Best Gun Holsters Reviewed and Rated for Quality and Use
Brian
Shanena Ketchum
As a prospective handgun owner, you can think of a lot of things that could go wrong when you put a loaded firearm in your pants without adequate concealment. Most of us probably hate carrying a holster around all the time, but not carrying one is probably out of the question. Holsters are more than just a tactical gear – they not only protect your handgun but also everyone around you. It’s surprising, though nobody carries a holster in movies unless he’s a cop. For novice shooters, holsters are just for the defensive purpose which means keeping your firearm within easy reach at all times. The price is mostly the deciding factor when it comes to selecting a hunting gun holster. But the fact is there are in fact several reasons to why you need the right holster for you.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 23 hrs of research
Solid construction
Looks sharp
Offers a quick draw
Secures weapon
Great for the price
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Barsony Gun OWB -
Smith & Wesson
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Uncle Mike's Inside-The-Pant
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CCW IWB Premium Buffalo
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UTG LE Grade
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Depring Concealed Carry Holster
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Taigear Belt Loop
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Condor Tornado
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AlphaHolster
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BLACKHAWK! CQC
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Gun Holsters
1. Barsony Gun OWB
Solid construction
Looks sharp
Offers a quick draw
Secures weapon
Great for the price
Simple design, you get what you pay for
The very reliable Barsony OWB is a custom-tailored concealed carry holster for superior weapon security both in the field and in the shooting range. Made of exclusive U.S. Cowhide leather, the Barsony is designed to perfection. Lack of comfort is mostly the reason people don't prefer OWB concealed carry, but thanks to Barsony, your concealed carry woes stay miles away from you.
Read moreMaximum comfort
Not only does this handgun holster allow for quick and easy draw but it also does that with maximum comfort. All you have to do is strap it on and get on with your training course in the range or wear it daily for self-defense.
Premium quality
This Barsony OWB handgun holster is a premium quality holster that is ideal for everyday concealed carry or for everyday carry. That means that it is perfect for any type of handgun carrier.
Cost and Value
This Barsony handgun holster is completely affordable. It is high-quality and comfortable enough for everyday carry, making it highly valuable for the low price.
2. Smith & Wesson
Hand-molded design for comfortable carry
Finest Inside the Waistband Clip-on
Extreme durability and versatility
Superior weapon protection
Ideal for both left and right-handed users
All day concealed carry for low-profile tactical use
Holster might seem a little sloppy
Ideal for both left and right-handed users, the Pro Carry LT is a great entry-level inside-the-waistband leather holster for efficient concealment and maximum comfortability. The non-molded design makes it a great fit for inside the waistband concealed carry without adding any extra bulk. The ultra-soft pliable leather won’t rub against your skin for effortless everyday carrying all while providing superior gun protection for the toughest of conditions.
Read moreExtreme comfort
Comfort is the key when carrying a concealed weapon and this versatile Pro Carry LT handgun holster delivers. It is built to perform and designed for perfection. So, if those are some of your standards, then this is your holster.
Good-quality leather
This handgun holster is made of good-quality leather that is soft and well-stitched for a secure fit. The leather is soft against your body, which is comfortable and stays in place.
Cost and Value
For a great-quality leather hostler that is soft, secure and stays in place, this Smith & Wesson handgun holster is at an unbeatable price. Its value is high and the cost won’t break the bank.
3. Uncle Mike's Inside-The-Pant
Versatile inside-the-waistband holster
Durable suede exterior for a great fit
4-layer ultra-thin laminate for comfortable carry
Quickdraw and re-holstering
Moisture barrier keeps perspiration off the firearm
Weight distribution is heavier above belt line
The Uncle Mike’s Inside-the-Pant Holster is a versatile addition to a low-profile tactical arsenal for superior firearm protection and concealed carry. The 4-layer, super-thin laminate design fits inside the pants for efficient and comfortable concealed carry. This is great for CCW permit holders who keep their side arms close to their body for quick access and simple movements.
Read moreNo bulk
It's perfectly thin and not bulky. This Uncle Mike’s handgun holster is virtually unnoticeable inside the waistband with the gun butt probably being the only exception. Regardless, it is not bulky.
