Selecting and Using a Holster

Unless you plan on leaving your handgun at home (i.e., as a home defense weapon) you'll need to purchase a good holster.

<note>If you're going to have a pistol for home defense… consider either getting a “Brace” for it - or trading it for a pistol cartridge Carbine (PCC). Both of these options extend your sight radius - providing better accuracy (and mitigating the risk of accidentally shooting a family member).</note>

A good holster is one that is solid (NOT leather or nylon), covers the trigger (so that you don't shoot yourself when reaching for your pistol), and is stable (in the same location every time you reach with your pistol AND in the same position for drawing). You will need to consider whether you'll be carrying your pistol:

  • Inside the Waistband (IWB) - which is considered CCW (which WILL require you to buy pants with a larger waist size)
  • Outside the Waistband (OWB) - which is considered “Open Carry” (which does not require a CCW License, but may not be legal in your locality)
  • Appendix Carry

As you might expect, there are plenty of opinions on this topic. So ask your Instructor what they recommend for you and your specific pistol.

A GREAT holster option is Alien Gear Holsters which are all made in the USA :-D Another good option is G-Code Holsters - made in the USA :-D