Three Critical Qualities of a Decent Holster | Active Self Protection Extra
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2017
- In today’s ASP Extra lesson, we look at the three critical qualities of a decent holster. I dig into my personal box of shame to show you several of the crappy holsters I have used over the years and why they fail. If it doesn’t have all three, it is NOT a decent holster and you should not use it!
More on holsters: • This is Why I Believe ...
Kathy Jackson on the qualities of a decent holster: get-asp.com/mjau
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Attitude. Skills. Plan.
(music in the outro courtesy of Bensound at www.bensound.com)
My favorite kydex holster maker is Gabe at The Armory: get-asp.com/ksgarmory and if you use coupon ASP2017 he ships free. (I make nothing)
Next is Jon Hauptman of PHLster: www.phlsterholsters.com/ (use coupon code ASP10 for a 10% discount at checkout; again, I make nothing)
Third is Keepers Concealment: keepersconcealment.com/
Funny story for you, John.
At the start of my CCW journey I stuffed my brand new SIG P238 (.380 cal.) into a "Sticky" holster. Then I stuffed it into the 6 o'clock position, inside my belt. It was so comfortable that I forgot about it. As you warned what could happen, I went to the toilet, and the gun and holster both hit the water before my butt touched the cold seat!!! Lesson learned. Ha! Ha! Ha! (Thankfully, this happened at home.)
John, I give praise to God for your ministry. He has truly blessed you with wisdom and the passion to share it with us.
Chuck
Meza JarJarBinks your. Not the only one LOL. I use the sticky holster now in vehicles between the driver seat and console.
Haha thanks Chuck! Thank the Lord it was at home and you didn't have to fish that gun out of a public toilet!
Or a porta potty. 😂
LOL!
That may just answer my Sticky Holster question!
Thx for the chuckle Chuck!
Anyone who has carried for years has a box of shame like that. Oh uncle mike...
Ian Cornell - I second that
Buy once cry once
Why anyone would ever think a $5 holster is good, I will never understand.
so far I’ve been pretty good. Ive bought 1 belly band ive used like twice . Paid $40 for it an so far thats all ive wasted . Use BlueLine LLC Holsters with Claw attachment . They are about $65 and well worth it. Thank goodness I research now before I buy anything .
I bought some uncle mike because super discount. I sent them back.
John, if you know it’s safe then I believe you. Safety nazis don’t realize that prior to filming you took safety precautions so you could film. Safety is important but I’m honestly not worried about you shooting me through the screen.
John, I agree and wonder how much screen time is lost to excessive safety checks.
This should have way more thumbs up
Fair but I think it does set a great example for viewers who may be new to handling firearms to always be cognizant of where they’re pointing the weapon
@@kagethedemonslayer THANK YOU... AND THAT IS WHY HE IS A GUN SAFETY INSTRUCTOR 💯💯
@@kagethedemonslayer maybe wait until you're old enough to carry a gun before you criticize this guy. He definitely knows better than you.
Leave it to a preacher to do a 3 point sermon.
@@phprofYT To be sure, to be sure, to be sure.
What I love about videos like this is they go into the little details of carry that can often be overlooked. Thank you for what you do. Great stuff!
I'm glad you did this video, there are sooooooooooooo many holsters on the market. Thank you!
So many bad holsters*
Hi, my name is Tom and I have a box of shame.
Hi Tom. You're welcome here.
Active Self Protection Extra Thanks brother. I have a big box of crappy holsters and other useless junk.
We all do. Fortunately, the next generation seems to be doing better, holster-wise.
Hi Tom
You're in a safe place Tom. Welcome.
3 things a holster has to have
-Hold your gun
-hold it Securely but not so tight you have to fight it when drawing.
- not be made of cloth
The unsung Hero
Good tests but I would add one thing. When you do the "shake test", the holster needs to retain the gun WITH a full magazine and one in the pipe...because realistic, right? Great video as always.
