TexasCHLforum.com

On several occasions, I've noticed that gun stores, both specialized and "big box" departmnents, seem to lack inventory and staff knowledge concerning holsters.

Has anyone else noticed this, and is there a reason?

Yes. Holsters are like shoes. Gun salesmen are not shoe salesmen.

All joking aside, this is a common problem, and I don't see it changing soon. Holster selection is a very difficult and personalized process, and can take a lot of time. Most stores treat holsters as an accessory, rather than a critical piece of clothing. I just don't think most stores have willingness to invest the time as well - so many models and sizes of guns, and so many forms and styles of holsters. For me, I consider the holster a critical part of a pistol sale, and that's why I include a Remora holster with all my concealable gun sales. It's not a perfect everything-holster, but it gets people out the door with _something_ that I think is a quality product, and I'm glad to suggest other holsters for those that are interested (those that buy/transfer with me know that I like to take the time to know what your likes/interests are - I like having happy customers!)

Frankly, I think more upscale clothing stores SHOULD have a "Holsters" section. I can imagine there would be good business in that!

OldCannon wrote:I think more upscale clothing stores SHOULD have a "Holsters" section.

Wouldn't it be great to see Jos A. Bank have a TV advertisement "Buy one holster, get 2 free"!

And the other guy.....Men's Warehouse......."I guarantee it".

AEA wrote:

OldCannon wrote:I think more upscale clothing stores SHOULD have a "Holsters" section.

Wouldn't it be great to see Jos A. Bank have a TV advertisement "Buy one holster, get 2 free"!

And the other guy.....Men's Warehouse......."I guarantee it".

Yeah, unfortunately, I can see sooo many opportunities for a negligent discharge. You have to have big signs that say, "If you have brought a weapon, DO NOT TOUCH IT!" (and, of course, there would be bubbas that won't read the sign )

I have noticed the same thing, most places around here just have the Blackhawk Serpas which I like but not are really concealable for me in the summer time and most places also have the flimsy uncle mike holsters that are around $10.

OldCannon wrote:so many models and sizes of guns, and so many forms and styles of holsters.

I think this is the key reason.

When you order a holster online, it's made to fit to your gun, which in turn would only fit a handful of other models (if any). . . out of the myriad of styles, types, lengths, and configurations of handguns that exist. Multiply the varieties of guns by the number of variables in a holster e.g. cant, material, IWB vs. OWB, tuckable, etc. to see how fast the options become unmanageable.

I think the inventory cost and shelf space requirements are just too significant for most retailers.

fickman wrote:

OldCannon wrote:so many models and sizes of guns, and so many forms and styles of holsters.

I think this is the key reason.

When you order a holster online, it's made to fit to your gun, which in turn would only fit a handful of other models (if any). . . out of the myriad of styles, types, lengths, and configurations of handguns that exist. Multiply the varieties of guns by the number of variables in a holster e.g. cant, material, IWB vs. OWB, tuckable, etc. to see how fast the options become unmanageable.

I think the inventory cost and shelf space requirements are just too significant for most retailers.

Right, but you can pretty much narrow the 'sizing' to about 3 different models of handguns, a small 'pocket' pistol, a small revolver, and a more full-size-ish pistol, like a 1911 Commander-style gun.

There are many great custom holster makers out there who do a great job and have reasonable delivery times. People who have not researched them would be surprised at the cost as compared to mass produced holsters. I personally prefer a holster that is made for a specific gun rather than one the "fits" many different models. The custom holsters are typically very close in price, the quality and craftsmanship superior. Since my wife needs shoes for every season I see no reason why I should not have seasonal holsters as well......

OldCannon wrote:

fickman wrote:

OldCannon wrote:so many models and sizes of guns, and so many forms and styles of holsters.

I think this is the key reason.

When you order a holster online, it's made to fit to your gun, which in turn would only fit a handful of other models (if any). . . out of the myriad of styles, types, lengths, and configurations of handguns that exist. Multiply the varieties of guns by the number of variables in a holster e.g. cant, material, IWB vs. OWB, tuckable, etc. to see how fast the options become unmanageable.

I think the inventory cost and shelf space requirements are just too significant for most retailers.

Right, but you can pretty much narrow the 'sizing' to about 3 different models of handguns, a small 'pocket' pistol, a small revolver, and a more full-size-ish pistol, like a 1911 Commander-style gun.

I agree with this overview completely. It's almost impossible to keep up with all of the variation of pistols and make holsters for them that actually fit and work properly...you also forgot to mention that many individual designs of holsters are copyrighted and can't be copied without infringing on intellectual property rights and the legal consequences. I know I can't afford to buy the latest version pistol for a mold gun for $500 that I only make $20 on.....that's 25 holsters sold to cover the gun cost before you start making profit (not a good investment for us small makers, besides if I really thought the pistol was that good, I'd already have one )...just kidding, I wish I had one of each!

there are lots of definitions of holster....an old maker once told me not to waste a lot of time on customers that just wanted something to carry their pistol in........recommend an old athletic sock, they are really cheap, available everywhere, one size fits all and they can tie a string around the top and attach it to their belt . I know this doesn't hold true for the majority of this forum's members, but in many cases it seems pretty accurate when talking about the rest of the Walmart based shoppers.

fickman wrote:

OldCannon wrote:so many models and sizes of guns, and so many forms and styles of holsters.

I think this is the key reason.

When you order a holster online, it's made to fit to your gun, which in turn would only fit a handful of other models (if any). . . out of the myriad of styles, types, lengths, and configurations of handguns that exist. Multiply the varieties of guns by the number of variables in a holster e.g. cant, material, IWB vs. OWB, tuckable, etc. to see how fast the options become unmanageable.

I think the inventory cost and shelf space requirements are just too significant for most retailers.

Another big issue is that many people would go to the store to check out the large inventory to find their ideal holster, and then go home and order it online.

If there were a company that could afford to carry a wide selection from various holster manufacturers (which due to cost would be unlikely), the result would be that most people would be unwilling to pay what they would have to charge. It would be a massive expense to carry a large enough selection to allow you to try out different brands and types. Knowing the typical firearms owner they would try them out, find the one they like, complain about the high price and how it is $10 cheaper online, leave the store and by online. Trust me, I see it all the time - people want it all, great selection as well as the lowest possible price. If there were a real market and it was a feasible business plan it would be in practice already.

rp_photo wrote:On several occasions, I've noticed that gun stores, both specialized and "big box" departmnents, seem to lack inventory and staff knowledge concerning holsters.

Has anyone else noticed this, and is there a reason?

I don't think it is possible for a gun store with a decent selection of pistols to also be a holster store. There are just too many kinds of guns. Then you have to consider IWB versus OWB versus other alternatives (shoulder holster, ankle hoster, etc.). Then, once you have finally settled on the hundreds of different holster patterns you'd have to inventory, you've got to double the selection to cover the 10-15% of your customers who are left handed. It's a nearly impossible task. Even big box stores like Cabelas can only provide an aisle or two of space, and that isn't NEARLY enough to cover everything......even if you're locked into one manufacturer like Cabelas seems to be with Galco or Bianchi, or whichever it is.

The Annoyed Man wrote:Then, once you have finally settled on the hundreds of different holster patterns you'd have to inventory, you've got to double the selection to cover the 10-15% of your customers who are left handed.