We define a proper holster by 5 criteria: 

1. The holster must cover the trigger guard of your handgun completely, denying access to the trigger when the gun is holstered. If you can touch the trigger while the gun is in the holster, another object can get into the holster and press the trigger, causing a negligent discharge. The purpose of a holster is to be your primary safety device while carrying a handgun. 

2. The holster must allow you consistent access to the gun. Every time you draw your gun out of the holster, it should be repeatable so that you can build a consistent draw stroke. This is dependent on the gun being solidly anchored to wherever it is. If it is mounted to a belt, the clips must be durable so the gun doesn’t move around or sink below your belt line. 

3. The holster must provide sufficient retention on the gun. You won’t likely be doing somersaults and handstands while carrying a handgun. However, your holster needs enough retention so that your handgun won’t fall out doing everyday things like jumping, running or leaning over. A good way to test this is to unload your gun, put it in the holster and turn the holster upside down. If it falls out, the retention needs to be increased on the gun. Consider holsters with a retention screw that can be used to loosen or increase the retention. 

4. The holster must NOT collapse when the gun is drawn. Cheap generic holsters are often made of nylon or leather. When the gun is drawn out of one of these holsters on the beltline, they will often collapse under the pressure of the belt. When this happens, the gun cannot be safely holstered without the shooter pointing the gun at themselves, having to use their other hand to open the holster or removing the holster entirely. A holster must be rigid enough so that it stays open and allows you to holster your gun with one hand. A quality holster can be made of injection molded plastic, kydex or leather. 

5. The holster must allow you to acquire a full firing grip in the holster. When you draw a handgun, it is necessary that you establish a full firing grip on the gun while it is still in the holster. Your holster design will either aid you or hinder you in acquiring a firing grip. Your grip should not need to be adjusted after drawing the gun from the holster. 

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Training Holsters vs. Concealed Carry Holsters

We allow both strong outside-the-waistband (OWB) and inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters as well as appendix-inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holsters in our Defensive Handgun Skills Program. We recommend that you train as closely as you can to how you carry daily. On-body methods of carry are the most common methods of concealed carry. In general, belt-mounted holsters are the fastest, most reliable and most accessible methods of concealed carry. 

 

We do not allow off-body methods of carry in class such as purses, bags or fanny packs. Neither do we allow pocket holsters, chest rig holsters, ankle holsters, Flashbang holsters, thigh holsters or ankle holsters. These are all valid methods of carry, however they are not appropriate for training on the range in our programs. 

 

Some of our recommended training holsters and EDC (everyday carry) holsters will overlap because we believe that you should train as close to how you will actually carry as you can. 

 

Higher Purpose Training has no affiliation with any of these companies and receives no compensation from any companies for endorsing their products. We have simply had good experience with the holsters with these companies and desire for our students to have the best experiences training in class.