When you need your firearm, fractions of a second can be the difference. We all practice, but how much does your holster choice actually affect your draw speed? We decided to find out.
How we tested holster draw speed
To keep things fair, we set up a simple test. Our shooter, an experienced carrier, used the same compact semi-automatic pistol for all holster types. A shot timer measured from the beep to the first simulated shot on a target 7 yards away.
We did 10 draws for each holster, starting with hands relaxed at the sides. For the IWB and belly-band, a light, unzipped jacket served as the cover garment. Pocket holster draws were from a standard front jeans pocket. We averaged the 10 draw times for each method to get our numbers. No fancy footwork, just a straight-up test of getting the gun out and on target. The goal wasn’t to set records, but to see how these common carry styles stack up against each other in a basic scenario.
IWB holster draw quickness
The inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is a super popular choice for concealed carry. It tucks the firearm inside your pants, usually around the 3 to 5 o’clock position for righties. Getting to it means clearing your cover garment first, then establishing a solid grip, drawing, and presenting.
With a bit of practice, this becomes pretty fluid. Here’s what we noticed:
- Cover garment management is key.
- A quality holster prevents shifting around too much.
- It generally provides a consistent and reliable grip point.
Our shooter found this method pretty intuitive. The average draw time was 1.45 seconds.
Belly band holster access time
Belly bands are versatile, thats for sure. You can wear ’em high, low, with or without a belt. Theyre great for folks who wear athletic clothes or dont always have a sturdy belt for an IWB. For our test, the belly band was worn around the midsection, under the same light jacket.
Drawing from a belly band can feel a little different.
- Retention mechanisms vary widely (elastic, Velcro, kydex inserts).
- You still gotta clear the cover garment effectively.
- Gun position can sometimes be deeper or less indexed than an IWB, potentially affecting initial access.
Some belly bands position the gun deeper than an IWB, which might add a hair of time to the access. The average draw time for the belly-band was 1.78 seconds.
Pocket holster retrieval speed
Pocket carry is convenient, no doubt. Just slip it in your pocket and youre good to go, right? Well, kinda. A good pocket holster is key. It needs to:
- Keep the gun oriented correctly for a consistent draw.
- Completely cover the trigger guard.
- Help break up the gun’s outline and stay in the pocket during the draw.
Retrieving your firearm from a pocket can be the trickiest of the three. Your hand has to go deep into the pocket, find the grip, and then draw without snagging on clothing or the pocket liner itself. It’s a discreet method, but speed can definitely be a challenge. The average draw time for the pocket holster was 2.33 seconds.
Holster draw speed comparison
So, after all that, which holster came out on top for speed? Lets look at the numbers. Remember, these are just averages from our specific test, your mileage may vary depending on your gear, body type, and practice.
| Holster Type | Average Draw Speed (seconds) |
|---|---|
| IWB | 1.45 |
| Belly-Band | 1.78 |
| Pocket Holster | 2.33 |
As you can see, the IWB holster allowed for the quickest draw in our test. The belly band wasn’t too far behind, showing its a viable option for many. Pocket carry, while super concealable, was noticeably slower. This don’t mean pocket carry is bad… just that raw speed isn’t its strongest suit. It highlights that choosing a holster is often a balance between concealment, comfort, and how fast you can get to your gun. Practice is gonna be your best friend, no matter which you pick.