Yeah that’s just a bit too much danger though to get a point across. Maybe if he loaded it with EMPTY rounds. By that I mean rounds with no powder! However I’m not sure if even the firing cap going off would be enough to push the round out even a little. If so there is still a risk of jamming up your barrel. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks to advice from people like you, I don't have a box of shame! 😄
Thank you John for giving a hoot and using your energy to help us!
My pleasure!
I dont even live in the usa, i live in england - ive never seen a real life gun other than very rare occasions a poilce officer carrying one. And yet i just cant help but be mesmerised by this guy 😂
I keep my handgun in my beard.
Santa is that you?
Prison purse carry, is the only way to go.
Beard carry is for hair trigger guns
That's why I'm growing my beard out. I carry a PPQ, so I need a slightly larger beard to carry it.
I carry a bomb wrapped under my shamagh
Couple rules i go by. 1 never have a holster that is made of a fabric including leather. They expand where items can get into it like a coin which could get by the trigger. 2 it has to be a hardened plastic, carbon fiber or whatever kind of harded material you see fit. Last it has to be made specifically for that firearm. I know it cost more but I'd rather spend extra for a fitted holster that won't allow room for items to slip into it with your gun then to pay alot extra for medical bills or with your life because of an accidental discharge. Take it how you want.
I disagree, I have a leather holster that was made for my specific model pistol that fits tight enough that if something were to get into it, it would also get into a plastic or carbon fiber holster. It is very thick leather and is still very stiff after using it for about fourteen years though not every day until a couple years ago.
alot of people start with
#1 comfort
#2 concealability
then move onto your 3 ! hence the reason this is a great and very needed video .. thanks for taking the time John!!
There is something to be said about comfort being important though. If it's uncomfortable to carry then you're more likely to make an excuse to not carry "oh I'm just taking out the trash" the BAM pitbull running straight for you. I would argue that comfort and concealability is just as important as covering the trigger guard and retention but comfort and concealment are going to be determined on your situation alone while retention amd covering the trigger guard are pretty universal.
This is great advice! If only I had watched this prior to filling my box of shame!
I used to carry my Sig in an Uncle Mike's Duty Holster. The reason I traded it for a Safariland was that no matter how many hours I spent in training, I could not reliably release the level 3 trigger guard lock every time. Good video John.
Johns box of shame = my box of educational dos and donts! Thank you John!
Thanks for the video! I have probably gone though 20 holsters through out the years....a frustrating learning process......but having a system that really works well is definitely worth it.....
This demonstration saved me from a crappy holster. Thank you. I am new at this holster thing.
Glad I could help
i have recently started making holsters. i love all of the points that you have covered in this video as all of my holsters conform to these ideals. its one of the reasons why i started making my own. one more thing you should consider is also covering the mag release so that it can not be actuated. i feel like having your mag fall out of your pistol would be a horrible thing to have happen because you bumped into your counter leaving you house hours before. especially for that 10-15% of people that don't carry with one in the pipe. id love to make and send you a holster with your logo and have you give me a fair shake down one day! i love what your doing keep it up!
I didn't think of that. What is your business name? I'm looking to buy my first holster
Thank you I actually learned a lot this video. I thought my holster was good I would tell people my pocket holster is wonderful. Yesterday morning in my office I go in my pocket and pullout my holster and I notice it does not fully cover the trigger area I noticed that my finger can go in Without much effort. Besides that once I live in a state that I am legally allowed to carry I will be sure to reference back to this video before I purchase another's holster. It's ridiculous that in New York State we are not allowed to protect ourselveswith a firearm is outside of our home I guess some rules are meant to be broken
Get a good holster! :)
Glad to see mine made the cut at 14:25. R&R makes pretty good holsters, and they make them for just about every gun/light combo.
Hey John could you do a video on pre attack ques?
That's a good idea John! Thanks!
Active Self Protection Extra looking forward for the video
would love a video on that. It's something I often look for when walking down the street at night.
Agreed, this would be a really great topic for an ASP video!!!
John Lovell does one and a succinct presentation on active awareness.
