Holsters for Glock Pistols

The Sparks EX is easily one of the most comfortable IWB rigs I've ever tried; the weight-distributing capability of its unique design becomes apparent - and appreciated - during long hours of carry. My only gripe is that the gun is molded for a 3rd Generation Glock, so my 2nd Generation G23 fits a bit loosely. It's really not something to worry about, as the tension between the belt and body provides sufficient retention when the holster is worn. My 3rd Gen G19, of course, fits like a glove.

Would I buy the EX at its full retail price? Probably not, as there are less expensive off-the-shelf designs that would meet my needs. But if you have the chance to get a true custom-made holster for the price of one of those mass-produced rigs like I did, GO FOR IT! You won't be disappointed!

RM Holster Works "Low Rider"
The use of Kydex in holstercraft is nothing new; polymer holsters are available in a bewildering array of designs from a number of manufacturers. I have owned, evaluated and played with a number of these. While I found several Kydex paddle and belt holsters that I liked well enough, I never found a Kydex IWB rig that could accommodate a thick gun like a Glock with any degree of comfort or stability for an extended period of time. Evidently, my friend Jeff agreed – so much so, that he went and built the better mousetrap. From Jeff's upstart company RM Holster Works comes the "Low Rider", a radical Kydex IWB with a feature set that puts it in a class by itself.

Construction. The Low Rider is a closed-muzzle design formed from a single sheet of .090" thick Kydex, smooth inside with a slightly pebbled exterior texture. The holster body is molded to the gun with a high level of detail to facilitate weapon retention. Additional security is provided by two stainless steel tension-adjustment screws along the back edge of the holster. The rig is secured to the belt by a molded clip which goes over the belt and locks underneath by means of two hooks at the bottom. Cleverly, the clip is slightly relieved between these hooks, enabling the clip to straddle a belt loop much like a conventional dual-strap fastener. This gap also allows a finger-hold when removing the rig from the belt. And you'll need it; this clip is VERY secure once attached. A little difficulty removing the holster intentionally ensures that it will NEVER come off accidentally. Finally, the Low Rider includes a molded-in sweat shield next to the body - a feature not found in many polymer holsters, but appreciated as much here as it is on a quality leather rig.

Comfort. The Low Rider offers an unsurpassed level of comfort - not only for a Kydex IWB, but for ANY IWB! It rides nicer than any other Kydex IWB I've worn (except possibly the little Comp-Tac Shirt-Tucker that I have for my Kahrs), and even gives the excellent Sparks EX a run for its money! I recently wore the Low Rider with my Glock 23 every waking moment for an entire weekend, just because I could. Whether I was driving, working at the shop, sitting at the computer, mowing the lawn or out in public, the rig never shifted or printed. And at the end of the day, I didn't have any of the lower back pain that can accompany long periods of carry in other holsters.

Concealability. What really sets the Low Rider apart, though, is how well it hides. True to its name, this rig sits lower in the waistband than most other IWBs. This, combined with a 20-degree forward cant and an overall slim design, make concealed carry almost effortless. I carried my G23 and two mags all day while wearing shorts and an untucked T-shirt, and nobody was the wiser. Normally I rely on my little Kahr or Kel-Tec for summertime carry; now I can pack my favorite Glock in just about any mode of dress.

To sum up - an advanced design and exceptional comfort allow the Low Rider to succeed in a mode of carry previously reserved for leather holsters alone. Additionally, the Low Rider allows for a *lightning-fast* draw; a leather holster places much more drag on the weapon, and makes the drawstroke seem like slow-motion in comparison. This is partly a function of the low friction properties of Kydex, but more due to Jeff's excellent holster design, which truly spoils you in a very short period of time. I'm not about to retire my EXs, but the Low Rider will no doubt see as much use in daily carry. Jeff lent me this rig to evaluate, but instead of returning it to him, I'm sending a check. As long as I have the checkbook open, I think I'll get an LR for my G36, too...

RM Holster Works "Extreme Cant Paddle"
Another of RM Holster Works rapidly growing product line is the Extreme Cant Paddle, or ECP. Developed for use by law enforcement and armed citizens, the ECP follows the same general pattern as the paddle rig from JS Holsters (see below), but builds on this proven design with some unique touches.

