Holster
A holster (article: the holster, n. ) Is a pocket for pistols , revolvers , waiter's purses and other items for the purpose of quick access. Colloquially, the term halter is sometimes used synonymously. The word holster has its origin in Holfter , which used to refer to mounts for firearms attached to the saddle.
Holsters are mostly used by police , security and fire brigade units, in rescue and disaster control and in the military. You should z. B. keep the weapon safe and close at hand and protect it from dirt and sometimes from unauthorized access by other people. Fire fighters carry wooden wedges (to secure doors), rescue knives, slings and carabiners on the fire brigade belt, ready to hand . Rescue workers and members of the various aid organizations usually wear belt holsters when they are on duty. Those contain e.g. B. Disposable gloves, various types of scissors, diagnostic lights, ballpoint pens, radios, etc. The direct transport of objects enables the rescue workers to approach the patient more quickly, as frequently required work materials are within easy reach.
The term is also used for ever-ready cases for cell phones and smartphones .
Examples of holster use by security agencies
- Armpit holsters or shoulder holsters are worn concealed under the armpits so that the weapon cannot be recognized immediately. They are mostly worn with civilian clothes.
- Belt holsters are the most common and are worn on the belt. They can be worn at two different angles. In the first variant, called FBI , the weapon is z. B. for a right-hander on the right side. At the second draw angle, called cross draw , the weapon is z. B. carried by a right-hander on the left side, but with the handle forward. A special shape of the belt holster imitates the appearance of a belt pouch; The weapon is carried directly in front of the stomach, a Velcro fastener guarantees quick access to the weapon. This special form is used by police officers in plain clothes when it is otherwise not possible to carry the weapon concealed (for example in T-shirts in summer temperatures).
- Leg holsters / thigh holsters are worn in particular by special units such as the SEK or military units. The holster is located on the thigh because a belt holster cannot be worn because of the protective vests that extend over the belt .
In the past, holsters were mostly made of leather ; today, similarly tear-resistant and resilient synthetic materials such as Cordura and nylon , but also hard plastic, dominate.
