# How to choose the right gun holsters?
Most people take their time when selecting handguns because it is a big decision. On the other hand, many of them did not consider [**holsters**](https://www.911gear.ca/holsters-accessories), which also require careful consideration.


You might wonder why it matters how well you keep your pistol protected, whether it is easy to handle or not. Overall, it must be the ideal holster for your pistol, carrying style, and you.

Therefore after reviewing multiple sources, we have to point that why is it important to look at features while buying holsters like [**Blackhawk SERPA**](https://www.911gear.ca/blackhawk-serpa-holster-level-p-2284.html). Let’s explore the important features that you should check while buying a gun holster.

**Concealed Carry Holsters**

The holster must not only securely hold your firearm in place but conceal it as much as possible. It indicates that the low-profile leather is in while the cumbersome flaps, padding and carriage system are out. Additionally, holsters have their limits in terms of concealment, and the weapon you choose will have a significant impact. If you choose a long-barreled, large-frame revolver, your options for concealed carry are severely constrained.

**Open Carry Holsters**

Belt holsters are the most preferred option for open carry because they are perfect for it. They keep the weapon accessible yet out of the way. They are safe and maintain the weapon position, so you know exactly where your pistol will be when you reach for it. The design of a belt holster might be much more comfortable as concealment is unnecessary. Additionally, you get extra retention options to keep the gun in the holster until you want it to.

**Retention Levels**

Holsters are frequently rated based on their retention level. Increased retention makes it more difficult for someone to remove your handgun from the holster without your assistance. However, it also slows your draw time, making it not always preferable. The degree that is appropriate for you will be determined by the reason you are carrying it. If you're a cop or a regular person who carries openly, the thought of someone trying to pull your gun from its holster is terrifying. If you're a soldier, a flap that prevents the weapon from falling out should usually suffice.

**Holster Materials**

The typical holster material is leather, which is still widely used today. Leather is durable, adaptable, and attractive. Modern leather holsters come in a variety of designs, from classic ones to stiffened, moulded ones made to match a particular pistol type.

Other excellent holster materials are Kydex and stiff polymers. They effectively shield the weapon, are strong, and may be shaped almost any way. They are perfect for holsters with retention systems because of their stiffness. They are often shaped for a certain weapon.

Further, holsters also have been fabricated from a variety of synthetic materials. Typically, synthetic textiles are durable and low-maintenance. In terms of their other characteristics, they fall between leather and Kydex.

**Types of Duty & Tactical Holsters**

**Belt Holsters:** The old military and law enforcement approach is belt holsters. The best support for a holster is a web gear or equipment belt, which keeps all of your stuff together in one place.

The typical [**police duty belt**](https://www.911gear.ca/duty-belts-suspenders) holster has an open top and some sort of retention. With today's retention technologies, there is little likelihood of someone else obtaining the weapon, allowing for a rapid draw.

Belt holsters for the military are a little different. Since few troops, mostly senior officers or non-combat specialists, carry a handgun as their primary weapon, soldiers' quick draws are desired but less crucial than those of police officers.

**Drop Leg Holsters:** Although belt holsters are useful, they can be difficult to pull from when you're seated. Drop your hand to your side, and the butt of a revolver holstered on your belt is at least 18 inches away. A drop leg holster is a more natural method to accomplish it, though practise definitely helps.

**Shoulder Holsters:** With a heavy combat load, a shoulder holster is ineffective because it is difficult to draw from one while reaching around armour covered in pouches. On the other hand, they offer the same benefits as open carry for troops who operate in lighter equipment - weight is evenly distributed, and it's simple to draw when seated or driving.

**Chest Holsters:** A chest holster is a practical alternative to shoulder holsters for use with armour. These typically fasten to any MOLLE-compatible armor's PALS grid. They provide a reasonably simple draw when the weapon is positioned so that the butt is over your sternum. These are solid possibilities if you're a driver or a member of the vehicle crew.

Hopefully, this guide will help you to make your holster selection easier. If you want to buy a holster for your gun, then visit the [**911Gear store**](https://www.911gear.ca/). Here you can find a wide range of holsters from top-rated brands for example Blackhawk holsters SERPA. Let’s know more feature about Blackhawk holsters here