Holsters
Having the right holster can immeasurably help you if you need to carry, and in a life threatening situation draw, your firearm.
Here's the type of holsters that we like for Shooting and why we like them:
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster for Small Handgun (S&W Shield)
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster for Small Handgun (S&W Shield)
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster for Small Handgun with Laser (S&W Shield 2.0)
- Shoulder Holster for Large Handgun (Beretta 92FS)
- Drop Leg Holster for Large Handgun (Beretta 92FS)
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) Extra Magazine Holder for Small Handgun (S&W Shield)
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) Extra Magazine Holder for Small Handgun (S&W Shield)
- Belt Extra Magazine Holder for Two 9mm Magazines
- Ankle Extra Magazine Holder for Two 9mm Magazines
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster for Small Handgun
Vedder Holsters LightTuck Kydex IWB - S&W Shield
One of the axioms that I have heard from people that I know in Law Enforcement is “good guys use holsters; bad guys don’t”. The main reason for this is that good guys don’t try to ditch their firearm after using it, but bad guys do and having a holster means that you have to ditch that too. Since carrying a weapon is not to be taken lightly we recommend that you find a good holster and carry your handgun in it. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB holsters are: 1) size, 2) IWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. For carrying our S&W Shield we purchased a Vedder Holsters LightTuck Kydex IWB. The holster has adjustable ride height, adjustable retention, 30° of adjustable forward and reverse cant, and a clip that fits belts up to 1.5" wide. Since the holster is made of custom formed kydex the fit to the gun is tight, but drawing the gun is easy since the handgrip is almost fully exposed. In fact the fit is so tight that you can hear a “click” when you holster your gun. Since the holster is small it easily fits inside the waistband of your pants and clips to your belt/pants. We really like how slim and easy to use this holster is. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you.
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One of the axioms that I have heard from people that I know in Law Enforcement is “good guys use holsters; bad guys don’t”. The main reason for this is that good guys don’t try to ditch their firearm after using it, but bad guys do and having a holster means that you have to ditch that too. Since carrying a weapon is not to be taken lightly we recommend that you find a good holster and carry your handgun in it. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB holsters are: 1) size, 2) IWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. For carrying our S&W Shield we purchased a Vedder Holsters LightTuck Kydex IWB. The holster has adjustable ride height, adjustable retention, 30° of adjustable forward and reverse cant, and a clip that fits belts up to 1.5" wide. Since the holster is made of custom formed kydex the fit to the gun is tight, but drawing the gun is easy since the handgrip is almost fully exposed. In fact the fit is so tight that you can hear a “click” when you holster your gun. Since the holster is small it easily fits inside the waistband of your pants and clips to your belt/pants. We really like how slim and easy to use this holster is. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you.
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Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster for Small Handgun
Vedder Holsters LightDraw™ Kydex OWB - S&W Shield
For every day carry (EDC) we use a Vedder Holsters LightTuck IWB Kydex holster since it holds our firearm securely and has a very low profile. But for the range, especially for USPSA-like target shooting activities, we wanted an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster. The criteria that we use to evaluate OWB holsters are similar to the criteria that we use for IWB holsters: 1) size, 2) OWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. After looking at various models from different manufacturers we eventually purchased the LightDraw Kydex OWB from Vedder Holster for a variety of reasons. First we liked that the holster is handmade and molded to fit your specific gun configuration and carry style (manufacturer, model, sights, draw side, cant angle, clip style, belt size, etc.,) perfectly. We also like the fact that the holster has an adjustable retention screw so that you can setup the holster to let you draw your pistol as easily as you want - while also carrying it as securely as you want when you have it holstered. The LightDraw is made from .080 Kydex, has as a slide shield to help keep perspiration away from the weapon and a double sided, fully reinforced shell to allow for easy one handed re-holstering. Vedder even has over 80 colors and patterns of Kydex to choose from so you can personalize the holster to meet your esthetic sensibilities. The fact that we already had, and liked, our LightTuck holster from Vedder clinched the deal since we already knew how good their products are. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you.