Outstanding, thank you! Looking forward to “what makes a holster good”.
another great video, thanks. I'm really liking the holster series.
Great Video - I personally use Blueline LLC Kydex holsters . Where I live is real hot and Im thin and I need real concealment and there’s works well. The only time I use soft holster is for my guns that stay home and I try to keep them from getting scratched . I remember at 1st I tried the belly bands . Man do this things suck. They always rode up as soon as I sat. Being thin I have to ISW carry during the hot months . Ive got use to it now when eating and sitting in the car. Love all your vids , never miss a one . One can never get enough teaching on gun safety and what to do or importantly what NOT TO DO. I think every new shooter should see this video. For their safety and to protect their pocketbook :-)
Well, Mr. John, I clicked "Like", and indeed I did. But I am still struggling with the fact that have to let go of my King Tuck... And that's why, among other reasons, I am fond of you. You show me things which are better for me, standing a point based on reason, even when I don't like or disagree with them. Thanks so much for both channels.
Thanks man. Means a lot.
Thank you for this video John. I'm new to concealed carry and now I have a box of shame with 1 in it.
Made my day. Not that you have to spend more money but just that this helped you.
It's possible that NOT EVEN ONE holster in the entire store will meet these simple criteria. And since all shooting sports have the same holster requirements as John, this means many holster manufacturers have NEVER SHOT IN A SHOOTING SPORT IN THEIR ENTIRE LIFE! This is pretty sad. It's even more sad for a first time shooter in a shooting sport when he or she comes in with an un-usable holster because the clerk at the gun counter promised that it was "The best holster" for that shooting sport, even though it's not even usable. Thank you John for making this video!
Sport?
Thank you answered many of my questions.
I had haphazardly watched this video a few months back. Today I grabbed all my holsters deemed UNSAT by your criteria and ordered 2 of the ones you recommend. Thank you and blessings!
Great to hear!
If you need to go with a belly band, there IS an excellent option available: STRAPT-TAC Belly Band Holster. It can be used with Any IWB Kydex Gun Holster. It incorporates a piece of belt material inside the pocket that you clip your preferred IWB Kydex holster to (I use one from Vedder that meets all of your requirements.
Very informative and well made video. Thank u...
Very good information. I've been using FOBUS holsters for a number of years and very satisfied with their performance.
They meet the criteria, mostly, but wouldn't be my first choice.
I'm glad you did this one I've been torn in my decision
Great video. Wish I had seen this 5 years ago. Enjoy all your videos. Thanks!
These Holster videos are the best ever on CZcams!!! Thanks!
Thanks!
I had the same concern with a belly band that I had. I got a different one from tactical 10 to use with my glock 43. I was unable to move the trigger through the neoprene band that holds the gun in place. However I had thought about the addition of a mick trigger cover in conjunction with the belly band prior to seeing this video. Good to know I was on the right track.
I just watched this video because I've been looking for a decent belly band holster, but had not found one that protected the trigger. My worry is having an accidental discharge after flopping into a seat, or having the seatbelt receiver catch the trigger. I had thought of the mick trigger cover solution paired with a belly band with a retention strap.
Thank you so much for the information
Thank you so much. This information is extremely useful.
You're very welcome!
Thank you John, great information
Great info. Love your channel...learn so much from you
Glad to help!
I purchased a holster and a few accessories from Harry’s Holsters a few months back and the products are impeccable! They also fixed a shipping issue I had (which emanated from USPS) with absolute grace. Harry’s Holsters is a company that I’ll be visiting again for any and all future holster related purchases. 😎
As a holster designer and builder, I agree that the trigger must always be covered completely, and you must be able to access. BUT, in a DEDICATED POCKET HOLSTER, you want the gun a bit loose so as the holster stays in the pocket on the draw! A snap retention, you will yank holster and all when drawing the gun in a defensive situation. That would be a fail! I'm not a big fan of pocket carry unless, there's NO other way, or for a last ditch back up. But good videos bro
Yeah I am not a huge fan of pocket carry either. :)
yet you own a belly band..... ;-)
18:40 I appreciate how automatically different you are with the airsoft and 100% inert guns. Helped show why you always look your gun into the holster
I have my box of shame also😆 Learned a lot from this video...thank-you!
