Shooting from the Hip

When the word holster pops into any conversation, there’s an immediate and natural association with firearms.

Yet these following folks decided to go with the broader definition of holster: A case for carrying a usually small item on the person. And some opted to ignore the definition altogether, employing that arrangement of letters for pure marketing genius.

1. Beer Holster – It’s high noon, and the sun is beating down fiercely. While attempting to draw a pistol, you find an ice-cold brewski instead. Or a soda. Or bottled water. If you buy a beer holster from $28.99 to $49.99, the choice really is yours.

2. Lightsaber Glove Holster – Star Wars super-geeks everywhere will cross over to the dark side with this electric weapon tote. But first they’ll need $18.95 to order one of these sweet Jedi-influenced gloves.

3. Smart Phone Holster – Categorized as one of the nerdiest holsters out there, the cell phone holster truly sends out that I’m-not-cool-but-so-want-to-be vibe. Use with extreme caution.

4. Wii Remote Holster – Not as bad as the cell phone holster, but it has been called the most useless accessory ever. So there.

5. Baby Jogger Liquid Holster – At first we thought this contraption held one of those goo-goo gaa-gaa machines. But then again, babies aren’t strictly liquid. So the name didn’t really fit. Then it dawned on us: It holds a drink. Duh. So, it’s a beer holster, right?

6. Gadget Holster – As if the Lightsaber Glove Holster wasn’t bad enough, now technophiles can strap all their smaller gadgets right at their side. The cooler version of a fanny pack can hold a cell phone, iPod, a memory stick, keys, headphones… basically anything around this size.

7. Stethoscope Holster – Paging Doctor Who! We have an emergency fashion situation. The best solution? Spice up your scrubs stat with this holster that will decrease your chances of getting strangled by that darn thing.

8. Cheese Holster – The only thing that stinks about this holster is that it will only hold asiago. That and we can’t find a single site that actually sells this. Such a tease!

9. Kitty Holster – Nothing looks quite as awkward as a cat on a leash. But when you call the harness a “kitty holster” ($19.99 to $24.94) then it somehow becomes OK.

10. Massage Oil Holster – Really? This exists? We’re guessing it’s for professional use only. Pick out one with single or double pockets in black, navy, teal or wine today.

11. The Official Beer Glove – So, this isn’t really a holster or called a holster, but a reader sent a link to this chic way to hold a drink, and we thought it was pretty rad.

This young gun enthusiast isn't Dan L. But we'll pretend it is.

I have been a gun enthusiast since before I could say my ABCs. Through the years I have owned and used several different holsters.

Leather, nylon, composite … inside the pants, pancake, shoulder harness…the list just goes on.

After talking to customers forever about the Blackhawk SERPA Level 2 Holster, I finally broke down and got one for my Springfield XD 40, and much to my wife’s dismay all the accessories that come along with it.

This is by far the greatest holster I have ever used—period! Not only is the holster itself a fantastic piece of engineering, but the accessories and different wearing options that Blackhawk has incorporated make this the only holster I will ever use.

Living in a suburb, I don’t have too much need to be packing heat all the time, (and yes I know many of you would point out why I am wrong on that). But with the SERPA, I can (if I want) carry my XD concealed comfortably. With the belt mount or paddle attachment, I can elect to have the holster on permanently or removable if I am going into an establishment that does not allow conceal carry.

The accessory I enjoy the most has to be the Drop Leg Platform. With hiking and hunting on our property, I can wear a backpack, different belt pouches and still have my XD at my finger tips. Also it’s built so that it conforms to my leg, not my leg having to conform to it, which for a (as my co-workers say) “sturdy” guy like myself comes in handy.

So, a big kudos to Blackhawk on the SERPA line of holsters. You have a customer for life!

This post was written by Dan Lamb, a firearm aficionado and ecommerce manager at Cat5 Commerce. And we hope to coax him into frequently contributing to the Gun Holsters Blog.

(Image via Flickr)

In the scheme of things, Blackhawk has only existed for a short period of time. Yet during the last 17 years, it has managed to work its way up to become a leader in tactical gear and equipment, outfitting members of the military and law enforcement industry.

