For pistols

What to look for when choosing a pistol holster?

There are a number of factors that go into choosing a holster. We will present you the most important ones for the right choice of a pistol holster.

Universal holster or holster for a specific type of gun

Universal pistol holsters

A universal pistol holster is a holster that is designed to fit several different models of pistols, instead of being specific to one particular type of gun. This means that a single holster can be used for several different pistols, which is useful for users who own multiple guns or for those who are unsure of what gun they will carry, or if they are simply unsure of a holster.

Our Tip:
While these holsters are shaped to accommodate almost any gun, to keep the gun from moving freely in the holster and to keep it tight, these holsters allow you to adjust the degree of grip with screws or Allen screws. This adjustment is done simply by inserting the pistol into the holster and using a screwdriver or Allen key to increase or decrease the grip strength. This must be such that the gun can be removed from the holster easily.

Shaped holsters for a specific pistol

Unlike a universal holster, this type is designed for a specific model of pistol or revolver. Often these holsters including accessories such as specific models of pistol flashlights, lasers, etc. Thus, they cannot accommodate accessories other than those for which they were made. Most often they are made of kydex or plastic. 

What materials are pistol holsters made of?

Kydex

Kydex is a thermoplastic that is molded for a specific model of pistol, including the accessories you have on the gun. For this reason, it is not compatible with other gun models or accessories such as flashlights, etc. Kydex is easy to maintain and has great resistance to mechanical damage. 
Often Kydex holsters are custom made for individual use, which drives up the price of the holster itself. In recent years, Kydex pistol holsters have become very popular with us airsofters.

Plastic

Plastic is the next most popular material for making holsters for your pistol. As with the basic kydex, these will most often be pistol holsters without accessories, and in addition to kydex, there are universal holsters designed for multiple types of guns. They are very lightweight with easy maintenance and great durability.

Synthetic fabric / cloth holsters

Many types of synthetic fabrics are also used to make holsters. Synthetic fabrics are (usually) durable and low maintenance. Their properties place them somewhere between leather and Kydex. These holsters are quite bulky, making them poor for concealed carry. They are also harder to keep clean than Kydex or plastic holsters. They generally have a higher level of water protection than leather and protect the gun well.
These holsters are also more forgiving of slightly different guns than they were specifically designed for. This is useful if you don't always carry the same model of gun. They are often made as so-called universal holsters. They can be more comfortable than Kydex holsters because they are more pliable and offer some padding.
Fabric holsters are often reached for by beginners.

How come the gun doesn't fall out of the holster while carrying?

Once you put the gun in the holster, you need to ensure that it stays inside until you want to purposely take it out, but at the same time, it needs to be easily accessible. There are a number of methods of securing it. Holsters are usually rated according to the level of retention. A higher level means it's harder for the other person to pull the gun out of the holster without your cooperation - but it also usually means your draw will be slower, so more retention isn't always better, typically airsoft where we need to draw the gun as quickly as possible. The right level for you will depend on the reason you carry a holster.
If you are a police officer or a civilian who carries a gun in public, a more secure holster is best for you. For an airsoft player, a holster will suffice so that the gun doesn't spontaneously fall out during the action.
There are several ways to secure it:

Friction

Many holsters have no separate locking system, so they rely solely on friction between the gun and the holster to keep it in place. Most concealed carry holsters fall into this category. For everyday use, this works well. Many modern holsters have a retention screw that can be adjusted to vary the amount of friction - and thus how securely the gun is held.

Flaps
Most military holsters have a flap that covers the body of the gun and keeps it secure. This design does a great job of preventing the gun from falling out of the holster and also does a great job of protecting it from rain, dust and mud. The downside is that it makes it slower to draw because you have to open the flap first and then you can draw the gun. The big advantage is that this system reliably keeps the pistol in the holster and upside down.

Straps
If you don't need to use the flap system to secure the gun, then choosing straps is a better alternative. The straps that police holsters and external holsters are equipped with can be released very quickly. However, even though they keep your gun from falling out, they don't do much to prevent someone unauthorized from getting a hold of it because they can release the strap just as easily as you can. With military holsters, you may encounter a special loop that is unfastened with the thumb of the shooting hand.

Locks of the bow of the weapon
A modern solution that can be found on many universal holsters, especially for police and airsoft use, are bow locks, which are a hook or post that secures the gun in the holster through the bow. To unlock it, a button or other device on the outside of the holster must be pressed. Again, this system prides itself on keeping the pistol secure even in extreme cases.

Types of pistol holsters by carry

Carry holsters not only need to hold your gun securely, but they also need to make the gun easily and quickly accessible. 
There are multiple ways to carry your gun, from belt holsters, to leg holsters, to concealed carry holsters. Each method has its pros and cons, so it's mostly up to you to decide which style of pistol carry is the best specifics for you.

