Concealed Handgun Holsters

Helping concealed carry users to figure out the options for handgun carrying


Handgun Basics

Author: LockNLoad
February 25, 2010
leather holsters

Unless you’re a gun enthusiast, you might not know exactly what constitutes a handgun. A handgun is simply a firearm that can be held and fired with one hand. The other hand can, however, be used to steady and support either the base of the gun or the other shooting hand; I recommend using shooting gloves for protection and comfort, as well as investing in leather holsters to carry the weapon. It is this characteristic that distinguished a handgun from other types of guns such as shotguns and rifles. They are also distinct from other types of weapons such as machine guns, which are mounted and large artillery. Handguns come in a variety of subtypes such as revolvers and pistols.

In the latter category, there are single-shot, semiautomatic, and machine. While many people use the words “handgun” and “pistol” as interchangeable in everyday conversation, there is actually a very slight, technical distinction between the two. A pistol, which is technically a subset of the overarching umbrella of handguns, has a chamber that is integral with the barrel. As handguns became more and more popular in everyday use, many companies sprang up ready to sell these popular guns. Some of the most common types of handguns are Springfield handguns and Smith & Wesson handguns.

February 10, 2010
cartridge holder

During the course of a hunt, it’s sometimes useful to fire blanks - not when you’re targeting your prey, of course, but certainly if you’re trying to flush an animal out of hiding. A traditional cartridge consists of a bullet, the primer, some gunpowder and a metal casing. Dummy cartridges are remarkably similar, with the main difference being that a bullet is replaced with some wadded up paper.

Since blanks are intended to be all bark and no bite, the powder level is occasionally increased for a more impressive effect. When firing blanks out in the woods, it’s important to keep a few safety concerns firmly in mind. A dummy cartridge can still do some damage at close range, where the rushing air and gunpowder are highly concentrated. Given even just a few inches to disperse, the danger shrinks and eventually disappears. No matter what you are shooting, you should always house your rounds in a cartridge holder.

Holsters Make Firearms Safer

Author: LockNLoad
January 27, 2010
paddle holsters

If you own a firearm, then you know that you just can’t carry it around with you without any kind of case or holster. That’s just not done. Some gun-related accidents happen only because gun owners refuse to take the basic safety precautions. It doesn’t matter if it looks cool; shoving your unsheathed gun in the waistband of your pants just isn’t safe. Holsters are created for the sole purpose of sheathing your firearm when not in use.

Many models are designed to fit a range of factory equipped handguns and are available in a variety of designs and materials, including pocket and paddle holsters.  Whatever your handgun’s dimensions are, there’s a holster that it can fit in. To make sure that your holster fits your handgun, test-fit it while it’s unloaded.

January 12, 2010
leather belts

Walking down the street in southern cities such as Houston or Dallas gives me a glimpse into real cowboy western wear. A leather cowboy hat, boots, blue jeans and leather belts are a common outfit worn by the locals. If you love the entire western look but you live farther north, you might think dressing like a cowboy or a cowgirl is off limits. The thing is, anyone can pull of the western wear look by picking the right clothes.

Most of us have at least one pair of jeans and for the cowboy western wear look, you need a pair that is going to fit in a pair of cowboy boots. Darker denim is much better and back pockets are really a must. A leather belt also compliments to the look and provides a nice accessory piece regardless of gender. And what would a cowboy be without their hat? There are many different styles and types of cowboy hats available. Just keep in mind that the key to finding the right one is knowing your proper size.

December 29, 2009
ranger belt

Gun holsters have been around for an extremely long time, and they have always served as a convenient way to carry a firearm. But with people using guns for so many different reasons, the types of holsters have also changed accordingly. As such, there are three major categories of gun holsters available.

-Duty Holsters: These are completely unconcealed holsters, and they are often used by law enforcement officers. They easily attach to an officer’s ranger belt.

-Tactical Holsters, or Military Holsters: These types of holsters are, as the name suggests, favored among the military. They can even come in a camouflage pattern to match a military outfit. Most often, these are attached in a drop-leg manner, aiding quick draw and easy access.

-Concealment Holsters: These holsters are not only concealed, they are also made to be extremely lightweight and low profile. They are designed to be concealed under clothing without detection.

New Easing of Gun Laws

Author: LockNLoad
December 15, 2009
concealment holsters

As their name suggests, concealment holsters are designed to keep your firearm out of sight. While this may only seem like a concern for law enforcement agents and criminals, there are many other citizens who carry firearms legally. As per the Second Amendment, states will issue a concealed weapons permit to citizens with a clean background check.

There has been recent debate over legislation that will allow people to bring guns to national parks and on Amtrak rides. While opponents of the bills say that there will be an increase in violence, others argue that those who want to use a gun for harm will do so regardless of the law. They claim that the new laws will simply allow responsible gun owners to carry their firearms.

The Personal Arsenal

Author: LockNLoad
December 1, 2009
ankle holster

It seems like gun use in action movies is nearly ubiquitous. With the exception of a few old-fashioned films, superhero flicks or ninja movies, firearms are the weapon of choice for villains and heroes alike. One of my favorite parts of these action flicks is when the characters go through their pre-battle montage.

These scenes usually feature tough men and women arming themselves to the teeth with every weapon imaginable. There are inevitably automatic machine guns, hundreds of rounds of ammo, and even the occasional rocket launcher. I always find it somewhat amusing when the characters slide a pistol into an ankle holster after going through the rest of their in-depth preparations.

November 18, 2009
shoulder holsters

Everyone who carries a firearm needs a reliable and accessible way to conceal their weapon. Traditional gun holsters are a practical option, but they often leave the gun visible to the public. For people who need to keep their weapon concealed, such as undercover cops, a more discreet option is needed.

From my research watching numerous movies and television shows with undercover agents, I’ve observed that shoulder holsters are the holder of choice. These carriers are well-concealed, but still leave the firearm easily accessible. Most models will even carry two handguns at a time.

Unwavering Western Love

Author: LockNLoad
November 4, 2009
cowboy holsters

Personally, I could never really get into old-style Western movies and the classic children’s game of cowboys and Indians. My dad, on the other hand, is an avid watcher of all sorts of cowboy films and can recite many John Wayne monologues verbatim. Although I despise them, I will sometimes appease my dad and watch an old western when I am with him.

When I was little he was more adamant about me developing an affinity for the Western culture. For Halloween one year he bought me a cowboy outfit, complete with boots, hat and cowboy holsters. I told him I would wear the costume, but when I got to my friend’s house, I changed into Leonardo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

October 20, 2009
leather belt

Few clothing styles and accessories have the versatility and universal appeal to stay relevant across generations. As times changes, so do the fashions. All of the effort that goes into designing, creating and marketing a fashion trend will almost inevitably be tossed to the wayside. From powdered wigs to leopard print spandex, we have countless examples of this tendency.

One staple that has endured over hundreds of years, however, is the leather belt. Cowboys, rock stars and CEOs all have their own way to flaunt this iconic accessory. As fashions seem to change on a week-to-week basis, leather belts have proven adaptable to the style changes.