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WORD ON CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS
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By RFWG Guest Writer Jim Stouffer
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Someone in every class
asks, "Where can I buy a good holster?" There are several things to
consider when purchasing a holster for concealed carry purposes. First things
first. The old saying that 'you get what you pay for' certainly applies here.
I realize that it may be difficult to plunk down upwards of $75-$100 for a
holster. Relax, there are lots of good quality holsters on the market for
less than $50.00. By saying, 'you get what you pay for' I mean to say stay
away from those nylon all purpose one size fits all things you can buy for
under $20.00 They are unfit for concealed carry purposes. Just ask anyone who
has a box full of holsters they have accumulated through trial and error. I
suppose nylon holsters have a purpose, the only thing I can think of is you
can hang you handgun in them at the range so you don't have to lay it on the
ground!
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Four cardinal rules for
purchasing a holster:
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Rule #1 is.......the
trigger must not be exposed while the gun is holstered. (for obvious reasons
I hope)
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Rule #2 is .........your
gun MUST fit the holster. Your gun must fit snugly in a holster made for your
particular gun. A good rule of thumb is WHEN you turn you holster upside down
you gun doesn't fall out.
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Rule #3 is ........ the
holster must be of such style and quality that it doesn't 'print' under your
concealed carry garments. That's why we call it 'concealed' carry.
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Rule #4 is ........ your belt is just as
important as your choice of holsters. It needs to be STIFF. ....made for
concealed carry. They ain't cheap. Price range is from $39.95 to over
$100.00. |
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This
is where the work comes in to play or is it that the play comes into work?
You need to shop around. There are several things to consider when it comes
to concealment of a gun/holster. The first thing is this..... what works for
me may not necessarily work for you. Everyone's body shape is different.
certain holsters lend themselves to thin folks while others lend themselves
to more robust types (like me). There are open top holsters, thumb break
holsters, inside the waist band holsters, behind the back holsters, ankle
holsters, shoulder holsters, concealed carry purses, fanny pack holsters and
a few more. |
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My
suggestion is to pay attention in class, observe the various types, their
pros and cons, visit a local gun show, go to a gun shop etc. If you are
serious about concealed carry you will study the options, ask questions, try
different types then settle on the one you want to invest in. Even at that,
over time, like most of the instructors you will have a box full of them!
Play or work?.......depends on your attitude. |
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A word on
belts. A limp sagging belt will
allow the holster to sag away from your body and thus affect the concealability
of your rig. You are better off with as wide a belt that your belt loops can
handle. Most concealed carry belts are double thickness leather and some of
the better ones are reinforced with a plastic, nylon or steel insert. Well
worth the expense if you are serious about concealed carry. |
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There are two companies that have
seen fit to donate holsters to us
for demonstration purposes. They are both top quality top notch companies. I
highly recommend their products. They are USGALCO and DON HUME holsters. You
can purchase their products from reputable gun shops and at the gun shows or
directly from their web sites. For your convenience here are their web
addresses: |
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Galco
Gun Leather
A great place to purchase all of your gun leather needs. |
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Don Hume
Leather
Good quality leather products to satisfy your concealed carry needs. |
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