What type of holster is best for open carry?
Asked by: Rodger Johnson | Last update: May 22, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)
For open carry, the best holsters are Outside the Waistband (OWB) belt holsters, like pancake, belt slide, or loop styles, made from Kydex or leather, offering comfort, fast access, and stability, especially when paired with a strong gun belt, with Kydex providing durability and retention while leather offers a classic look. For enhanced security, consider holsters with active retention (Level 2 or 3) to prevent unauthorized access, a crucial feature for openly carried firearms, alongside a sturdy belt.
What kind of holster for open carry?
In this guide, we'll break down the most common types of open carry holsters:
- OWB (Outside the Waistband) belt holsters.
- Paddle holsters.
- Drop leg (thigh) holsters.
- Chest-mounted holsters.
- Duty holsters with Level II or Level III retention.
- Tactical MOLLE-compatible holsters.
What is a level 2 or level 3 holster?
Level 1 holsters keep the gun in the holster through friction only. Level 2 holsters use friction plus an additional restraint. This restraint could be a thumb strap, a flip-up strap, an automatic lock, or some other device. Level 3 holsters use friction plus two additional restraints.
What type of holster is most comfortable?
The #1 reason to carry a hybrid holster is for comfort. Since the backing is made of a soft, malleable material, the holster molds to your body more than a traditional all polymer holster. There are not any sharp or hard edges being pressed against your body.
What is an open carry holster called?
Outside the waistband holsters, or OWB holsters, are commonly used for open carry, training, and concealed carry.
What Holster Should You Carry? (level 1 vs level 2 vs level 3)
Why is open carry legal but not concealed?
Proponents of open carry point to history and statistics, noting that criminals usually conceal their weapons, in contrast to the law-abiding citizens who display their weapons. As of 2025, almost all US states allow for open carry either without a permit or with a permit/license.
Can a gun go off while holstered?
Inadvertent gun discharges can still sometimes occur with holsters — if something gets stuck inside and interferes with the trigger, for instance. In general, though, holsters are designed to protect against these concealed carry accidents.
What are the signs of an uncomfortable holster?
Some common types of physical discomfort while wearing a holster include:
- Rubbing or aggravating the skin.
- Pulling at skin.
- Pinching.
- Poking or prodding.
Is it better to conceal carry in the front or back?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to carry positions. The best concealed carry positions for you come down to your personal preference, body type, clothing style, lifestyle, and what is the most comfortable and concealable for you.
What are some common concealed carry mistakes?
Top 10 Concealed Carry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Bad Holster or Wrong Holster. ...
- Wrong Clothes and Bad Belt. ...
- Prioritizing Comfort Over Effectiveness. ...
- Carrying Without a Round in the Chamber. ...
- Little or No Training. ...
- Not Carrying Medical Equipment. ...
- Poor Gear Maintenance. ...
- Misunderstanding Sighting Systems.
Do police use level 3 holsters?
Level 3 retention holsters have long been the standard for law enforcement duty use.
Does holster color matter?
Your holster should be completely covered by your clothes, so the color of it is irrelevant in terms of concealability. In fact, certain colors could actually aid in concealment depending on your wardrobe. If you tend to wear lighter colors, a dark-colored holster might show through your shirt.
What holster did John Wick wear?
When John Wick took on the high table, he came to GunfightersINC. The Baba Yaga cut Ronin OWB Holster was built to Keanu Reeves's exact specifications for the film. It's built in a neutral cant configuration with the battle-cut front shell and a high sweat shield.
What is the best position for open carry?
3 O'Clock – Strong-Side Hip Carry
It is the most popular and straightforward OWB carry position. According to this, the holster is located right on the hip bone on the dominant side.
Does open carry require a holster?
Open carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in public where it is fully or partially visible to others — whether in a holster or not. It is distinct from concealed carry, which involves hiding the firearm from plain view.
What holsters do cops carry?
The most common types are duty holsters, which are designed for daily use and are typically worn on the officer's waist. Duty holsters come in various materials, including leather, nylon, and synthetic materials.
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
“Openly carry” means the weapon is visible and not loaded; if it is loaded, a different law, Penal Code § 25850, controls and elevates the stakes. Merely having ammunition on your person while openly carrying an unloaded handgun can trigger an additional sentence enhancement (see § 25850(c)).
Where is the safest place to hide a gun?
Recap. Effective handgun or pistol safe hiding spots include the bedroom, closet, living room, office, and unconventional places like wall or floor safes. Each location offers unique advantages in terms of accessibility and security. Balancing accessibility and security is crucial when choosing a hiding spot.
What is the most comfortable carry position?
While this may be different based on body type, mobility, and body mechanics for you individually, generally, the position which will be good at all 3 factors (accessibility, comfort, and concealability) is some form of IWB carry, either appendix or hip.
What does a level 3 holster mean?
LEVEL 3 RETENTION
Maximum security for high-risk environments. Level 3 adds a third, deliberate action while preserving a trained, efficient draw stroke. Three active mechanical retention mechanisms. Ejection Port Auto-Lock + Retention Hood + Button Cover.
What are the cons of concealed carry?
- Con 1: Constitutional carry eliminates the safety features of permit laws. Constitutional carry eliminates training, background checks, and other safety measures. ...
- Con 2: The Second Amendment does not protect the right to carry a concealed weapon. ...
- Con 3: No one should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon, period.
Can I carry my gun around my house?
A U.S. citizen or legal resident over age 18 may generally carry a handgun anywhere within his or her place of residence, place of business, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the citizen or legal resident. A permit or license is not required for a person to carry within these locations.
What is dry firing?
Dry firing is the act of activating the shooting mechanism of a bow, crossbow, firearm, airgun or other ranged weapons without actually launching out any projectiles. The expression is also used to refer to any weapons training and tactical engagement simulation that does not involve live firing of ammunitions.
Will a holster scratch my gun?
One of the main issues with kydex holsters is that they can and will eventually scratch your gun. With enough repeated draws and holsterings, you'll begin to see noticeable wear marks appear on your gun's slide.