Holster

When choosing a holster for a firearm, factors of interest include:. James Avery may refer to:. Other, specialized types of holsters are designed to be mounted inside briefcases, day planners, purses and filofaxes, or even articles of clothing. James Avery, Craftsman, a jewelry company in south Texas. Popular holster types are:. (born 1948), actor. Slow access is acceptable in this case because the handgun is not expected to be used for defensive purposes. Avery, Sr.

The largest handguns are often carried in holsters that are slung across the shoulder, and removed from the body before the handgun is drawn. James L. Holsters for hunting tend to be unique, as they are designed to carry the largest handguns, and often must make allowances for telescopic sights. Like any sporting equipment, sporting holsters evolve to maximize the benefits given the rules of the game, where applicable, so the competitive sports have the most specialized holsters. Sporting holsters cover the widest range, from holsters with maximum access for fast draw shooting, to highly adjustable holsters used in IPSC and pinshooting, to high retention, maximum protection holsters used for handgun hunting, to simple holsters used to hold a handgun while out plinking.

For pocket holsters, the external flat side is often the side with a nap, or rougher surface, to provide better retention when drawing the pistol. Often the external side of the holster is also broader, to help break up the outline of the handgun and prevent printing, where the outline of the gun can be seen through tight clothing. Since the holster is held close to the body, comfort becomes important too, and concealment holsters often have broad surfaces in contact with the user's body, to distribute the pressure across a wider area and prevent abrasion of the skin. Protecting the hangun from the user's perspiration is often an important consideration in such carry locations.

Concealment holsters are designed to be worn under clothing, or to be used in front or rear pockets of trousers. Concealment holsters are designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive, and are generally designed for compact and mid-sized handguns, since those are easier to conceal. Duty holsters are generally only found for full-sized and mid-sized handguns, since there is no reason to carry a compact handgun unless concealment is needed. Cosmetics are also important in duty holsters, as they are generally considered part of the wearer's uniform, so they are often found made with quality leather for police use and polished with shoe polish, or made in a camouflage color or pattern for military use.

Duty holsters are carried openly, so concealment is not an issue; however, since they are worn out in the open day after day, protection of the handgun and secure retention are important. Holsters can be divided into three broad categories by use: duty holsters, worn by uniformed police and military users; concealment holsters, worn by plainclothes law enforcement and licensed CCW armed civilians; and sporting holsters, worn for shooting sports and hunting. Holster designs cover a wide range of shapes, materials, and retention/release mechanisms, from simple leather pouches hanging from a belt to highly protective holsters with flaps that cover the entire handgun, to highly adjustable competition holsters that hold the handgun at a precise position and release instantly with the right pressure. On the other hand, an inadequately secured and protected handgun could be lost, damaged, or stolen, which could also be fatal, as it would not be usable when needed.

If the handgun is needed quickly, and cannot be drawn quickly, it could be fatal for the user. The need for ready access is primarily for holsters designed to carry defensive handguns. The need for ready access is often at odds with the need for security and protection, so the user must decide how much they are willing to compromise on ready access to gain the security and protection. Holsters are generally designed to offer protection to the handgun, secure retention, and ready access.

A holster is a specialized article of clothing worn to hold a handgun about the person, most commonly in a location where it can be easily drawn for immediate use. Some users will require multiple holster types per gun, while others may prefer a generic holster for carrying multiple gun types. Price - modern holsters for a $500 handgun can cost $20 to $200. Adjustability - a holster that provides for the adjustment of gun cant and position can aid in both comfort and concealment.

Frequently, retentive holsters are custom designed for a specific model of gun. Modern duty holsters have multiple hidden retention devices to this end. Retention - a holster designed with retention in mind will help prevent a gun from being removed from the holster by anybody apart from the person wearing it. Durability - ability to withstand abuse and long-term usage without mechanical failure or impaired performance.

Reholstering may be of secondary importance for civilians, who may often be legally required to contact law enforcement authorities after any lawful use of a firearm. Reholster ease - a rigid-walled holster will allow a gun to be returned to it with one hand, while a flexible one may collapse after the gun is drawn, requiring the use of both hands to reholster. Draw ease - practical shooting holsters allow a gun to be presented quickly, but drawing ease is often compromised in concealed carry. Almost all concealment holsters are designed to be worn with a covering garment that is part of the wearer's everyday attire.

A carefully designed and worn holster can make a gun virtually invisible. Concealability - it is often desirable not to alert other people of one's being armed. Comfort - ability to wear a gun for an extended period without hurting the user. Finish - a well finished holster should not snag a pistol or abrade its finish.

Often with buckles for quick release. Modern ones use nylon. cavalry units used these in the early 1900's with a leather thong strapping it to the leg. Early U.S.

Thigh holsters are the more recent popular military item that holds the sidearm on the leg right where the hand naturally hangs, making for a quick draw. There are no body movement restrictions and very little clothing restrictions with these holster types. SmartCarry® has a 100% waterproof liner in the holster rear panel (the part of the holster worn next to the body) which will allow air to pass through, so the holster still "breathes", but does not allow perspiration to reach the firearm. Groin holsters like Thunderwear and SmartCarry®, which place the handgun mostly below the waistline around the 12:00 position.

Pocket holsters, for use with very small weapons, such as a back-up gun or a mousegun. In order to remain in place, a belly band must be extremely tight; this does not lend itself to a very pleasant experience - it is comparable to wearing a girdle. There are various types, worn at the belt line or higher, with the gun placement anywhere from in front to under the armpit. The "belly band" holster, which is a notoriously uncomfortable, wide elastic belt with a built-in holster, to be worn under a shirt that is not tucked in, to facilitate access.

Specialized shoulder holsters such as those made by Kangaroo Concealed Carry are designed to be concealed under a T-shirt. This holster setup requires the person to be wearing a jacket, vest, or camp shirt to hide the strap harness and the holster from others, but it's somewhat easier to carry since it's located near the center of body mass. Shoulder holsters, that consist of two straps connected in a manner similar to a backpack, with the actual holster mounted to a strap on the right or the left side. Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, which clip or mount to a belt and allow one to securely holster the weapon inside the pants.

Belt holsters can be worn relatively high and close to the body, slightly behind the hip bone ("4:00 position"), and can be concealed under a long, untucked shirt or jacket. Outside the waistband (OWB) or belt holsters, which are most common in police and military use and in the popular historical image of the Wild West "cowboy".