The holster is the most important purchase after the gun. More important than the ammunition, the light, the sights, or any other accessory. A bad holster creates safety hazards that a good gun cannot compensate for. A good holster makes the gun accessible when you need it and secure when you do not.
Most people who are new to concealed carry buy a cheap holster first and a good holster second. Skip the first purchase.
What a Holster Must Do
Cover the trigger guard completely. Not partially. Not mostly. The trigger guard is where unauthorized contact causes unintentional discharges. Every corner of the trigger guard must be enclosed by rigid holster material at all times — including during reholstering.
Retain the gun without a retention device being activated. The gun should not fall out if you bend over, run, or roll. This is called passive retention. Test yours by inserting the gun and turning the holster upside down — the gun should stay in.
Allow a clean draw. You should be able to achieve a full firing grip on the gun before breaking retention. If you have to adjust your grip after the draw, the holster is fighting you.
Stay open during reholstering. Soft holsters collapse when the gun is drawn. A collapsed holster means you are reholstering against soft material that can contact the trigger — this is how soft holster negligent discharges happen. Kydex and rigid leather holsters stay open. Soft holsters, pocket holsters placed in a bag, and cheaply-made nylon holsters do not.
Carry Positions
IWB (Inside Waistband) — 3-5 o’clock: The most common carry position. The gun rides inside the waistband, against the body, covered by a cover garment. Concealable with minimal printing for most body types.
AIWB (Appendix Inside Waistband) — 1-2 o’clock: The gun rides in front of the hip at approximately the 1 o’clock position. The advantages: fastest draw from concealment, easiest to monitor and defend, easiest to keep the gun under your control in a crowded environment. The perceived disadvantage — the muzzle is pointed at your body — is mitigated by a quality holster with full trigger coverage and the discipline not to put your finger on the trigger until the gun is on target.
AIWB has become the dominant carry position among serious concealed carriers and instructors over the past decade. If you are new to carry, consider learning it correctly from the start.
OWB (Outside Waistband) — 3-5 o’clock: The gun rides outside the waistband. Faster access than IWB for many shooters, and more comfortable for extended wear. Less concealable — requires a cover garment that does not print or expose the holster.
Shoulder holster: Useful in specific contexts (seated driving, suits, cold weather with open jacket). Poor choice as a primary carry method for most people — draw is slow, and the muzzle sweeps bystanders during the draw.
Ankle holster: For a backup gun only. The draw is slow and requires significant movement. Primary carry at the ankle is not a practical option for most people.
Kydex vs Leather
Kydex: Rigid polymer material formed to the exact dimensions of a specific pistol model. Passive retention is consistent regardless of temperature, humidity, or sweat. Stays open during reholstering. Easy to clean. The standard for serious carry.
Leather: Traditional material, comfortable against the skin, breaks in with use. Quality leather from a reputable maker (Milt Sparks, Galco, Don Hume) is legitimate gear. Cheap leather is not — the material can compress, fold, or soften in a way that compromises function. Leather requires periodic conditioning and is more affected by moisture than kydex.
Hybrid (leather backing with kydex shell): Offers the skin-comfort of leather with the trigger coverage and retention of kydex. Comfortable for all-day wear. The downside: some hybrid designs do not stay open during reholstering due to flex between the two materials. Verify before buying.
What to Avoid
Nylon/soft fabric holsters. These are the $15-25 holsters that come in “universal fit” configurations. They do not fit any pistol specifically. The trigger is often inadequately covered. They collapse when the gun is drawn. Do not use them.
“Universal fit” holsters of any material. A holster designed to fit any gun fits no gun correctly. Buy a holster designed for your specific model and generation.
Holsters without full trigger guard coverage. If you can see or touch any part of the trigger while the gun is holstered, the holster is inadequate.
Recommended Makers for the Glock 19
PHLster: Excellent AIWB and IWB designs. The PHLster Enigma is the leading AIWB option for those who want a belt-free carry system.
Tenicor: Purpose-built AIWB holsters designed around real-world carry feedback. Highly regarded.
Tier 1 Concealed: Quality kydex, wide model selection, good retention adjustment range.
Dark Star Gear: Smaller operation, excellent quality, direct-to-consumer.
Safariland: For OWB duty and range use, Safariland Level II and III retention holsters are the professional standard.
Holsters and carry gear: GoGear Direct carries a selection of kydex and duty holsters. For the full range of Safariland, Galco, and other professional holster brands, Brownells carries the complete catalog with current pricing.
Sources:
- PHLster holster design documentation — phlsterholsters.com
- Massad Ayoob, Concealed Carry — holster selection chapter
- USCCA holster safety guidelines — uscca.com