Your concealed carry holster should become an extension of your own body. There’s a huge variety to choose from, not to mention different methods of carry.
If you’re armed for self-defense everyday you’re probably accustomed to the feel of your current holster. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right one for you.
If you’re one of the millions of new gun owners and concealed carry permit holders of the past year, review these tips for choosing a holster for concealment. Even if you’ve been carrying for years, make sure your holster fits these requirements.
1. Maximum Comfort
A good concealed carry holster must be comfortable. If it’s uncomfortable or hurts when you carry it, you more likely to adjust it frequently or not carry it regularly.
Carrying regularly is one of the central rules of concealed carry. Adjustment can lead to negligent discharges and alerting others to the fact that you’re armed.
2. Concealed No Matter What
This just can’t be overstated. Keeping your firearm concealed is crucial to your safety. A holster that maintains concealment by staying in place and lowering the profile of the gun is one you’ll want to keep.
A secure holster stays in place and doesn’t attract attention. It’s important to match your firearm with the appropriate holster, not just one that seems like it will do the trick or one that looks good.
3. Trigger Protection
Full coverage of the trigger ensures that the firearm cannot be unknowingly engaged. Ideally, you won’t be touching or adjusting the holster during the day, so the holster protects the trigger from forces that you may not be aware of.
Keep you pockets clean and your clothing out of the way of your firearm. Adequate trigger protection also protects the firearm from accidental discharge should you be involved in physical combat.
4. Smooth Draw and Re-holstering
Choose a holster that feels right as you draw and return your firearm back to its holster. This movement takes extensive practice and training.
Holsters offer a wide variety of security options, so choose one based on your needs. Increased safety could mean better security for inexperienced gun owners or mean wasted movement when it counts.
All of these must be applied on a individual basis. Choose a concealed carry holster based on your personal preferences for comfort and security, not based on the opinions of others. Take your time to practice and try out different options until you find the holster that works best for you.
