Being able to get a shooting grip on the handgun the moment you place your hand on it is critical. The best practical defensive holsters are designed with this mind. (Pictured) Galco Side Snap Scabbard With Springfield Armory's 1911A1

Just like the defensive handgun, the defensive holster should be simple and functional in design. There shouldn't be a lot of gimmicks and gizmos to get in the way. The individual is just going to have to do some experimenting to see which carry style suits his own situation and needs.

On The Hip
The conventional hip holster has a lot going for it in terms of comfort and security. For concealed carry, it should be designed to sit high on the belt with either a straight-drop cant or a slight FBI cant. The best of the hip holster designs have at least one belt loop on the rear edge of the holster.

Some rigs, often called pancake holsters, will have belt loops fore and aft of the holster body. These outbound belt loops help mold the holster to the wearer's side and are a great aid in keeping the handgun close to the body.

The hip holster can be worn behind the strong-side hipbone. It can be worn in front of the strong-side hipbone for what is called an appendix carry. Or it can be worn in front of the weak-side hipbone for a crossdraw. The crossdraw is really coming back into popularity for those folks who spend a lot of time seated, especially in their cars. Even when you wear your seat belt, the crossdraw can provide a rapid response to a carjacking.

For concealment purposes, the hip holster must be concealed under a covering garment. And, due to the length of most defensive handguns, this generally means a sports coat or other longer coat. A general rule of thumb is that the covering garment should be four to six inches longer than the bottom of the holster. And, if you're wearing your handgun in the crossdraw or appendix carry modes, it means you'll have to keep your jacket buttoned so that it doesn't blow open and expose your pistol or revolver.

For comfort and security, using a conventional hip holster is a good way to go. Good-quality hip holsters have at least one belt loop on the rear edge of the holster. (Pictured) Galco Avenger With Ed Brown's Sheriff Jim Wilson 1911

Inside The Pants
The inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster doesn't require nearly as long a covering garment because most of the handgun is concealed inside the pants. A sweater, sweatshirt, or even just wearing your shirttails out is often all the cover needed. And just like the hip holster, the IWB holster can be worn in several different locations at the wearer's discretion. However, there are two important factors to remember when considering an IWB holster.

The first is to avoid those IWB holsters that utilize some sort of metal or plastic clip to attach to your pants or belt. Too often, when the stuff hits the oscillating device, you will reach for your gun only to have the holster come out with it. This is not good. The best IWB holsters will use some sort of belt loops to secure the holster. I particularly like the kind of IWB holster that has integral double straps that snap around the belt.

The second important factor of using IWB holsters is that you have to go shopping for bigger pants. If not, that gun stuffed into your tight waistband will sure make for a lot of discomfort at the end of a long day. If you carry a flat autoloader, you might well get by with purchasing pants that are one size larger in the waist. However, if you pack a revolver or a big, beefy pistol, such as a Beretta 92, you might well want to go two sizes larger. This often-overlooked consideration makes all the world of difference if you are serious about using an IWB holster.