There are many things to consider after purchasing a handgun. Safety is at the forefront of things to consider. Finding the right holster is key to the safe and effective carrying of a concealed firearm. When deciding to carry a firearm, there is a myriad of questions that you must ask yourself in order to get the most from your experience. First, consider the fashion in which you’ll carrying your weapon. Accessibility is a primary concern for anyone wearing a holster. Because of the location, an ankle holster will provide less accessibility than some of its counterparts and because of this, an ankle holster is most effective for housing a backup weapon. Regardless of the type of ankle holster utilized, carrying a handgun on this area of the body requires the wearer to bend down to access the weapon from a standing position. Ankle holsters are not ideal for fast-draw usage. In most normal circumstances, the extra time necessary to retrieve the weapon is usually of no consequence, but if your handgun is intended for defensive purposes, the additional time needed can be of great cost.

What type of handgun will you be carrying? Due to the location, ankle holsters are ideal for compact handguns. Depending on the brand of holster you purchase, the level of comfort it offers can be of varying degree, but a larger handgun will be more difficult for the wearer to both, conceal and move about comfortably. It is important to understand the type of handgun you are using (revolver or semi-automatic) as this can greatly affect the size, motion for removal and comfort level of the wearer. While retrieving your handgun from a standing position can be difficult when utilizing an ankle holster, there are instances in which an ankle holster will offer a significant advantage. When riding in a vehicle, the sitting position will allow the wearer to reach the handgun with a lower degree of difficulty than a traditional gun-belt holster.

The materials used for the variety of ankle holsters on the market can differ considerably, offering a myriad of pros and cons. While leather holsters are usually effective for weapon retention, they are generally more expensive than nylon holsters. Although the price is certainly a factor to consider, the true value in an ankle holster is usually a direct correlation to cost. You tend to get what you pay for. The quality of the craftsmanship will differ with each manufacturer, making most higher priced ankle holsters more effective due to an increased emphasis on retention, as many may utilize extras, such as a thumb break. Because ankle holsters typically house backup weapons, the draw stroke should be straight-line and consistent with to the target for maximum efficiency.

Reholstering is often an overlooked aspect when searching for the perfect ankle holster. Reholstering should be a smooth process that allows for the handgun to be replaced without difficulty, as this can lead to accidental firing. A proper ankle holster will emphasize a wide mouth, that will allow for the handgun to be reholstered easily with one hand if necessary. This is particularly important when facing a physical threat, as your other hand may be needed for defense while the weapon is being drawn. Because safety is one of the most important aspects to consider, finding an ankle holster with a proper trigger guard is essential. An inadequate or ill-fitting trigger guard can lead to the trigger being pressed unintentionally.

For those with little experience carrying a handgun, clothing can be a legitimate obstacle and should be considered carefully when wearing your handgun. With an ankle holster, short pants are usually not ideal, as they may completely negate the concealment factor. If concealment is a primary concern, long pants should be sufficient, but this too can raise the degree of difficulty in regards to retrieving your weapon. Longer pants can create a natural barrier to the accessibility of your weapon, as the pant leg will need to be discarded for proper retrieval. Short pants, although lacking in the concealment department, may offer an advantage to the wearer in terms of retrieving your weapon. When shorter pants are worn, high-top shoes or boots will help with the concealment factor. In order to get comfortable with your handgun and holster, it is necessary to practice the placement and removal of your weapon.

Women may experience an additional set of obstacles when considering an ankle holster. Ankle holsters are generally designed for male usage and because of this, the dimensions of the holster may not be ideal for women. Women are generally smaller than men and because of this, hand size, armpit to hip distance and physical strength all become significant factors.

There are many types of ankle holsters to consider. Here are few brands that we find exceptional.

The Protech Ankle Holster

The Protech Ankle Holster is made with grip-strip elastic and a nylon strap that will help to keep it securely and comfortably locked to the ankle. The outer layer of the Protech Ankle Holster is constructed of CORDURA ballistic nylon, while the inner layer is equipped with a vinyl barrier made to decrease condensation accumulated by practical usage. Reducing the moisture between your ankle and holster can help to alleviate any issues associated with sliding, or a loose-fitting weapon. On the inside of the Protech Ankle Holster is foam padding, made to reduce pressure on the ankle associated with movement. The Protech Ankle holster is also extremely durable, designed specifically to prevent the material from unraveling after extended use. The downside to ankle holster made with elastic is that over time, the elastic may begin to stretch, reducing the ankle security. This will cause your handgun to flop about during movement, which can drastically reduce the safety of your weapon or possibly lead to damage.

