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| Kirkpatrick Western Holster |
Holsters have been a necessity of man for many years. Although we have no way of knowing when the first holsters were created - it would be safe to assume they were invented shortly after the first tools. The need for holsters has been driven by the need to carry specialized items (guns, tools, etc.) while working, hunting, and performing other activities where that item could be needed. Perhaps the most broad use of holsters has been for carrying handguns. Often, the term "holster" is used interchangeably with "gun holster". However, holsters are manufactured to hold mobile phones, flashlights, and pretty much any other item needing a specialized carrying case and convenient access. Although most holsters are now made of synthetic materials such as nylon - many holsters are made of leather.
Holster Construction
Traditionally, most holsters have been constructed of leather. However, modern holsters are also made of nylon, canvas material, types of plastic and other materials. Usually, the person who will be using the holster chooses the type and construction based on personal preference and the job for which they need the holster.Leather holsters will last a very long time and when broke in - they're quite comfortable. However, leather holsters are usually the most expensive, if they're not form-fitting, they require a long time period in which to break them in.
Nylon holsters are low in cost, light-weight and comfortable. However, most nylon holsters don't last as long as other materials such as composite plastic or leather.
Composite or plastic holsters are great form-fitting holsters. They can be manufactured such that they fit the exact shape of your handgun / flashlight / cell phone / etc. Disadvantages are that they're less comfortable and usually cost a little more than nylon holsters.
Examples of Holsters
Shown below is a specialized gun holster called an inside the waistband holster. It's primarily used for the concealed carry of handguns - it offers good concealment, quick access to the firearm, and it keeps the gun held securely. As its name implies - it's designed to be worn inside the waistband of your pants.
Inside the Pants (waistband) Holster
The next holster is called a back-up waistband holster. Although the uses of this gun holster are somewhat limited - as you can see from the picture - it offers quick access and holds your handgun in an out-of-the-way position behind your back.
Back Up Belly Waistband Holster
Similar to the holster pictured above, this holster is called a belly waistband holster. Rather than carry your weapon at the lower part of your back, this belly holster allows you to carry your handgun at your side or front/middle. Most holsters like these are made of a stretchable nylon material and fasten around your waist with Velcro. If you plan to purchase one, beware, the quality varies substantially from one manufacturer to another. Some people suggest that these style holsters are not very comfortable, while others love them. I suppose the only way to know if to try one yourself.
The leather belt slide holster shown below is called a cross draw holster. It get's it's name from the way the holster is designed to be worn and the weapon drawn. Essentially, you wear the holster / handgun on the side of your body that is opposite to the hand in which you'll be drawing the handgun. When drawing, your hand and the handgun pass across your body, thus the name cross draw is born. Occasionally, shoulder holsters are also called cross draw holsters for the same reason, you draw them from you side of your body to another.
Fanny Pack
Belt Pack Holster
Belly Waistband Holster
Shown here is a leather belt slide holster . These types of holsters are often used on the gun range or even by law enforcement officers. However, they're not very popular for use as concealed carry holsters unless you live in a cold climate that requires a jacket to cover the holster. Regardless, leather belt slide holsters are popular because leather lasts a very long time, they're comfortable and provide a great way to carry a handgun.
Leather Belt Slide Holster
The leather belt slide holster shown below is called a cross draw holster. It get's it's name from the way the holster is designed to be worn and the weapon drawn. Essentially, you wear the holster / handgun on the side of your body that is opposite to the hand in which you'll be drawing the handgun. When drawing, your hand and the handgun pass across your body, thus the name cross draw is born. Occasionally, shoulder holsters are also called cross draw holsters for the same reason, you draw them from you side of your body to another.
Leather Cross Draw Holster
Some holsters are designed to be worn on a specific body part - the ankle holster shown below is a good example. This gun holster is designed to wrap around your ankle - offering a unique manner to carry your handgun.
Traditional Ankle Holster
One of the most common types of concealment holsters is called the shoulder holster. It offers comfort, concealment, and a secure way to carry your handgun. Shoulder holsters such as this are often manufactured with leather or some type of nylon. The holster pictured below is made of nylon and imported by Pro-Tech Outdoors.
Basic Nylon Shoulder Holster
Perhaps the most common type of gun holster is shown below. Often called a duty holster, belt holster or side holster - it's worn on your side on a belt.
Basic Nylon Gun Holster (aka side holster, hip holster or duty holster).
The next holster shown is a common cell phone holster. It functions in pretty much the same manner as the gun holsters shown above.
Cell Phone Holster
Flashlight holsters like this one are another example of a type of holster.
Flashlight Holster
This holster is called a double shoulder holster. As you can see, it is capable of carrying two handguns at the same time. It's not uncommon for some individuals to carry more than one handgun at a time - just in case one of them malfunctions.
Double Shoulder Holster
It looks like an ordinary leather vest, it smells like a leather vest and you wear it like a leather vest, but it's actually a holster too. And, in all honesty, it's a leather vest. It's actually called a gun concealed carry vest. As you can see, not all holsters are what them seem to be.
Concealed Carry Leather Vest Holster
Is this a holster or a leather purse? Actually, it's a gun holster (for concealed carry) and a leather purse. More and more women are choosing to carry concealed handguns for self-defense. Often, those women don't care for traditional concealed carry holsters. This concealed carry purse - offered by Roma Leather - is a fantastic alternative for those women.
Concealed Carry Purse Holster
SmartCarry lower abdomen holster. This is one of the most specialized concealment holsters you'll find. Wearing it over your underwear, but under your pants and shirt, the SmartCarry holster effectively conceals your handgun right there by your privates. It's a very effective concealment method.
Lower Abdomen Holster by SmartCarry
Another lower abdomen holster, imported by Roma Leather and sold by Pyle Mountain Holsters is shown below. It's sort of like a generic version of the holster above. You can find it for sale here: Lower Abdomen Holster or Concealed Trouser Holster
Lower Abdomen Holster - Concealed Trouser Holster
Fanny pack or concealed carry holster? Both! That's right, this Roma Leather fanny pack is specially designed to carry a concealed handgun. It's manufactured from top-grain leather and features a special holster integrated into the interior design of the fanny pack.
Fanny Pack
Similar to the fanny pack shown above, the belt pack holster pictured below is also a concealed carry holster. It's designed to be worn on a belt and it's great for concealed carry in warm or hot weather when your clothing might not sufficiently cover a traditional concealed carry holster.
It's also a fantastic concealed carry holster for those of us who might not find traditional concealed carry holster to be comfortable enough for daily use.
Belt Pack Holster
Gun Holster Videos
One of the most famous western gun holsters ever is shown in this Gunsmoke Introduction Video.
Popular Holster Brands
Additional Resources
Holster Retailers
Pyle Mountain Holsters - Offers quality nylon and leather holsters. Also offers a variety of concealed carry holsters and alternatives. Examples in include items such as traditional gun holsters, inside the pants holsters, concealed carry purses, concealed carry vests, leather belt slide holsters, hip holsters, shoulder holsters, double shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, waistband holsters, belly band holsters and more.
eHolster - Shoulder Holsters & Belt Holsters Including Gadget Holsters, iPhone Holsters, Cell Phone Holsters, Smartphone Holsters, PDA Holsters, and more.
Cowboy and Shooters Supply - Here you'll find a large selection of nylon gun holsters and other gun / shooting accessories.
Cowboy and Shooters Supply - Here you'll find a large selection of nylon gun holsters and other gun / shooting accessories.
Kirkpatrick Leather Holsters - Manufacturer and retailer of quality leather western holsters - including law enforcement leather holsters and cowboy leather holsters.
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