Holsters

Drawing from “leather” is one of the most critical (and unpracticed) skills in concealed carry. It could be the deciding factor in a “close encounter.” In order to properly learn and practice your draw, appropriate equipment is required.

A holster is a very personal choice based on your own personal needs and preferences. Most individuals who have chosen to carry a concealed handgun for personal protection have a drawer full of holsters resulting from their search for the “perfect” solution. We will do our best to assist you in your search by answering questions in class, but for now you may have a more immediate problem. What holster do you get for your class with us?

Particular suggestions and info

• Purchase a holster for your specific model of gun. They are NOT one size fits all.
• Purchase a holster for your specific belt width.
  • 1 ¼” & 1 ½” belts are the most popular, the former for dress pants, the latter for jeans.
  • 1 ¼” also works if you wish to use the same holster for both dress and casual wear.
• Quality gun belts must be firm to support the weight and maintain the position of your gun, and be worn in the belt loops of your pants so that the holster does not shift when you attempt a draw.
  • A “lined” or “double thick” belt will give you firmer support.
  • Get a belt size up to 2” larger (longer) than normal if you will be using an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. Your pants will also need to be 1 to 2 inches larger at the waist to accommodate the gun inside your waistband.
  • Your choice of gun belt is as important as the holster. They must fit and work together as a solid unit.
  • Belts cut on a contour minimize the break-in period for greater comfort.
• Get a holster with a firm opening that allows easy one hand re-holstering.
• No thumb breaks.

• The holster must completely cover the trigger guard of your handgun.

  • If your finger cannot touch the trigger of your holstered handgun, it cannot fire “accidentally.”
• Wear your holster on your strong side hip (3:00 to 4:00 position) until experience dictates otherwise.
  • For women, the appendix carry position (1:00 – 2:00) may be more comfortable.
• Magazine carriers on your belt should hold your magazines with the bullets facing forward.

Women

Women’s bodies generally have different contours and proportions than men. For holster considerations (strong side hip carry), these are shorter trunks, higher waists, and greater hip curvature. In the past this has made it more difficult for women to find comfortable holsters that work for them. Men’s holsters positioned the handgun too high with the grips angled in, digging uncomfortably into their ribs.

In recent years, more holsters have been designed principally for women. Two specific features are the "offset" which positions the grip away from the body and a "drop" which lowers the placement for an easier reach.

Safety issues

Do not allow the muzzle to cross (point at) anyone or any part of your own body when you draw or re-holster your handgun. This is an application of Firearm Safety Rules #1 & #2:

• Treat all guns as if they are loaded (all of the time).
• Never point a gun at anything that you do not intend to shoot.

Your finger must be off of the trigger, and completely out of the trigger guard, when you re-holster your handgun. This is Firearm Safety Rule #3:

• Keep your finger off of the trigger, and out of the trigger guard, until you are ready to shoot.

Below are some inexpensive options that will temporarily serve you in our classes until you become a more knowledgeable and sophisticated holster buyer.

CAVEAT: Turnipseed Technique makes no representations about the products mentioned herein and urges you to review and comply with any local and/or federal regulations that may pertain to you concerning the "concealed carry of a firearm."   All prices are approximate and for reference, only.

http://glockmeister.com/catalog/default.php/cPath/9
Glock factory holster $14.00
Glock factory magazine $10.00

http://www.blade-tech.com
Injection Molded Belt Holster $14.95 on Sale (Oct. 2004)
DOH “Dropped & Offset Belt Holster” $59.95

• “This holster has cant adjustability. The ‘offset’ feature of this holster allows for a greater degree of outward cant, which positions the grip of your pistol away from the body in a vertical position for more positive indexing. This holster also features a ‘drop’ which lowers the placement of the pistol for an easier reach allowing the arm to remain more extended. This holster is very popular for range work and is perfect for women's contours(according to the manufacturer). Tactical Black, Stealth Black & Olive Drab.”

http://www.uncle-mikes.com
Kydex® Hip Holsters-Belt Slide Style $20.56
Kydex® Hip Holsters -Paddle Style $23.64

http://www.fobusholster.com
Standard Right-hand Paddle Holster - $25.99
Compact Yaqui Style Paddle Holster - $25.99
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster - $21.99
Single Magazine Pouch, belt or paddle – $19.69
Double Magazine Pouch, belt or paddle – $23.99