Nice moisture-wicking material
The suede exterior makes a great fit and looks stunning on this handgun holster while the moisture barrier wicks the moisture away from your sidearm. The holster stays dry, looks nice and feels great.
Cost and Value
Whether you are right or left handed, you will love this holster. If you don’t love it for its nice look and comfortable design, you definitely will for its incredibly low price point.
4. CCW IWB Premium Buffalo
Made of premium Buffalo Hide leatherFeels like a fine leather gloveFits most medium and large sized handguns
Superior hold and trigger coverage
Ideal for IWB concealed carry
Very lightweight
Not sturdy enough
Made of the toughest yet nicest leather on the market, Buffalo Hide leather, this lightweight yet sturdy holster is a great fit for the prospective CCW license holders who would want a low profile tactical gear. It allows for quickdraws and easy re-holstering for better concealment in all kinds of situations. It works great with almost all semi-autos without having to re-holster for efficient concealment.
Read moreGreat concealment
This is a fine inside-the-waistband concealment holster ideal for right-handed users who would not feel the need to re-holster their sidearm frequently. Plus, it doesn't add any extra bulk so you'd at ease all the time both on and off the field.
Excellent trigger coverage
This solid hand-crafted handgun holster features excellent trigger coverage. The strong leather offers full security and this safety feature lends a peace of mind while you wear your gun in your waistband.
Cost and Value
This handgun holster is handcrafted, secure and lightweight. It is altogether a great companion for all of the most popular size guns. The best part is that you can get it for an amazing price.
5. UTG LE Grade
Premium synthetic material for durability
Enhanced concealed carry holster
Velcro holds both sides of the thumb break for better retention
Soft padding for a superior hold
Fully adjustable Velcro snaps
Adjustable belt loops for efficient carry
Superior weapon protection
Universal design fits most pistols
No cons
The low-profile design and ambidextrous functionality combine to deliver unmatched weapon protection and superior hold in the very versatile UTG LE multi-purpose handgun holster. It makes a great fit for close protection and low-profile tactical operations. The sidearm fits snugly in seconds for quick access and re-holstering. The high-quality synthetic material is thin and lightweight yet rugged for extreme environments.
Read moreGreat fit
The universal design makes it a great fit for CCW permit holders for enhanced concealed carry. The best part, it comes with an additional magazine holder attachment allowing you to discreetly carry extra magazines for emergency situations.
Stays secure
The firearm stays concealed securely in this holster. It is designed so that it won’t pan out, thanks to the hook and loop closure thumb break straps for an ambidextrous holster.
Cost and Value
You can secure this handgun holster for one of the lowest price points on this list. If you don’t know where to start with your first one, this is a great choice to start with. If you don’t give it a shot for the great qualities, the price point is undeniable.
6. Depring Concealed Carry Holster
Universal Fit
Ambidextrous construction
Fits Inside or Outside Pants
Silent Draw
Durable Construction
Lifetime Guarantee
Elastic Retention Straps
Too Flimsy
This handgun holster keeps your favorite firearm close to the body inside the pants for quick draw and easy re-holstering, or outside for quick availability. It's a universal fit holster so it'll fit just about anything you try to get in there without much trouble. It's also ambidextrous so it'll hang off your left hip as easily as the right.
Read moreSilent Draw
It has unique elastic retention straps with a strong snap button that'll not only keep your gun secure but also ensure a quiet silent draw if you need to keep things quiet.
Universal Fit
This holster is made to securely hold your sidearm close to your body and it is adjustable so that you could have the right draw angle for quick action every time. It also will hold just about any gun you can imagine, from Ruger, to Glock, to Beretta's it'll fit in the Depring with no trouble.
Cost and Value
This Depring comes at a price range that varies. However, what doesn’t vary is its noteable features. You will feel secure wearing this holster to conceal your firearm.
7. Taigear Belt Loop
Ideal for low-profile tactical use
Civilian concealed carry
Maximum protection at a pocket friendly price
Belt attachment for quick draw and re-holstering
Large magazine pocket easily holds extra magazines
Ideal for medium-sized sidearm
The strap might be problematic
Not ideal for long handguns, more than 7 inches
A low-profile tactical gear, the Taigear Airsoft Gun Holster is a user-friendly concealment solution for casual shooters who want decent protection for their everyday concealed carry. The belt attachment makes it a great fit for your medium-sized sidearm (up to 7 inches) and the low-profile design provides decent concealment and a comfortable fit for a civilian carry weapon.
