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The Best New Handgun Holsters, Period!

A round-up of the best holster options currently available on the market.

The Best New Handgun Holsters, Period!
(Photo courtesy of C&G)

Choosing the right holster has a major impact on how often and how comfortably we carry. I talk to many gun owners who, despite owning a carry pistol, don’t wear the gun every day simply because they haven’t found the right holster. You must choose a holster that is comfortable, easy to access, secure and, if need be, concealable. Not every holster works for every lifestyle or body type, either. Part of the holster buying process is often trial and error. Here are some of the new holster designs for 2025 that you might want to consider.

INSIDE THE WAISTBAND OPTIONS

1 | BlackPoint Tactical F03

f03 holster
(Photo courtesy of BlackPoint Tactical)

Designed by instructor and SEAL team member Bill Rapier, the F03 is intended to be worn just forward of the three o’clock or forward position on the hip instead of the 4:00 or 4:30 positions—providing the best combination of speed and security. The F03 lacks the traditional “wings” found on many IWB holsters and instead utilizes a front clip hard mounted to the holster’s Kydex body and a modified rear wing that improves comfort, flexibility and concealment. Dual attachment points secure and stabilize the firearm, and the metal clips feature Cloth Grabber technology. There are multiple options, and ride height, cant and retention are adjustable. Optic compatible. Price: Starting at $105, BlackPointTactical.com

2 | 1791 Gunleather Optic-Ready Light-Bearing Smooth Concealment

1791 gunleather
(Photo courtesy of 1791 Gunleather)

A leather holster offering all the modern features shooters want, this one accommodates an array of popular carry pistols with optics and a variety of rail-mounted lights. The soft, rugged American cowhide leather exterior is comfortable to carry, and it’s available in both right- and left-hand configurations. The high-rise backing prevents the gun from biting against your body, and the heavy-duty beveled steel belt clip accommodates belts up to 1.5 inches wide. If you love the look and feel of a leather holster but don’t want to give up modern touches, this is a great option. Price: $50, 1791gunleather.com

3 | CrossBreed Reign

cross breed reign
(Photo courtesy of CrossBreed Holsters)

A versatile and affordable Kydex IWB holster, the Reign’s ambidextrous design makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters. Both ride height and retention are adjustable, and it works with both suppressor-height sights and red dots. The mid-rise guard on both sides of the holster improves comfort, and metal belt clips ensure the holster will stay put when drawing. A variety of shell and hardware color options are offered, inexpensive upgrades to an already affordable holster. Price: $40, CrossbreedHolsters.com

4 | Falco A911 L TalonGuard Light-Bearing Hybrid

falco holster
(Photo courtesy of Falco)

The Falco blends a Kydex inner shell with an Italian leather-wrapped exterior for security and comfort. It’s highly customizable and compatible with no fewer than 80 different weapon lights. A built-in sweat guard protects against moisture, and the open bottom allows for the use of threaded barrels. A Falco stainless steel clip holds the holster securely in place on belts from 1.5 to two inches in width, and there’s an optional concealment claw for appendix carry. Customization options include right- or left-handed configuration, a suppressor-height sight channel, red dot cut and leather color. Price: Starting at $129, FalcoHolsters.com

5 | Crucial Concealment Universal Light

crucial concealment holster
(Photo courtesy of Crucial Concealment)

Each of these Kydex holsters fits a specific weapon light, and the included retention shim allows users to run those lights on different pistols. Crucial’s Covert IWB clip works with a variety of belts and clothing styles, and because it funnels material into the clip when upward force is applied to the holster, it is more secure than other designs. The Kickstand keeps the rear portion of the gun tucked close to the body for better concealment. It’s ambidextrous, with adjustable ride height and cant, and it’s one of the few multi-fit holsters that secures the light and firearm properly and still remains comfortable enough for daily carry. Price: $70, CrucialConcealment.com

6 | 1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Deer Hide Smooth Concealment

1791 gunleather fair chase deer hide holster
(Photo courtesy of 1791 Gunleather)

The Fair Chase Deer Hide is crafted from American whitetail deer hide. The dark brown leather finish looks great, and the holster’s smooth design fits comfortably inside the waistband. The deer hide exterior is comfortable and protects the body from pinching or biting. It has a high back that rides close to the body for improved comfort, and it will accept a variety of lights and lasers. Fits most popular carry pistols. Price: $65, 1791gunleather.com

OUTSIDE THE WAISTBAND OPTIONS

7 | C&G Trinity

c&g trinity holster
(Photo courtesy of C&G)

As part of the company’s Gen6 family, the Trinity has been crafted with 3D scanning and CAD modeling that keeps tolerances to 0.003 inch. It’s suitable for daily concealed carry, IDPA competitions or as a duty holster. The Speed Cut design allows for faster, smoother draws, and the mounting system accommodates Tek-Lok, DOT, QLS, paddle hanger, drop leg attachments and several others. Stiffening ribs ensure rigidity and durability, and the holster is cut to accommodate optics. Customization options include an upgrade to level II retention. Price: $100, CandGholsters.com

8 | Safariland Solis

safariland solis holster
(Photo courtesy of SafariLand)

Designed for compact and subcompact pistols, The Solis’s low-profile design makes it easy to conceal smaller guns. The shell is a two-piece design constructed from SafariSeven nylon blend, and it has an open-bottom design to allow debris and moisture to exit the holster. It’s optic-compatible, and it will accommodate front-sight heights up to a half inch. It incorporates Safariland’s Automatic Locking System so it functions like an open-top holster but offers the added security of an easy-to-operate locking system. Solis holsters are available to accommodate guns with or without lights. Price: $90–$100, safariland.com