Good information. Thanks.
Your three points as to a holster qualifying for an EDC are doubly critical for those desiring to carry a 1911 platform auto. THE key safety feature for such a gun ( my own sub compact Sig P938 ) is having a strap that securely positions between the cocked & locked hammer and the firing pin. Excellent presentation.
After watching this video and checking out your recommendations, I settled on the Protos-M by Black Arch Holsters. It meets all your qualifications for a good holster, is M.E.G.A. confortable, and keeps my handgun concealed. Thanks for the all the pro tips.
Stay safe,
RM
Yep, it's the only hybrid-like holster I can recommend.
Thank you for sharing.
Very informative. Thanks!
Glad to help!
I think your opinions are usually very practical but in this case I have to disagree on the completely covered trigger guard. Obviously I agree the trigger guard should be mostly covered, but I don't think the little tiny gap in the back has any practical difference. I can't see a plausible scenario in which that actually creates a safety issue or a malfunction. If you happen to have video that shows an issue related to that type of holster I'd love to see it, I'm always open to the idea I might be wrong if proven otherwise.
Pocket holster carry, now put your Keychain in your pocket, now pull your keys out from you pocket
Don't put anything else in your gun pocket in the first place.
Brain dead comment.
The worst kind of holster you can possibly wear is no holster at all.
I made the bad mistake of Mexican carrying it in my local Walmart. It was all fine and dandy until the damn thing fell down my pants.
Thank GOD I was able to get in under control without anyone noticing.
I learned my lesson. Always have a holster.
Yes, ALWAYS wear a holster.
Kelby Edmonson me too
You're an idiot!
Kelby Edmonson what is mexican carrying
My dad carries like this and I've tried, unsuccessfully, to convince him. Ironically, he is actually Mexican, so maybe it works for just us lol.
I did the same thing with my belly band style holster for my Glock 43. The version I have has a sewn in compartment for the "trigger guard" but is stretchy and I thought dangerous. So I got a kydex trigger guard and the lanyard is looped through the retention strap and belt loop (if what I am wearing has a loop within proximity otherwise just the retention strap loop). It isn't my primary carry, but it is suitable when I use it and safer now.
Good job, as usual, John. I just bought a newly patented inside-the-pocket holster. It's called the "Bora II Eagle". It is very minimalist, but it fulfills your three characteristics for acceptability, I believe. I use it on my Glock 19 (9mm) and it allows me to have the firearm with me pretty much everywhere I go. It is fairly comfortable, very well concealed, and very easily accessed. Would love to hear your take on it. Every friend I've shown it to has loved it and said they wanted to buy it.
I would be interested to see it.
I have carried a BORAII Eagle for a year. it was fine at first, but it is non adjustable Tyvek, and is now falling. Inside the pocket, it is letting go of the gun at the farthest forward point , and rotating around the trigger guard. That has threr serious ramifications: A) it exposes the trigger, B) it rotates the hook to the bottom of the magazine, making it ineffectual, and C).it activates the magazine release on my LCP. When i contacted BORAII about these problems, they immediately sent me a new one that is a different design. This one grips the gun so firmly that the hook no longer operates, and will not release without a huge force. I'll be replacing this with whatever I can find that is similar except with adjustable tension.
If you can pocket carry a glock 19 u need to do some leg work at the gym lmao
One of your best videos yet. It addresses real world problems of carrying a firearm.
Can you do a video of carry styles and the problems with using them such as visiting the restroom or sitting in a chair with arms while side carrying?
That's a great idea!
I learned a lot from your video. Thank you very much for the info!
Glad it was helpful!
awesome content! thanks John!
Glad to help!
Thanks John, very interesting video, just one correction, if I'm allowed to, I would call that box , the box of experience . Thanks again !
