Your life depends on this…
IF you can’t draw quickly and shoot accurately, under pressure, what’s the point of concealed carry?
Because when you need to pull your gun, lives are at stake, and there are no second chances…
Sometimes, having your gun on you can create a false sense of security.
But having your gun on you and being able to DRAW your gun quickly enough to make a difference in a life or death situation are two COMPLETELY different things!
This is something many concealed carry gun owners don’t think about.
Will Your Holster Get You (Or Someone Else) KILLED?
Your holster isn’t just for carrying your gun around.
It’s part of your overall CCW system, and it plays a role not only in deploying your gun, but also in retaining your gun if you’re struggling with an attacker who’s on top of you.
Choosing the wrong holster, then, means choosing one that could result in you losing your gun – or failing to deploy it – and then getting SHOT in a gunfight.
Right?
When selecting a holster, keep these 3 tips in mind:
1. Only Belt Loops, No Belt Clips
Speaking of television shows, there’s one that’s one of the longest-running programs EVER starring Mark Harmon, called NCIS.
In it, the Navy Criminal Investigators are constantly pulling their guns with their holsters out of their desk drawers, clipping them on, then taking them off and putting them back in their desks.
It’ll drive any gun person nuts.
Belt clips can come loose at the worst possible moment, especially if you’re struggling with your gun.
And while a clip-on holster is convenient, you should NOT be constantly taking your gun on and off.
Do not rely on clips, therefore, if you want to make sure your holster and your gun stay where you left them.
2. Avoid Secondary Retention Features
A lot of holsters have what are called “secondary retention features.”
These are things like snap-straps, thumb-breaks, finger-presses, and other gadgets intended to make it harder to “open” the holster.
(Law enforcement sometimes uses these to prevent people from grabbing their guns.)
Well, these features add another level of complication (which is usually not something you need to worry about in, say, an inside-the-waistband holster).
Making your draw more complicated will NOT help you under stress, and might stop you from drawing your gun.
Even a split-second delay could get you killed in a real gunfight, so buy a holster that doesn’t use or need these secondary retention features.
3. Is It At The Proper Angle?
Another thing to consider is that just because you bought the latest whiz-bang operator-style holster, it may not be t the right ANGLE.
Different holsters have different “cants,” which positions the grip of the pistol for a fast and comfortable draw…
…or, if you use the WRONG angle, makes the draw slower and less ergonomic.
For example, if you’re trying to use a 3:30 carry cant for appendix carry, it’s going to be awkward.
Your awkward draw will also telegraph what you’re doing to an attacker, and might make getting your gun impossible if you’re grappling with the bad guy (or your movement is limited some other way).
Make sure your holster is canted comfortably and correctly for the carry and draw you’ll be using.
Having the right holster is as important as having the right gun.
You need both!
So make sure you’re putting as much care and thought into what you carry with as you are what you carry.
Anything less is just asking for trouble.
Great topic and I agree with your reasons for not having those holsters mentioned (from experience).
Watch materials, too-should go without saying, but a shoulder rig sliding apart can become cause for embarassment!
Please give a lot more detail about the proper angle, like diagrams of the various carry positions. Many of us are newbies to this subject.
Very GOOD article on what you should be looking for.I can say I have fell victium to several holster with clips but I do have some belt style holsters.Tanx for your tips.
IWB With belt loops?
Are there any paddle holsters that are acceptable? (Meaning the paddle attachment, not the holster) I’ve seen some that are really cheap junk, but some paddles seem to provide a solid hold.
I bought a dual carry handmade leather holster from Southern Trapper. Want to talk about quality, they have it. It’s not cheap but it will last you and be reliable forever. I carry an HK VP9SK OWB with belt loops. Best choice I’ve ever made.
I have yet to find an IWB that isn’t a total PITA and that I have any sense of confidence in it… and I’ve tried several so far. Not sure what I’m doing wrong…