Active retention holsters are certainly necessary for the uniformed officer or soldier, but the armed civilian might find themselves wondering if they should bother. 

After all, the shooters on social media all seem to be using them. Doesn't that mean I need one? 

The short answer is maybe. There are absolutely a number of use cases for retention holsters outside the line of duty, so it's hardly that there's no point. Let's dig in. 

Paddle holsters have been a subject of debate among law enforcement personnel and gun owners for some years now. By understanding their advantages and drawbacks, one can make an informed decision about whether or not they are the right choice. 

Paddle holsters were originally designed for police personnel with a desk job, who had to take their gun on and off for court appearances or rarely had to wear one. Daily, regular concealment is not their strong suit but they can be used for it. 

So let's dive in to unravel the pros and cons of this unique type of gun holster.

The pistol press check is the cause of some controversy. You'll see them all the time on YouTube and social media, and then people will object to them in the comments. 

Are they even necessary? 

The best answer is that when it comes to gun handling, a press check is a method for verifying if a gun is loaded which should have some obvious value. So it's a good tool to have in the toolbox, so to speak. 

Let's talk about why, but also some alternatives. 

Drop leg holsters, also known as thigh holsters, have become increasingly popular with wide use by military personnel, law enforcement officers, hunters, and civilian shooters.

While there are advantages to using drop leg holsters, some people can get confused as to why you'd want to use one compared to a conventional OWB holster. Let's talk about why you'd want to use a drop leg holster. 

The epidemic rise in handgun sales over the past years has sparked a prominent debate among shooters: should one opt for a red dot sight on their pistol or not? 

In a bid to lay the matter to rest, or at least shed some light on it, we delve into the merits and demerits of mounting a red dot sight on your pistol.

Kydex holsters became more or less the standard during the last 20 years, but is there a better material, a better way to make them? Yes, there is. 

While Kydex is a good material and a good material for the purpose of making holsters, it has some weaknesses that some other materials and manufacturing methods don't have. 

Ergo, we can say with full confidence that yes, there is something better than Kydex holsters. 

Today, we're going to guide you through the process of applying for a concealed carry permit, or as some may know it - a CCW (carrying concealed weapon) permit. If you're an armed citizen, or you're considering becoming one, knowing how to legally carry your firearm is crucial.

Just a heads up, though, rules and guidelines can vary widely from state to state, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with your local laws. If you'd like to get a basic overview of your state's concealed carry laws, head over to our 50 State Guide To Concealed Carry Laws. 

Ready to dive in? Let's start!

Off the top of your head, in how many types of shooting do you participate? If it’s any more than one, you’re going to need more gear. The unfortunate nature of firearms is that each discipline requires its own set of tools. If you want to run your favorite Glock 19 in both a concealed carry class and a competition, you’d need two holsters. Or would you? Alien Gear’s newest holster is more than a concealment holster; it’s three. This is the electromagnetic Photon Holster.