What Should You Look For In Ear Protection While Shooting?

There are several important things to look for in ear protection. A gunshot is an exceptionally strong sound. When you use hearing protection that doesn’t adequately insulate against loud sounds, you may experience hearing damage, which could be permanent. It is important to ensure that your ear protection is rated for a high number of decibels.

It is also important to make sure that you choose comfortable ear protection. You should always make sure the protection you choose is padded and fits properly. It’s also a good idea to look for a lightweight product. This helps to enhance comfort. Generally speaking, ear muffs are much more comfortable and stay in place better than earplugs.

Electronic ear protection is a great option. These options ensure you’ll be able to hear conversation while wearing the ear protection. If you get passive ear muffs (without electronic amplification), it will be difficult to talk to other people at the shooting range. You’ll have to take your ear muffs off during conversation, and then you may be exposed to loud sounds from other guns being fired.

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to choose ear muffs that have any additional features that you need. Some ear muffs make it possible to listen to music through a jack for your ipod or iphone. There are also ear muffs that come in different patterns and designs (camo is a popular option.) You may have to pay more for these extra features, so consider which of them is most important for you.

It’s also important that the product you choose is easily portable. Lightweight and foldable designs are the best option here, as you will likely already be carrying a lot of gear with you on a hunting trip.

It’s always a good idea to read product reviews to help guide your purchasing process. You can read reviews of ear muffs on major e-commerce websites, such as Amazon and eBay.

If shopping online, make sure to choose a reputable seller. In many cases, there are numerous sellers to choose from on e-commerce websites, however, you should always look at the reviews and the prices offered by all sellers on an e-commerce site before purchasing. It is best to avoid sellers who are inexperienced.

What Is Price Of Ear Muff Style Hearing Protection?

You can get a basic pair of ear muffs for between 25 and 50 dollars. A higher quality pair will probably cost between 50 and 100 dollars. If you are purchasing online, keep in mind that it is also important to consider shipping costs. When possible, buy through sellers that offer free shipping for online purchases.

What Are Some of the Best Ear Muffs For Shooting?

1. The Howard Leight Impact Sport OD

The Howard Leight Impact Sport OD is perfect for both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges as well as hunting trips. This pair of ear muffs is designed for comfort with high quality padding and an adjustable headband. It comes with a sleek design, and is capable of muffling even the loudest gunshots. In fact, it automatically muffles all sounds louder than 82 decibels.

The electronic amplification makes it possible to listen to ambient sounds with the ear muffs on.This electronic amplification system is battery powered, so it can be used anywhere. It is easy to access the external battery compartment to change out old batteries for new. There is also a built-in jack to connect to MP3 players or scanners and the aux cord is included with the product.

Another cool feature is the automatic shut-off. If you leave the ear muffs on for too long, they automatically shut themselves off after a period of only four hours. This helps the battery life last as long as possible. The Howard Leight Impact Sport OD comes with 2 AAA batteries.

These ear muffs fold to a compact size and are designed for easy transport and storage.

2. Walker’s Alpha Series Power Muffs

Walker’s Alpha Series Power Muffs are high quality electronic ear muffs. They effectively increase ambient sounds in the environment, meaning you’ll be able to hear all conversations while at the shooting range. In fact, this electronic amplification system amplifies small sounds nine fold.

Additionally, there is volume control for the electronic amplification system. This allows you to alter the volume of conversation to a more comfortable level. Each earphone has a volume control of its own. Since stereo microphones are used, you will be able to tell where the sounds are coming. The stereo microphones are also designed to be wind resistant, which makes this pair of ear muffs perfect for hunting trips.

The ear muffs can reduce loud sounds in the environment by as much as 50 decibels. This can reduce the average sound of a gunshot to as low as 90 decibels, which isn’t likely to cause hearing damage. It has a noise reducing rating of 24 decibels. They also have sound activated compression, which provides an additional layer of protection.

The ear muffs are designed with camouflage, which makes them perfect for hunters. They also come with anti-microbial ear pads to make sure the ear muffs remain clean.

3. Glock OEM Peltor Hearing Protection

Glock OEM Peltor Hearing Protection ear muffs are of exceptional quality. They are made by a well known manufacturer of weapons: Glock. Incredibly, these ear muffs are extremely affordable.

The reviews of this product on Amazon are excellent, which is no surprise considering it is both comfortable and highly effective.

