The Ultimate Guide to Holster Claws and No Claw Holsters
If you’ve ever owned a gun, then you know that a holster is a must-have accessory. They help protect your gun from the elements and make it much easier to carry around in a purse or back pocket. However, most people don’t realize that not all holsters are created equal.
There are two options to choose from: the holster claw and the no-claw holster. These are two options when it comes to holsters for your weapon. Holster claws are popular for tactical and law enforcement situations. The no-claws are the preferred option for concealed carry purposes. Which option should you use?
What is a claw on a holster?
A holster claw is a piece of equipment that is often used to help you carry a handgun. It is a small, plastic device that attaches to your holster and pushes the grip of your handgun back toward you. This is a great way to help you keep your handgun close to your body, especially when you are walking. This can be useful when you are carrying a lot of heavy items. However, it is not recommended for all people.

This attachment allows you to quickly and easily remove your handgun from its holster without having to fully draw it. This can be extremely useful when you are in a stressful situation, or if you are carrying your gun around with you all the time. The best ones are made of hard rubber or durable plastic and have a claw-like grip on one side. You slide your hand into the holster claw, and then simply twist to remove your weapon.
It’s most commonly used by law enforcement agencies to remove holsters from people who are resisting arrest. The way it works is, you grasp the gun handle with your other hand, and use the serrated edge to pry it out of the holster. After that, you can use your own weapon to subdue the criminal and take him into custody.
Advantages of using a holster claw:
- Discreet carry: Holster claws are effective at reducing printing, making them an excellent option for concealed carry.
- Improved retention: The pressure created by the claw against the waistband or belt can help to keep the holster in place, preventing it from shifting or moving around.
- Comfortable: By rotating the grip of the firearm towards the body, holster claws can help to reduce discomfort and improve overall comfort when carrying.
Disadvantages of using a holster claw:
- Limited compatibility: Holster claws are not compatible with all holsters, and you may need to purchase a new holster that is specifically designed to work with a claw.
- Less versatile: Holster claws are designed primarily for concealed carry and may not be as useful for other applications.
What does a holster claw do?
A holster claw is a versatile tool that fits in the palm of your hand and has a long, thin, serrated edge. It is a handheld, small, portable, and easy-to-use attachment designed to hold and pull out a gun.
If you print a lot, a good way to help you avoid doing it again is to attach a little metal claw to the inside of your belt. This will hold your gun in place and keep it close to your body. It is used to remove the magazine from the weapon. It is also used to extract the cartridge from the chamber of a revolver.
If you are carrying a weapon, it is a good idea to have a way to quickly grab it and get it where you need it. One of the best ways to do this is to use a special holster on your body. However, if you are wearing a traditional holster, you may end up with a lot of prints on your garment because of the way the print on the holster will transfer to your pants or shirt. To avoid this, many people use this special attachment to their holsters. A holster claw is attached to the bottom of your holster. It has a long handle so that you can reach into your pocket, pull out your weapon, remove the ammo from the mag, and insert a new magazine. This makes it much easier to print and draw your weapon.
3 Most Important Reasons You Need a Holster Claw
- With a “claw” holster, your handgun sits flush against your body when you sit or stand. With a “no claw” holster, your gun sits a little above your hipbone. It allows you to use a much more natural shooting position and is preferred by experts like Secret Service agents. Many experts also claim it gives you a slight tactical advantage.
- With a Claw Holster, the claw extends below the trigger guard and is perpendicular to the handle. This provides the most positive grip for those times when you need to use the claw for self-defense. With a No Claw Holster, the claw does not extend below the trigger guard and is parallel to the handle. This allows for a more traditional draw from a holster. This is the grip you will get with any standard 1911-style handgun.
- When you wear a “claw” holster, your firearm is closer to your body. This makes it easier to draw and easier to shoot. When you wear a “no claw” holster, your firearm is further away from your body. This gives you a more difficult time drawing and shooting your weapon.
What is a No Claw?
A no-claw holster is simply a holster that does not feature a claw attachment. Without the added pressure against the waistband or belt, no claw holsters may be more comfortable to wear for extended periods and can be used in a wider range of applications.
Advantages of using a no claw:
- Versatile: No claw holsters can be used for a wide range of applications, including open carry and competitive shooting.
- Comfortable: Without the added pressure of a claw against the waistband or belt, no claw holsters can be more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Disadvantages of using a no claw:
- Increased printing: No claw holsters are more likely to produce printing, making them less discreet for concealed carry.
- Reduced retention: Without the added pressure of a claw, no claw holsters may be more prone to shifting or moving around during use.
Holster Claw vs No Claw
When choosing between a holster claw and a no claw, there are several factors to consider:
Comfort
Both holster claws and no claws have their pros and cons when it comes to comfort. While holster claws can help to reduce discomfort by rotating the grip of the firearm towards the body, they may not be compatible with all holsters and may require you to purchase a new holster. No claw holsters, on the other hand, may be more comfortable to wear for extended periods but may be more prone to shifting or moving around during use.
Concealment
If you plan to use your holster for concealed carry, a holster claw may be the better option. The added pressure against the waistband or belt can help to reduce printing and make your firearm less visible through clothing. However, if you plan to use your holster for open carry or other applications where concealment is not a concern, a no-claw holster may be a more versatile option.
Retention
Holster claws can help to improve retention by keeping the holster in place and preventing it from shifting or moving around. No claw holsters, on the other hand, maybe more prone to shifting, especially during physical activity.
Compatibility
Not all holsters are compatible with holster claws, and you may need to purchase a new holster that is specifically designed to work with a claw. No claw holsters, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used with a wider range of firearms and holsters.
Comparison table between holster claws and no-claw
Aspect | Holster Claw | No Claw Holster |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Can reduce discomfort by rotating grip towards the body | More comfortable to wear for extended periods |
Concealment | Helps to reduce printing and make firearms less visible through clothing | Less effective at reducing printing |
Retention | Can improve retention by keeping the holster in place | More prone to shifting or moving around |
Compatibility | Not all holsters are compatible with holster claws | More versatile and can be used with a wider range of firearms and holsters |
Application | Best for concealed carry | More versatile and can be used for a wider range of applications, including open carry and competitive shooting |
When is it essential to use a claw holster?
It is essential to use a claw holster when maximum concealment is desired. The claw attachment rotates the grip of the firearm towards the body, reducing printing and making the firearm less visible through clothing. This is especially important for those who carry a larger or more difficult-to-conceal firearm, as it can significantly improve overall concealment and reduce the risk of detection.
- When you must have your gun handy.
- When you are traveling and need to be ready at a moment’s notice.
- To protect yourself or someone else if the unthinkable happens.
- When you are wearing a badge or carrying a flag.
- In case of an intruder or home invader.
- In your vehicle, in case of a roadside emergency.
- In your home, in case of a break-in.
- When you are going to a party or social event and want to look nice and put others at ease.
- To go “off-duty” with your colleagues after a hard day’s work.
- To impress a woman (or man)… or… anyone.
In conclusion, I am a huge fan of the holster claw. It has saved me so much time, and I really love it. It gives you a chance to get your handgun out of your pocket, and then when you’re in a situation where you are not carrying a gun, you can get it out of the holster. When you’re in the heat of the moment, if you can get your gun out of the holster quickly, you can make a better decision faster.