Holsters
Picking a gun holster gets easy once you answer two questions: where on your body the gun rides, and exactly which pistol or revolver it is. Choose a carry method from the guide below the grid, then filter by your frame. Every holster title names the gun it was cut for, the hand it fits and usually the material, so the right one is rarely more than a page away.
Keep going
firearm accessories · IWB holsters · OWB holsters · leather holsters · Glock 19 holsters · revolver holsters · women's holsters · light bearing holsters
Choose a holster by carry method
Carry method decides comfort and concealment more than brand does. Start here, then narrow by your gun.
| Carry method | Where it rides | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| IWB | Inside the waistband, clipped or looped to the belt | Everyday concealed carry under a shirt |
| OWB | Outside the waistband on a belt slide or paddle | Range days, open carry where allowed, carry under a jacket |
| Ankle | Lower leg | Small backup guns and seated work |
| Shoulder | Under the arm on a harness | Long-barreled revolvers, driving, cold-weather layers |
| Front pants pocket | Micro pistols and snub revolvers | |
| Belly band | Elastic wrap around the waist | Workout clothes and outfits without a belt |
Holster fit: frame, barrel length and hand
A good holster is cut for one gun, or one family of guns. Molded Kydex and leather holsters from 1791 Gunleather, DeSantis, We The People and Mission First Tactical name the exact model, Sig P365 or S&W Shield for example, and phrases like "Glock 17 & Similar" mean the mold fits guns that share that frame. Check the product page before you assume your model is covered, and compare your barrel length to the listed model when the fit is described as similar.
Nylon holsters from Blackhawk, Michaels, Allen and Bulldog take a different approach: numbered sizes matched to barrel length and frame size, such as "Size 3, 2 inch 5-shot revolvers" or "medium autos 3 to 4 inch." Sticky Holsters lists maximum barrel length instead. These are the forgiving option if you own several similar guns.
Hand matters too. Most titles end in Right Hand, Left Hand or Ambidextrous. Left-handed shooters have real choices here, and many pocket and IWB designs are ambidextrous. The Glock 19 gets its own page, Glock 19 holsters, and wheelgun owners can skip straight to revolver holsters.
Body shape, clothing and comfort
Fit to your body counts as much as fit to your gun. Bigger frames often do better with a different cant or ride height, which is why holsters for big guys has its own shelf. Women's holsters has its own page for the same reason. For leather lovers, leather holsters collects the 1791 Gunleather, DeSantis and Bond Arms work in one spot. Leather and Kydex wear differently against the body, so if one style has never felt right, try the other before giving up on a carry position.
Lights, optics and the extras
A weapon light changes the shape of the gun, so a standard holster will not take it. If you run one, shop light bearing holsters, which list the light model (TLR-6 and X300 among them) next to the pistol. Pick the light first from pistol lights, then the holster. Many newer holsters are also marked Optic Ready for slides wearing a red dot. Magazine carriers and pouches sit in this grid as well, and a solid pistol safe covers the hours the holster is off.
Holsters FAQs
IWB or OWB: which should I buy first?
If your goal is daily concealed carry, start with IWB. If you mostly shoot at the range or carry under a jacket, OWB is easier to draw from and more comfortable over long days.
What does "Optic Ready" mean on a holster?
The holster is cut to clear a red dot mounted on the slide. If your pistol wears an optic, look for that phrase in the title.
What does "& Similar" mean in a holster title?
The mold fits other guns that share the listed frame dimensions. Confirm your exact model on the product page before ordering.
Where are ankle and shoulder holsters?
Each has its own page: ankle holsters for small backup guns and shoulder holsters for larger revolvers and drivers.