Belt holsters

A belt holster is a pistol holster designed to carry the gun on an external belt. It is the most popular way to carry guns ever, offering safety and comfort. Holsters vary in material, carry style and level of safety. For example, police belt holsters usually have an open top and some sort of retention. This allows for a quick draw and with modern safeties, there is little chance of someone else getting a hold of the weapon. They are one of the most popular options among the airsoft community. 

Types of belt holsters

Internal holsters 

Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters are the most popular concealed carry option. These holsters attach to the belt with a loop or clip and hold the pistol inside the waistband of the pants. This is excellent for concealment because only the stock and rear of the slide are exposed above the belt. Today's holster models are comfortable for long term carry. They work best on flatter, compact models such as the Glock 43x or 1911.

External holsters

Outside the waistband (OWB) holsters designed for concealed carry are a better choice if you carry a revolver or larger handgun. These holsters often have wide "wings" that both hold securely on the belt and help smooth out the shape and reduce the "imprint" on your shirt or coat. 

Shoulder holsters

If you spend a lot of time driving or sitting, a belt holster can be uncomfortable - and drawing your gun can be uncomfortable. A shoulder holster is a great option for convenience, with a strap that has loops over each shoulder, connected by a back strap that helps distribute the weight of the gun. Shoulder holsters are easily concealed under an unzipped jacket and allow for quick draws while seated. Many include a magazine pouch opposite the holster. Another advantage of shoulder holsters is that they are the only truly effective way to conceal carry a large revolver. The holster itself can be horizontal for compact pistols, making it easier to draw, or vertical for pistols with longer barrels. There is a major disadvantage to this method, and that is a more lengthy draw. In airsoft, these are more like larp accessories.

Pocket holsters

Sometimes it's easiest to just carry the gun in your pocket - but this can lead to catching on clothing or other pocket contents, slowing down the draw or even causing an accidental discharge. A pocket holster protects your gun from snagging and allows for a clean draw when you need it. Most of these holsters are not permanently attached to the inside of the pocket, making them quick and easy to carry between coats.

Kidney holsters

A belly holster is a wide elastic belt with an integrated holster that is designed to conceal the pistol under an unbuttoned shirt. They come in several designs that allow you to choose the exact placement of the gun - anywhere from just above the belt to fairly high on the chest. Some are set up to hold the gun in front of the body. Belt holsters are good for concealment but poor for comfort. They have to be tight to hold the gun firmly in place, and this makes them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Moreover, they are unrecognizable to the discerning eye.

Holsters with a platform on the leg

Belt holsters are great, but they can be uncomfortable to draw from, especially if you're seated. Leg platform holsters are hung from the belt about mid-thigh, and a strap around the thigh keeps them in place. Their big advantage is that they work well with a ballistic vest that is long enough to interfere with the belt holster. They can catch a mess when crawling, for example, and with the wrong size they can bounce around on your leg when running.

Carrying bags for pistols

A pistol carry bag is a protective cover designed to carry a pistol safely and comfortably, usually to the range, an airsoft event or when traveling. These bags are usually padded and may have additional pockets for magazines or other accessories. Essentially, these are scaled down soft cases like we know from long guns. Some may be suspended from a MOLLE platform. There are versions for one or two pistols.

So which holster is best for me?

First of all, I need to decide where I want to carry the pistol, the most common options are on my thigh, belt and vest. For us, a good, universal choice is to use belt holsters. The pistol doesn't get in the way on the belt, it doesn't press on the leg or fly back and forth uncomfortably. On a vest, on the other hand, the pistol can get in the way when lying on your stomach.
 Then you need to choose a holster that fits the pistol. If you don't plan on using any accessories on the gun, a great option is to use universal holsters, ideally made of plastic.

Manufacturer recommendations

Here you will find manufacturers that have been verified by us and that we ourselves use for both airsoft and some of us for shooting ranges.
Amomax: This popular manufacturer offers different types of holsters. Whether you are looking for a holster for a specific model or a universal one for use with multiple gun models, Amomax will not disappoint.
MIL-TEC: This well-known manufacturer has come up with different types of h soft holsters where we can choose from different types such as universal leg holsters, shoulder holsters, and even as carry holsters. Miltec is ideal especially for beginners or for those who go the economical route.
GFC: This well-known manufacturer offers different types of soft universal holsters that can be attached to the leg, as well as some models that can be attached using the MOLLE system, for example to a vest.
SWISS ARMS: Swiss Arms is a Swiss quality manufacturer of various gun accessories. From the world of packaging, it offers quality transport holsters for short guns that every owner of an airsoft or real gun will appreciate.
ASG:  ASG holsters are suitable for both beginners and advanced players.

Conclusion

There is no such expression as the best holster for a pistol. The one that is best for you depends on a lot of parameters such as the model of the gun, the accessories used on the gun, and most importantly the way you carry the holster. Therefore, you need to know exactly what you expect from a pistol holster before buying one. Once you are clear on this, you will make your choice a lot easier. If you make the right choice, you will get equipment that will protect your gun and ensure that it is where you need it when you need it.