Read moreNo bulk
With this holster you can conceal your sidearm without feeling too bulky. Not only that, but it holds your sidearm along with extra mags. It does this effortlessly without adding any extra bulk.
Belt loop attachment
The belt loop attachment option with this holster allows you to get at a quick draw with ease. You won’t feel like you are fumbling to grab your handgun with this shot-ready holster.
Cost and Value
This holster is a solid product at a budget-friendly price and a fine investment for civilian carry or anyone looking for a cheap but handy gun holster for everyday carry.
8. Condor Tornado
Efficient wrap-around design for easy carry
Fully adjustable for all large and medium sized pistols
Velcro straps for thumb break
Better retention system for a superior hold
Adjustable magazine pouch for extra mags
Quick draw and re-holstering for right hand users
High-quality materials and durable construction
Ideal for range use and low-profile tactical operations
Medium quality
Not so handy for civilian concealed carry
Featuring a low-profile yet easy-to-use design, the very versatile Condor Tornado Tactical Weapon Holster is your ideal go-to tactical gear. It is fully adjustable to fit snugly with almost any standard size sidearm even with optic attachments such as laser sights and flashlights. It fits almost all sidearms with ease without adding any extra bulk so that to provide quick draw motion plus re-holstering with optics attached.
Read moreRoomy and ready holster
This holster features an adjustable magazine pouch on the front to carry extra mags if needed. It makes a great fit for concealed carry for low-profile tactical operations as well as range use.
Secure
Along with being roomy, this holster efficiently uses hook and loop closure straps to hold two sides of the thumb break for better retention.
Cost and Value
Overall, this holster is a great value for your money. It is an extremely user-friendly product at an unbeatable price. It is a fine addition to your tactical gear.
9. AlphaHolster
Ideal for left, right, and both hand draw
Lightweight ventilated elastic for increased durability
Wrap-around design for a snug fit and secure hold
Fits most medium and large sized handguns
Easily carry up to three spare mags
Highly functional belly gun holster
Tactical use and civilian concealed carry
Hard to conceal under most clothing
Belly gets sweaty
As a responsible CCW permit holder, you’re bound to carry a holster for secure concealed carry if not for your security but for people around you. A comfortable yet sturdy holster is imperative to securely carry your concealed sidearm. The AlphaHolster delivers for all of your needs. It is a multi-purpose gun holster for tactical use. The AlphaHolster easily wraps around your belly above the waistline allowing you to effortlessly hide multiple handguns under the clothes for quick draw.
Read moreConcealed, snug fit
Doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a tucked-in shirt or golf T-shirt, the AlphaHolster makes carrying handguns a breeze. It’s brilliantly designed to fit any medium or large-sized sidearm snugly with ease without adding any extra bulk.
Additional Space
With this holster you can also carry spare mags in the holders. Even with the added mags, it’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to beat the toughest of conditions. Additionally, it keeps perspiration off the body while on-the-go.
Cost and Value
With this holster you will pay a tiny bit more than others on this list, however you will gain a whole lot more. You cannot beat being able to wear this holster on your body comfortably, without bulk and with everything you need.
10. BLACKHAWK! CQC
Blackhawk’s signature SERPA technology for unparalleled weapon protection
Efficient retention system for quick draw
Audible click upon re-holstering
Durable and easy to use concealment holster
SERPA Auto lock release for ease of use
Very small and stealth
Lacks comfort
This holster is a heavy-duty and easy-to-use concealment holster perfected by the Blackhawk’s most advanced SERPA Technology. The CQC Serpa is built to perfection. It is designed to deliver unmatched weapon security and a secure hold for your concealed carry with no action required. It does all of this without breaking your proverbial bank.
Read moreQuickdraw
With this holster you will be able to get your quick draw on. It facilitates a quick and effective drawing motion allowing for easy accessibility without adding any extra bulk.
Long-lasting performance
In addition, it’s made out of heavy-duty polymer and carbon fiber for a lasting use and superior performance making it an ideal choice for both civilian carry and range use.
