featured | The Concealed Carry Guy

While at a local gun shop the other day,I heard a customer ask, Is a holster required to conceal carry? This got me thinking so I did a little research to find out if, the law requires you to use a holster. So does the law require a holster? Nowhere in my reading did I find the law state that a concealed gun or dangerous weapon must be in a holster. Having said that I would highly: NO, make that strongly encourage you to use a holster. Read on and I will explain why. Guns do not just accidentally go off. I know this because I have had loaded guns in various safes in my home for years and have yet had one mysteriously fire on it's own. They can and will go off unexpectedly due to negligent handling and carry. The modern handgun is fired by pulling the trigger: end of story. Now having made that rather declarative statement, I will point out that it does not have to be your finger intentionally pulling the trigger. This is where a high quality holster comes in. The well made holster accomplishes three things. The holster covers and protects the trigger This is not the old west. We don't use holsters with a cutout to allow your trigger finger into the trigger guard during your fast draw. A high quality holster will totally cover the trigger when the gun is inserted in it. This is designed to prevent anything from snagging on the trigger and inadvertently firing the gun. Without this protection: say the gun is stuffed in the front of your waistband it is very conceivable that you could bump into an object that would depress the trigger and fire the pistol. This is one of the situations where you hear wittiness say "I don't know the gun just went off." Oh really. We know better than that. This feature also allows you to draw the firearm without having your finger on the trigger . You should train yourself though repeated practice to draw you firearm with your finger alongside the frame of the gun. Never place your finger on the trigger until you are sure of your target and whats beyond it. This is known as trigger discipline and is the mark of a well trained shooter. The holster keeps the gun in position. In the movies it is common to see our hero stuff his 45 into the waistband of his pants as he runs down an alley in pursuit of the bad guys. In reality that gun is free to move all over the place including down the leg of his pants and onto the ground. And let's not forget the classic movie that has our hard boiled detective dropping his snub-nosed 38 into the deep pocket of his trench coat. He may have to fumble with the draw and it may come out of that pocket upside down pointing at him. Hmm this is not a draw that would help Bogart's reputation. The holster through the use of a belt attachment or in the case of a pocket holster, the somewhat tacky texture of its exterior will keep the holster and gun in position. In short the weapon if needed under stress will be right where you expect it to be. The holster provides positive retention of the firearm All quality holsters whether inside the waistband, outside the waistband or even a shoulder rig, will have some way to secure the firearm in the holster. This helps to prevent the gun from falling out or being removed by someone else. Kydex holsters use a tightly molded snap-in fit, while most leather holsters will have a retaining strap with a snap on it. Both are very effective and provide positive retention. Get some training Any advice on holstering. Yes do it slowly. Read this again, do it slowly. There are no awards for holstering quickly. Get into the habit of looking to confirm that your finger is off of the trigger and along side of the frame of the weapon. Then look at your holster as you slowly place your firearm back inside of it. I would encourage you to develop you skills. If you google poor gun handling you will find hours of articles and video of people that have mishandle firearms. Don't be one of them. The NRA in conjunction with local ranges and dealers often hold classes They are a great resource for the legal gun owner. My holsters of choice are made by vedder . Click here to check out vedder holsters Related Questions What about Belly Bands? I would be remiss if I didn't include Belly Bands. These are a type of holster that is composed of a neoprene band that you wear around your waist and is held snug with Velcro. They are popular because they do not require the user to wear a belt. This makes them ideal to wear with workout clothing. They also cover the trigger, hold the gun in position and have a strap that secures the gun. How about open carry? While not apart of the original topic of this article interesting enough while researching this article I did find mention that in some states the law does require that in open carry (meaning the firearm is not concealed) the gun must be carried in a holster in plain view. Do I need a belt to carry in a holster. Unless you are using a Belly Band or a pocket holster you will need a belt. One that is intended as a gun belt is best but at the very least use a stiff one. This will keep the weight of the gun and holster from sagging and makes concealment much more effective. Legalities Please realize I am not an attorney and this should article should not be taken as legal advise. It is it is intended simply as a discussion of what I have found by research. It is up to the reader to fully understand all laws federal,state and local that pertain to your individual circumstance.