If you’re a concealed carrier, you know the right gear’s importance. You will only stick with it if it fits or feels comfortable.
Thankfully, many options are available, so choosing the right one can be easier than you think.! Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your belt holster.
Practice
Whether you’re a newcomer to concealed carry or an experienced shooter, practicing drawing and reholstering your firearm is important. Not only is this essential for safety, but it will also ensure that you’re comfortable with belt holsters and confident in your ability to draw the weapon quickly and one-handed when needed.
Many factors go into selecting the right holster for you, including what firearm you intend to carry, where you plan to carry it, and how you will use it. Once you clearly understand your specific needs and preferences, it will be easier to narrow down the options and find the best holster for your situation.
In addition, you should consider the type of belt you wear to carry your firearm. While a traditional belt will be fine for your daily routine, if you’re carrying a pistol and need to reholster it frequently, a regular belt may need to be more sturdy to support the rigors of attaching and demounting the holster.
Safety First
Whether you carry your gun on your hip, shoulder, ankle, or in a belt holster, safety is the number one priority. The holster you choose should protect the trigger guard, offer secure retention and keep your weapon precisely placed at all times.
The holster should be made from a sturdy material that covers the trigger guard to prevent accidental discharges. This includes Kydex, leather, and other materials.
In addition, the holster should be rigid enough to prevent twisting during the draw stroke. This can create a pinching effect between the holster and the firearm, making it harder to unholster.
To keep your firearm and holster in place during the draw stroke, select a holster that is properly sized to your belt. Choose holsters that feature closed loops, pull-the-dot loops, or heavy-duty metal clips that fit securely to your belt.
Keep Your Hands Off
For many, a belt holster is the holy grail of concealed carry. But there are a few things to remember before you slap that shiny new accessory on your hips. Consider the best way to wear it and ensure you can get it off. Also, you want to find out if your particular holster is designed for the right size of belt and what type of firearm you’re carrying. This will help narrow the options and ensure you get the most from your buck. Lastly, you’ll want to be ready to respond should the unthinkable happen. Keeping your cool is the most important factor in all of this. The best way to achieve this is to keep hydrated and well-rested. The sun and moon are also important. Having the right kind of sunscreen is key.
Don’t Overdraw
A belt holster can be a very effective method for concealing your firearm. However, it is important to pay attention when wearing one.
A great way to check this is simply wearing your clothing and looking where your firearm will be carried. This is best done by stepping in front of a mirror and performing various twisting, stretching, sitting, and standing motions to see where your holster will be located in your clothes.
Overdrawing can cause the holster to get stuck or even fall off completely. This can be dangerous as it could leave you without your firearm and potentially lead to a deadly situation.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reload
If you carry a handgun, you should be carrying at least one spare magazine. They are a great option for quick access and can be carried in a pocket, purse, fanny pack, or belt-mounted dump-type pouch.
They are also a handy way to top off an empty cylinder or fully reload a gun that is prone to malfunctions when the magazine is out. Using a pocket or purse to carry a reload can be problematic, though, as snags and debris can make it difficult to find the magazine without a little fiddling.
Regardless of how you decide to carry a spare magazine, it is critical that you practice locating it in an emergency situation. This can be done without the need for specialized training, but it is still a good idea to program the process into your subconscious. The more time you spend doing this, the better your chances of playing it back under pressure in a real-life self-defense encounter.