For every day carry (EDC) we use a Vedder Holsters LightTuck IWB Kydex holster since it holds our firearm securely and has a very low profile. But for the range, especially for USPSA-like target shooting activities, we wanted an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster. The criteria that we use to evaluate OWB holsters are similar to the criteria that we use for IWB holsters: 1) size, 2) OWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. After looking at various models from different manufacturers we eventually purchased the LightDraw Kydex OWB from Vedder Holster for a variety of reasons. First we liked that the holster is handmade and molded to fit your specific gun configuration and carry style (manufacturer, model, sights, draw side, cant angle, clip style, belt size, etc.,) perfectly. We also like the fact that the holster has an adjustable retention screw so that you can setup the holster to let you draw your pistol as easily as you want - while also carrying it as securely as you want when you have it holstered. The LightDraw is made from .080 Kydex, has as a slide shield to help keep perspiration away from the weapon and a double sided, fully reinforced shell to allow for easy one handed re-holstering. Vedder even has over 80 colors and patterns of Kydex to choose from so you can personalize the holster to meet your esthetic sensibilities. The fact that we already had, and liked, our LightTuck holster from Vedder clinched the deal since we already knew how good their products are. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you.
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster for Small Handgun with Laser
Vedder Holsters LightTuck Kydex IWB - S&W Shield 2.0 with Green Crimson Trace Laser
When we purchased the M&P Shield 2.0 with an integrated Crimson Trace Green laser we also had to get a new IWB holster since the laser changes the form of the handgun. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB holsters are: 1) size, 2) IWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. Because we already have two Vedder Holsters for our 1.0 Shield (both IWB and OWB) we checked to see if Vedder had what we need for the 2.0 Shield – and sure enough they did. So, because we like our other Vedder holsters, and we like commonality where practical, we purchased a LightTuck Kydex IWB holster for the 2.0 Shield. Like the holster for our 1.0 Shield this 2.0 Shield holster has adjustable ride height featuring three levels of adjustment, adjustable retention, 30° of adjustable forward and reverse cant, and a clip that fits belts up to 1.5" wide. Since the holster is made of custom formed .080” Kydex the fit to the gun is tight, but drawing the gun is easy since the handgrip is almost fully exposed. In fact the fit is so tight that you can hear a “click” when you holster your gun. Since the holster is small it easily fits inside the waistband of your pants and clips to your belt/pants. We really like how slim and easy to use this holster is. The holster is even designed with a full sweat shield to minimize the amount of contact your gun has with your body to keep your firearm clean and sweat free. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you; they even have over 75 Kydex colors and patterns to choose from. If you have a modified setup, or larger aftermarket sights, contact Vedder and they will make a holster to precisely fit your gun.
When we purchased the M&P Shield 2.0 with an integrated Crimson Trace Green laser we also had to get a new IWB holster since the laser changes the form of the handgun. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB holsters are: 1) size, 2) IWB fit against your body, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. Because we already have two Vedder Holsters for our 1.0 Shield (both IWB and OWB) we checked to see if Vedder had what we need for the 2.0 Shield – and sure enough they did. So, because we like our other Vedder holsters, and we like commonality where practical, we purchased a LightTuck Kydex IWB holster for the 2.0 Shield. Like the holster for our 1.0 Shield this 2.0 Shield holster has adjustable ride height featuring three levels of adjustment, adjustable retention, 30° of adjustable forward and reverse cant, and a clip that fits belts up to 1.5" wide. Since the holster is made of custom formed .080” Kydex the fit to the gun is tight, but drawing the gun is easy since the handgrip is almost fully exposed. In fact the fit is so tight that you can hear a “click” when you holster your gun. Since the holster is small it easily fits inside the waistband of your pants and clips to your belt/pants. We really like how slim and easy to use this holster is. The holster is even designed with a full sweat shield to minimize the amount of contact your gun has with your body to keep your firearm clean and sweat free. You can buy this this holster at vedderholsters.com. If you have other specific needs Vedder Holsters can even custom make a holster just for you; they even have over 75 Kydex colors and patterns to choose from. If you have a modified setup, or larger aftermarket sights, contact Vedder and they will make a holster to precisely fit your gun.
