Tracy Holsters are an essential piece of firearm carry equipment. Choosing the right holster can make or break your experience.
At last count, there are 4,187,237 different holsters available. That’s a lot of choices.
Contents
Comfort
Comfort is a tricky thing to get right when concealing your firearm. Many factors influence this, including the material and design of the holster, how it fits against your body, your gun size, and how you carry it.
Ankle holsters are popular and can be comfortable. However, they are only ideal for some. They can feel uncomfortable seated or on your feet and become quite sticky over time.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are also a popular option for concealed carry. These holsters sit next to your skin and are secured with clips on your belt or waistband.
Concealment
The ability to conceal a gun is critical. It can make a big difference in whether a person has a chance of self-defense.
The right holster can help to achieve that concealment. It should be designed to hide the gun while still being comfortable enough to wear.
Retention is the ability of a holster to keep your gun from falling out when you’re doing light activity, such as getting in and out of a chair, hailing a cab, or running upstairs.
Proper retention can be challenging, especially when shopping for concealment gear. The best way to determine retention is to try different holsters before purchasing.
Retention
When carrying a concealed weapon, it’s essential to have a holster that will not allow the firearm to fall out. This is called retention and should be a significant factor in your holster choice.
Retention is a feature that can be tested using the Backwards Somersault Test and The Spring Cleaning Test, both of which are accessible at-home evaluations.
Retention should be a significant consideration in any holster you choose, especially one intended to be worn inside your waistband or across the body. A proper retention holster means your firearm is not likely to drop out, even if you stand up or move around.
Material
Holsters are available in a variety of materials to meet your needs. The most common are leather and Kydex.
When choosing a suitable material, you need to consider a few things: comfort, retention, and concealment. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
The holster material should be comfortable to wear, hold the firearm in place and not let it “print” through your clothing. It should also allow you to have quick access to the gun in a compromised position.
The holster fabric is usually padded or quilted to keep it from shifting when you move. It is then paired with a buckram interlining or stabilizing layer to keep the holster from sagging in the waistband or to provide extra strength and stiffness when tucked into a concealment pouch.
Style
If you’re looking for concealed carry gear, many different holsters are on the market. Each has its own set of benefits.
A good holster is durable material that can withstand wear and tear. It should also be soft enough not to damage your firearm and be able to breathe well.
In addition to comfort, a holster should be easy to use and conceal. A holster that is too heavy or too loose can cause problems with drawing and re-holstering your firearm.
The holster should be designed to provide a safe, secure, and reliable draw in compromised positions, such as when you bend over, adjust your jacket, or ride in a car. It should also have full trigger coverage, appropriate retention, and reliable access to your firearm.
