Olympic Peninsula Firearms Training

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HOLSTERS

While there are numerous types of holsters, most experienced shooters first think of holsters according by where the holster is on the body, which I am going to refer to as catagories. There are many types of holsters. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we'll describe types with picture, along with a few words. Additionally, holsters are made with a few different materials; leather, Kydex, nylon & other fabrics as well as hybrid models.

Masaad Ayoob talks about the 3 most common types of holsters here.

What are my favorite holsters? Here are some examples; who made them, what I particularly like about them, and even what I don't like about them. Click here to skip to my favorites.

Please note that holsters used in our classes:

	Must fully cover the trigger guard.
	Must be secured on a belt.
	Must be on strong side (ie between 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock for a right-handed shooter).
	Must be made of a material that does not lose its shape when the gun is removed.
	Must NOT muzzle anyone, including the shooter, during the draw stroke or when holstering the firearm.
	Must NOT be Blackhawk Serpa holster (or similar) requiring a button push by the trigger finger to release the holster.

Where is the holster? (Click on thumbnail photo to enlarge)

On Body

IWB & AIWB - Inside the Waistband Holsters
Much better concealment than OWB holsters, but less comfortable
Usually worn at 3 to 4 o'clock for right-handed shooters *

IWB - Inside the Waistband
Extremely popular
Minimal safety concerns

AIWB - Appendix Carry
a specialized version of IWB
Worn at 12 to 1 o'clock for right-handed shooters
Incurs safety concerns due to muzzle location

OWB - Outside the Waistband Holsters
Usually worn at 3 to 4 o'clock for right-handed shooters *

	Pancake Holds firearm close to body to minimize 'printing'
	Pouch Fast & easy, but prints badly
	Scabbard May be more comfortable than a pancake holster

Please note that holsters described below this line are not acceptable for use in training classes

Due to the fact that the muzzle is not always pointed downrange and likely to point at other students

	Ankle Good for small backup gun
	Belly Band Deep concealment solution
	Blackhawk Serpa & similar Like many other instructors, we consider this design unsafe due to it requires the shooter press the release button with their finger during the draw, which can easily result in the trigger finger sliding onto the trigger during the draw. Video
	Bra Connects to bra Many consider very dangerous
	Chest Rig Excellent when backpacking
	Cross Draw Works well when driving
	Fanny Pack A bit passe Considered obvious in tourist areas
	Hybrid Holster made from a combination of materials; usually a Kydex half-shell mounted on a leather slab. Prone to collapsing when the pistol is removed making reholstering difficult and often unsafe. Video
	Pocket For very small guns that easily drawn from pocket Much safer than without
	Shoulder Worn under a dress coat or a Biker's leather jacket
	Sneaky Pete Fake electronics pouch For small guns
	SOB - Small of Back. A holster worn on the belt in the small of the back High risk of back injury
	T-Shirt Another deep cover solution
	Thigh Worn under a skirt or dress How else can a lady carry a gun wearing a cocktail dress?
	Other

Off Body

	Purse or Messenger Bag
	Backpack or Bug Out Bag
	Truck Gun

* Left-handed shooters will wear their gun on the opposite side.

What kind of material is the holster made of?

	Leather - the traditional holster material
	Kydex - the most common today
	Fabric - typically nylon
	Hybrid - a combination of materials, usually a Kydex half-shell mounted on a leather backing

My Favorites

BlackPoint Tactical Leather Mini-Wing

Gun icons created by shmai - Flaticon