Shoulder Holster for Large Handgun
Bianchi 4601 Ranger Viper Shoulder Holster – Beretta 92FS
Since a large handgun is normally too big to carry in an IWB holster, the best alternative concealed carry option is a shoulder holster. This allows you to keep the handgun within easy reach, but allows the larger body mass of your trunk to conceal the gun. Of course you also need a jacket to cover the entire setup – and this can be problematic in warm weather. The criteria that we use to evaluate shoulder holsters are: 1) size, 2) fit around the chest and shoulder, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. For our Beretta 92FS we use a Bianchi 4601 Vertical Shoulder Holster. The holster has an adjustable retainer strap that attaches firmly on a wide reinforced hook and loop panel to hold your gun securely, but still allows for a fast, smooth draw through the front. The open chest harness is easy to adjust while wearing it. This holster makes carrying and drawing a large handgun like the 92FS easy, and since the weight is carried on the trunk of your body you really don’t notice it. This specific Bianchi holster was discontinued in 2016 but you can buy similar holsters for the 92FS at Amazon.
Since a large handgun is normally too big to carry in an IWB holster, the best alternative concealed carry option is a shoulder holster. This allows you to keep the handgun within easy reach, but allows the larger body mass of your trunk to conceal the gun. Of course you also need a jacket to cover the entire setup – and this can be problematic in warm weather. The criteria that we use to evaluate shoulder holsters are: 1) size, 2) fit around the chest and shoulder, 3) conformity with the handgun being carried, 4) secureness of hold on the handgun, 5) ease of drawing the handgun, 6) material used for the holster and 7) price. For our Beretta 92FS we use a Bianchi 4601 Vertical Shoulder Holster. The holster has an adjustable retainer strap that attaches firmly on a wide reinforced hook and loop panel to hold your gun securely, but still allows for a fast, smooth draw through the front. The open chest harness is easy to adjust while wearing it. This holster makes carrying and drawing a large handgun like the 92FS easy, and since the weight is carried on the trunk of your body you really don’t notice it. This specific Bianchi holster was discontinued in 2016 but you can buy similar holsters for the 92FS at Amazon.
Drop Leg Holster for Large Handgun
Safariland 6004-173-6114 STX Black Tactical Holster – Beretta 92FS
Since a large handgun is normally too big to carry in an IWB holster, you really need to carry it in a different type of holster. For concealed carry the only option is really a shoulder holster – so we have one of those (Bianchi 4601 Ranger Viper). But for unconcealed carrying, or for ease of access for activities like 3-gun shooting, you really need to carry the firearm as a “sidearm”; and that means either an OWB holster or a drop-leg holster. Since an OWB holster makes the firearm sit high on your waist, that can cause issues drawing a large firearm since you have to lift your arm up fairly high to allow the barrel to fully clear the holster. Because of this, the more popular option for large handguns, like the Beretta 92FS, is a drop leg holster.
The criteria that we use to evaluate drop leg holsters are: 1) size, 2) vertical adjustability from the waist, 3) adjustability of tightness of fit around the leg, 4) conformity with the handgun being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the handgun, 6) ease of drawing the handgun, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. After looking at the many options on the market, for unconcealed carry for our Beretta 92FS we selected a Safariland 6004-173-6114 STX Black Tactical Holster.
The 6004 holster is specifically made for the Beretta 92FS and has been in use by the US Military and Law Enforcement for many years. It’s a proven solution for carrying a Beretta in situations that require significant physical activity and movement. The holster features Safariland’s Self Locking System (SLS) rotating hood, which was specifically designed for tactical situations. Since there’s no snap, the SLS allows for a smoother single-motion draw, greater retention and protection against attempted weapon takeaways. A molded sight track and soft suede protect the gun's sights and finish. The holster also features silicone-backed dual leg straps to minimize movement and a leg shroud with additional holes for mounting other accessories. The STX Tactical® finish is tough, protecting the gun in scrape, scratch and dent incidents. You can buy this holster at Amazon.
Since a large handgun is normally too big to carry in an IWB holster, you really need to carry it in a different type of holster. For concealed carry the only option is really a shoulder holster – so we have one of those (Bianchi 4601 Ranger Viper). But for unconcealed carrying, or for ease of access for activities like 3-gun shooting, you really need to carry the firearm as a “sidearm”; and that means either an OWB holster or a drop-leg holster. Since an OWB holster makes the firearm sit high on your waist, that can cause issues drawing a large firearm since you have to lift your arm up fairly high to allow the barrel to fully clear the holster. Because of this, the more popular option for large handguns, like the Beretta 92FS, is a drop leg holster.
The criteria that we use to evaluate drop leg holsters are: 1) size, 2) vertical adjustability from the waist, 3) adjustability of tightness of fit around the leg, 4) conformity with the handgun being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the handgun, 6) ease of drawing the handgun, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. After looking at the many options on the market, for unconcealed carry for our Beretta 92FS we selected a Safariland 6004-173-6114 STX Black Tactical Holster.