This pair of ear muffs is also exceptionally lightweight, only 5.6 ounces. This is far lighter than many other pairs of ear muffs on the market, making them more comfortable and easily portable.

4. 3M Peltor Tactical Sport Hearing Protector

The 3M Peltor Tactical Sport Hearing Protector uses a digital chip to help ensure that you’re able to hear conversations, but won’t be exposed to dangerously loud noises from gunshots. Additionally, the digital chip uses ASIC technology and is assembled in the USA.

It is created to reduce outside noise by 20 decibels. This technology makes the 3M Peltor Tactical Sport Hearing Protector perfect for both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, as well as for hunting trips.

The digital chip ensures that the muffling is turned off immediately after the loud sound of the gunshot. This means you won’t miss any conversations that take place during any shooting scenario.

It also has jacks that make it possible to listen to music while shooting. The jacks are compatible with a variety of devices, such as MP3 players and iPhones. This makes it possible to have phone conversations while shooting.

While you will likely have to change the AAA batteries, it is relatively easy to do so. Additionally, they are designed to conserve battery life. There is an automatic shut off, making sure the device is never on for too long.

Lastly, the ear cups on the ear muffs are interchangeable. They come with both black and orange ear cups. Orange helps to make you more visible, while the black has a stylish look. The ear cups are also ergonomically designed.

5. Howard Leight By Honeywell R-01902

Howard Leight By Honeywell R-01902 Shooting Earmuffs are electronic ear muffs. Not only will you be able to hear conversations while wearing them, but it is possible to determine where each sound is coming from. It is also possible to listen to music or talk on the phone while shooting.

The R-01902 Shooting Earmuffs are designed to be long lasting, with an average battery life of 450 hours. These ear muffs can also be powered by AC power. This is a perfect way to conserve battery life if you are at an indoor range that has an outlet nearby. In addition, the battery life is conserved by an automatic shut off feature. Batteries are included with the ear muffs. When you need to replace the batteries, it is quite easy. This model takes AAA batteries.

They are quite comfortable to wear; they are lightweight (only 15.8 ounces) and have an adjustable headband. They also come with comfortable padding, which is designed to prevent scratching.

While the digital amplification ensures that you’ll be able to hear all conversations that are going on around you, the ear muffs are also designed to block out any sounds louder than 86 decibels. This is around the threshold where hearing damage can occur. The ear muffs will be able to protect your hearing even at shooting ranges where shooting is taking place almost constantly. They have received a noise reduction rating of 30.

6. Walker’s Game Ear Razor Slim Electronic Muff

The Walker’s Game Ear Razor Slim Electronic Muff is designed to filter out loud sounds from gunshots, and is an electronic ear muff. It has a noise reduction rating of 26 decibels and drowns out all sounds louder than 89 decibels. 

With this model in particular, you are unlikely to miss out on any conversation going on at the shooting range or on a hunting trip, as the hearing protection is designed to shut off within 0.02 seconds after the gunshot. It is also possible to discern where conversations are coming from thanks to the multi directional speakers.

These muffs are exceptionally comfortable to wear. They are lightweight, and the product is also designed to be exceptionally thin. Not only does this help with comfort, but it ensures they are easy to transport and store.

If the batteries run out, it is fairly easy to replace them. Since AAA batteries are used, the replacement batteries are quite easy to find. Furthermore, batteries are included with the device, and the device is designed to save on battery life.

It also is available in multiple different colors. You can get the Walker’s Game Ear Razor Slim Electronic Muff set in black, teal, pink, kryptek camo, and flat dark earth. All colors of the product are reasonably priced.

7. Walkers EXT Range Shooting Folding Muff

The Walkers EXT Range Shooting Folding Muff is a high quality product and has received good reviews. However, it should be noted that it is not an electronic pair of ear muffs. Still, this pair of ear muffs has a high NRR rating, which ensures it is effective. Additionally, the ear muffs are ANSI S3.19 rated.

It is quite easy to transport Walkers EXT Range Shooting Folding Muffs, which fold easily and are lightweight. The ear pads are made of a soft, PVC material.

It is possible to get multiple packs of the product on Amazon, and you can get them at a low price. While you can buy the product individually, it is also possible to get two-packs and three-packs. This is perfect for families or group hunting trips.