Cost and Value
Yes, this handgun holster is a pricier one on the list, but the good news is that it is still insanely affordable. And, not only that, it has amazing features like a quick-draw motion and a heavy-duty yet lightweight design that you will love.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Band
The most sought after variety is obviously the type that is worn in the waistband(IWB) holster which sits in the waistband of your pants, and they attach to the belt with loops or hooks. These holsters will provide the most concealment, but require trousers that are about an inch more in the waist that you normally wear. A summer special type IWB has the rough side of the leather on the outside to help keep the holster anchored in one place. Belt-positioning of an IWB holster varies based on personal preference.
Effectiveness
The holster is supposed to allow for easy access so that you can easily withdraw the weapon with one hand and also put it back to safety with one hand. It must provide easy access to your weapon in a short span of time even in compromised situations, like when you’re rolling around the ground or while jumping off or strapped in a car seat. Further, your weapon should always be in a stable position, so that the draw can be hassle-free and consistent under stress.
The ability to re-holster using one hand while still focusing on the threat (a less lethal response) is important. There are incidences people accidentally shooting themselves in the draw or while re-holstering. Speed is one thing, but gun handling and tactics are equally important. One hand re-holstering ability comes in handy when your hands are occupied after firing. The ability to re-holster one-handed is difficult with holsters made from flimsy materials. So choose wisely before you make the final decision.
Safety Hazards
When searching for a holster, you want it to cover the guard of the trigger well. One thing you don't want is material from the holster to get in by the trigger. You should practice control when it comes to the trigger, but can you do the same when something unpredictable happens on the line? You should take care, not to expose your concealed weapon but slip ups happen when you least expect them. One main factor to consider will depend on the person carrying the gun and how they like to place the holster. So it’s wise to choose a holster with safety in mind.
Visibility
It allows you to have the element of surprise when responding to an attacker who’s threatening you with force. Guns, when handled correctly, even under duress, makes for a much safer experience. Safe handling is something that all who carry should practice for the safety of themselves and others. Additionally, it helps prevent those unfortunate situations when your handgun could be accidentally exposed to the general public who may immediately call for law enforcement officers because they see a person with a gun.
Overall Fit
The right holster should hold the handgun in place while you’re moving, or upside down, running, or while you get in and out of cars. The holster must hold the firearm adequately and it must allow it to fit securely within, without constricting the ability to draw the weapon or return it back to the holster. You’re not going to spend your life sitting still, and you aren’t standing still either when in a fight.
Having a holster that doesn’t grasp your weapon properly is essentially not ideal to wear at all, not only can it become a safety hazard, but it becomes an inconvenience as well. While having a less fitted holster can be useful in the case of needing to draw your weapon quickly, you are sure to regret it when your weapon of choice is flying in multiple directions when you’re doing everyday tasks such as jumping or even running at a fast pace. Additionally, you want to ensure you acquire a steady firing grip when the gun is in your desired holster, so you do not come across the issue of having to adjust your grip every time you reach to draw your weapon.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Band Effectiveness Visibility Safety Hazards Overall Fit 
Holsters were initially made for military and security personnel, but now they are an important accessory for handgun users globally. Different types of pistols can be safely housed and easily transported. A holster is an interface between your gun and your body, and it’s undoubtedly a vital piece of gear – not just an addition to your tactical kit. For the most part, a holster makes things a lot safer. First, they keep the gun from dropping and more importantly, they usually protect the trigger, both of which help prevent accidental discharge. Plus, it makes sure your hunting handgun remains in the same position all the time, which eliminates the need to fumble with your weapon when you need it the most. Additionally, with the tight concealed carry laws in many states, it requires you to keep our pistol hidden at all times. Sure, moving around with your gun comes with the territory, but having the right holster makes it easier to conceal your pistol comfortably and fashionably. And when you’re after concealability, you’re in a holster that fits your body type in a desired concealed position that will work well the types of clothes you’re wearing. The designs are form-fitting that restrict guns from getting dislodged and falling off while traveling. Also, a quality concealed carry holster must strike a perfect balance between concealment and accessibility.