• 3,000 – The estimated number of products Blackhawk manufacturers including tactical armor, holsters, knives, weapon accessories and more.
• 2004 – When the holster manufacture introduced the leather law enforcement holster line and the SERPA holster line.
• 6160 – The address of Blackhawk headquarters on Commander Parkway in Norfolk, Va.
• 2 – The amount of companies (Masters of Defense and Delta Design Group) acquired in 2003. Blackhawk also added two more companies in 2005, obtaining All Seasons Apparel and Wildfire Warrior.
• 1993 – When Blackhawk was founded — in a garage — by former Navy Seal Mike Noell.
• 4. 5 million – The number of results Google gives when searching “Blackhawk.”
• 2007 – The year it entered the industrial security market.
• 228 – The quantity of Blackhawk holsters offered on GunHolsters.com.
• 1995 – Blackhawk released its first catalog made with black line drawings on a copy machine.
• 44,230 – Times that people have viewed the following video about Blackhawk’s SERPA level 3 retention holster.

Some go to great lengths for true weapon concealment. Others simply don Thunderwear.

While its name sounds like a garment accessory dreamed up by Lady Gaga, this groin holster has been serving a very useful purpose for more than a decade. Its patented technology allows you to wear your handgun in the center of the body, using the hips for support.

Advertised as the “Speed Draw Champion” of concealed holsters, the Thunderwear holster ($44.95 to $69.95) fastens in the back using heavy-duty Velcro strips. And with two pouches in the front, there’s enough room for a gun and a magazine.

If two pouches aren’t enough, the combination holster is a three-pocket holster with a large pocket behind the two front pockets for cash, credit cards or even a granola bar (hey, you never know when danger — or hunger — can strike!). It comes in three sizes to accommodate small, medium and large handguns.

Both left- and right-handed shooters can take full advantage of Thunderwear. Not only is the holster made in the USA, its lightweight and machine washable. Oh yeah, and it’s called Thunderwear. We’re pretty much sold on the name alone.

Apparently the holster is sooo comfortable that you might even forget you’re wearing it. Much like R.R. from Orlando did. “Went swiming [sic] with my Colt Mustang today, I forgot I was Packing, LUV IT, but was very embarrassed at the pool,” reads his testimonial on the Thunderwear website.

Fans have also taken to YouTube to share their thoughts on the tactical underpants.

Do note that this next video reviews the SmartCarry, which is strikingly similar to Thunderwear.

1. OWB or outside the waistband – This look is typically sported by police, military and open carrying civilians. If you place the holster on the waist next to your strongest arm, it will greatly improve your draw time.

2. IWB or inside the waistband – For those who want to be just a little more discreet, these types of holsters can be tucked into the inside of the pants and even allows a shirt to go over it, which will almost completely conceal the weapon from the average passerby.

3. On the shoulder – While this look might be dated (since it was invented sometime before the Civil War) and give you a Miami Vice feel , shoulder holsters have amazing concealment possibilities and provide comfort to the wearer.

4. Near your belly button – The “belly band” holster is said to provide deep concealment with its elastic waistband, yet it also has been compared to wearing a girdle. And there’s nothing tactical about that.

5. In your pocket – By using a pocket holster, a stiff leather pouch that keeps your gun upright in a pants or coat pocket, you will have easy access and some concealment. However, if your clothing is too tight, that might give you away.

6. Center of your back – Small-of-the-back holsters have been called the most comfortable, especially for long wear. While comfortable, this holster placement can also be dangerous and cause spinal injury if you fall backwards onto it.

7. Near the groin – Groin holsters place the weapon below the waistline and use the hip area for support.

8. On the thigh – As much as you’d like to think of this kind of thigh holster, usually holsters in the thigh region look more like this and are often sported by police and military officials (not saloon barmaids).

9. On your ankle – Not so great to keep just any weapon, but ankle holsters are the perfect storage spot for a secondary weapon.

10. Near the chest – Chest holsters date back to WWII when quarters within tanks were too tight for placement anywhere else. These kinds of holsters can be set up using MOLLE compatible vests and carriers.

