Gun Holsters and Various Methods of Carry: Life Lesson #161, always, use a good holster when carrying a firearm. A high quality holster is not just designed to protect your gun, but to protect you and those you come in contact with while carrying.

TIP: Consider buying a used holster next time you visit a gun show or go shopping online at ebay or one of the auctions. There is usually a good supply of used holsters available. There are three good reasons to consider a used holster:

• Price (and if it doesn't work as well as it looks, well you get the point)

• Someone has already broken it in for you and it will cause less holster wear to the finish of your firearm

• After placing it in service, if the holster turns out to be the perfect holster for you, you can go shopping for a new one! 

I have purchased as many used holsters as new ones over the years. It's a good way to test drive the rig to see if it really is what you want. Depending on the use, a high quality holster can last a life-time. I once purchased a used one at a gun show and it turned out to be perfect for me. I liked it so much I went shopping for a new one and found that the company had gone out of business or stopped making that holster. Now when I go to a gun show I always check out the used holsters just in case I find another one. A real collector knows it never hurts to have two of something you really like.