If you consider yourself a responsible gun-owner, then a gun holster is a must for you. Gun holsters come in a range of designs, prices and colors and it can be confusing or difficult to choose the gun holster most appropriate for your needs.
To avoid confusion you must firstly appraise and evaluate closely your expectations of the gun holster.
The most popular material used for hand gun holsters is leather though ballistic nylon and thermoplastic holsters are also available. While nylon holsters are the least expensive, thermoplastic or kydex holsters are waterproof-unlike leather gun holsters.
Types of Gun Holsters
Gun holsters, based on their application, are divided in to four types:
1. Duty Holsters: They are generally worn by law enforcement officers on their strong side on the waistband. These holsters are designed to facilitate and help in retention of the firearm.
2. Tactical Holsters: Designed for military or tactical use, these holsters are designed for quick deployment of the weapon. These holsters are not very high on the retention factor and are usually made using nylon or plastic. Tactical gun holsters can be worn on various areas of the body depending on the requirement. The two popular designs of tactical holsters are the drop-leg and the old-flap design. These holsters are made to match the wearer’s uniform in general and in a camouflage pattern.
3. Concealment Holsters: As the name suggests, these holsters are used to conceal the weapon. Low on rapid deployment, these holsters are usually meant for back-up weapons. They are high on comfort since they are meant to be worn inside clothing and near to the body.
4. Sporting Holsters: These are specialized according to the nature of the sport and therefore come in the largest variety among all types of holsters.
On the basis of the method of wearing gun holsters, they are of a large number of types. Two main types are:
1. Waistband Gun Holsters: Used generally by military and police, waistband holsters are the most popular type of holsters.
2. Shoulder Gun Holsters: These have single or double loop harness or straps with the holster mounted to the side opposite to the strong side. A gun shoulder holster positions the gun either horizontally or vertically.
Uses Of Gun Holsters
1. Gun holsters protect the weapon from damage caused due to weather elements and perspiration or during handling.
2. Holsters also reduce the risk of misplacement or theft of your precious weapon to a large extent.
3. If guns are carried carelessly in pockets or are concealed beneath clothes without holsters, there is always a risk of an accidental discharge. Holsters make this risk negligible.
4. Gun holsters also facilitate easy and quick access to gun. With a holster, guns can also be deployed using just one hand.
Though gun holsters are easily available in stores, they can also be purchased online. The prices differ according to the design, style and material used. Thorough research and a detailed evaluation of your needs are the two most important things that you need to do before purchasing a gun holster.
