How many holsters for 1 gun do you guys go thru?
So I have 1 pistol and got a Serpa when I bought it. Was super noob, so bought what ever was on the shelf.
Then got a G-code. But ended up adding a WML later so needed a new one.
Then got a FalTac for the WML, but the hood release system sucks.
Ordered Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS systlem.
So no focus on the buy once cry once.
Depends on the pistol.
There are lots of holster options out there, and not all fit every potential use you might have. Buying more than one holster for a carry gun is not just for the "still looking for one that I like" crowd. The pistols I use most get several holsters for various applications: Concealed IWB, concealed OWB, competition, pocket, etc.
The ones I only practice with occasionally usually get just one, again depending on the intended application.
For example, my S&W 686+ 6" only has one brown leather OWB holster. Same for all my revolvers but one, with the exception of one which is small enough to comfortably conceal.
My Sig P320 is pretty easy to carry any way I want, so I have different holsters with different designs and different retention "strengths".
I also have universal holsters that can be Velcroed into my 5.11 backpack concealed carry compartment, and attached to almost any surface (car, side table,...) for off-body quick access.
I, too, have a couple of Serpa holsters I bought from the NRA store before I knew what types I wanted. Given the general disdain for Serpa at many training schools, I've not used either of them outside the house.
One of the best-feeling IWB holster systems I've used is the N8Tactical holster (formerly N82Tactical -- I guess there's just one "Nate" there now!). You have a soft layer of suede next to your skin. On top of that is a layer of Neoprene (rubber) to keep your body's moisture away from the gun. Attached to the Neoprene is the gun holder that can be stretchy fabric or a piece of Polycarbonate formed to the shape of the pistol. The suede & Neoprene layers are large enough to protect your skin from the pistol's grip -- a huge deal if you happen to have some very grippy grips with heavy stippling or Talon Grips. It you're carrying all day, this holster gets some of the best reviews online/YouTube for comfort.
I have a N82 holster for each pistol I imagine would be a good conceal carry candidate. With the Professional model holster that comes with the Polycarbonate, not only does it have a very good retention mechanism via the contours of the Polycarbonate, it's rigid enough to make one-handed re-holstering easy, and it's "tuckable", meaning you can tuck your shirt tail into your pants even though the holster clips to your belt.