Gun Holsters – A Variety of Types

Anyone who carries a firearm can testify to the necessity of their gun holster.  Unlike some movies would hint to, a gun is not to be carried inside of your purse or belt.  In the real world, people carry their firearms in a safe and secure manner; in their gun holster.  Because there are different types of weapons, and different personality types, there are also different types of gun holsters.  Western gun holsters have long been popular, but are not the only type to be found.

Regardless of type, whether it be that you prefer western gun holsters or sporty gun holsters, the goal is the same; to protect the firearm and allow for easy withdrawal.  For this reason, it is imperative that a gun holster be made of a good, stiff material that will not fall in around the gun and hinder your withdrawal when you need it to be quick – which is always.

While western gun holsters are certainly the favorite of many, there are other types of holsters that are necessary at times.  Depending on what you are carrying, western gun holsters may not be something you can use all the time.  For instance, it just wouldn’t seem right to see a soldier carrying his weapon inside of a charmingly designed western holster.

For the military, holsters are generally designed of plastic or nylon.  Some tactical holsters feature a flap that keeps the gun shielded from poor weather conditions, although some do not.  The flap can slow withdrawal time, although not significantly.  Tactical gun holsters can be worn at the waist on the belt, or can be worn down on the thigh (typically for taser gun use).

Hunters also have a need for specialized gun holsters. Holsters for the sporting enthusiast can come designed for fast-draw or other special needs. A sporting gun holster is used in the area of sports activities such as handgun hunting, pinshooting, and Fast Draw shooting. Depending on the type of fast draw shooting one is doing, western gun holsters are also often used for this sport. Sporting holsters can typically be adapted for the different types of hunting as well.

Gun holsters come in three basic types: belt holsters, shoulder holsters and belly holsters.  Belly holsters are basically a built-in holster on a wide elastic belt.  This is sometimes touted as the most uncomfortable type of holster to wear because of its tight fit around the waist.  The belly holster is usually worn underneath a shirt that is not tucked in.  This allows for easy access. 

Shoulder holsters can be likened to a backpack, featuring two straps that are connected to one another.  The holster can be attached to either the left or right strap, depending on the preference and comfort level of the user.  One using a shoulder holster will typically conceal the holster under a jacket or vest. 

Belt holsters are the type you typically see used by police and military personnel.  This type of gun holster is usually worn high around the waist and close to the body; however, a belt holster can just as easily be worn loosely around the hips, although this would not conceal a weapon well.

If you are new to carrying a firearm, then it helps to get some advice before purchasing a gun holster.