What Most People Don’t Know About Open Muzzle Holsters: Ultimate Guide


What most people don't know about open muzzle end holsters: learn all about open muzzle holsters in this ultimate guide.

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Open muzzle holsters are nothing new and have been around for a long time.  But, do you really know what they are and what the purpose is for the open muzzle?

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What are Open Muzzle Holsters?

Open muzzle holsters are pretty self-explanatory.  The muzzle end of the holster has an open cut, through which you should be able to see the muzzle end of your gun.  


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These types of holsters come in many shapes and sizes.  The open muzzle can be small or large depending on the type of holster you buy.


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The open end can extended past the muzzle end of the gun or even wrap around the trigger guard.


Open Muzzle Holster

Purpose of an Open Muzzle

There are many reasons why holsters are designed with open muzzle, but in this article, we're going to talk about the most important reasons for making open muzzle holster.

Gun Size

Open muzzle holsters are typically more accommodating for larger size guns such as the Ruger 57.  


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A gun with a larger frame and slide will need more room at the muzzle end of the holster, therefore having an open muzzle end will allow you to fit a larger size gun without increasing the overall length and size of the holster.  


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This is ideal for conceal carry holsters made for larger guns, when the space to conceal your gun is limited.  


Open Muzzle holster is great for Larger Guns

Add Modified Barrels and Pistol Slides

Most obvious reason for designing open muzzle holsters today is to accommodate for modified gun barrels. 

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Most notably is the threaded barrel, which allows you to add compensators, silencers, and more to your gun.  

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This can also increase the overall size of your slide if modified.


Example Threaded Barrel


Example of a threaded barrel


Example Compensator


example of a compensator


Example Silencer


example of a silencer

Less Friction when you Draw

Open muzzle end holsters also reduce frictional force applied on your gun by the holster and allow you to draw your gun quicker.  

Cleaner Muzzle

Open muzzle do have huge advantage that many may not think of which is less cleaning is required for open muzzle end.  Closed end muzzle 

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Open muzzle holster do generally require less cleaning cycles.


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Attach a Modified Barrel
    • Add Compensators
    • Add Silencers
    • Add Modified Slides
  • Quicker Draw (less friction)
  • Cleaner Barrel (dirt can collect at the bottom of a closed barrel)
  • Cooler Barrel (open muzzle cools barrel quicker in open air)
  • Better for Concealed Carry

Cons

  • Exposes a hot barrel to skin
  • Oils from skin touch the gun (leave oily stains)
  • Exposed Barrel can push the gun out of holster (when seating down)
  • Exposes gun to the environment (water, moisture, damage from bumping into things)



Final Thoughts? 

In conclusion, open muzzle holster aren't necessarily better than a closed muzzle holster.  

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But rather that they have a specific use and they can improve performance, but like anything it's not perfect and it has drawbacks.

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For those carrying tactical or competition type pistols that typically have modified barrels and or larger size frames, open muzzle holsters are the ideal choice since they can accommodate larger size (or modified) barrels.    

But, if you just need a holster for your compact everyday carry handgun, it really does not matter, which muzzle end you have on your holster.

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Open muzzle holsters can slightly improve your draw speed, but really not by much.  

Also, they can keep your muzzle clean, but they can also expose it to environmental.


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