Need Holster Recommendations

[Ron Swanson]

If you have different guns that you will be carrying, I would recommend getting a couple different holsters -- from one of the brand names already mentioned -- for just one gun. Keep the one that works best for you and eBay the ones that don't. I think I speak for most of us who have been carrying for a while in that you almost never get the correct holster the first time around.

Don't get a leather holster.

There are also a few companies that will take returns if it doesn’t work, so no need to eBay for them.

Stealthgear and Tenicor have policies I’ve used. Someone else mentioned aliengear as well. May have to cover shipping though. Check each company website you are interested in for return policy details.

 

[sjb323]

Do people actually buy them on ebay? I've got a couple that I would like to get rid of.

They do, but sometimes it takes a while and of course, eBay and Uncle Sam always get a cut. I usually just end up given them away to coworkers.

There are also a few companies that will take returns if it doesn’t work, so no need to eBay for them.

Stealthgear and Tenicor have policies I’ve used. Someone else mentioned aliengear as well. May have to cover shipping though. Check each company website you are interested in for return policy details.

Learn something new every day. I would absolutely buy from those companies first. Return shipping is a small price to pay.

 

[Anon7185]

Safariland incog for inside waistband. Safariland 7378 for outside waistband. Most other holster brands are internet hype. I only trust safariland and us duty gear for holsters.

 

[Soless]

A lot of holsters are top notch. Among these to notch companies, some like to build in unnecessary modular moldings and holes that most likely will serve no purpose to you, but make the manufacturer process easy for them not passing the cost savings to the client.

Anyhow, things to consider.

Ride height (how much grip is available to aquire a good shooting grip). Some holsters are too high, some too low. Depending on the gun, it can compromise comfort when sitting, especially while driving.

Cant (the angle of the slid will assist or prohibit a good draw. Can't can also help the butt end of your grip hide against your body decreasing print.)

Clothing. Whatever style of clothes you wear should be able to hide or let the contour of your gun disappear into the pattern of your material. Athletic cut or fitted shirts are not your friend.

Other features such as sweat guard. Some reach full height, and others don't. Some may pinch. Material thickness also increases bulk. To little and you compromise retention. Built in rotation or wing feature to help decrease print.

I suggest a dry fit. Place your gun in your waistline and orient the cant and ride height where it suits you and your reach/draw the best. Find a holster that can replicate the position/orientation you like.

Enjoy your journey.

 

[governmentsucks1776]

Thank you all for the great advice I certainly appreciate it. Im 5 10 150 lbs for reference

 

[rdottes]

These have been the most comfortable for me running at 1 o’clock.

Tier 1 APEX (can wear for 12hrs+ comfortably)
Hilliker Aren Lite (AWIB)
Tenicore Velo LUX

 

[Paltik]

When it comes to holsters, I've found it's always a YMMV situation. The reason we end up with so many holsters we don't use is because our bodies aren't the same as those who recommended the holsters. If you can try out a friend's holster first (wearing it all day for a few days), that might be nice.

I usually carry AIWB, but for strong side IWB I can recommend the Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster from Alien Gear.

 

[Rob801]

I have a Tier 1 Xiphos Elite (Dust Recon) on order for my Hellcat (no light). If I want to carry an extra mag on my belt at some point, I’ll get a separate mag holder.

Guess I’ll find out if I like it. I based my choice on multiple reviews, and what I think I will like.