Holsters are completely a personal choice and there’s no particular design or make that everyone’s going to like. But at the same time, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a holster. Comfort is the key, and over time you can adapt to just about anything. Regardless of what you choose, you should allow it to adjust to your body for at least two weeks before making a change. You’ll likely to forget you’re actually carrying a gun, as your body will adjust to the feel. Remember, the best advantage of a holster is the fact that you can secure any type of handgun in the holster. So you don’t have to buy multiple gun holsters to conceal different types of handguns. After all, your choice among the best gun holsters is a matter of personal preference.
Other Factors to Consider
Motion Control
You should be able to quickly and easily draw your weapon from your concealed holster. The draw has to be consistent and reliable, and the holster must lend itself allowing you to have a complete grip on your weapon while still allowing releasing any retention devices. Well, you also need consistency to want to have a fast, smooth draw. Drawing your gun is directly connected to how you holster your gun and how to move through the draw depends entirely on where you draw your gun from. The clothing you wear each day will likely require different holsters to worn in different ways with different styles.
Advanced Features
You need to be able to access your gun in a hurry if there’s even the slightest possibility of an assailant attacking you with deadly force, as your life or that of another person depends on it. The level of retention is entirely up to you, but generally, a level 1 – or friction retention holster – would be a great choice for anyone who carries a pistol inside the waistband. In simple terms, retention is an important concept to grasp, whether you open or concealed carry. Retention levels will vary from internal devices in the holster to simple thumb breaks that will help you retain your weapon if you’re engaged directly with an assailant. A Level 2 consists of two retention devices, such as a strap and internal retention device.
Holsters that lack a proper fit and no retention device may not retain the weapon properly. A thumb break is a safety device installed on many holsters and sheaths to prevent a weapon from drawn unintentionally. If your holster has a thumb break retention strap, you may need to stretch the strap before you get it to snap. There are many kinds of retention devices available on concealment holsters which usually involve one or more digits of the drawing hand releasing as the gun is drawn. A poorly fitting holster might cause problems with everyday use which could dislodge the pistol from the holster.
Materials
The quality of workmanship and the materials used in the making of a holster – this is the area where you can see the most variety of differences between manufacturers. The build quality is perhaps the area that needs your full attention. The last thing you need is a terribly designed holster. The leather is by far the most popular choice among armed citizens. High-quality holsters from the renowned companies are generally of good quality, and custom-made holsters are generally the top-quality holsters made from all the industry-grade materials. A poorly made holster, on the other hand, could possibly interfere with your draw during an emergency. So invest in something solid.
Comfort
Last but not the least, the comfort which is in the feel of the beholder. The right holster not only provides an optimal concealment solution but also allows for a quick access to your firearm with ease. It doesn’t matter how wonderful your holster looks on the outside or how it feels on the hands if it’s not comfortable you are not going to wear it on a consistent basis. So make sure you’re comfortable with a holster before you make your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although your discomfort can be caused by several factors, here are a few tips for a more comfortable experience. If your holster is made of leather, it will take some time to break in a leather holster. The more you use it the faster this will happen. If you are a first time user with holsters, they do take time to adjust to. Keep using the holster for a while, if you don’t see any changes, you may need a different type or concealed carry may not be your thing. Make sure that your weapon fits properly into your holster, if not properly fit, the holster can cause you some discomfort.
If you are familiar with the size specifications for your firearm, there are several one size fits most options on the market that will list their specifications for fit. But you run the risk of assuming, which sometimes leads to an improper fitting holster. Most holster manufacturers will list on their websites the weapons that their holsters will fit. In the event you don’t find your weapon on their list, most will also list a customer service number you can call as well.
The true answer to this question is yes, a holster can cause some wear on your firearm. There are some options for holsters on the market to slow this process, but over time you will notice wear patterns to your firearm caused by the friction from rubbing. You can purchase a conditioner for leather, this will soften the inside of the holster, minimizing the damage to your firearm. When looking into a holster other than leather, look for one with a lining made from softer materials.
Not if you want a good experience while using a holster, using a holster that doesn’t properly fit your weapon will hinder your holster performance. For example, using a holster that is too large for your weapon, will add hassle to your drawing ability. In the event your holster is too small for your weapon, this will result in an uncomfortable fitting holster.
