Concealed Handgun Holsters

For anyone interested in gun ownership and gun slinging, holsters are probably a fairly familiar product. For these people, terms like pancake holster and paddle holster make perfect sense. But for people that aren’t so versed in these firearm accessories, it can be confusing trying to sort out exactly what each specific holster offers over other models. With that in mind, here are some of the basic characteristics of a pancake holster.

While they might sound like something that should be served at the breakfast table, pancake holsters are actually named as such because of their particular silhouette. They offer a very flat outline, drawing the obvious comparison to a pancake. The holster is created with two pieces of leather, which form a kind of pocket for the gun to slip into. Compared to the wraparound holster, it is generally considered sleeker and flatter, and therefore better for concealment.

A holster can be understood as any product meant to hold or contain the unwanted movement of another item. Arguably the most common product for a holster is a gun, but they are also useful for objects such as a cell phone. The idea behind a holster is that you can make any small object safe as well as readily available to you. This is the case whether you’re using a gun or cell phone.

Because you want to protect whatever object is in the holster, it is best if that holster is durable and well made. For this reason, one of the most common materials used is leather. These leather holsters offer the stiffness desired, but they have the added benefit of being aesthetically appealing. They can be dyed many different colors, and they can also be embellished with embossing. Many people also find these holsters attractive if they are left plain.

All Americans should have the right to carry a concealed weapon for protection, but it’s also important that the proper precautions are taken.  First of all, a concealed weapons permit is necessary for any American desiring to carry a weapon concealed on their person.  These permits can be procured from the state, and often involve a short application process.  While every American should have the right to carry a concealed weapon, it’s also important that a concealed weapon is not used for the wrong purposes, necessitating the need for a screening process.  Concealed weapons should only be used for protection, and only in the most dire of circumstances. 

Once the concealed weapons permit is procured, the next step is to keep informed about the necessary safety measures.  For example, keeping a concealed weapon unloaded doesn’t make sense, but keeping the safety off as well is just plain silly.  Always ensure the safety on your concealed weapon is on, and never carry a concealed weapon that doesn’t have a safety.  It’s also a good idea to carry a holster to hold your weapon within easy reach and keep it secured.  Having a concealed weapon jumbling around in a backpack or purse makes it easy for someone else to remove without the owner noticing.  Revolver holsters tend to be a practical choice for most concealed weapons.

We all know what cowboys look like, but chances are some people might be in the blue about how to create a classic cowboy outfit.  Whether it’s a costume for a social occasion, or just a desire to appear more like a cowboy, here are the essential components of all cowboy outfits:

~Belt and Holsters~ No cowboy would be caught without their belt and cowboy holsters which serve to hold their pistols and also keep their chaps secured.

~Cowboy Hat~ The cowboy hat is the most recognizable component of the cowboy outfit, just make sure to get an original western hat and not a cheap straw imitation!

~Chaps and Pants~ While the pants can be simple jeans or made from sturdy canvas, the chaps should be made from leather and fit comfortably over the pants.

~Shirt and Scarf~ Most cowboys wore standard button up shirts that were tucked into their belt, the scarf can be any color, and is used to protect the mouth and nose against dust inhalation.

~Cowboy Boots~ Most cowboys wore spurs on their boots, though this isn’t an essential part of the cowboy outfit.  Cowboy boots without spurs are just as feasible, as not all cowboys preferred their use over their heels.

While some refined gentlemen collect paintings, statuettes, or even baseball cards, my grandpa collected holsters.  Grandpa must have had three or four dozen different gun holsters which all served different purposes.  Grandpa had gun holsters that looked like they were utilized by cowboys of the old west, holsters used by police officers, and even unique holsters that looked like they were more suited to an action film than the real world.  Though Grandpa loved gun holsters, I always found it odd that he had never once owned a firearm. 

When I asked grandpa why he had all the holsters but had never owned a gun himself, he told me that it wasn’t guns he liked, it was the design of the leather on the holsters!  Kind of an odd fascination, but to each their own I suppose!

 While uniform policemen most often carry their firearms at their belts, most non uniform policemen prefer to use a shoulder rig to carry their firearm.  Shoulder holsters allow for a firearm to remain concealed and also allow for the law enforcement officer to move around with ease.  With their adjustable straps, shoulder holsters are excellent for wearing over lightweight garments.  In addition, a shoulder holster provides quick access to the firearm should it be needed. 

For law enforcement wearing a sport jacket or blazer, a shoulder rig is the best way to carry a fire arm.  In addition, an ankle holster can be used to hold a secondary firearm under the pant leg.

Leather is one of those materials that have more than a thousand uses to its name. One item that uses leather for its durability and versatility are concealment holsters. While leather can be pliable, it can also be stitched onto materials that can hold or mold into a shape, which is what holsters usually need.

How should a holster be taken care of, then? It’s easy—leather polish usually does the trick to keep the leather’s shine. Do not apply other liquids or chemicals, such as oil or grease, nor try to make the materials softer. The holster needs to hold its stiff shape to make your gun fit perfectly in it.

Even belts need cleaning and TLC. Belts do more than just hold up pants; they also provide sports support, be the holster’s anchor, and even combine the belt and the bag into one piece. Those that need constant care belts made from leather, from the usual formal wear belt to a ranger belt, to make it last a long time.

If there is any buildup or soil that got into the belt, simply wipe it off with a damp cloth. You may use leather polish to keep its shine, but be aware of how the belt’s finish was done. Some belts are tanned with an oil-based tanner, and these will need a cleaning solution with a different chemical or oil base.

 Used to conceal a firearm, paddle holsters are specifically created to be worn against the body inside the pants. It can be made of nylon, plastic or leather, and a specific material that keeps it from being pulled along with the gun when it is drawn.

A lot of people whose occupation requires them to carry a gun around make use of this type of holster to hide their weapon because it serves them some advantages. Among those is that it is not only easy to wear but can be conveniently removed and put on again when the situation requires so. Some find it more comfortable to wear, too as comparable to those offered with belt that requires the wearer to remove the holster as well as the belt.

It is highly advisable for military men, policemen, and patrol officers to use speed loaders. Speed loaders as the name implies, makes loading and reloading guns faster. Thus, using them can gain you an advantage during a shootout.

Speed loaders are placed on pouches to become more accessible to users . These speedloader pouches should then be made of specific materials so that it may have a high-density exterior feature and a soft interior and lining to protect the gear.  Thus, it is necessary to keep in mind that the materials used and not just the professional look that is important in choosing your pouch.