 

[tomrkba]

Hello,
I hope all is well. Im about to get my CCW and I need recommendations for the following
Glock 19, Hellcat, and glock 42.
Im thinking of carrying at 3, so strong side. Then I think I will buy a TLR 7X or the sub version. Also should I buy another holosun or the vortex red dot. Im open for suggestions. Thank you

Rules:

1. Muzzle fully covered
2. Trigger area covered
3. Slots must match the belt width
4. Belt must fit into the slots such that the belt slide through mostly freely
5. Any detachable loops must have Pull the Dot or Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) clips. Closed loops are fine.
6. Holster must be properly molded to the firearm. No "generic" holsters that support many models with some exceptions.
7. Retention is essential and must have some way to hold the gun tight.
8. Mouth of holster must not collapse when the gun is removed
9. Sweat guards often help, especially for IWB holsters. Some OWB pancake holsters will have them.
10. Holster should be silent. No squeaking or clicking.
11. Attachment device should not damage the belt unless you do not care. DCC clips can, but are so good it's worth it.
12. Prefer attachment hardware on the ends of the holster, not on the face, to minimize overall thickness.
13. Height as compared to belt matters. Some guns sit high (see Privateer Leather Navigant), some mid (Privateer Highwayman) and some low (Corsair). This matters depending upon what you're trying to do.
14. Holster depth affects concealability, especially for IWB holsters.
15. Forward cant must be correct for your body type and gun size. Too much cant can make the rear of the slide and rear sight print if the holster is positioned too far forward. Conversely, the butt of the gun can print out the back of your shirt if the holster has no cant (vertical drop).
16. Guns with hammers have less slide material over the hand than striker fired guns like Glocks. The outside point of the slide can print. Holster depth can mitigate or exacerbate this.
17. Holsters with lights can get absurdly large. The result is that area can print or be uncomfortable.
18. Holster should be sturdy enough to not break or come off if someone tries to grab your gun and you end up fighting for it.
19. Body side of the holster should be comfortable. It should not have sharp, or overmolded, corners. You'll feel this.
20. All stitching or hardware must be tight, well done, and make sense. Some holsters are adjustable and any hardware should accommodate it.

I will think of other things later since it's late.

All that said, you're probably going to have to try a bunch of holsters before you settle on one.

Examples for the Glock 19:

Tenicor ARX or ARX LUX
Privateer Leather Highwayman (mid ride, pancake style)

There are a variety of holsters to choose from. Try to avoid Galco; they typically have problems such as squeaking, not great fit, or other deficiencies that are annoying. I disliked their Combat Master immensely. Also avoid Askins Avenger style holsters, paddle holsters, and Safariland ALS 6378/7378 holsters. The Safariland is for your LARPing needs, but the others stick out too much to be called anything remotely "concealable".

The ARX has about a 10 degree cant. I'm not convinced this is for the best, but I'm giving the holster a chance. I much prefer Privateer Leather. Not only does he have three heights for his pancake holsters, he can also change the forward cant for you.

You can try the DeSantis Speed Scabbard. It violates several of the rules, but it does get you into a holster sooner rather than later. It violates rules 3, 8, 10 (sometimes), and 19. Sometimes it's comfortable, so it depends upon your body shape, belt, and gun.

Privateer Leather Highwayman

 

[Anon7185]

Rules:

1. Muzzle fully covered
2. Trigger area covered
3. Slots must match the belt width
4. Belt must fit into the slots such that the belt slide through mostly freely
5. Any detachable loops must have Pull the Dot or Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) clips. Closed loops are fine.
6. Holster must be properly molded to the firearm. No "generic" holsters that support many models with some exceptions.
7. Retention is essential and must have some way to hold the gun tight.
8. Mouth of holster must not collapse when the gun is removed
9. Sweat guards often help, especially for IWB holsters. Some OWB pancake holsters will have them.
10. Holster should be silent. No squeaking or clicking.
11. Attachment device should not damage the belt unless you do not care. DCC clips can, but are so good it's worth it.
12. Prefer attachment hardware on the ends of the holster, not on the face, to minimize overall thickness.
13. Height as compared to belt matters. Some guns sit high (see Privateer Leather Navigant), some mid (Privateer Highwayman) and some low (Corsair). This matters depending upon what you're trying to do.
14. Holster depth affects concealability, especially for IWB holsters.
15. Forward cant must be correct for your body type and gun size. Too much cant can make the rear of the slide and rear sight print if the holster is positioned too far forward. Conversely, the butt of the gun can print out the back of your shirt if the holster has no cant (vertical drop).
16. Guns with hammers have less slide material over the hand than striker fired guns like Glocks. The outside point of the slide can print. Holster depth can mitigate or exacerbate this.
17. Holsters with lights can get absurdly large. The result is that area can print or be uncomfortable.
18. Holster should be sturdy enough to not break or come off if someone tries to grab your gun and you end up fighting for it.
19. Body side of the holster should be comfortable. It should not have sharp, or overmolded, corners. You'll feel this.
20. All stitching or hardware must be tight, well done, and make sense. Some holsters are adjustable and any hardware should accommodate it.