8. Pro Ears – ReVO – Hearing Protection – NRR 25 – Youth and Women Ear Muffs

These ear muffs are specifically designed for a smaller head size. They are passive ear muffs, which means that they don’t have electronic amplification. This pair of ear muffs is designed to a high standard of quality. In fact, they have a noise reduction rating of 25.

They also have an adjustable headband, which helps to improve comfort. The padding on the inside of the ear muffs is designed to be exceptionally comfortable and prevent scratching. This pair of ear muffs is designed with durability in mind. Many reviewers feel that the product is extremely durable. They also are available at an affordable price.

There are a variety of color options to choose from, and they are all reasonably priced. You can choose from blue diamond plate, pink rain, blue rain (featured), neon pink, pink zebra, skulls, yellow, reaper, zebra, neon green, and neon orange. All of these colors are built to the same standard of quality.

While the product is likely to last, it does come with a warranty of one year.

When it comes to shooting for fun or sport, eye protection is an essential piece of equipment. There are many hazards while shooting, so it is necessary to be certain that your eyes are protected at all costs. Splinters from targets and the risk of bullets kicking back into the face can happen at random, so wearing protective glasses can save vision in the long run. There are many factors to consider with the best eye protection glasses for shooters to experience the safest session possible.

Reviews of Eye Protection Glasses for Shooters

Here are some options for eye protection glasses for shooters. They range in price and level of protection.

Radarlock Path Prizm Trail by Oakley

Oakley is known as one of the best producers of eyewear. Their products are durable and function well above expected standards. The Radarlock Path Prizm Trail glasses are some of the best protective sunglasses on the market. They are made of polycarbonate lenses that are also polarized. These glasses come with interchangeable lenses that are based on Oakley’s Switchlock System. They also come with nose and temple pads for full comfort. While they are a lightweight pair of protective eyewear, they are impact rated. They also offer the following features:

• PRIZM™ — fine-tunes vision for specific sports and environments
• Path — lenses touch cheeks and help extend the upper field of view
• Plutonite® — top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
• O-Matter™ — stress-resistant frame material

These technological features have all been rated and tested time and again; and while they make for a rather expensive pair of glasses, they are worth every penny for the protection they provide.

Revision Military Sawfly Essential Eyewear

Another familiar brand in protective eyewear for shooters is Revision Military. They have set the industry standard when it comes to high-impact ballistic protection by both meeting and exceeding military standards for glasses. One of their iconic models is the Sawfly Essential. The kit includes adjustable frame arms with either clear or solar lenses that are interchangeable. It also has a head strap for added stability, and it comes with a microfiber pouch and case with a belt clip for the safest storing options on the go.

The lenses are made of nearly indestructible, optical grade polycarbonate that works in multiple light conditions. They also provide protection from UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays. The scratch resistant coating resists a wide variety of chemicals, including DEET that is used for mosquito repellent. These glasses are distortion free, provide anti-fog features, and will withstand high impacts from the front and the side, providing further protection to all areas of the head while shooting. Another bonus: the lenses are designed to reduce glare.

Smith Optics Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields

Smith Optics’ Aegis Echo II Compact Elite Tactical Eyeshields are also some of the best protective
eyewear for shooters on the market, and they are a bit more affordable than the models previously
mentioned. They are made of superior ballistic impact protection materials as per MIL-PRF-31013. They
are also super thin as they are made of a moldable alloy at the temples to fit cleanly around the ear without breaking. This technology also allows them to fit under over-the-ear protective hearing equipment without breaking. They feature hydrophilic lenses that are fog-resistant and scratch resistant. They provide 100 percent protection from UV-A and UV-B rays, and they are compatible with Smith’s RX system of lenses.

These protective glasses feature Smith Optics’ Pivlock system that allows for quick and easy lens changes. These lenses are also tapered to remove distortion. Decades of research in sport and optic design come together to make these glasses with the expertise of tactical professionals.

Smith Optics Director Tactical Sunglass

Smith is a popular brand on this listing for a reason: they set and exceed industry standards again and again. Their Director Tactical Sunglasses meet military specifications for MIL-PRF-31013 and ANSI Z87. The taper lenses prevent distortion and the frames are constructed of lightweight materials that are also impact resistant. The lenses for these eyeglasses are UV-A, UV-A, and UV-C rated to protect against such rays. They also have nose pads for added comfort. They do not wrap around the head as well as other Smith Optics models do, so there might be some discomfort when wearing them under over-the-ear protective hearing gear. They also do not fit over prescription glasses, however, the lenses can be replaced with prescription ones for added range of use.

