Holsters — IWB, OWB, Drop Leg & Duty Carry Options
A quality holster does three things: retains the firearm securely until the draw, protects the trigger guard from any contact that could cause an unintended discharge, and positions the firearm for consistent, repeatable access. A holster that fails at any of these three functions is not a holster — it's a liability.
IWB (Inside the Waistband) holsters are worn inside the waistband for maximum concealment. The firearm sits between the body and the pants, with only the grip and sometimes the rear sight exposed above the beltline. IWB holsters are the dominant choice for concealed carry — they reduce printing compared to OWB and work under untucked shirts, light jackets, and active wear. Kydex construction is the current standard: rigid, moldable to specific firearm models, and impervious to moisture. Leather IWB holsters are comfortable but require break-in and can compress the trigger guard over time. For defensive carry, Kydex with audible retention click is the correct choice.
OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters ride on the outside of the pants on a belt. They are faster to draw from than IWB, more comfortable for extended carry, and the standard for open carry, duty carry, and range use. Safariland's ALS (Automatic Locking System) Level II retention OWB holsters are used by more law enforcement agencies than any other duty holster — the ALS locks the trigger guard automatically when holstered and requires a deliberate thumb release during the draw. For duty, competition, or any OWB application where active retention matters, Safariland is the correct starting point.
Drop Leg holsters attach to a thigh rig rather than a belt, positioning the firearm lower on the leg for access when wearing body armor, plate carriers, or chest rigs that block belt access. Standard in military, law enforcement tactical, and competitive shooting applications. The Safariland 6004 is the duty-grade standard. Drop leg platforms are not appropriate for concealed carry and add significant weight to the lower leg — they are purpose-built for tactical use over armor. For state-specific restrictions on holster carry and open carry laws, see our laws guide. All holsters ship free to the contiguous US.
Holster Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Level I, II, and III retention holsters?
Retention levels indicate how many independent actions are required to draw the firearm. Level I has passive retention only — friction holds the gun in place, no active retention device. Level II adds one active retention device (a thumb break, hood, or ALS lock) that must be deliberately disengaged during the draw. Level III adds a second active retention device requiring two deliberate actions. For civilian concealed carry, Level I Kydex is standard. For duty and open carry where weapon retention from a disarming attempt matters, Level II (Safariland ALS) is the recommended minimum. Level III is used in high-risk law enforcement environments where the priority is preventing weapon retention over draw speed.
Will a holster fit any gun of the same model?
Kydex holsters are molded to specific firearm models and generations — a holster made for a Glock 19 Gen 5 will not properly fit a Glock 19 Gen 3 due to subtle dimensional differences, and vice versa. Always verify that the holster specifies compatibility with your exact firearm model and generation. Additional variables include: optic cutouts (a holster without an optic cutout won't work with a red dot mounted), suppressor-height sights (require a taller sight channel), and weapon lights (require a light-bearing holster matched to the specific light model). Universal fit holsters sacrifice retention and trigger coverage for compatibility — not recommended for defensive carry.
Is a drop leg holster good for everyday carry?
No — drop leg holsters are purpose-built for tactical use over body armor and plate carriers where a belt holster is inaccessible. For everyday carry, they add significant weight to the lower leg, cause fatigue over extended wear, and provide no concealment advantage over a standard OWB or IWB holster. Drop leg platforms are appropriate for military operations, law enforcement tactical entry, competition shooting with plate carriers, and range use. For daily carry without armor, a quality IWB or OWB holster on a stiff gun belt is the correct choice.
What holster material is best — Kydex or leather?
For defensive carry, Kydex is the correct choice. Kydex is rigid, maintains its shape in heat and moisture, provides a consistent audible retention click that confirms the firearm is fully holstered, and covers the trigger guard completely regardless of how the holster is positioned. Leather is comfortable and breaks in to a custom fit over time, but can soften with moisture and sweat, potentially collapsing the holster opening and requiring two hands to re-holster. For competition and range use where re-holstering speed matters, leather can present a safety issue with a collapsed opening. For duty, defensive, and any carry where reliability is the priority, Kydex is the standard.