Holster selection

If you carry a firearm on duty, or for protecting yourself, there are numerous ways to contain the weapon on your body.

Holsters of all kinds, from various manufacturers, all of them praising their individual line of products. The old phrase, it´s a jungle out there, comes to mind. Having tried out quite a few different types and styles of holsters, I would like to share my experiences with you.

Before you start to shop around for your favourite holster, decide where you are going to carry your weapon: Strongside, "crossdraw", small of back, or in a shoulder holster. The reason for deciding this beforehand is, that it will narrow down your selection somewhat, and also save you time and money. There are numerous products available for the above mentioned carry modes, from "fanny packs", to inside the waistband type concealment holsters.

Decide what weapon you are going to carry on your person, and then look if there are holsters of your chosen carry mode available for that weapon.

If you change weapons from time to time, my recommendation is that you get a similar holster, positioned at the same place for that weapon aswell. See drawing from the holster.

If possible, put the holster on, and insert the chosen weapon to see how it fits your body. The reason for doing this with the weapon, instead of a plastic replica, is to see how the holster fits on your person. If you, like me, are a little soft in the midsection, it might be difficult to get a good grip on the weapon for the draw with some holsters.

Is it comfortable, can you get into and out of a car without the weapon snagging? Can you put your seatbelt on without the weapon pressing into your side? Will you be able to access your weapon while seated and buckled up? Can you bend from the waist down without discomfort, and will the weapon stay in the holster when you move around?

The belt that you choose should be of a sturdy construction, so that it doesn´t sag or twist when you carry or draw. A lot of people buy good holsters, but will not get a good quality belt that fits the holster.

If you try to think in practical terms when choosing your weapon / holster combination, it will probably come out right. Don´t forget the question about additional magazines. It´s just as important to decide where, and how, to carry the spare magazines as it is to choose the proper holster.

It may be difficult to choose just one type of carry mode because of the demands that weather, and type of clothing might bring about. But why not choose clothes after your carry mode instead of the other way around. After all, you´re not carrying a weapon on your person because its fun!!

For uniformed carry there are various guidelines for the positioning of holsters, mag pouches etc.

On Andy Arratonians homepage you will find exellent information on how to choose holsters. He is the proprietor of Horsehoe leather, and manufacturer of top quality holsters and accessories.

I have been using holsters from Blade Tech for the past couple of months, and I have to say that I am really impressed with the functioning of their products.

I have their straight drop Belt Holster, that I use for my SIG P228. After trying it out, I ended up swapping my competition rig to the above product. My draw was just as fast ( slow ) as it was from my low cut, state of the art, competition holster.

AND this one can be used for concealed carry aswell!! Remember what I said about practicing with what you carry? This holster will allow you to do just that!!! Take this rig out to the IPSC / IDPA match, and keep it on for concealed carry after you finish. That´s how good they are.

I also have their Offset Drop Holster that I use with my P220. Works like a charm, and it is easy to access, as it sits a little bit further out from the body, compared to the Belt Holster.