At my request, Jeff sent me an ECP for evaluation and review; right-handed, molded for a 3rd Gen G19/23. As with RM's other holsters, the ECP is formed from a single sheet of .090" thick Kydex, smooth inside with a slightly pebbled exterior texture. The holster body is a closed-muzzle design and is molded to the gun with a high level of detail (exceeding even that of the Low Rider) to facilitate weapon retention. Additional security is provided by two stainless steel tension-adjustment screws along the back edge of the holster. A "speed cut" in the front allows for extremely smooth, fast draws. The paddle is formed from the same sheet as the holster, rather than a separate piece attached by screws or rivets. It follows the contour of the holster body almost exactly, save for the forward edge which extends forward about 1/2". Rather than studs or jaws to secure the paddle to the waistband, a full-width belt channel is provided. In effect, the paddle acts as a kind of giant belt clip - a "reverse IWB", if you will. This attachment method pulls the holster very tight to the body; almost as tightly as an IWB rig. This, along with the exaggerated 20-degree cant from which the ECP gets its name, affords a degree of concealability not usually associated with paddle holsters. I torture-tested the ECP by wearing it at the range, at the shop, and for a continuous 12-hour period that included a variety of day-to-day tasks. This rig comes as close as I've ever felt to "I forgot I had it on" comfort, and not once did the holster shift on the belt or come off when I drew my gun.

Building on JS Holsters' groundbreaking design, RM Holster Works has created a top-flight paddle holster that's equally suited to concealed or open carry. In my book, "ECP" stands for "Extremely Comfortable Paddle". I'm sending my evaluation sample back to Jeff, but only because I want an open-muzzle version to accommodate all my Glocks of various lengths (he makes such a rig, BTW... it's called the Sport Slide).

RM Holster Works Single Mag Pouch
Most folks would think that "a mag pouch is a mag pouch". There's only so many ways to do them, and they all work basically the same way, right? I used to think so, and had several types of pouches from various manufacturers that I was happy with, even if they weren't exactly inspiring in design or performance. That all changed when RM Holsters came along. Jeff's single mag pouch design is a miniature work of art that includes as much design innovation and attention to detail as his outstanding Kydex holsters. The mag pouch is formed from a single sheet of the same type Kydex as the Low Rider, ECP and other RM holsters, and has the same pebbled outside/smooth inside texture. The pouch secures to the belt using an integral Kydex clip that flares out to form the belt channel, then flares back in and wraps under the bottom of the pouch body. This makes the pouch easy-on/easy-off, but provides more security than most clip-on designs. A single stainless steel screw and rubber grommet holds the rig together and allows for tension adjustment, although the latter function is really unnecessary. The molding on the mag pouch is so well executed that the mag locks into place and stays put without needing to engage the tension screw. On mine, I just hand-tighten the screw a few threads so it doesn't back out. Any tighter, and the mag pouch begins to pull off the belt when the mag is drawn. The mag pouch itself is molded to orient the mag with bullet noses pointed forward, and is cut low for proper grip indexing and an extremely fast draw. The mag "snicks" in and out of the pouch with a minimum of effort, yet is quite secure even without the tension screw locked down.

Simple, secure and fast. Why can't all mag pouches be this good? I guess it doesn't matter, as I'll probably never own any other brand after this...
Photographs courtesy of RM Holster Works

JS Holsters Kydex Paddle
I ordered one of Jason Schafer's custom kydex paddle holsters, based on the positive experience I had with his P32 pocket holster. I requested the model be made for my G23, which would also fit my G19, G17 and G35 (the latter two leaving a little muzzle sticking out the end). Jason advised that since my goal was a "one size fits all", he would tailor the holster for an optimum fit with all the aforementioned platforms. Jason makes each of his holsters to order, but his wait times are quite reasonable. After approximately 2-1/2 weeks, I received my holster in the mail.