(Image via Flickr)

We’re back with extended SHOT Show coverage … the kind that makes you feel like you’re actually there — blazing down the bustling show concourse doing meet and greets like a pro and dealing out your business cards like free all-you-can-eat buffet coupons. Er, or something like that.

Day two brought on a barrage of awesome twitpics uploaded to Twitter. Our favorite? Bacon-flavored lip balm (pictured below). According to ShakaTweet, the Shaka Laka lip balm is a limited edition that’s being distributed at the show. So, get bacon lips while you still can!

Shaka Laka's limited-edition, bacon-flavored lip balm

Our second favorite: Bonnie and the booth babes! Hey, doesn’t that sound like the name of a really good band?

Top booth babe Bonnie

There’s also tons of pictures being uploaded to the SHOT Shows Flickr photostream. Photos include pics from inside the show as well as snapshots of comedian Dennis Miller and NSSF Chairman Bob Scott from the industry dinner.

Martial arts master Steven Seagal made an appearance at the ArmorWorks booth and called the SHOT show “amazing.” “It’s probably the greatest gathering of special technology for police and military that I’ve ever seen in one place,” he said. Watch Mr. Seagal promote the aptly named “Seagal Tactical Gear” line.

Meanwhile Field & Stream, who posted this gem about booth babes last year, is broadcasting live from the show. Here’s yesterday’s footage that features new guns, gear and, um, autographed panties.

Magpul’s truck creation is also turning a lot of heads at the show. “Looks like it’s just like their gear — it’s gonna go anywhere and do anything.”

And now onto the guns… the much-hyped Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard line.

Outdoor Channel’s Michael Bane chats up Corey Gumbert about Beretta’s new TX4 home security firearm, “a tactical shotgun with a very famous, old name on it.”

Here’s LaRue’s new OBR Lite 5.56.

Troy Industries’ latest and greatest…

Land Warrior also had some new products on display including the new M6 SPR, which we should expect to see out in the middle of 2010.

Watch Bill Wahn from First Light USA demo a pretty sweet tactical and home defense light system.

Oh, and for those who didn’t stop by the 2010 Advanced Armament SHOT Show party at the Voodoo Lounge at Rio, you missed 50 plus Maxim girls dancing like this…

And without further ado, here’s the best of SHOT Show Day Two tweets.

@JCShoe: Day two of #shotshow begins. The rain has stopped. I have fifty booths to hit. It’s going to be a busy day.

@CGPRMarblehead: Day one..of SHOT Show..done..heading into day two..lots of energy..tactical side of the business seems very healthy.. http://bit.ly/7jreoa

@robertstarling: Why is it that the food samples from the freeze dried exhibitors tastes as good or better than the pricey concession food? #shotshow #vegas

@jim7226: 1st floor level at SHOT is very crowded. Has to be a record turnout 4 the show. Somehow I always find myself walking behind S-L-O-W people.

@muelleroutdoors: At the SHOT Show today in Vegas with the crew from IMG. It appears to be much smaller this year. Sign of the times!

@wileyoutdoor: Don’t forget to come by Flextone booth #13305 at the #SHOTshow Be sure and ask about the new turkey calls!

@NRA_Rifleman: #SHOTshow photos, still warm! Lots of great products including the intriguing Taurus TCP. http://j.mp/8FfeGA #guns #firearms

@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Don’t blindly drop a quarter in slots. Check the payout scale; identical slots side-by-side pay different. #shotshow #vegas

@thehunterswife: I’m following @PheasantPhun @TeamHuntress for their #SHOTshow finds like this … http://tweetphoto.com/9101135 ;)

@PBBrady: #SHOT Show gets the best celebrities. I just met Eric Estrada.

@jn129: 4 hillbillies never had so much attention. The Duck Commanders signing autographs at #shotshow

@robertstarling: Definition of “Tweetpit”… trying to get signal out of the basement exhibit area of the Sands! Argh! #shotshow #vegas

@anwags: Day #2 of #shotshow. The dogs are barking, but have much more comfortable shoes on today to walk around.

@cheaperthandirt: Day 2 of #SHOTshow – the doors are open. Will get some pictures this time – gonna swing by the Bushmaster booth and drool over the ACR.

