CARRY IN QUALITY

TRUTHS, LIES AND REALITIES OF WHAT HOLSTER TO WEAR

- KAT AINSWORTH

"I can’t carry AIWB/IWB/ OWB. It’s uncomfortable.”

“I carry in a bra holster. Any attacker will be distracted by me lifting my shirt.”

Or, my personal favorite, “I just put my gun in my purse/laptop bag/truck console.”

There are no excuses not to properly carry your gun. Thanks to the magnificent array of holsters on the market, there are almost endless combinations of guns, holsters and belts for just about any location on your body. Of course, finding the right combination for your body and needs can be a bit of a challenge. No worries, we’re here to help. Check out these tips and tricks for holsters from an admittedly biased source (me).

WHY WE CARRY

Whether you carry to defend your own life or out of concern for the safety of loved ones, hopefully you are carrying. That means carrying daily, not only when it’s convenient. This, in turn, means there will be times you’ll require a deeper-concealment gun and holster combo. There’s nothing wrong with changing up your carry periodically, but there is a catch: You must train with not only your gun of choice, but from the holster you choose.

MATERIAL MATTERS

Leather. Kydex. Hybrid. Molded. Soft. There are a lot of holster types out there, making choosing one a daunting task. So, what do you need to know before throwing anywhere from $20 to $200 at a new home for your favorite handgun?

Leather is preferred by a great many longtime shooters and for good reason. Holsters made from good leather are typically more comfortable, durable and versatile than many other styles. They should be molded to your specific gun, though, not simply sewn or glued into the general outline of a firearm.