The holster and paddle are formed from a single sheet of .100" thick Kydex, not two pieces riveted or screwed together as on some other designs. The holster body has a lightly stippled surface texture and is molded to the general shape of the gun. Two phillips-head screws allow tension adjustment. The paddle itself is roughly semi-circular in shape and bows outward to follow the contour of the holster, rather than inward to follow the contour of the hip. This seems counter-intuitive at first and one would think it to be rather uncomfortable to wear, but the rig stays put in the waistband, carries surprisingly comfortably and distributes weight quite well. The rather unconventional design of the paddle allows maximum retention on the belt and pulls the rig in as tightly as possible to the body - almost as good as IWB (unlike the Fobus roto, which I'm forever banging into counters, etc. when I'm working at the store). Instead of jaws or studs to anchor the paddle under the beltline, the JS holster features a full-width belt channel for maximum security. To be sure, this rig isn't coming off until you TAKE it off! The integral nature of the channel also means there are no sharp protrustions on the paddle, giving the holster a flowing, almost organic appearance. And the drawstroke? Slicker'n snot, of course, as is the case with most Kydex rigs.

So in closing, Jason's kydex paddle holster is a comfortable, functional rig with a unique design, first-rate construction and a price that won't bug your eyes out. Custom-made in a timely manner by a great guy and RKBA crusader of the highest order. Should you get one? Like, duh.
Photographs by Steve Silverman, courtesy of JS Holsters

DeSantis Inner Piece
The DeSantis Inner Piece is an open-muzzle IWB holster made from top-grain leather in a rough-side out pattern. This design allows a smooth draw while putting additional friction between the holster and the pants, to keep the rig from shifting. A stabilizer tab extends from the back/bottom of the holster to further increase stability. The mouth is reinforced to allow one-handed reholstering, and incorporates a sweat shield. The rig is secured to the belt with dual snap loops, and cant is standard FBI angle. Molding on this holster is gun-specific but not as precise as on a more expensive "custom" rig, but a tension screw is present on some versions to further improve gun retention. The holster normally sells for $35-45.

Although I originally bought the Inner Piece for my Glock 26, it also fits my 23, 19 and 36 without without much extra muzzle poking out the end. My G17 will also fit, but a substantial part of the muzzle is exposed, and I don't like wearing a gun that big IWB anyway. The holster wears comfortably, and the stabilizer tab does well keeping the rig from shifting inside the pants - I like knowing that when I go to draw, the gun's grip will be in exactly the same place as it was when I put the holster on. The biggest complaint I have is that not all Inner Piece models have the tension screw - my Glock holster does, but my Kahr holster doesn't. Also, the holster mouth on my Glock rig has started to "dent" where the trigger guard goes in (possibly due slight variances in width among my 19, 23, 26 and 36), thus making reholstering more difficult. Either reinforcing or relieving this area would be an easy fix for this problem. According to DeSantis' web site, the Inner Piece is being redesigned, so we'll see what that brings. All in all, though, the Inner Piece is a surprisingly comfortable and effective holster for a mid-priced off-the-shelf design.

Don Hume H715-M IWB for Glock
The Don Hume H715-M is a moderately priced leather inside-the-waistband holster of open-muzzle design with no thumb-break or other retention devices. It is made of thin cowhide which is molded to the gun, and features a spring steel belt clip. Retail price is around $24.

The H715-M is a good compromise between the cheap ballistic nylon holsters and the expensive "custom leather" of companies such as Kramer, Galco, Rosen and others.

PROS:
• Comparable in price, but more durable than a quality nylon rig.
• Molded to the gun, provides some retentive qualities.
• Resists collapsing somewhat, facilitates reholstering
• Thin walls and slim belt clip yield an easily concealable package

CONS:
• Mouth is reinforced leather only, no metal insert.
• Sewn rough-side in, leaves residue on gun. No sight track.
• Belt clip is less secure than molded or snapping belt loop.
• More expensive than "el cheapo" nylon rigs.

I would recommend the Don Hume H715-M for casual use, at the range or for occasional carry. More dedicated carriers or professionals should probably look into something of higher quality. The Hume unit is a step up from nylon, but lacks some of the refinements of more expensive leather rigs.

Fobus GL-2 Paddle Holster & Mag Pouch for G17/19/26

The Fobus GL-2 holster is an Israeli open-muzzle design which fits any of the standard-frame Glocks (17,18,19,22,23,24,26,27,31,32,33,34,35). It is constructed of a polymer material similar to Glock's own belt slide, but more rigid. The two halves of the holster are joined to each other and the paddle by several copper rivets. The mag pouch is of similar design and construction, and will hold mags for the standard, compact or subcompact Glocks, be they hi-caps or postban 10-rounders.