The 6004 holster is specifically made for the Beretta 92FS and has been in use by the US Military and Law Enforcement for many years. It’s a proven solution for carrying a Beretta in situations that require significant physical activity and movement. The holster features Safariland’s Self Locking System (SLS) rotating hood, which was specifically designed for tactical situations. Since there’s no snap, the SLS allows for a smoother single-motion draw, greater retention and protection against attempted weapon takeaways. A molded sight track and soft suede protect the gun's sights and finish. The holster also features silicone-backed dual leg straps to minimize movement and a leg shroud with additional holes for mounting other accessories. The STX Tactical® finish is tough, protecting the gun in scrape, scratch and dent incidents. You can buy this holster at Amazon.
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Extra Magazine Holder for Small Handgun
DFW Holsters S&W M&P Shield 9mm/.40 cal Tuckable IWB Mag Pouch
If you are carrying a handgun, especially a small one with a limited number of rounds in the magazine, then you need to carry extra ammo on your body. To do this you need a magazine pouch/holster just like you need a holster for your gun. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) IWB fit, 4) conformity with the magazine being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazine, 6) ease of extracting the magazine, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. Since we wanted a slim IWB magazine holder that would carry one S&W Shield 9mm magazine we purchased the S&W M&P Shield 9mm/.40 cal Tuckable IWB Mag Pouch from DFW Holsters. This extra magazine holder is a perfect match to our holster for our S&W Shield. Together they make a great combination. You can buy this extra magazine holder at dfwholsterco.com (although the design has been updated recently so it is different than ours).
If you are carrying a handgun, especially a small one with a limited number of rounds in the magazine, then you need to carry extra ammo on your body. To do this you need a magazine pouch/holster just like you need a holster for your gun. The criteria that we use to evaluate IWB extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) IWB fit, 4) conformity with the magazine being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazine, 6) ease of extracting the magazine, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. Since we wanted a slim IWB magazine holder that would carry one S&W Shield 9mm magazine we purchased the S&W M&P Shield 9mm/.40 cal Tuckable IWB Mag Pouch from DFW Holsters. This extra magazine holder is a perfect match to our holster for our S&W Shield. Together they make a great combination. You can buy this extra magazine holder at dfwholsterco.com (although the design has been updated recently so it is different than ours).
Outside the Waistband (OWB) Extra Magazine Holder for Small Handgun
BLACKHAWK! Double Mag Case for Single Stack 9mm/.40 cal Magazines; Carbon Fiber
For shooting at the range, especially for USPSA-like target shooting, you need to have a way to carry extra magazines. But since you are on the range, and primarily looking for speedy/easy access, these magazines don’t need to be concealed. The criteria that we use to evaluate OWB extra magazine holders for range target shooting purposes are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) OWB fit, 4) conformity with the magazine being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazine, 6) ease of extracting the magazine, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. Since we wanted an OWB magazine holder that would carry two 8-round S&W Shield 9mm magazines we purchased the Double Mag Case for Single Stack 9mm/.40 cal Magazines (with Carbon Fiber appliques) by BLACKHAWK! This magazine holder will fit two (2) single stack magazines that are 9mm/10mm/.40 Cal/ .45 Cal/.357 sig. It will not fit double stack magazines since it is too narrow. The built-in tension spring securely holds magazines of various sizes and this tension is adjustable for different magazine widths using a screw to keep your magazine secure. The holder, which includes both belt loops and a belt clip to fit most belt types, is curved to better fit your waist and to provide a slimmer profile. The internal dimensions of the mag case openings are approximately 0.9” deep x 1.4” wide, and there are drain holes just in case you have it out in the rain. The “carbon fiber” appliques make the holder look nicer – but are purely cosmetic. Since the mag holder is made to securely hold your magazines we found that when we first purchased it we had to break it in by putting our magazines in it, tightening it down and letting it sit for a couple of days to allow the material to mold around the magazines. After that the magazines were held firmly in place – but were also reasonably easy to extract. Although we don’t use this mag holder off the range you certainly could as long as you had a jacket or other garment to effectively conceal it. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Amazon.