Champion Over-Spec Ballistic Glasses

Champion offers a far more affordable pair of protective eyewear for shooters. These Over-Spec Ballistic Glasses are some of the best rated protective glasses for their price. They are designed to go over a pair of prescription glasses with ease, and they provide optimal comfort and wraparound safety. They are scratch resistant and do not distort images with their sharp vision features. They have a durable frame, and the arms fold inward without scratching the lenses on the inside. The lenses come in both a clear and amber-colored option and are made to reduce glare. They are rated four times greater than ANSI Z87 therefore meeting MIL-PRF-31013 standards.

Radians Revelation Protective Shooting Glasses 

Radians offers a perfectly well-priced pair of protective shooting glasses in their Revelation line. These glasses come in a wide range of colors to fit any style. The lenses provide 99.9% UV protection, and Radians claims these glasses will protect eyes from discharged debris with ease as they exceed ANSI Z87 regulations. They provide a long-term wear that is comfortable and the telescoping temples can be positioned in five directions with ratchet adjustment to find the perfect fit for any shooter. However, they do not fit over traditional prescription lenses. Another word of caution with these glasses: they cannot be used when the shooter wears sunscreen or sunblock as they become covered with a residue that can cause long-term damage to the lenses.

Carhartt Carbondale Safety Glasses

Carhartt is another familiar brand. They produce quality materials at a fraction of the cost of their competitors. Their Carbondale Safety Glasses are rated to meet ANSI Z87 standards. They are made of a scratch-resistant polycarbonate that provides 99% protection against UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays. They have a flexible rubber nose piece and the arms wrap around the head for added comfort. They also come in several colors to meet individual style preference. They even have a sunglasses option! They can also be worn with full-face helmets, however they do not fit over prescription glasses, and the lenses cannot be changed out for prescription options, either.

Remington T-71 Dual Mold Shooting Glasses

Remington is a name that has come to be associated with shooting for many reasons over the last decades. Considering they make guns and ammunition, it would only make sense that they make eye protection glasses for shooters as well. Their T-71 Dual Mold Shooting Glasses are rated to meet and exceed ANSI Z87 standards, and they provide 99.9% protection against UV rays. They provide a comfortable fit, and the dual-injected rubber frame and temples are durable and soft, making for cushioned brow protection. The vented frame allows air flow to prevent fogging. They are not meant to fit over prescription glasses, though, and the lenses cannot be changed out for a prescription option, either. They also do not wrap completely around the back of the head like other models mentioned above. They do, however, allow over-the-ear hearing protection to sit completely flush with the sides of the head and ears, making them comparable to some of the more expensive protective glasses considered so far.

Standards for Eye Protection

Organizations and individual job positions as well as shooting ranges have required standards when it comes to wearing eye protection. Even the military has a protocol for wearing eye protection for shooters. Most protective eye glasses meet basic ANSI standards referred to as Z87, which should be marked on several locations on a piece of protective eyewear for shooters. Z87 is an impact standard that tests a pair of protective glasses at 150 FPS with a .25 inch steel ball. Some shooters might not find these standards sufficient as bullets and casings can fly back much faster than 150 FPS.

Therefore, military standards are the most reliable when choosing protective glasses for shooting. Code MIL-PRF-31013 dictates that a .15 inch diameter projectile traveling at approximately 650 FPS should be the standard to judge protective wear. Unfortunately, not many products on the market are tested at this standard, so finding quality glasses can be a challenge. If this standard cannot be met, try looking for glasses tested at a slightly lower standard, which tests a .22 inch diameter projectile traveling at 550 FPS. This standard is more realistic, which will open up more options for protective eyewear.

If neither of the above conditions can be met, the glasses should at least meet the ANSI Z87 standard as a minimum requirement.

Types of Eye Protection Glasses to Avoid for Shooting

The following eyeglasses should not be used during shooting:

• Impact rated eyewear that has seen exposure to sunlight over a long time period
• Non-impact rated prescription glasses
• Non-impact rated sunglasses

These types of eyewear will not stand up to the risks involved with shooting. Impact rating is not perfect, but it will weed out the options that provide no protection whatsoever. As far as prescription glasses and normal or prescription sunglasses are concerned, there are models that are rated for impact in these categories and are easily available.

