Skin pickin': choosing the right holster takes as much thought as choosing the gun

Guns Magazine, Feb, 2005 by Glenn Barnes

Just when the first-time gun buyer thinks he's covered all the bases, he discovers his work has only begun. Don't you feel sorry for him sometimes? He's spent countless hours at the gun shop handling every type of handgun on the market, probably spent a wallet full of shekels renting guns to fire at the indoor range to get a "feel" for how they shoot, finally made up his mind and bought the perfect defensive handgun for concealed-carry needs. He's done a good job so he's happy, but sadly his toil has only begun. He needs some quality hide for the new holster gun. No problem, he'll simply go online and see what's available, maybe order a few catalogs and spend some time in the old easy chair next to the fireplace and study what's available.

Sounds like a rather simple plan doesn't it? Unfortunately this simple plan is chockfull of problems guaranteed to induce massive headaches, high blood pressure, and the occasional nosebleed. I know because I've fallen into this bottomless void more times than I care to admit. Selecting the perfect defensive handgun is going to seem like a cakewalk compared to choosing the right holster. Why? Once you've punched in the "holster" search on the internet, or discovered the postman has left a gunnysack full of holster catalogs on your front porch, you'll quickly find out just how many "perfect" concealed carry scabbards there are on the market. Selecting the one that's perfect for your carry needs is indeed a tough chore, especially for the first timer, and to tell the truth, even the experienced pistolero gets a little discombobulated at times.

With more states issuing concealed carry handgun permits it only stands to reason more law-abiding citizens are going to exercise their fight to "go heeled," and who can blame them? It's a rough and dangerous world out there.

Although right concealed carry holster can be frustrating, if you'll keep a few things in mind while you're perusing the catalogs, making the right choice will be much easier. A properly designed concealed-carry holster should make your handgun invisible. That's why it's called "concealed" in the first place, right? Generally speaking, a well thought out pattern utilizes far less leather than ordinary field scabbards--just enough to retain your pistol or revolver, but not enough to "print" through your clothes. Less is not always best, but enough used in the right places is near perfect.

Aside from actually concealing your handgun, all carry holsters should exhibit a few simple, yet necessary qualities. Once you've decided your choice meets these demands, then the fun part begins. A properly constructed defensive scabbard should cover the entire trigger, for obvious safety reasons. The top welt should be stout enough not to bend, flop, or close after you've drawn the firearm. Having to re-holster with two hands is a pain in the neck. The holster should be able to ride comfortably on your belt for long periods of time without causing fatigue. Make sure the holster doesn't move during the drawing stroke (a properly fitting belt alleviates this to a certain extent.) And finally, the holster should allow a full grip of the firearm, not including the trigger of course. We only reach for the trigger when we're ready to fire, remember? Clearly, the perfect holster design is subject to the vagaries of personal opinion, but any holster conceived with these attributes will not only serve you well, they'll also protect you.

Now, let's have some fun. I've selected several of my favorite concealed carry scabbards I use on a regular basis. They may not be the perfect choices for you; I'm not "expert" enough, or bold enough to make that claim, but they've served me reliably and well, some for many years, and I'll bet a shiny silver dollar you'll like one or two of these designs also.

Once in a while it does a body good to treat themselves to something a little bit out of the ordinary, something special, and when I feel this itch coming on the only way to scratch it is to pick up the phone and call Jerry Evans, of Haugen Handgun Leather. Jerry has been crafting quality holsters longer than most of GUNS readers have been alive, which is one of the many reasons I address him as "Sir" when I'm speaking with him (Daddy always taught me to respect my elders).

Simply put, Jerry makes some of the finest concealed carry scabbards ever designed. He knows exactly what qualities it takes to craft a first class carry rig and he builds this quality into each and every holster. I was on the phone with Jerry a few weeks ago and asked him to build a special carry scabbard tot my favorite Browning Hi-Power, preferably his No. 5 Equalizer. The No. 5 Equalizer is one of Jerry's first holster designs and has remained a perennial darling of the IDPA crowd, not to mention thousands of regular Joes like myself.

This advanced version of the legendary Askins Pistolero holster is designed with a reinforced open top, cut as low as possible for a buttery smooth fast draw and sports a molded sight track. A reinforced shield separates the handgun from your body and a tension setting screw allows you to fine-tune the fit. The holster rides high, close to your body, and is incredibly comfortable even when worn for long periods of time. The No. 5 Equalizer is designed for most popular autoloaders, yours included. Haugen Handgun Leather is always a sound choice for the discriminating carry aficionado, so give yourself a treat, something special and unique designed to last a lifetime. You've earned the best.