Thanks for this video. I'm new to firearms, and this is one thing that has bothered me. I'm not new to safety though, and if you've ever seen any of the "Final Destination" series, there is a malevolent force in that movie that is always looking for an opening, and I try to treat safety like I am working against this force. As to holsters, I always imagine that force is using something to try to work in and get to the trigger of my pistol while it's in the holster. There are several youtube videos of people shooting themselves while holstering (or while holstered), so I know that something like this is not uncommon. I got an urban carry holster, and while it conceals well, its bothered me that if I really tried, I could probably work the trigger while the gun is holstered. I found a minimalist trigger holster for my gun, and I've attached the lanyard to the clip on the urban carry - similar to what you showed in the video. I have a lot more piece of mind now, because I can keep it in I know that the gun is absolutely not going to go off accidentally no matter what I do. The lanyard pulls off as I remove the gun from the holster (with just a slight tug), so I can safely carry with a round in the chamber and I know I'm not going to have a really bad day with it.
Great stuff, John!
You should design your own holster 🤔...I think I would buy it
It would take so much time to get exactly right.
Personally I have been considering making my own, I have experience manipulating plastics due to former employment and some current hobbies.
Yes of course it would take so long you'd rather spend hours talking trash about other people's work
@FUDDLEYP JONES I'm not offended lol it takes more than a YT video to get me worked up
@@jawalove465 do it brother. Give em a reason to be competitive
What quick access gun safe would you reccommend? I'm looking at the Vaultek Pro VTi, any opinions, reccomendations, or alternatives?
howdy John: We are coming out to KS for the seminar. Thank you for putting it on.
I just discovered my holster fails. Now I need a new holster quickly. What outside the waist holster WORKS for the P365 Sig? I have figured out both holsters I purchased will not meet your requirements for the seminar. I gotta get a working holster that will pass your tests. Thanks for everything, John.
Email Steph (her email is in the one your received) and see if she can get you sorted out.
Glad you did Bersa 380 first. Looking on Safariland for a holster. Thanks!!!!!
Good video, again John. What do you think of using a clipdraw with a trigger guard holster (like the Mic Holster)? With both of these options, they cover the 3 standards of being a good holster.
JPJ9M I was wondering the same thing!
I'm currently have the Blackhawk holster for my G17 Gen5 and I feel like I really like it. After watching your videos I feel I want to try one of the Safariland ALS. However, I also have the Olight mini 2 Valkyrie and really want to be able to keep my light on at all time since the serpa doesn't allow me to carry my light what would you recommend that I get to cover all my bases?? Something the will have to press a button to release it and covers the entire trigger along with it being a light bearing holster....
Let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!!!
Greg
PS, great videos!!!
Thanks, John, I love watching your video and I appreciate your honest educated opinions. I have like many purchased a few holsters and after watching this video I find the ones a use now are really not good. I carry appendix and I have been looking for a good apendex holster with loops... What is the one you use?
i just found out your also a minister... that's great. Thanks for letting the light shine through all you do.
My favorite kydex holster maker is Gabe at The Armory: get-asp.com/ksgarmory and if you use coupon ASP2017 he ships free. (I make nothing)
Thanks, Ill go buy one... BUT Y=you should make a little you are one of the best commentators iv seen. i will make sure they know that.. Thanks, Brother.
@@ASPextra I have been rising this holster daily for 3 years still looks and works great... I wish they made one for the TLR.. so far everyone I have purchased has been trash...
You absolutely murdered this topic. I tip my hat to you, good sir 🎩
What holster would you reccomend for concealed carry with a glock 19?
Great information, John!
Thanks Paul!
Hi. I am more aware of my surrounding thanks to your tips! Great videos! Could you please make a video of how to proper clean a firearm? I have a compact 9mm Beretta px4 storm. Is tha a good pistol? Thanks again. Have a great day!
Sure will.
I paused after the dude said "There are three things a holster should do." so I could guess what they are.