@TankaBar: Just ran out of business cards at the shot show

@jim7226: One thing about the SHOT Show. If you can dream it there’s probably already someone here selling it. Product options can be mind boggling.

@techaskew: Made some new friends and reconnected with old ones today at #shotshow. Our Troops are amazing and vendors provide them great tools! #SOT

@230grain: http://twitpic.com/z174r Once again Remington focuses their attention on the hunting market with another fudd gun. #SHOTshow #hunting

@OUTDChannel: http://twitpic.com/z11a4 – Outdoor Channel dines at Hoffbrau House in Las Vegas, NV! What a great day at SHOT! #shotshow #fb

@BullsandBeavers: Day two of the #SHOTShow Amazing energy this year & more people than I expected. Cool stuff!!!! http://bit.ly/8PZoG4

@getgrip: #Shotshow, day 2 and holding strong. Celebs showin up all over. Very impressive display of new prod. See all tomorrow!

@ptecdive: while I feel gross from #shotshow mayhem, I have tix to see #blueman group, so no need to shower twice

@jim7226: Coolest new gadget I saw at the #SHOTshow today wasn’t even being exhibited at the show. Must do some more research before I announce it.

@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Unless you like waiting DO NOT get in the Sands taxi line. Go to front of casino! Trust me! #shotshow #vegas @NRAblog

@230grain: @CASFR Some multicam from Arma out of LA. http://twitpic.com/z043t http://twitpic.com/z045w http://twitpic.com/z0466 #shotshow

@KestrelChick: http://znl.me/PI64B1 Cheers to our russian dealers at #shotshow ! 5′o clock!! #nra

(Images via @jonhumbert, @ShooterGifts)

Safariland is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of laminate gun holsters, belts, and accessories used by law enforcement, military, competition, and sporting goods enthusiasts. More than 70 percent of law enforcement professionals in the United States use Safariland products, according to the maker’s website. The company offers a wide array of holster styles made of a number of different materials. The original and most extensive Safariland line is Safari-Laminate. The holsters are made from durable laminate and are best known as being one of the most popular choices of law enforcement professionals. Safari-Laminate is used for many products, including duty holsters, concealment holsters, competition holsters, and shoulder holsters.

The company offers other gun holster material choices as well. STX Tactical is a finish famous for strength, abrasion resistance, and protection. It’s heat-molded to fit the user’s exact weapon and can be easily cleaned. Lined with a suede-like material, it protects the weapon’s finish and absorbs oil from hands or lubricants. Super-Duty looks like leather but comes without the maintenance. It is highly durable and retains its function in hot or cold climate. Nylok and Nylok Pro are Safariland’s fabric options. Nylok Pro uses the Safari-Laminate technology to bond DuPont nylon to an unbreakable shell. Nylok products are made of the same tough material but without the shell interior. As the world’s largest supplier of holsters and duty gear, Safariland is always on the cutting edge of holster making and materials.

Leather Holster

Leather is one of the best materials for gun holsters. Leather is fairly stiff but still pliant, and it comes in a number of common choices. Leather holsters are both attractive and pliant, and they come in a number of colors or embossed with designs that give a decorative touch. A leather holster should fit the gun tightly. Some holsters fit with tension screws, and if your holster has these screws, they may need to be tightened or loosened until the desired tension is achieved, especially for the first time you fit your gun into the holster. If the holster seems too tight, the natural leather will stretch, and you can help it along (one of the benefits of a holster made of natural fiber). Holding your unloaded gun by the grip, push it into the holster while holding the safety strap with your other hand. This will allow the handgun to seat in the holster. Do this several times to break in the holster. If your holster does not have a safety strap, hold the holster body while doing the procedure described above.

Ladies who carry weapons have special requirements that men do not and leather holsters often fit a woman’s needs. Leather holsters can be worn at the waist, back, or thigh, but for women, sometimes a more versatile option is necessary. Many companies offer handbags with a slot inside for a weapon. Also, many leather holsters are shaped to better fit against a woman’s body, for both comfort and concealment, if necessary.