Prescription glasses by themselves can be rather dangerous if they are the only protective barrier being used over the eyes during shooting. Whether they are made of glass or polycarbonate, typical prescription eyewear glasses will shatter, causing fragments to explode and possibly enter the eye. A pair of impact-rated eyewear should be worn over typical prescription eye glasses for the best protection, even if wearing two pairs of eyewear at the same time might be a little annoying and cumbersome.

Age is another factor. As eyewear sees wear and tear over the years, they are going to fall below their impact ratings. Therefore, they should be replaced often. You can use frequent impact testing to indicate when the replacement process should take place.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when purchasing the right pair of glasses for protection at the shooting range. Industry standards for ANSI Z87 and MIL-PRF-1310 are set pretty high, but many eye protection glasses for shooters claim to meet or exceed these standards. The essential key to finding the right pair, though, is to make certain they meet the type of daily use that will be expected of them. Some of the glasses mentioned are less expensive than others, which may or may not perform at the expected level as some of the more expensive models. A fact to keep in mind is that the more expensive models on this list are tested again and again to reach industry standards. When finding the best eye protection glasses for shooters, the right pair should come with scrutiny to protect eyes from damaging debris at all costs. Knowing what to look for and understanding what provides a comfortable fit are a must for all shooters.

While there’s nothing new about the appendix carry position for sidearm carry, it has recently surged in popularity, and there are now several holsters offered that are designed to excel in this application.

What Exactly Is Appendix Carry?

Classic IWB (Inside the Waist Band) carry is usually somewhat to the rear of the carry-side hip. Using clock face notation, with 12:00 being at the navel and 3:00 being the far side of the right hip, right-handed carry is usually between 3:30 and 6:00, easy to reach a bit back for, an easy draw and good concealment under a jacket.

Appendix carry puts the gun in front, between 12:00 and 2:30, easy to reach and more natural than reaching to the rear. In timed trials, skilled shooters were able to present from appendix carry quicker than from rear carry, with speeds of 1 second to make the first accurate shot not uncommon.

Another advantage is concealment. It is easier to conceal a mid- to full-size pistol in the appendix position than it is to the rear, particularly if well-fitting clothing is being worn. This is not so much an issue with smaller firearms, but anyone wanting to carry a full-sized pistol would do well to consider the appendix carry.

With the pistol in front of you, it’s easy to visually check the concealment, and a visual check is easy.

A Few Good Appendix Carry Holsters

5.11 Tactical Appendix IWB Holster

This no-frills polymer holster holds the pistol securely at 0 degrees of cant in either the appendix position or at 3:00 for side carry. The clip holds it in place securely, even without a belt.

CrossBreed Holsters – Appendix Carry (IWB) Holster

This leather/Kydex holster can be carried strong-side or on the other side appendix position for cross-draw. The Kydex pocket is attached to a leather base for comfort, and the single clip holds it securely in place.

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

This belly band is made of stretch neoprene to fit anyone up to a size 44″ waist, and is excellent at staying where it’s placed. It works well in the appendix position, and the surgical-grade elastic holster will fit almost any pistol, up to a 1911. The pocket-sized pistols may sit a little deep in the holster and be harder to draw.

There is a magazine pocket and a pistol retention strap. If you prefer a quicker draw and the holster seems to retain well without the strap, simply cut it off. Available for right and left handed shooters.

Galloway Precision Do All Appendix Carry Holster

This Kydex holster has Cordura cloth backing for comfort, carries a spare magazine, and uses Galloway’s Ulti-clip for the best anchor to your clothing.

Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Classic Women’s Concealed Carry Belly Band Holster

This remarkably popular 5″ tall belly band is made of Mil-Spec elastic and has weapon carry pockets in 4 positions: left and right appendix and kidney. It has 2 magazine pouches and easy-grab tabs on the holster pockets for easy re-holstering.

Fierce Defender IWB Kydex Holster

This Kydex holster covers the trigger guard and the backside of your pistol to protect it from sweat. It has adjustable cant, either 0 or 15 degrees, and can be used for appendix, hip, side, or back carry. The retention is adjustable, and it has a polymer clip that will fit belts up to 1-3/4″ wide.

