Closed vs. Open holster

7776 Views 13 Replies 13 Participants Last post by rednichols, Sep 11, 2016

smoke33

Discussion Starter · Aug 14, 2016

I am still collecting as much information as possible before I purchase my holsters. I notice some holsters are open and some are closed at the muzzle end. Are there pros and cons to either style. To me the closed style would seem to offer more protection to the muzzle but maybe I am wrong. Would love to hear thoughts.

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Hiker1911

· #2 · Aug 14, 2016

There's several considerations for you to consider.

1. In the case of an open holster, will the muzzle extend past the holster?
2. Will the end of the holster be against clothing, or human skin?
3. Leather or Kydex?

Example: In the case of my latest IWB holster, the muzzle end is open, and the barrel does not extend outside of the leather. The leather is partially resting against skin on one side of the holster. As long as the leather is not used for storage on a dresser, drawer, shelf or otherwise, I'll enjoy it. Kydex is not for everyone.

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chiefjason

· #3 · Aug 14, 2016

I build 99% of mine open toe. It lets any dirt or grit make it's way out the bottom. I also make sure the gun is completely covered for my leather holsters. You can protect the muzzle just fine with an open toe holster.

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Ianthin

· #4 · Aug 14, 2016

All of my holsters are open ended, but cover the entire length of the muzzle at least on the skin side. My IWB holsters are hybrid, leather backed with a molded kydex shell, and the leather backing extends past the muzzle to keep it from digging into my side. Having only a partial kydex shell allows the gun to stay positioned and retained properly, but also allows maximum flexibility for when I'm moving/bending/twisting.

My OWB holsters are open as well. I like it because I'm always working on projects around the property, and it allows debris to fall right through.

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mikedeanellis

· #5 · Aug 14, 2016

If you're in a water situation, you wanted to be able to leak the water out.

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smoke33

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 14, 2016

All good info! Thanks

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SouthernBoyVA

· #7 · Aug 14, 2016

All of the holsters that I use for my carry guns are open at the muzzle end. With several of them, this allows me to carry several of the guns which have the same frame size.... and one which is an entirely different brand.

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flintlock62

· #8 · Aug 14, 2016

I build 99% of mine open toe. It lets any dirt or grit make it's way out the bottom. I also make sure the gun is completely covered for my leather holsters. You can protect the muzzle just fine with an open toe holster.

^^^THIS^^^

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daraholstersinc

· #9 · Sep 8, 2016

Many people leave it open so that debris can fall out easily and does not prevent re-holstering. The holsters that have an open end can also (usually) accept different variants of the pistol. EX: Glock 26,27,33,19,17,22,23,32,31,etc.

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Rock and Glock

· #10 · Sep 8, 2016

It lets any dirt or grit make it's way out the bottom. I also make sure the gun is completely covered for my leather holsters. You can protect the muzzle just fine with an open toe holster.

This ^^^^^^^^

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Grant48

· #11 · Sep 10, 2016

chiefjason said:
I build 99% of mine open toe. It lets any dirt or grit make it's way out the bottom. I also make sure the gun is completely covered for my leather holsters. You can protect the muzzle just fine with an open toe holster.

Nailed it.

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yooper71

· #12 · Sep 10, 2016

Only once I wished I had a closed toe holster. I took a face plant in deep powder while wearing snowshoes.

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KevinRohrer

· #13 · Sep 11, 2016

It's been decades since I have seen a closed holster.

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rednichols

· #14 · Sep 11, 2016

Open muzzle holsters are shorter. And easier for us makers to build. So - something for everyone

The notion of it being for grit exit is just a side effect. Most field holsters have closed muzzles yet are more likely to collect grit than hideout holsters. And water.

They DO minimise evidence of a shot in the holster.

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