9 | BlackPoint Tactical Standard OWB Light-Mounted

blackpoint tactical standard owb holster
(Photo courtesy of BlackPoint Tactical)

While it’s called “standard” this one is anything but. It’s a curved Kydex rig that fits closer and more comfortably than typical OWB designs. Side-mounted belt attachment points help keep the holster close to the body and reduce the overall thickness of the holster. BlackPoint’s metal hardware won’t fail, and there’s an optional sweat guard. Available with either a straight or 15-degree forward cant, and it can be converted to an IWB holster by moving the belt loops to the front. There are many light/firearm combinations available. Other options include front and back color, loop type and loop size. Price: Starting at $99, BlackPointTactical.com

10 | Versacarry Crusader

versa carry crusader holster
(Photo courtesy of Versa Carry)

The Crusader is a stylish open-top leather rig made from premium water buffalo hide, and its double-ply leather backing enhances comfort and blocks moisture from reaching the gun. It provides a forward cant, and it has sturdy leather belt loops. Two Crusader styles are offered: the Arc Angel model (shown) and the more traditional Classic. Each is custom molded to fit specific guns, and there are options for many popular semiauto pistols. Price: $95–$100, VersaCarry.com

11 | Safariland Gravity

safariland gravity holster
(Photo courtesy of SafariLand)

The Gravity is constructed of Safariland’s ultra-rugged SafariLaminate material with a Cordura exterior that prevents buttons and zippers from clanking. The passive trigger guard detent enhances security, and retention is user adjustable. Low-cut sides allow for a smooth and consistent draw, and the holster has a tall front sight channel and optic cut. The Gravity is compatible with all Safariland three-hole mounts and comes with a 568BL injection-molded paddle. The holster functions with belts up 1.75 inches wide. IDPA and USPSA approved. Price: $65, safariland.com

Recommended


SHOULDER, FIELD HOLSTER OPTIONS

12 | Galco Masterbilt Master Agent

galco masterbilt master agent holster
(Photo courtesy of GALCO)

Part of Galco’s Masterbilt line, the Master Agent shoulder holster is a lined, hand-molded premium steerhide holster that carries the firearm in a diagonal/muzzle-up position under the arm. At 2.5 inches wide, the harness is comfortable to wear even on hot days, and an off-side elasticized nylon strap with an alligator clip can be attached to the waistline of the pants. The hand-molded holster is black with an internal smooth leather liner. Price: $250, GalcoGunleather.com

13 | Gunfighters Inc. Bino Link

gunfighters inc bino link holster
(Photo courtesy of GunFighters Inc.)

This system allows hunters and hikers to attach their Kydex holster shell to any binocular harness thanks to its Tegris adapter plate. It is adjustable for height and cant for positioning the gun, so it’s easy to access and stays out of the way. It will accommodate pistols with optics plus it’s open-ended for threaded barrels. Available as a complete system with link and holster shell (binocular harness not included), just the link or just the holster shell. Price: $159 (complete system), GunFightersInc.com

14 | Vortex GlassPak Pro Holster

vortex glasspak pro holster
(Photo courtesy of Vortex)

Attaches to the bottom of Vortex’s GlassPak Pro binocular harness courtesy of MOLLE attachment points. A ripcord allows you to easily access the gun, and a quick-adjust buckle makes it easy to size the holster for a secure fit. It accommodates optics, and it can be configured to allow access from the left or right side. The nylon shell is treated with a Durable Water Repellent coating, making this an ideal option for outdoor use. Weight is just 4.2 ounces. Price: $45, VortexOptics.com

OTHER TYPES

15 | Mission First Tactical Belly Band

mission first tactical belly band
(Photo courtesy of Mission First Tactical)

Mission First Tactical’s new Belly Band has 3D Spacer mesh fabric with special channels and an open air weave that allow air and moisture to flow through, and the medical-grade hook-and-loop fasteners also prevent chafing. Self-laminating fastening ends can be cut with scissors for a perfect fit, and a hard laminate trigger shield protects the trigger. The Belly Band features various elastic and zippered pockets for accessories, making it a great choice for runners and others who want comfortable concealment under very light clothing. Price: $50, MissionFirstTactical.com

16 | PHLster Enigma

phlster enigma
(Photo courtesy of PHLster)

Rather than attaching the holster to a belt, the Enigma is a holster system you wear underneath your clothing, and therefore it doesn’t require a belt. It uses a magnetic buckle design, and it rides close to the body so it will work with any clothing style. Two leg leash options can be fitted around the top of one thigh or around both legs like a climbing strap. It’s extremely comfortable to wear, and it works with a wide variety of clothing and body types. Price: $154, PHLsterholsters.com

photo of Brad Fitzpatrick

Brad Fitzpatrick

Brad Fitzpatrick is a full-time outdoor writer based in Ohio. He grew up hunting on his family farm and shot trap and skeet at Northern Kentucky University where he also earned a degree in biology. Since then, Fitzpatrick has hunted in 25 states, Canada, Argentina, and Spain. He has a special love for Africa and has hunted there nine times. He is the author of over 1,500 magazine and digital articles and has written books on personal defense and hunting.

Full Bio +  |   See more articles from Brad Fitzpatrick




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