If you’re a serious competitor, your holster is one of the most essential gear you can purchase. A quality holster ensures your handgun stays safely stored until you can draw it.

A good competition holster must be comfortable to wear and hold for long periods, have a secure mounting platform, conceal the weapon, and be easy to draw.

Comfort

Competitive shooting can be a physically demanding sport, so your holster should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Look for a holster that doesn’t rub or chafe and has a secure clip or belt loop to keep it in place on your gun belt.

You’ll also want to ensure the holster fits your firearm correctly. Choose a holster with a cutout style that matches the ejection port of your gun for a smooth draw.

Competition holsters should be flexible enough to accommodate multiple guns if you plan on competing with different weapons. Also, choose a holster that can be adjusted with retention screws for a customized fit and feel. It’s also important that the holster is durable enough to withstand the rigors of competitive shooting. The last thing you want is to have a holster break down under the stress of constant use.

Concealment

The best Kydex competition holster will be designed to conceal the gun discreetly while providing quick access. This is especially important for defensive shooters, who may need to draw firearms in self-defense quickly.

The holster should be durable to protect the gun, secure retention, and allow for easy re-holstering. Some popular materials include leather, which offers a sleek look and is easily customizable; nylon, which is affordable and available in many different shapes and sizes; and molded plastics like Kydex, which is tough, wear-resistant, and can protect the gun from rain and sweat.

It should also have a low profile for easier drawing and an adjustable retention screw that allows you to adjust the strength of the grip against the trigger guard. Some holsters also have a thumb break or SERPA lock for added security and protection against accidental gun removal.

Retention

When competing, a shooter must be able to access their gun quickly and without obstacles. A good competition holster will be designed with a secure fit and a locking mechanism that keeps the weapon from falling out during vigorous activity. Many holsters come with pouches for extra ammo that can be worn inside or outside the waistband and attached to your belt or pants.

Some competition holsters will feature active retention only when the primary securing device is disengaged, and the weapon is drawn. This critical safety measure can prevent accidental trigger manipulation and ensure the firearm cannot be taken from the competitor even if it is pinned to the ground during physical contact.

When choosing a competition holster, consider the demands it will be subjected to and how you plan on using it. Following the form-fits-function model will allow you to narrow your choices and find a holster that meets your requirements.

Durability

The durability of a competition holster depends on the demands that will be placed on it. A holster is designed to securely retain a handgun on the wearer, prevent unintended trigger manipulation and allow for a reasonably unencumbered presentation (draw).

A competitive shooter typically wants quick and easy access to their firearm, requiring an open holster. This allows for easy weapon re-holstering in a controlled environment.

For maximum holster durability, choose a material that will hold its shape and not degrade with repeated use. A solid polymer holster such as Kydex is durable and will not lose its form over time. However, like all holsters, it will benefit from periodic maintenance. You should regularly clean the screws of your holster with acetone or rubbing alcohol and apply the blue, medium-strength thread-lock liquid to all screw fasteners. This will ensure that the screw will not back out.