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TDLR: Pick something for what you need that fits your gun and pick where you want to carry it.
The first thing that you must consider when picking a great holster is: "why do you need the holster?"
Well, first thing is first, a holster is an important tool to help responsible gun owners carry and operate firearms safely. Holsters typically will cover the trigger of your weapon to prevent accidental or negligent discharges as well as make it easy and comfortable to carry in most everyday situations.
The next thing to consider is to consider is "where do you want to carry your firearm?"
When picking a holster you may find terms such as IWB or OWB but what are they and how do I choose? Let's define some terms for the purpose of this article: IWB means Inside the waistband and OWB means outside the waistband, both of these types of holsters refers to where they are designed to be carried on your body.
IWB holsters vs OWB holsters
Both IWB and OWB holsters can be made from a variety of materials. Some of the most popular materials include kydex ( a hard plastic type material), leather, and nylon. Both IWB and OWB holsters are typically manufactured specifically for popular firearm types and sizes. It is important to make sure that you are selecting the correct holster for your firearm.
Kydex/Synthetic material is known for its durability and the flexibility in it's use from personal use, police work, and military applications but can be heavier than materials such as leather and nylon.
Nylon is very light weight but typically offers less protection to your firearm.
Leather is the original material used for holsters which gives your holster a unique feel and is used in specialty holsters such as shoulder holsters. While the hayday of widespread use of leather holsters may be behind us, it still offers a great looking and durable products.
How does your holster retain the firearm?
There are differnet types of retention of your firearm and different levels of retention. Holsters are designed to hold firearms by using friction, physical flaps, straps, and/or trigger guard locks. The combination of one or more of these qualities influences it's rating level but essentially the retention rating system rates how hard it is for someone else to grab your weapon from the holster.
A Level 1 holster relies on friction alone to hold the weapon. Most concealed carry holsters are Level 1 holsters due to the added weight of higher level holsters.
Level 2 holsters use friction and add on a secondary method of retention, typically a strap but more modern holsters may include a trigger guard lock.
Level 3 holsters use friction as well as two additional methods of retention to hold firearms. Some combinations will include a strap and a trigger guard lock. Most police departments require Level 3 and above holsters for their duty holsters.
Level 4 holsters use friction and three additional methods of retention. This is the top level of security and could be cobinations such as a Level 3 holster with a flap to add the last level of security.
Alternative Ways to Carry
While these holsters may work for most people, sometimes due to our body shapes and other factors carrying firearms on your body can be uncomfortable. Here are some alternative methods of responsibly carrying your firearms.
Using a bag or purse to carry your firearms is a viable option particularly for those who live in urban environments where carrying in a bag or purse may be the more inconspicuous option.
