Optic-Ready Holsters: The Complete Guide to Holsters for Red Dot Pistols
Posted by Dana Dara on Oct 06, 2026
Red dot sights are now common on concealed carry pistols, range guns and duty weapons. But adding an optic changes the overall shape of your handgun, which leads to an important question:
Do you need an optic-ready holster for a pistol with a red dot?
In most cases, yes.
An optic-ready holster has extra clearance around the rear of the slide so the red dot does not hit the holster. The pistol shou
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1911 Holster Compatibility Guide: Why Not Every 1911 Fits the Same Holster
Posted by Dana Dara on Sep 22, 2026
One of the most common questions we receive about 1911 holsters is also based on one of the biggest misconceptions about the platform:
"It's a 1911. Shouldn't it fit any 1911 holster?"
No.
The 1911 has been around for more than a century, but the modern 1911 market looks very different from the original pistol. Today, dozens of manufacturers produce pistols based on the 1911 design in different ba
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Smith & Wesson Shield vs. Shield Plus vs. Shield EZ vs. Shield X: Holster Compatibility Explained
Posted by Dana Dara on Sep 14, 2026
Why the Shield, Shield Plus, Shield EZ and Shield X Need Different Holsters
Smith & Wesson has used the Shield name on several pistols that are not the same firearm and should not automatically be treated as holster-compatible.
The original M&P Shield, Shield M2.0, Shield .45, Shield Plus, Shield EZ and Shield X are all part of the larger Smith & Wesson concealed-carry family, but the
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Concealable Holster Systems for Plainclothes Officers, Government Agents & Executive Protection
Posted by Dana Dara on Sep 01, 2026
Not every armed professional works from a uniformed duty belt.
Plainclothes law enforcement officers, government agents, investigators, executive protection personnel and armed security professionals may carry a firearm throughout the workday while needing to keep it discreetly concealed. Their equipment requirements are different from those of both a uniformed officer wearing a traditional duty h
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