One accessory no gun carrier can be without is a holster. Gun holsters are designed to both protect the firearm and to allow for easy withdrawal. Holsters should be made of stiff and tough material to ensure that over time the holster retains its shape and doesn't collapse when the gun is withdrawn. If the material is too stiff, however, the holster could crack or break under pressure. A popular material for gun holsters is leather as lends itself well to dyeing and embossing and is also durable. The kydex holster is also becoming increasingly popular. Kydex is a molded plastic that also provides adequate durability and strength.

When choosing a gun holster, there are a variety of different types to choose from, and each kind has its own purposes and benefits. Doing your research on the different types of gun holsters available will help you make an informed decision on what product to purchase that will best serve your needs. Four general categories of gun holsters are duty holsters, tactical/military holsters, sporting holsters, and concealment weapon holsters.

Duty Holsters

Duty holsters are worn by professionals and are designed for appearance and weapon retention. Because duty holsters are usually considered part of the officer's uniform, they are usually made of high quality leather. To improve retention of the gun, these holsters have straps, which keep the gun in place and prevent anyone from trying to take it away, and it is this retention feature that sets duty holsters apart from other types of gun holsters. Duty holsters can also feature a variety of security features including screws, decoy straps, and thumb-break straps.

Tactical/Military Holsters

Tactical or military holsters are typically made of nylon or plastic. They could be made of camouflage but usually do not have the same retention as duty holsters because of the different occupational nature of the personnel who use them. Some military holsters use a "flap" design which protects the gun from the weather, although it does make withdrawal slower. Other military/tactical holsters are of a drop-leg design.

Sporting Holsters

Sporting holsters are holsters designed for hunters and shooters and come with many options. They can be designed for fast-draw shooting, and some sporting holsters are designed with high-protection features. Sporting holsters can generally be adapted for a variety of types of hunting. For instance, large hunting holsters often have spaces for scopes.

Concealed Weapon Holsters

Concealed weapon holsters are specifically designed to conceal mid- to small-size hand guns from people around the carrier. These holsters are usually worn in the pocket, around the leg or ankle, or under a coat. Two important considerations when wearing concealed weapon holsters is protection from sweat and comfort. Because concealed weapon holsters usually have greater contact with the skin, they are usually broader to prevent skin abrasions. These types of holster are most often worn by police and other law enforcement personnel who need to carry a secondary, backup weapon or by plain-clothes officers and licensed armed civilians who carry a gun for protection but don't want anyone to know.

Concealed weapon holsters can include forms of belt and belly holsters, but the most popular kind of concealment holster is the pancake holster that is tethered to the belt with holster loops and is carried on the stronger side of the hip. Small-of-the-back holsters are another type of concealed weapon holster, which are harnessed to on the back of the belt; however, these holsters can be uncomfortable to wear.

The following three types of holsters--belt, shoulder, and belly holsters--can be a specific type of duty, sporting, or concealment weapon holster, depending on the specific features of the product.

Belt Holsters

Belt holsters are most commonly used by police and military personnel. They can be worn high around the waist and close to the body, but belt holsters can also be worn loosely around the hips. Licensed gun carriers can also use belt holsters if they wish to carry openly.

Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder holsters are made much like backpacks, with two straps connected together. The holster is attached to either the left or right strap. In order to conceal the holster and strap harness, a person has to wear a jacket or vest. Shoulder holsters are typically easy to wear because it carries the holster close to the body. They are some of the most comfortable gun holsters and allow for the most inconspicuous withdrawal.

Belly Holsters

Belly holsters consist of a built-in holster on a wide elastic belt and are probably the most uncomfortable type of holster to wear because it must be worn tight around the waist or higher in order to remain in place. Belly holsters are typically worn underneath an un-tucked shirt to allow easy access.

Whether you're looking for a functional kydex holster for weapon concealment or an embossed leather holster for professional duty, the right holster can make gun carrying easier. No matter what type of firearm you carry, choosing the right holster for your purposes is crucial to ensure that you have a holster with the right comfort, style, and features to best meet your needs.