Regardless of the method you choose, your defensive holster should be molded to fit your specific firearm model. The one-size-fits-all types usually end up not fitting anything. (Pictured) Galco Concealable With Springfield Armory's XD

The selection of a practical carry technique is only second in importance to the selection of the defensive handgun itself. Unfortunately, too often this matter is given very little consideration, and the handgunner goes home with just any old holster that looks like it might work. Given the fact that close-quarters criminal assaults are the most dangerous, the proper holster plays an important part in providing a rapid response to such a threat, so it is very important that the handgunner obtain the very best rig that he can possibly find for his defensive handgun.

Regardless of the holster style, the defensive rig should be built out of the very best materials available. Cowhide is the most traditional holster material, and it will give many years of good service. However, horsehide is also a good choice for concealment holsters; it is thin, tough, and extremely durable. Kydex is a material that has become quite popular for holster use, and I've seen some very good examples of these synthetic rigs. Holsters made of nylon fabric are not nearly so good a choice because they are usually too soft and don't hold up well under extended use.

Whatever material is chosen for the defensive holster, it should be molded for a particular handgun. The one-size-fits-all rigs usually end up not fitting anything, and this designation often indicates low quality. Buying one of these rigs is like buying a brand-new, top-of-the-line Cadillac and then fitting it out with retread tires. A sturdy holster, properly molded for a particular handgun, will hold that gun securely and aid in the defensive speed draw.

Another important consideration for the defensive holster is that, whenever possible, it should not have any retention devices that have to be manually operated. This includes safety straps, thumb snaps, or safety levers that you have to push. Again, the most dangerous

Sheriff Jim says you should choose a carry technique that allows access to the handgun with both hands. Whenever possible, you should select a holster type that does not utilize any hard-to-manipulate retention devices. (Pictured) Galco Yaqui Slide With S&W's Model 442

defensive situations are the close-quarters surprise attacks, and a quick deployment of the handgun is critical. Being surprised, nervous, and in an almighty hurry, the handgunner could very well fumble these manual safety devices and come out on the losing end of the encounter--that's the "second-place winner" that Bill Jordan wrote about. The safety device that I prefer is the tension screw. It simply helps hold the gun in the holster and can be pulled through when the gun is being drawn.

When selecting a defensive holster, pick one that is designed so the shooter can get a shooting grip on his gun the moment he places his hand on it. This is critically important for a smooth, quick draw. In line with this, holsters also should be designed so the mouth of the holster stays open, allowing the gun to be reholstered with one hand. The shooter's attention and other hand may be dealing with a physical confrontation that doesn't require shooting. Many models of holsters have extra leather sewn around the holster mouth to help it stay open for one-handed reholstering.

The defensive handgunner should also select a holster and carry technique that allows him to access his handgun with either hand. Street criminals will often watch the intended victim and determine which hand is the master hand. During the initial attack, this hand and arm are quickly immobilized.

It's often quite a challenge to practice using the weak hand to access a pistol or revolver carried for strong-side draw, but it is the smart thing to do. When you begin this kind of practice, you'll also see why I'm not real excited about safety straps, thumb snaps, and those tricky little safety levers.