Pouch-type holsters provide a fair flock of protection, depending on the material from which they are made, Gun Holsters while the clip-on holsters provide little or no protection. Pouch type holsters may also be open on special or more sides, to provide easy access to the object, or they may have a spring or flap closure that retains it and provides protection on all sides.

The largest handguns are often carried in holsters that are slung across the shoulder, and removed from the figure before the handgun is drawn. Slow access is common in this case because the blaster is not expected to be used for defensive purposes.