Advanced Performance Shooting Holsters Protective Services ELROD, Appendix IWB Rig

This two-clip Kydex holster boasts exceptional comfort and the ability to use it with your shirt tucked in. It features a built-in magazine pouch, center ventilation for comfort, and a lifetime warranty.

BLACKHAWK! Leather Inside-the-Pants Black Holster

This leather holster is available for many different guns, and the belt loop is adjustable to any cant that you like. It also features adjustable retention, not typical of leather holsters.

The belt loop does protrude a bit, but that can be fixed at home. Just get the loop wet and clamp it between two pieces of wood for 24 hours, and it will lie flat. Leather holsters need some break-in to fit well, and this can be accelerated by putting your pistol into a crew sock and forcing it into the holster for a day. Remove the sock and re-insert the pistol, then adjust the retention to suit you.

Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster

This suede holster fits most medium-frame pistols, and the material is comfortable with no tendency to ride up. The clip is strong enough to grip your pants behind your belt for extra concealability. The gun rides low, with only the grip appearing above your belt line. Relentless Tactical supplies a lifetime warranty with this holster.

Flashbang Holsters Prohibition Series Capone Holster

This leather/thermoplastic hybrid has 2 strong clips that are adjustable for 9 different height and cant configurations. The black suede liner helps hold it in place comfortably, and the clips are strong enough to use without a belt.

Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster

This single-clip leather holster is sized for most compact-frame 9mm pistols, and is set to 0 degrees of cant for appendix carry. Being bullhide, there’s a break-in period of a week or so, unless you accelerate that. The minimalist design and single clip make it versatile, while leather softens edges and offers comfort. Relentless Tactical backs its performance with a lifetime warranty.

There Is a Disadvantage

One of the more common objections to the appendix carry position is phrased something like “I’d rather not spend my day with a pistol pointed at my manly parts”. We can all understand why the idea would be unnerving, but it’s not entirely accurate.

A pistol being drawn or re-holstered in the appendix position may not be pointed at the genitals at all; it’s more likely to be pointed at the femoral artery, instead. Yes, this is even worse.

Do not gloss this over: if there is an accidental discharge as you are drawing or re-holstering your firearm in the appendix position, there is a chance that you will sustain a serious wound to your genitals or a very important artery. This idea deserves serious consideration.

There are two ways to reduce the risk of accidental discharge while reholstering in the appendix (or any) position. The first is to carry a weapon with a manual safety, and engage it before holstering your weapon. This doesn’t help the people who carry a Glock or other pistol without a manual safety, though.

The other method is sometimes called the hard break. When you are done firing, take a deep breath, and make a conscious effort to switch from ‘fire, fire, fire’ mode into ‘I don’t want to be so casual that I shoot myself’ mode. Using appendix carry, it’s important to think about safety and caution when you re-holster your weapon.

As Todd Green of Pistol-Training.com says, “Reholstering takes on a whole new level of seriousness with AIWB carry. While there are a number of tweaks to your technique that can help minimize the risk, the most important point to remember is that you have essentially zero margin of error so going slowly trumps looking cool.”

Several AIWB carriers give up on looking cool entirely and remove the holster before re-holstering, then put the holstered weapon back in place.

Features To Look For In Appendix Carry Holsters

With that said, while almost any IWB holster can be used in the appendix position, one specifically designed for it will likely be an improvement. A holster that nudges the muzzle away from the body and draws the grip in closer to the body will help conceal it and make it more comfortable to wear.

Some people prefer metal clips, thinking that plastic clips are more prone to failure. I’ve never had a failure with a plastic clip, and dislike the sharp edges and excessive muscle of the metal clips. You should do exactly as I do, and suit yourself in this regard. If you prefer metal clips, that’s what you should look for.

Especially if you are considering the habit of re-holstering with the holster away from your body and then replacing the holstered pistol back into position, a holster that is easy to mount and dismount is an advantage. Starting the day wrestling with a holster to get it into position is not going to improve anyone’s day.

Considering the holstered target area, a holster that fully covers the trigger guard area is very strongly recommended.

After you’ve selected an appendix carry holster, don’t just start carrying with it. Wear it around the house for a while with an empty firearm, getting a feel for it and some practice on the draw and re-holster. The more practice you put into it, the smoother and quicker it will be if you ever need it in a non-practice situation.