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is designed specifically for the Glock 26, 27 and 33. This ankle holster is perfect for the experienced gun owner as it provides a level of concealment that suits needs beyond practical usage. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is fashioned from leather but also implements a comfortable neoprene band. A leather holster may offer a significant advantage to its nylon counterpart, as over time, the leather will conform to the shape and size of the holstered weapon. This will allow for a secure hold for your weapon, keeping movement to a minimum during daily usage. Because comfort is essential for a positive experience when wearing your handgun, special emphasis is placed on using high-quality materials for the Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster. Aside from The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster’s high-quality saddle leather and neoprene band, it sports a sheepskin barrier for maximum support, comfort, and moisture reduction. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is ideal for both semiautomatic pistols and revolvers.

NIANPU Ankle Holster/Concealed and Carry

The NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry is a simple ankle holster, made from elastic, velcro and heavy-duty webbing, that offers a mix of comfort and style, without sacrificing practicality. Because comfort is essential for an efficient ankle holster, the soft-knitting of the holster is designed to function comfortably even with direct contact with the skin and utilizes a foam barrier to combat moisture. What separates the NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry from its counterparts, is its ambidextrous appeal, as it is designed for any position on the ankle. This holster is secured to the ankle by velcro, making for quick and easy retrieval of the handgun. Because of its universal design, the NIANPU Ankle Holster /Concealed and Carry holster is perfect for most compact semiautomatic pistols and revolvers, while still exhibiting a versatility that will allow it house larger handguns.

Blackhawk! Ankle Holster Right Ankle

The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle is constructed of CORDURA nylon and is one of the most comfortable ankle holsters on the market. Because of its soft-knit nylon fabric, it is perfect for skin for skin contact and utilizes closed cell foam that helps to reduce moisture for the wearer. The molded thumb break is very effective against the accidental drawing of the weapon or drawing of the weapon by an attacker. For maximum retention, the Blackhawk! Ankle Holster utilizes a non-stretch retention strap, which is ideal for preventing looseness within the holster after long-term usage. The calf strap is very effective in stopping sliding that may occur while walking but may cause friction when worn with high-top sneakers or boots. The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle offers a great deal of versatility and will support medium to large-frame semi-automatic pistols.

There are many considerations to be made when deciding on the ankle holster most suitable to your needs. While price is often a major factor when purchasing an ankle holster, finding the right balance between accessibility and concealment is key to finding the right holster for your needs. The importance of choosing the right ankle holster cannot be overstated, as it is a physical connector between the person and handgun, providing comfort, safety, accessibility and protection from damage.

If you are planning to carry a side arm, a shoulder holster can be an excellent choice for several reasons. For instance,if your occupation involves a lot of time in the car, a shoulder holster is much more comfortable than a holster in your waistline; in addition, drawing your weapon from a belt holster is difficult in the car–not so with the shoulder holster. In fact; even if your work does not involve a lot of driving, just a lot of sitting at a desk, the shoulder holster is still a good option for the sake of comfort. If you are a professional who wears a suit or a lab coat, a shoulder holster is a very comfortable, very concealable option. Or if you have an occupation that involves a great deal of physical activity, such as bending over, a shoulder holster will conceal better and be more comfortable than a belt holster will.

Another instance in which a shoulder holster would be a good option is if you have some sort of disability or injury that makes carrying in your waistline uncomfortable.

If you are a woman, the shoulder holster is a good option, because it may be more difficult for you than for a man to successfully conceal, or even comfortably carry a gun in your waistline. In addition, because there is so much variety in a woman’s wardrobe, it is most likely that a waistline holster will not be compatible with all of your clothing, and a shoulder holster will help to fill in those gaps. Finally, a shoulder holster is one of the only viable concealed carry options for an expecting mother, because it does not constrict blood flow around the midriff.

When you are selecting a particular shoulder holster, there are several important factors to consider.

First of all, you must be sure that the holster fits the gun you intend to carry. In light of the fact that most premium shoulder holsters are made for a large variety of makes and models, this should not be difficult to accomplish.

Second, you want to be sure that the holster is comfortable for you. One of the most important features for comfort is having a holster that adjusts adequately. In addition to the fact that this allows the straps to ride in a comfortable place on your body, it also allows the weight to be distributed properly for you.

Third, you will want to consider durability. A premium leather holster will provide you with many more years of service than will one made from synthetic materials. That being said, it is true that there is a significant price difference between a fine leather holster and a synthetic holster.