1. Securely holds the firearm
2. Holster completely covers the trigger and guard.
3. Smells like roses.
Ok, I blanked on the third one, gotta admit that.
And now....unpause.
SO CLOSE!
me too. maybe full grip on handle ability.
RT Solo, Im sure 95% of people dont get it. LMAO!! But thats hilarious man!!
52 years I've lived with that name.
Great instructor.
Very well done thanks
Tell us also which u recommend
We have a list of holster makers we recommend here: activeselfprotection.com/holsters/
I am currently carrying in a Dark Star Gear Orion.
Great reviews !!!
Great video, Thanks for the info. Guess guess it's time to say goodbye to my Fobus.
Have any thoughts for a good clip-style OWB holster for a Walther PPQ 45? All of the ones I like for other firearms don't make a darn thing for the PPQ 45 (which is slightly bigger than the PPQ 40).
Loving the asp extra channel!!!
Thanks Will!
What is the kydex pocket holster you like in this vid? Thanks
Do you have a good suggestion holster for XD(M) (OSP Threaded 10mm)
What do you think of those M.I.C trigger guard holsters? Great video BTW!
This is a good vid, challenges what many use to carry and for good reason. I would highly recommend always wearing a belt when you go out in public. Not only does it secure pants and firearm, but it can be used for other tasks in a pinch, especially if you always carry a knife.
This question is for John... Do you have an opinion on the Smart Carry Holster...? Love your show, Thanks for what you do & all the Great information...!
Yes I do. I don’t like it at all.
What do you think about the n8 pro tandem twist holsters?
Thanks John
what is the very first pocket holster that you said was a 'holster'. You didn't mention the name, tnx! I'm trying to avoid my own box of shame build out.. The holster I'm asking about is about 6:45, tnx
I would like to see a video of a good holster for a baby desert eagle 9mm full size. I have the urban carry 2 colonel, its okay with a belt.
Box of shame, what a great, helpful, hilarious concept
Great video John
Thanks!
Are c&g holsters a good option to buy?
Any thoughts on kydex holsters that cover the trigger guard but leave the mag release button open?
I don't mind that.
Hey John what brand was the G43 holster? Was the first vp9 holster the cherries brand? I'm thinking about getting their newest version that's adjustable from BWB to AWB
My favorite kydex holster maker is Gabe at The Armory: get-asp.com/ksgarmory and if you use coupon ASP2017 he ships free. (I make nothing) Both holsters in this video you asked about were made by KSG Armory.
Next is Jon Hauptman of PHLster: www.phlsterholsters.com/ (use coupon code ASP10 for a 10% discount at checkout; again, I make nothing)
Third is Keepers Concealment: keepersconcealment.com/
Active Self Protection Extra you're the man John! Thanks for the time replying. Will check them out now!
Good video. Who makes the kydex pocket holster w/retention screw? TIA.
My favorite kydex holster maker is Gabe at The Armory: get-asp.com/ksgarmory and if you use coupon ASP2017 he ships free. (I make nothing) He made that holster.
Orpaz holsters work great for me. Any thoughts? Great content by the way.
I don't have personal experience with them, but a casual perusal of their website looks like they meet the requirements.
Thanks John. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
You bet!
What do think of Cytac holsters such as CYTAC Level II Thumb Release Holster fits TAURUS Millennium. A lot of them though have the finger safety.
I haven't used them personally. Thumb release holsters are generally good to go, but I would have to see one and use it to tell for sure. My go-to is Safariland ALS.
I like the paddle on the safariland ALS. Keeps it in the perfect position for me
It's a big failure point, though. Beware of that.
@@ASPextra i have to make a correction. I actually have the 578 GLS pro-fit holster. is the paddle the same? and what happens to them?
Yeah, it's the same. We just see people use the paddle incorrectly a lot, and also in grappling have seen them break and also come off in testing.
Hi, John! What are your thoughts on using a trigger guard holster (such as the mic) with the clipdraw? Thanks!
Yeah, that's a whole different world. A MIC with a clipdraw is fine, though I want my gun to stay more secure than that.