A quality competition holster is essential to take your competitive shooting skills to the next level. The right holster will protect your gun while offering fast and easy access.
Finding the perfect holster can be difficult, but five valuable considerations can lighten the load. These include material selection, sizing, accessibility, carry, and deployment.
Material
The material that a competition holster is made out of can make or break its performance. Choosing the suitable material for your holster can ensure that it will not change shape or lose retention over time and provide you with the most comfort.
Some of the most popular materials for competition holsters include leather and Kydex. Leather is tough and can conform to the gun’s shape and your body for added comfort. However, it can stretch over time and requires periodic maintenance to maintain proper retention. On the other hand, Kydex is a thermoplastic that will not stretch or change shape when your weapon is drawn.
Other considerations when selecting a competition holster include ride height, retention, and concealability. Competition holsters designed to be worn on a competition belt tend to be higher in ride height than other holsters. This allows for a quicker draw. Additionally, competition holsters with dual retention screws allow you to fine-tune your draw and retention to suit your needs.
Retention level
Choosing the best competition holster is all about understanding what demands will be placed on it and then finding a balance between security and accessibility. This is a process that will likely take some trial and error.
For example, if you’re carrying your firearm for law enforcement duties, then a level two retention holster may be necessary due to the demands of your job. Similarly, some competitive shooting sports have requirements for retention levels.
The retention level of your holster is determined by the force needed to remove your gun from it. A level one retention holster relies on the natural shape of the holster and friction to hold your gun in place. In contrast, levels 2 and 3 require additional actions like pressing a release button or disengaging a thumb break strap or hood. The higher the retention level, the harder it is to access your firearm. However, that is okay.
Accessibility
A competition holster that is a good fit for your gun is essential for any competitive shooting sport. It needs to offer protection, be quick to access and be safe to wear in the location you choose for your carry. Whether you carry it inside or outside the waistband, various holster options meet your needs.
The most important thing is to consider the demands your pistol will be put under during competitions. Your holster must be able to draw your pistol quickly and without any issues. It will also need to be safe and comfortable to wear. Choosing the right competition holster is an investment that can make or break your performance in a shoot. Research the different holsters available before deciding. By following this advice, you can guarantee that you will acquire a holster tailored to your requirements and enable you to perform optimally.
Comfort
A comfortable holster is essential for competition shooting, as you want to draw your weapon quickly and easily. Look for a holster with a smooth retention system designed to be comfortable for extended use.
A good competition holster will give the shooter an edge in shooting matches. This is due to the balance of speed, protection, and retention. A good holster will also allow the user to adjust the cant (the angle of the holster about the body) and ride height.
Choosing the right competition holster can be daunting because of the different variations. However, it is possible to lighten this burden by considering your demands for a viable holster. These include material selection, sizing, accessibility, and carry and deployment. Once you have determined these demands, finding a suitable holster will become much more manageable.