Holster useless?

[Glock19newb]

I'm about to take some handgun classes in LA. The instructor lists a holster and belt as things to bring. I'd like to get a nice holster but guys are telling me good luck with getting a concealed carry out here. I live in Pasadena btw. If its near impossible to get a concealed carry permit, what good is a nice belt and holster? I'm looking at ones that go inside the pants and not out. Not sure if thats the right way to go.

Any input about this topic?

[Scratch705]

well if you want to take a class u need to get a good belt and holster. so that is what it will be good for.

why get a IWB when you can't CCW, as I believe some classes don't allow IWB for their beginner classes.

most will require OWB holsters or at least recommend it since it will be easier to use as you will be holstering and un-holstering all day.

I bought holsters for 2 of my pistols that I would want to take classes with, not because i want to CCW them. my one actually CCW sized pistol does not have a holster since i know i can't get a CCW in LA County.

[vliberatore]

What good is the nice belt and holster?

You'll need them for the class. Sounds good to me.

[ARDude]

Since you live in Pasadena, check with the PD and see what it takes to get a CCW there. If you apply with LASD, forget about it.

What kind of class are you taking?

[ChuckDizzle]

Sounds like you might need to enroll in a different class.

A good holster is handy if you plan to legally carry on your property or business. Or if out hunting where you also want a sidearm.

A cheap holster is a good thing to have, you don't need a fancy one for the limited use described above. Extra cost just increases the durability and comfort of your rig.

[Glock19newb]

Handgun 101 and 102 with Stanton "Stan" Lee

[Glock19newb]

Since you live in Pasadena, check with the PD and see what it takes to get a CCW there. If you apply with LASD, forget about it.

What kind of class are you taking?

Handgun 101 and 102 with Stanton "Stan" Lee

[ElDub1950]

Just pick up an Alien Gear OWB for your classes. Good quality and very reasonably priced. A good gun belt is nice to have but for a couple of classes, a decent leather 1.75w belt from Walmart will do OK.

[ARDude]

Handgun 101 and 102 with Stanton "Stan" Lee

I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money. I used a Uncle Mikes holster and mag pouches with a good thick leather belt for a couple classes I took years ago.

[accel]

Holster might be needed for home defence scenario. If something suspicious going around you might want to put some belt and holster on.

[FireCloud9]

Good belts are nice to have whether you'll be CCWing or not.

[lastinline]

The reason for a sturdy belt and quality holster for any class is a matter of proper safety. If students are going to be taught basic mechanics of gun handling, sight-picture, trigger press, reloading, etc., it is not as easily done from a table, bench, or some other contraption. It can be done, but it is certainly better (IMO) for the instructor to be able to move safely around the student for necessary coaching/corrections. For outdoor locations that don't usually have automated target retrieval systems, the student can take steps either forward or back to adjust distances to the target. A holster when properly used can solve the problem of folks breaking the 180 rule, etc.

[Brother_Hesekiel]

Get a "Sticky" holster for $24.99, and you'll love it to death.
No belt needed.

[P5Ret]

The reason for a sturdy belt and quality holster for any class is a matter of proper safety. If students are going to be taught basic mechanics of gun handling, sight-picture, trigger press, reloading, etc., it is not as easily done from a table, bench, or some other contraption. It can be done, but it is certainly better (IMO) for the instructor to be able to move safely around the student for necessary coaching/corrections. For outdoor locations that don't usually have automated target retrieval systems, the student can take steps either forward or back to adjust distances to the target. A holster when properly used can solve the problem of folks breaking the 180 rule, etc.

^This for a basic classes, like it sounds like your taking.

Get a "Sticky" holster for $24.99, and you'll love it to death.
No belt needed.

^Not this.

You want to have a good sturdy belt and an OUTSIDE the waist band holster to start with. It is much easier to learn proper technique with a good holster that is easy to reholster with, than it is with a IWB holster. Having multiple holsters for guns is a right of passage for most. I'll also bet that most people have a box full of holsters somewhere.

[CSACANNONEER]

Holsters are a very personal thing. There is no way that anyone can recommend the right holster for you. Many people like the hybred holsters or even all kydex IWB holsters. I don't care for them. My daily carry is in a Sticky holster. It is very comfortable, doesn't have clips, can be adjusted to any position regardless of where the belt loops on your pants are, can be easily adjusted for height and cant, is quick to put on and take off, etc. However, it's not ideal for a class. Every style of holster has it's drawbacks. When it comes to soft holsters like Sticky, Ramora, Ace, soft suede, etc. for safety, you should REMOVE the holster to re-holster your firearm. In fact, it's in the directions for Sticky Holsters. Also, I would NEVER carry a Sticky holster without a good quality belt. The lowest quality leather belt I recommend is a Boston Leather. You can find them for around $20-$25. Galco, Alien Gear, etc. all make +$50 CCW belts that are better but, more expensive. Also, remember that ALL holsters wear out. I'm getting about 18 months out of a Sticky Holster before I need to replace it. I get 10-15 years from an IWB suede holster with a single metal clip.