Minimalist Holsters
Rob PincusDescription
Some truly minimalist options for carrying a handgun on your body are now on the market, but are they useful or reckless? Rob Pincus believes that a holster must do four things: keep the gun consistently against your body, allow you to carry comfortably, release the gun when you need it, and hold on to the gun when you want it to stay where it is. Whether it’s called a holster or something else, Rob advises against any device that does not perform these four functions. He calls these devices minimalist holsters.
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11 Responses to “Minimalist Holsters”
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A reversable holster can be handy for carrying a second gun on the off-side.
Used to be you designed things to serve some need or existing problem . I think a lot of areas of modern life are plagued now with people presenting solutions with no real problem existing- so we have a lot of solutions searching for problems. I have read so many people saying they have multiple holsters. I am new to firearms and I appreciate getting some basic principles to go by before I become a holster collector. I guess the holster you showed is the border line for minimalist.
Good explanation, and I agree with all that you said. Yes, the trigger guard cover with a string is a bad idea. However, I take issue with the omission of minimalist options like the trigger-guard cover VG2 with strut and belt loop. I know the kydex doesn't add much to the overall thickness, but it does add some. I find that my VG2 in appendix carry with strut and belt loop is the lowest profile carry option in my box-o-holsters--I can tuck in a lightweight, fairly tight t-shirt. I've done kettlebell swings, run, jumped, rolled, and drawn from the ground, and it has performed well. I find that my CCC Shaggy in appendix carry is the most secure and fastest draw option in my box-o-holsters. So, agree with you there. I guess I'm saying, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater re: minimalist designs.
There are several environments and situations where a minimalist holster can be useful: Non-Permissive Environments where the ability to move the weapon into deeper concealment is preferable to further reduce the risk of discovery and subsequent penalties. (The NPE does not have to be a legal one to still be an NPE.) Normal holsters don't allow as much concealment in this circumstance. Certain areas such as foreign countries where the ability to easily ditch weapon and holster if necessary is desirable. The minimalist holster will be easier to discard and less recognizable as a holster. Also, the minimalist holster has use as additional trigger protection and can be used to fix the weapon in place in 'soft' holsters such as a Smartcarry, belly band, or t-shirt holster system, or to fix the weapon in place and protect the trigger when the weapon is carried in a bag or purse. As a stopgap to a weapon that doesn't have a holster specifically made for it that you feel you need to carry anyway, a minimalist holster that fits over the trigger is certainly better than 'going lose' with it. These are situations where the minimalist rig can be considered a viable option. CR
I like the holster Rob shows in this video. I Who made this type IWB hoster and is it still available today?
Would you tell me where I might be able to purchase that exact Kydex holster. I have purchases a few Kydex holsters but those have all added something more to the gun than the one you demonstrated. I'm also attracted to the straps which are used to secure this holster. Thank you for your reply.
Agree. I teach my students the value of having a good, secure functional holster. My personal favorite is cross breed. What I ALSO teach my students is that situational awareness will go a long way to make you have that extra couple of seconds to unholster and present. Of course this doesn't cover every circumstance, but like I said. It goes a long ways to help you be prepared. Nice video. Keep em coming.
I own the first of the 2 minimalist holsters mentioned in the video. My opinion is that it is well designed and that retention of firearm is pretty good. Obviously it's not going to hang on like a real holster because there isn't as much material in contact with the gun. The problem for me is that one can not reholster safely and the ability to secure a firearm after it's been drawn is an obviously valid concern. The bottom line is that with the availability of holsters such as the one shown in the video IMHO there is no reason to go with the "minimal" holster. The price difference is a non-issue considering the importance of a good holster.
I'm a large person and found that a in the pant holster is very uncomfortable. I have been wearing a Blackhawk on my belt but have to cover it with a shirt or sweater and the look is sometimes sloppy! I now have a Sneaky Pete holster that I can wear with my shirt tucked in and it looks like a I-Pad case or a "Man Purse" in embossed alligator (very fashionable) and LOVE IT!
I agree with this video about these minimalist holsters. Sometimes too minimal could be more dangerous. I love these Kydex holsters though! Unlike leather, they don't hold moisture and it keeps the gun dry and prevents the weapon from rusting.