Are Custom Holsters Worth the Cost?

A good handgun deserves a good holster. Plus, holsters that fit you and your weapon well are an important comfort and safety factor.                                                  

A custom built holster—unlike an off-the-shelf model—will adapt the holster to fit your  body and your handgun. Think of it as a custom-made glove for your weapon. The manufacturer takes your measurements and creates a holster designed just for you and your pistol. This process can take up to six months.

Think about why you are putting the money into a custom made holster. Usually, it is for one of the following reasons:

1. The handgun you’ve purchased doesn’t come with a holster that fits the gun and/or your body.
2. You’re left handed and the gun company doesn’t offer this option.
3. You’ve added an accessory like a laser or light and the suggested holster does not accommodate this accessory.
4. Your gun has an added feature like an Extended Mag Release, or a Slide Stop and your holster doesn’t allow for this feature.
5. You want to carry in a certain manner or location and your holster doesn’t allow for your concealed carry position.
6. You want your Concealed Carry to sit a certain way. For instance, you may wish to have your weapon at the small of your back or you’d like to cross draw and your holster doesn’t accommodate your carry preferences.

Which Custom Holster?

Before you decide on a holster creator, you need to do your homework. Find out from others who purchased custom made holsters what to look for.

Serpa—while not the best concealed carry—creates a fine product. The material chosen is also crucial. Some clients who chose leather complained that it is uncomfortable to wear for any length of time.     Kydex wearers swear by that material but others say that leather cannot be equaled for its ability to fit your gun snuggly.

Handgunners’ products are also highly rated. One of their pluses is fitting the trigger. For a different look and feel you might consider Mexican style custom holsters.

OWB has long been considered the only custom holster company when it comes to quality. Others do not find this holster option comfortable.

Many women have found the Crossbreed custom holster well-made and comfortable because of the custom leather. 

Galco, Desantis, and Safariland all seem to make quality holsters for concealed carry weapons. Also in consideration are Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen, Mernickle,  and Kramer holsters.

The Safariland ALS seems appealing but does it conceal better than a Serpa or other custom holster? Reviews on this are mixed.

Raven Concealment manufacturers an interesting holster for a full-sized gun. It’s a simple design comprised of two pieces of Kydex riveted together. Does this qualify as custom-made? Is this holster worth its price tag?

Conclusion

You get what you pay for. But, before you make the decision to buy custom made, you’ve got to figure in how much you will be using this holster. Is the time you will be spending concealed carrying worth the cost of a custom holster?

The higher the quality of the holster, the better it will stand the test of time. However, let’s be realistic. We don’t all need custom built shoes to play basketball or go jogging. However, if we’re playing pro-bb or are running the marathon then perhaps custom is needed.

It also depends on whether you are happy with off-the-shelf holsters.