San Antonio has a long-standing connection to Texas gun culture, personal defense, and outdoor sports. Whether you’re a licensed concealed carrier, competitive shooter, or simply a firearm enthusiast, finding the right holsters in San Antonio is an essential part of building your setup.
With a variety of local shops, custom makers, and big-box retailers offering holsters for every carry style, the Alamo City is a solid place to gear up. But before you make a purchase, it’s worth knowing your options—and what sets one holster apart from another.
Where to Buy Holsters in San Antonio
San Antonio is home to a mix of national retailers and locally owned businesses that stock quality holsters. Depending on your preference, you’ll find:
1. Gun Stores & Ranges
Shops connected to shooting ranges often carry a variety of holster brands. You’ll typically find:
- IWB (Inside Waistband) and OWB (Outside Waistband) holsters
- Appendix carry options
- Tactical duty holsters
- Ankle, shoulder, and pocket holsters
Staff at these locations are often shooters themselves and can provide hands-on guidance.
2. Outdoor & Sporting Goods Retailers
Places like Academy Sports, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops carry mass-market holsters and accessories for handguns, hunting sidearms, and revolvers.
These stores are ideal if you’re looking for popular brands like Alien Gear, Blackhawk, or Safariland.
3. Local Leather Makers & Custom Shops
San Antonio has a strong tradition of craftsmanship—including leatherwork. Some custom holster makers offer handcrafted rigs for revolvers, 1911s, and custom-fit polymer pistols.
If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind holster or prefer American-made leather, these small shops offer unmatched quality and attention to detail.
Popular Holster Types Available in San Antonio
The type of holster you choose depends on how you plan to carry. In most San Antonio shops, you’ll find:
- IWB Holsters – Favored for concealed carry; tucks inside the waistband for low visibility.
- OWB Holsters – Worn outside the waistband; ideal for range use or open carry.
- Appendix Carry Holsters – Popular for concealed carry in the front of the waistband.
- Shoulder Holsters – Less common but still used for comfort during long seated periods.
- Ankle Holsters – Often used for backup weapons.
- Hybrid Holsters – Combine leather and Kydex for both comfort and retention.
- Retention Holsters – Tactical-style holsters with level 1, 2, or 3 retention systems.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
When shopping for holsters in San Antonio, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Texas Weather: Breathable materials matter. Lightweight Kydex or hybrid holsters can be more comfortable in hot conditions.
- Local Laws: While Texas is an open-carry state, private businesses can still restrict carry on premises. Choose a holster based on where you typically carry.
- Fitment: Make sure your holster is molded for your exact firearm model—especially if it has optics or a light attachment.
- Accessibility vs. Concealment: Choose based on your daily carry needs. Comfort, draw speed, and concealment often need to be balanced.
Supporting Local Holster Makers
Buying from a local San Antonio holster maker isn’t just about quality—it’s also about supporting skilled craftsmanship. Many local shops offer:
- Hand-stitched leather work
- Custom engraving
- Lifetime warranties
- Personal fittings
- Holsters for uncommon or legacy firearms
If you’re after something tailored—or simply want a product built by someone who understands real-world carry—these businesses deserve your attention.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for function, comfort, or craftsmanship, there’s no shortage of holster options in San Antonio. With a strong mix of local expertise, tactical supply, and quality manufacturing, the city offers every shooter a solid foundation to build their ideal carry setup.
Take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and—most importantly—test the fit. The right holster should feel like an extension of your carry style, and in a city like San Antonio, you’ve got plenty of places to find the perfect one.