Paddle holsters are designed to be easy-on/easy-off; the paddle slips inside the pants, while the holster rides outside. The Fobus holster's wide, textured paddle helps stabilize the unit, while large molded-in "speed bumps" anchor underneath the belt to further hold it in place. As with most polymer holsters, draw and recovery are very quick and smooth. The holster features a pinch-type retention device in the trigger guard. This audibly and palpably locks into place when the gun is fully holstered, yet takes nothing more than a deliberate drawstroke to disengage.

I have worn the holster and mag pouch extensively, during shooting activities ranging from casual range use to GSSF and local carry matches to an intensive three-day tactical handgun course. After many hours of wear and hundreds of draws and recoveries, these rigs still look and perform like new. The only sticking point I can find is that the holster needs a bit of breaking in, especially with the subcompact Glocks. Because the frame geometry forward of the trigger guard is different on these (and perhaps on the new FG/R models as well), the fit will be very tight initially. This is easily remedied by wiping the interior of the holster with a bit of Armor-All, leaving the gun sit in the rig for awhile, then performing a couple dozen rapid draw cycles. My G17 and my brother's G19, however, both fit perfectly from the start.

The best thing about this holster is the price. I purchased the holster and matching mag pouch as a set from Glockmeister for about $35.00, and have seen them for less since then. Though the Fobus makes a fine range holster, I would not recommend it for duty or carry use. Fobus products are not sufficiently durable to withstand a determined gun-grab attempt; I have seen a couple instances (and have heard of several more) of Fobus holsters being destroyed during retention drills. The failure points are where the holster meets the paddle, or on the holster itself where the halves come together. Either way, the badguy's going to get control of the gun. Sadly, I see MANY armed citizens and law enforcement officers buy these holsters because they're cheap, and trust their lives to them. I think MY life is worth a little more than $20...

Also available from Fobus is the "Roto-Holster" - essentially a GL-2 with an integral gear mechanism that allows the user to adjust the cant of the holster. This feature allows the holster to be worn in any position, from vertical strongside to FBI cant, all the way to crossdraw. The adjustment screw is locked down with the supplied allen wrench to prevent the holster from shifting once the position is set. The Roto is nice if you are the type of person that needs/likes a degree of cant other than what the GL-2 provides. It might also be nice if you can only have one holster but tend to carry in a variety of positions (ie strong-side, appendix, cross-draw/driving, SOB). Finally, the holster component can be removed and mounted on the Fobus home/vehicle mount, or on their new shoulder harness. That said, there are some drawbacks. First, I am not one of the aforementioned types. I spent the extra $$ on the Roto only to adjust the cant to my taste (15-deg. "FBI") and leave it there! My GL-2 serves me just as well in the OWB range holster role, for less money. Second, because of the adjustment plate, the Roto sits the gun out farther from the body than the GL-2. This reduces concealability somewhat, which not a big deal for me as I don't use it as a carry rig. What I did notice was that in moving around the car/house/shop, I would bang the gun on things I previously didn't when wearing the GL-2. Takes some getting used to. So in short, the Roto feature isn't a "gimmick", as it does have functional value in certain applications for certain users. It just happens that MY needs don't require the added versatility. Construction-wise, it's identical to the standard paddle rigs; whether that's good, bad or just a fact, depends on who you ask. ;-)

Glock Inc. Sport/Combat Holster
Glock Inc. markets two designs of polymer (plastic) holsters for their pistols. The Sport/Combat is a belt-slide type featuring an open muzzle and dual belt slots. This is a very stable design that rides the gun fairly high to aid in concealment. The holster completely covers the trigger while allowing a proper combat grip, and features a molded-in sight track and retention devices. The belt loops on the Sport/Combat feature several molded stops for various belt widths. By cutting off these stops, the user can adjust the holster to fit up to a 3" duty belt. The Glock Sport/Combat is available in two sizes, small frame (9mm/.40) and large frame (10mm/.45). Due to its open-muzzle design, this holster can accept all Glocks of a given frame size, from the long-slide models to the subcompacts. The Sport/Combat retails for around $10-14.

I have found the Sport/Combat to be a good general-purpose holster for my G17/23/26/36. I use it primarily as a range holster, but under a jacket or sweater it tucks away as easily as any belt-slide design. Like all synthetic holsters, it is impervious to water and decay, and its rigid construction allows for easy one-handed reholstering. Best of all is the price, which is about half of what even lower-cost leather or Kydex rigs sell for.