those who carry firearms as part of their daily duties (policemen, security officers, etc) know exactly which type of holster works in which situation.
Let’s look at a list of the main types of gun holsters available.
Responsible possession of a firearm
Before we get to the main part, we need to remind you to take gun possession seriously. Just because you’re allowed to own one, it doesn’t mean you’re meant to treat it as a toy.
On average, there are more than 48,000 firearm fatalities in the USA annually. And, the number of injured is even higher. This reinforces the importance of responsible gun ownership.
It means you need to keep guns safely stored in your home, especially where kids may be present.
The same rules apply if you have to carry your firearm outside. If your job requires you to take your gun with you, that’s when you’ll need a holster.
Safety should always be a priority, no matter what.
Gun holsters and various options
As promised, here comes the list of the most popular types of gun holsters you’ll find in a store or online…
Appendix carry holsters
The first type of gun holster we’ll look at is an appendix carry holster. You’ve probably seen these quite frequently on TV in your favorite crime TV shows.
Appendix holsters are positioned inside the waistband at the front of the body.
If fast access to firearms is your priority, this is one of the top choices. You’ll be aware of your firearm at all times and it’ll be easily accessible.
Image source: handgunsmag.com
Appendix holsters might seem a bit uncomfortable at first, but sometimes that’s an acceptable sacrifice for a practical choice. However, most modern designs are a bit more flexible and adjust more easily to your body’s movements.
Shoulder holsters
Option number two is yet another popular one: a shoulder holster.
As the name itself suggests, they are worn over the shoulder and support the gun under the arm.
The main advantage of a shoulder holster is that the weight is equally distributed on the upper body. It’s not focused only on one part of the body like appendix holsters.
With a shoulder holster, you can easily put on a coat or jacket and hide the firearm if that’s what you prefer.
Image source: canarmor.ca
The way the shoulder holster works is what makes it the number one choice of most drivers or office professionals who spend long periods of time sitting in one place.
Shoulder holsters make carrying a gun a bit more comfortable. You also have different materials to choose from, with leather being one of the top choices.
Ankle holsters
You know those scenes in movies where they check their enemy for weapons and yet the enemy still manages to get a gun out?
Well, that’s because they often have an ankle holster that’s not immediately visible and keeps the gun hidden.
Ankle holsters are basically what you would choose if concealment of the firearm is paramount. Or, if you want to bring an extra small gun just in case, as a backup carry option.
Image source: shootingillustrated.com
Those working in law enforcement and wearing formal attire often opt for this one, as it’s discreet and often overlooked by others.
However, it ankle holsters might not be the best choice for you if quick access to your firearm is your priority. An ankle holster gun is not the easiest to reach, especially if you’re not really an expert with handling a gun.
Chest holsters
With chest holsters, the gun is positioned across the upper torso, using either straps or harnesses.
Hikers, hunters and trail adventure enthusiasts often opt for this one.
A chest holster is quite practical for many reasons:
- It doesn’t interfere with your backpack or belt
- You can still wear heavy clothing when going hiking
- It’s functional and accessible, allowing fast reaction in case of an emergency
Image source: sigsauer.com
This type of holster is a bit more visible, so if you’re hiking with a group of tourists, chances are there’s someone in that group that may not be comfortable with seeing a gun. In that case, you might want to opt for a more concealed option.
Small of back holster
And, finally, there’s a small of back holster.
These holsters are carried at the center of the lower back.
Image source: usconcealedcarry.com
When using a small of back holster, the gun is well hidden and often unnoticeable under clothing. That’s the biggest advantage of this holster actually.
But, they can be a bit uncomfortable, especially when sitting or moving a lot. Make sure to have that in mind when making your purchase.
The right material matters as well
Before we summarize everything, we also want to just quickly emphasize that you should also pay attention to the material of the gun holster you are considering, as it affects comfort and durability. As mentioned, leather is both sustainable and durable, making it a great option. It’s also soft to the touch and adds a note of style and luxury.
Apart from leather, there are also kydex holsters. They’re a bit more rigid, but that means you’ll have extra security, as your gun won’t be falling out.
Key takeaways: The right holster for you
We hope our short explanations, along with the visuals, help you know the difference between the various types of gun holster options so you’re able to choose the one best suited to your needs.
It’s also important to take the material into consideration, so make sure to ask around if you’re inexperienced and not really sure what you need.
Finally, once again, remember that safety is top priority and that’s exactly why choosing a right gun holster matters.