For shooting at the range, especially for USPSA-like target shooting, you need to have a way to carry extra magazines. But since you are on the range, and primarily looking for speedy/easy access, these magazines don’t need to be concealed. The criteria that we use to evaluate OWB extra magazine holders for range target shooting purposes are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) OWB fit, 4) conformity with the magazine being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazine, 6) ease of extracting the magazine, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. Since we wanted an OWB magazine holder that would carry two 8-round S&W Shield 9mm magazines we purchased the Double Mag Case for Single Stack 9mm/.40 cal Magazines (with Carbon Fiber appliques) by BLACKHAWK! This magazine holder will fit two (2) single stack magazines that are 9mm/10mm/.40 Cal/ .45 Cal/.357 sig. It will not fit double stack magazines since it is too narrow. The built-in tension spring securely holds magazines of various sizes and this tension is adjustable for different magazine widths using a screw to keep your magazine secure. The holder, which includes both belt loops and a belt clip to fit most belt types, is curved to better fit your waist and to provide a slimmer profile. The internal dimensions of the mag case openings are approximately 0.9” deep x 1.4” wide, and there are drain holes just in case you have it out in the rain. The “carbon fiber” appliques make the holder look nicer – but are purely cosmetic. Since the mag holder is made to securely hold your magazines we found that when we first purchased it we had to break it in by putting our magazines in it, tightening it down and letting it sit for a couple of days to allow the material to mold around the magazines. After that the magazines were held firmly in place – but were also reasonably easy to extract. Although we don’t use this mag holder off the range you certainly could as long as you had a jacket or other garment to effectively conceal it. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Amazon.
Belt Extra Mazazine Holder for Two 9mm Magazines
Herter's Pistol Centerfire Double-Magazine Pouch
If you need to carry a couple of magazines in a more rugged environment like the backcountry, then you probably want a different type of magazine holder. One that holds more and more securely ensures that the magazines don’t drop out while you are clombing over obstacles. The criteria that we use to evaluate belt extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) fit, 4) conformity with the magazines being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazines, 6) ease of extracting the magazines, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. For this situation we purchased the Herter's Pistol Centerfire Double-Magazine Pouch. The pouch is made of rugged abrasion and weather-resistant Cordura nylon and has Velcro retaining straps to secure the magazines. It holds two single-stack 9mm magazines and fits belts up to 1.75" wide. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Cabela’s.
If you need to carry a couple of magazines in a more rugged environment like the backcountry, then you probably want a different type of magazine holder. One that holds more and more securely ensures that the magazines don’t drop out while you are clombing over obstacles. The criteria that we use to evaluate belt extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) fit, 4) conformity with the magazines being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazines, 6) ease of extracting the magazines, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. For this situation we purchased the Herter's Pistol Centerfire Double-Magazine Pouch. The pouch is made of rugged abrasion and weather-resistant Cordura nylon and has Velcro retaining straps to secure the magazines. It holds two single-stack 9mm magazines and fits belts up to 1.75" wide. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Cabela’s.
Ankle Extra Mazazine Holder for Two 9mm Magazines
Desantis Neoprene Ankle Double Mag Pouch
If you feel the need to carry more than one or two magazines then you need to move away from your beltline. If you want to conceal the extra magazines then the next most convenient location is at your ankle. The criteria that we use to evaluate ankle extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) fit, 4) conformity with the magazines being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazines, 6) ease of extracting the magazines, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. The Desantis Neoprene Ankle Double Mag Pouch was our choice. Since it is made of neoprene it holds tightly to your leg, but still feels fairly comfortable. We also like the fact there are two Velcro straps that securely hold the magazines in the pouch and protect them from the worst dirt and dust that gathers around your feet as you walk around. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Amazon.
If you feel the need to carry more than one or two magazines then you need to move away from your beltline. If you want to conceal the extra magazines then the next most convenient location is at your ankle. The criteria that we use to evaluate ankle extra magazine holders are: 1) size, 2) number of magazines held, 3) fit, 4) conformity with the magazines being carried, 5) secureness of hold on the magazines, 6) ease of extracting the magazines, 7) material used for the holster and 8) price. The Desantis Neoprene Ankle Double Mag Pouch was our choice. Since it is made of neoprene it holds tightly to your leg, but still feels fairly comfortable. We also like the fact there are two Velcro straps that securely hold the magazines in the pouch and protect them from the worst dirt and dust that gathers around your feet as you walk around. You can buy this extra magazine holder at Amazon.