We’ve put together this review of the best shotgun scabbards (a fancy word for shotgun holster), and we’ll let you know which option we think is the best purchase for the average gunowner to make. Carrying a shotgun usually requires you to carry a handful of other items like ammunition, a red dot sight, and perhaps an attachable flashlight. The right shotgun holster should be able to hold all of these items and more while maintaining a low profile.
Your shotgun holster also has to be comfortable enough to wear and carry for hours on end. While these may seem like obvious requirements, you would be surprised how many products don’t fit this bill. Luckily, we’ve put together the top choices on the market for you!
Best Shotgun Holsters
VISM by NcStarTactical Shotgun Holster |
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$25 Shop NowClick to read my review | |
5ive Star Gear SGS-5S Shotgun Holster |
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$33 Shop NowClick to read my review | |
VooDoo Tactical 20-8916 Breacher's Shotgun Holster |
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$29 Shop NowClick to read my review | |
Top Pick
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Gun Gear Depot Tactical Shotgun Holster |
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$34 Shop NowClick to read my review |
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VISM by NcStar
Tactical Shotgun Holster
Materials — The VISM by NcStar Tactical Shotgun Holster is made of a lightweight and padded material. It can be used ambidextrously, as it has webbing on both sides on the exterior. The soft material provides a thick but comfortable barrier between your shotgun and outside elements. There are four detachable PALS straps as well as a removable retention strap with a quick release buckle. There are four plastic D rings across the holster for attaching a padded shoulder strap in multiple positions to your preferred carrying style. Wear it over a single shoulder, across the back diagonally, or vertically behind a shoulder. Every strap on the VISM by NcStar Tactical Shotgun Holster is adjustable for anyone of any shape and size. It can be purchased in black, green, or tan.
Performance — The VISM by NcStar Tactical Shotgun Holster is a highly practical purchase. There is a lot of webbing and plenty of space for additional accessories, such as a shell holder, optics, lasers, etc. There are a lot of straps that come with this shotgun holster, but it’s very convenient that you can adjust the fit to whatever suits you best. Plus, there are multiple ways to wear the design. As cool as the versatility is, there is quite a lot going on with the outside of this shotgun holster. We’re concerned that all of the straps may catch or snag on something, and everything can seem a little complicated. However, it’s very affordable and is a good buy for shotgun owners who bring a lot of gear with them.
What we say — The VISM by NcStar Tactical Shotgun Holster ranges in price from $20-$30 online, depending on what color you purchase it in. This item also seems to go on sale, so you could likely catch a good deal.
- Low cost
- Webbing and straps for holding additional gear
- Fully adjustable straps and versatility in carrying position
- A lot of exterior elements gets complicated
5ive Star Gear SGS-5S Shotgun Holster
Materials — The 5ive Star Gear SGS-5S Shotgun Holster is made entirely of nylon, and it comes in tan, black, and olive drab. The exterior of the holster has additional webbing for holding gear and accessories, and the webbing is retained by four nylon straps with snap closures. There is a single, fully adjustable strap. This holster is intended to be worn across the back diagonally for a “quick draw” style carrying position. You can swiftly pull out your shotgun to shoot down that speedy deer and quickly reholster to continue traveling. The fully padded interior protects your shotgun while also enhancing a smooth draw.
Performance — The 5ive Star Gear SGS-5S Shotgun Holster is a more simplified version of the previous holster option. While there is still plenty of webbing on the front of the product, it is far less complicated. There is less chance that any straps will snag on a tree branch while navigating through a wooded area. We also really like the carrying style of this holster, as it cuts down on time being used to lock in on your target. However, this option is less versatile. While you can try wearing it in different ways, it really was designed to be worn across the back, and it will be the most functional in this way.
What we say — The 5ive Star Gear SGS-5S Shotgun Holster costs between $22-$25 online, depending on which color you purchase it in. That also makes it the cheapest option within this review. If you don’t need so much webbing and additional straps, this is a great buy for you.
