types of holsters

My personal favorites come from Kramer...and I prefer horsehide. I have several of their models ....for Sig 226, Sig 239's, 1911's, and K and N frame S&W revolvers...and in general, IWB or Scabbard I prefer them with the forward FBI tilt.

One key issue on a holster - is does it hold its shape so you can get a consistent draw on the gun / and put the gun back in it, using only one hand. A lot of the cheaper or non specific model holsters will not do either...let alone hold a gun securely as you move around.

http://www.kramerleather.com/
 
There is no one "best" holster. It's all a matter of personal preference - that's why there are so many holster makers in business. You will have to determine what's best for you and your usage.

By the way, you just asked the equivalent of "what's the best vehicle for me to buy?" Without input on what and how you are going to carry, there's really not much we can do to help with any degree of confidence. Are you planning to pocket-carry a LCP or carry a Redhawk for hunting?
 
For all day carry or trip carry I always use a leather pancake holster with a proper sized belt. An airweight carried with a dress belt is less comfortable then a 229 carried on a thick wide belt. IMO. On the other hand I have fobus or Serpa paddles for all my guns because it's easy for a quick trip to the store or where ever.
 
I prefer IWB holsters. I find I futz with it less and reduce possible exposure.

My current setup is a DeSantis Cozy Partner and it works well, but my next one will probably be from a custom maker just because everybody should have at least one.
 
For IWB, I suggest that anyone try out a Remora ; they are the most comfortable holster I've ever used, and not very expensive.

That said, holsters are a matter of personal taste. You'll get a million different answers from a million people.
 
I study holsters somewhat and have come to some definate conclusions. First, in most cases holsters are like shoes, one pair doesnt work well for every situation. If you were to have but one handgun for all purposes then a minimum of 3 holsters is needed. The first would be a conceilable holster, then would come the combat holster which is usually open topped and toed, made of hard plastic with maximum exposure to the grip. Lastly the woods holster which I am most familiar with, can either be made from cordura or leather but should have a full flap with a closed toe.
 
Lawyers, guns & $$$....

If you review a few of the forum posts, you'll find a long list of top holster firms or shops that do great custom work.
Prices have jumped sharply in the last 10 years or so. I've seen a few custom shoulder rigs going for $350-450.00!
In general, depending on your budget & uses, here a few "big names"...
Don Hume, Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen, Galco, Safariland, Bianchi-intl, Kramer Gun Leather, El Paso Saddlery, Blade-tech, High Noon Holsters, Tex Shoemaker, Bulman, Alessi, DeSantis, Blackhawk, Ken Null, Aker, Kirkpatrick Leather, Ted Blocker, Lawman Leathergoods, COM Holsters.
I'd suggest checking on styles, wait times, options too before you order.
Custom shops or some models may need special orders.

ClydeFrog
 
For concealed carry I have a Comp-Tac Infidel (kydex) for my M&P full size and a DeSantis Inner Piece (leather) for my Glock 23. The leather is a bit more comfortable but re-holstering can be difficult. The kydex is less comfortable but conceals a larger frame weapon better. I am going put a kydex press together and build a couple of holsters based on the Raven Concealment Phantom series in the near future so I can have exactly what I want.
 
My normal carry method is pocket, and I use a DeSantis Nemesis or Mika for my PM9 or -- occasionally -- my Smith 637 ... if I'm belt-carrying, I love the convenience of a kydex paddle; Fobus is generally my preferred maker ...
 
Galco, Bianchi, Kramer, Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks and Don Hume just to name a few.

Best is pretty subjective and it really depends on what and how you intent to carry. IWB? OWB? Shoulder holster? Ankle holster?
 
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