Material
Holsters are typically made of three materials: Kydex, leather, or nylon. A hybrid holster combines two of these materials.
Regarding safety, Kydex is king because it provides hard trigger protection. It has the best retention when fitted to the pistol. Kydex also lasts longer than any soft material, so you can use the holster for many years before needing to replace it.
Leather and nylon are comfortable against the skin but don’t provide hard trigger protection. Both materials break down over time and with use, especially when warmed against the skin. These holsters must be replaced much more frequently than one made of Kydex.
A worn-out holster is problematic for several reasons. First, it affects retention. Secondly, re-holstering becomes dangerous when the opening no longer holds its shape. If the material flops or folds, it could become lodged inside the trigger guard and cause a negligent discharge.
Hybrid holsters are popular because they mix an outer Kydex shell with an inner soft material, usually leather or nylon. Hybrid holsters sound like a better option for those who don’t like the feeling of Kydex against their skin, but they pose the same issues. The backing is against the skin and will begin to collapse over time, potentially causing problems.
Safety Factors
A quality holster will completely cover the trigger. This is a non-negotiable if you carry a firearm. Without complete coverage, objects like clothing and fingers can get inside and cause a negligent discharge.
Related: The Human Factor in Unintentional Discharges and How Training Can Help
Retention is an important safety factor, too. After all, you don’t want your firearm flying out of your holster if you bend over to pick something up or, worse, get into a scuffle. A good holster should have enough tension to hold the gun in place, but not so much that you can’t draw.
Holsters have either fixed or adjustable retention. Each option has pros and cons, and personal preference plays a role. Fixed will give you a consistent level of retention every time you draw, but depending on your preference, it may be too loose or too tight. Adjustable is more flexible in terms of preference because it allows for a customized level of retention.
Ideal retention is achieved when a holster is made to fit a specific model of firearm, including any modifications like optics and lights. If a holster is advertised as being “universal” or able to fit a variety of pistols, steer clear. Look for one made only for the gun you intend to carry.
Craftsmanship and Customer Service
Regarding Kydex, you’ll want to consider how a holster is test-fitted with molds or actual firearms. A holster maker who test-fits with firearms will typically produce a higher-quality product because molds can break down over time and vary slightly. If you run a light, laser, or red dot on your pistol, ensure they also account for that.
A good holster maker will also take extra care during the finishing process. Is there extra material sticking out that will poke you, or has it been removed? Are the corners rounded and smoothed, or will the holster scratch you? You want to look for these things, especially if you intend to carry IWB. Uncomfortable holsters are the worst.
Related: Factory Tour of Galco Holsters – Over 50 Years of All-American Service
It’s a good idea to check out the reviews and get a feel for customer service, too. Many places sell holsters these days, which means many low-quality options exist. A little bit of research ahead of time may save you a headache.
Comfort and Concealment
When it comes to concealment, the choice of holster depends on many factors, such as body shape and size, position and method of carry, and plain old personal preference. What works for my 6-foot-2 husband may not work for my 5-foot, 1-inch self, and vice versa.
The size and shape of a holster will vary depending on your preferred carry position. For example, if you carry on your hip, a holster made for appendix carry likely won’t conceal well, and vice versa. Features like a concealment claw and the choice of clip can aid in concealment.
Related: How To Make Concealed Carry More Comfortable
This is where trial and error is crucial. You’ll need to try the holster to see how it works for you. Don’t be afraid to play with positions and different outfits to get your desired level of concealment. Many people have multiple holsters to make sure they can conceal no matter what they wear.
Concealed carry can never be truly comfortable, but it also shouldn’t be painful. A minimalist-style holster without any extra Kydex sticking out is a great option to help with comfort and concealment.
Conclusion
With so many holsters in the marketplace today, the decision can feel overwhelming. Knowing if a holster will work for you without trying it out is impossible, but the above information can help you narrow down the choices. Don’t be afraid to try a few different types to find what’s right for you.