Fourth, you will have to determine what holster angle you prefer. The vertical holster allows for carrying a larger gun than a horizontal or angled holster does. However, it also makes for the slowest draw. The horizontal holster allows for a faster draw than the vertical, but it limits what length of gun you can carry. In addition, the muzzle of your weapon is pointing at anyone who is behind you. Finally, while the angled holster, like the horizontal holster, allows for a quick draw, the muzzle of the gun in pointing upward at your armpit, and therefore at your brachial artery. This intensifies the need for great caution and awareness in keeping your finger off of the trigger when drawing. In addition, men with broad chests sometimes find it difficult to obtain a good purchase on their weapon when using an angled holster.

Fifth, if you are left handed, of course, you must ensure that your holster allows you to carry on your right side.

Based on these factors, let’s examine a variety of well-liked shoulder holsters.

The one to top the list must be the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System. It is available for an almost unlimited number of makes and models of semi-automatics, in addition to being compatible with several revolvers. Its adjustment system makes it famously comfortable. It will fit up to a fifty-two inch chest. The material is premium saddle leather. The holster is horizontal. It will work for you whether you are right or left handed. It possesses an ammunition carrier. The colors it comes in are tan or black. Its construction allows you to personalize it with the addition of accessories. People say that this weapons system is incredibly comfortable, that it is of excellent quality, that it conceals very well, and fits their weapons like a glove.

Another excellent option from Galco is the Jackass Rig Shoulder System. The two primary features that distinguish this holster from the Miami Classic are that it has an angled rather than horizontal holster and that it is only made for semi-automatics. In addition, it is only available in an Havana brown finish. Aside from commending the comfort and quality of this weapons system, reviewers also particularly say that the angled holster allows for them to conceal a larger weapon than the horizontal holster does. People express that it fits their guns beautifully.

Gould and Goodrich is another company that produces fine shoulder holsters. The B804 is available for Beretta, Glock, S&W, and Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistols. It is fully adjustable and made from genuine leather. The finish is black. The holster is horizontal. It will accommodate you whether you are right or left handed. This weapons system has an ammunition carrier. People say that this holster adjusts to fit them excellently, one person even saying that it was so comfortable that he wore it next to his bare skin. They also mention that it is of good quality, conceals their weapons quite successfully, and fits their guns excellently.

The Aker Comfort Flex shoulder is an excellent option for men with broad chests, as it will fit a chest up to a sixty-two inch chest. It is available for a fairly wide variety of semi-automatics, including Glock, Smith&Wesson, and Beretta. This adjustable holster is made of premium cowhide, available in either black or tan. The holster is angled. It is available to you whether you are right or left handed. This product has a magazine carrier. People comment that it fits them well and comfortably, while it is of very fine quality. They also mention that it holds their guns securely and well.

The Galco Kodiac shoulder holster is perfect if you are looking for a holster that accommodates a large revolver for situations that you are not necessarily needing to conceal in. For instance, this holster accommodates the S&W X frame 500, which would be a great side arm for a hunter in bear country. It is also available for Ruger, Freedom Arms, and Taurus revolvers. The straps are adjustable padded leather and nylon, while the holster itself is premium steerhide. The position of this holster is somewhat unique, as the gun rides at an angle across the torso. This holster is Havana brown. Reviewers say that it adjusts well, is enormously comfortable, and fits their weapons like a glove.

The last holster here is a very decent option if you are looking to spend less than a premium leather holster costs. The UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster has a universal design which makes it compatible with the majority of popular semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. It is fully adjustable and the shoulder harness is thoroughly padded for comfort. While the synthetic materials it is made from will not wear as well as leather, it is true that it makes this product significantly less expensive. The holster is horizontal. It will work for you if you are right or left handed. This weapons system possesses an ammunition carrier. While people’s comments on this holster are not as favorable as on a premium leather holster, for the most part they find it comfortable and functional enough for the price.

Because of a variety of occupations, clothing, and other factors in all of our lives, a shoulder holster will give you the option of carrying a weapon so that you can protect yourself and the ones you love when it would not be otherwise possible. For example, if you are taking your wife to a fine restaurant, you still need to be capable of defending her. While carrying your gun in a belt holster might make for a less than comfortable dining experience, a shoulder holster will nicely accommodate your side arm. If you, as an expecting mother, are taking your little girl birthday shopping, you must be able to protect her, yourself, and the baby on the way. A shoulder holster gives you a viable option for doing so. If you are a pharmacist, with narcotics behind your counter, you need to be able to protect yourself, and your staff. A shoulder holster allows you to have your gun concealed in a highly inconspicuous and comfortable way. Shoulder holsters provide you with the opportunity to live your life in comfort and in safety.