10 Best Leather Holsters 2023
If you’ve every carried a handgun, you know just how important it is to have a quality holster. A vitally important piece of gear, your holster is the link between your gun and your body. A poor-quality holster may not only be uncomfortable; it could lead to the loss or damage of your firearm.
Your holster is an important, potentially life-saving piece of equipment, but how do you choose which one will work best for your specific needs? That’s where we come in with our handy guide to the best leather holsters available to consumers today.
Things to Think About Before Buying a Leather Holster
- An effective leather holster must strike a balance between comfort and accessibility. Comfort is particularly important, especially if you will be wearing your leather holster for extended periods of time. However, if you are not easily able to draw your weapon when necessary, the holster isn’t practical.
- If possible, you may want to “test drive” a variety of holsters to decide which one will work best for you.
- Leather requires a “break in” period since the material will stretch over time to mold to both your gun and your body. Expect your leather holster to become more comfortable as it ages.
Top 10 Leather Holsters Table
Choosing the Right Leather Holster
There are many leather holsters on the market today and deciding just which one is right for you can be confusing. Here are some important things to look for when buying a leather holster.
Concealed Versus Open Carry
First, you must decide whether you will be carrying your handgun concealed or in plain view. If you intend to conceal your weapon, you will want to purchase a holster that is specifically designed for that purpose.
Most states require a special permit to carry a concealed weapon. The laws vary by state. Make sure to check your state’s laws regarding weapons concealment before carrying a sidearm in public.
Weapon Retention
Keeping your gun in your holster is of utmost importance for your safety as well as the safety of others. You don’t want your weapon to accidentally fall from your holster, nor do you want someone to be able to easily grab it and remove it from your possession.
Most people are fine with an open top holster. It makes for easy drawing of your weapon, and if you aren’t doing handstands or backflips, your weapon should be secure. If you are active or carry your sidearm while jogging, you may want to consider a holster with a retention device. Many leather holsters feature a securing strap.
Types of Holsters
Depending on how you want to carry your weapon, there are several types of leather holsters to choose from.
- In the Waistband. Carry is often referred to as IWB. A special IWB holster allows you to carry your weapon with a greater level of security and comfort than simply tucking it in the top of your pants. A leather IWB holster is a comfortable and completely concealed way to carry your weapon.
- Outside the Waistband. Carry is often referred to as OWB for short. A leather OWB holster allows you to comfortably carry your weapon visibly on your waist. These holsters are often designed to thread through your belt, although some feature a securing paddle that tucks inside your waistband while the gun remains visible.
- Shoulder Rigs. Can be an extremely comfortable way to carry your weapon while offering maximum concealment. A leather shoulder rig holster can easily be worn under a jacket or blazer.
- Ankle Holsters. Are worn around your ankle and usually under your pants leg. Many leather ankle holsters are incredibly comfortable. These holsters work best for small firearms and those with a thin profile. One potential disadvantage of carrying your weapon in this type of holster is the potential difficulty of drawing your weapon, although with practice, many people find they prefer to carry this way.
Top 3 Best Leather Holsters Reviews
1. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
You won’t find any synthetic materials or cheap mass-market production with this holster. Relentless Tactical’s Defender is proudly made from genuine bull hide leather by American craftsmen. This holster screams quality with its sturdy construction and form-fitted design. It even comes with a lifetime warranty.
The stitching on the Defender holster is snug and secure with no loose strings or stitches. The smoothness of the leather makes it easy to draw your weapon, yet it is tight and formfitting to securely hold your sidearm during day-to-day wear. It rides well in the waistband, and the leather seems to breathe against your skin. This holster successfully balances comfort, function, and durability. It is definitely one of the best leather holsters you will find anywhere.
2. Galco Concealable Belt Holster
The unique two-piece construction of Galco’s Concealable Belt Holster is specially contoured to fit the curve of your hip while keeping all the molding on the front of the holster; this allows a higher level of comfort while maintaining an incredibly low gun profile.
Not only is this holster comfortable, but it is also stylish and attractive without compromising function or durability. The seams are all double stitched, and the holster has a built-in trigger guard for extra safety. It is available in both right-handed and left-handed versions so that every shooter can enjoy the convenience, style, and functionality of this high-quality leather holster.
3. Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB
Relentless Tactical delivers another American-made product with this soft suede IWB holster. Made from genuine U.S. suede, this holster provides a comfortable and discreet way to carry your sidearm.
The suede leather holds your firearm securely, without any wiggling or wobbling as you move, while still allowing a smooth even draw. It is comfortable for all-day wear and maintains a level of comfort even when you find yourself driving or otherwise sitting for extended periods of time. Its lightweight yet sturdy design is backed by a lifetime warranty.