- Comes in three colors
- Webbing and retention straps
- Quick draw carrying style
- Less versatility
VooDoo Tactical 20-8916 Breacher’s Shotgun Holster
Materials — The VooDoo Tatical 20-8916 Breacher’s Shotgun Holster was designed specifically by VooDoo for shotguns with shorter barrels or pistol grips. The entire product is more compact but is still capable of holding ammo and additional gear. This holster is ambidextrous, and it has MOLLE webbing across an entire side with nylon straps and snap closures. The spine has six elastic loops for ammo. There is an adjustable shoulder strap that is both padded and removable, allowing the owner to wear this holster across the back or over a shoulder. The VooDoo Tactical 20-8916 Breacher’s Shotgun Holster can be purchased in either black or tan, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Performance — The VooDoo Tactical 20-8916 Breacher’s Shotgun Holster is a really innovative design that was created after much demand from VooDoo’s consumers. It is best used in military and law enforcement during breaching procedures, but anyone with a shorter barreled shotgun would be happy to own this. It is, for many obvious reason, ideal for tactical use, but it is also convenient for some hunting and use on a range. This is another option that has a lot of versatility and adjustability, but there isn’t too much going on to make it complicated. We do wish the ammo loops were placed in a different area, as opposed to the spine on the holster. We think that area is too exposed, and you could end up losing your ammo if you’re not careful.
What we say — The VooDoo Tactical 20-8916 Breacher’s Shotgun Holster costs about $30 online. If you own a shotgun with a short barrel or pistol grip, this is a must-have item for you.
- Designed for short barrels
- Full padded and adjustable strap
- Plenty of webbing and elastic loops
- Ammo loops on spine are not ideal
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Gun Gear Depot Tactical Shotgun Holster
Materials — Gun Gear Depot’s Tactical Shotgun Holster is made of 600D high-strength Oxford cloth. It’s a sturdy polyester fabric that’s both durable and breathable. The primary use of this scabbard is to protect your gun from scratches and getting wet. There’s padding to safeguard your gun in case you drop it. It also has an elastic shell loop for easy access and an adjustable shoulder strap to suit your size. The scabbard’s strap is removable and has a quick-release buckle. You can attach a plate carrier or an entry vest to it using the molle straps on both sides.Â
Performance — If you’re looking for a durable holster, this is a viable option. It can withstand the harshest conditions whether you’re doing tactical shooting or hunting. The low profile design is an added factor making it more simple and uncomplicated. The feature that I really like is the two molle straps on each side which allow for ambidextrous mounting. For those who prefer to shoot with a vest or chest rig, this is a bonus. And just like the Voodoo Holster, it includes an ammo shell that isn’t quite necessary. I mean it’s not the perfect place to secure your ammo.
What we say — Gun Gear Depot’s Shotgun Holster will set you back for only $34. It also comes in two colors: black and military. This is the holster to get if you’re a hunter seeking a holster you can abuse for a longer period of time.
- Durable construction
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Simple design
- Two molle straps for ambidextrous mounting
- Attached shell loops aren’t necessary
Our Favorite Shotgun Holster
Our top pick for the best shotgun holster on the market goes to the Gun Gear Depot Tactical Shotgun Holster for a multitude of reasons. For one, it is affordable, costing in the low $30 range. It has the best of both worlds: there is plenty of room to store additional gear and ammo without having an overly complicated exterior appearance. It is also, of course, great at storing your shotgun for transport. Saying that, we’d happily use any of the picks on this list.
Scabbards shown are all great products. But, I have a Mossberg 500 Tri – Rail with an off set mounted light that will not fit any of these because of the width. Are there any scabbards on the market that expand wider to allow for such a setup ?
I’m having the same issue. No luck finding one yet. You?
I have the same issue. Possibly looking at an AR15 specific scabbard.
I’ve heard the one from US Peacekeeper might accommodate a light rail as well as the protruding charging handle on a Benelli M4. You might want to give them a call.