I will think of other things later since it's late.

All that said, you're probably going to have to try a bunch of holsters before you settle on one.

Examples for the Glock 19:

Tenicor ARX or ARX LUX
Privateer Leather Highwayman (mid ride, pancake style)

There are a variety of holsters to choose from. Try to avoid Galco; they typically have problems such as squeaking, not great fit, or other deficiencies that are annoying. I disliked their Combat Master immensely. Also avoid Askins Avenger style holsters, paddle holsters, and Safariland ALS 6378/7378 holsters. The Safariland is for your LARPing needs, but the others stick out too much to be called anything remotely "concealable".

The ARX has about a 10 degree cant. I'm not convinced this is for the best, but I'm giving the holster a chance. I much prefer Privateer Leather. Not only does he have three heights for his pancake holsters, he can also change the forward cant for you.

You can try the DeSantis Speed Scabbard. It violates several of the rules, but it does get you into a holster sooner rather than later. It violates rules 3, 8, 10 (sometimes), and 19. Sometimes it's comfortable, so it depends upon your body shape, belt, and gun.

Privateer Leather Highwayman

View attachment 86670

All good points, minus saying to avoid the safariland 6378/7378 line. The paddle sucks, but swapping to the included 567bl makes them solid concealable owb holsters. Just dont use the paddle that they come with. Safariland 6378/7378 with belt loops has been my #1 concealable owb holster after trying so many different brands.

 

[tomrkba]

All good points, minus saying to avoid the safariland 6378/7378 line. The paddle sucks, but swapping to the included 567bl makes them solid concealable owb holsters. Just dont use the paddle that they come with. Safariland 6378/7378 with belt loops has been my #1 concealable owb holster after trying so many different brands.

Nah, the Safariland ALS is a great open carry/basic duty holster, but terrible for concealment even with the belt attachment.

 

[SIG4life]

Im assuming based on your comment that the glock 19 and the hellcat will fit the SAME holster because the retention is on the light right?

Hypothetically, yes. I’m not going to guarantee it, but it’s always worked for me…

The G19(compact) fits a different light size due to the width of the frame, you would likely not be able to use the same light i.e. Streamlight TLR1 on the Hellcat(sub compact) due to a way slimmer width frame

 

[9mmContagion]

The G19(compact) fits a different light size due to the width of the frame, you would likely not be able to use the same light i.e. Streamlight TLR1 on the Hellcat(sub compact) due to a way slimmer width frame

Yes. My comment specifically states they need to have the same light, as that is what retention is based on

 

[Woodman500]

Trex-arms (sidecar w/ just the clip)

Eclipse Holsters for mag carrier.

Osight SE is on sale right now for $159 (I run this on my Hellcat Pro and just ordered another for my Xmacro) (Promo code is: OSIGHT20)

 

[Anon7185]

Nah, the Safariland ALS is a great open carry/basic duty holster, but terrible for concealment even with the belt attachment.

Have you actually tried the 6378 holster with belt loops, or are you just saying this because the internet told you to say this? Try the holster out before copy pasting internet tales.

 

[tomrkba]

Have you actually tried the 6378 holster with belt loops, or are you just saying this because the internet told you to say this? Try the holster out before copy pasting internet tales.

You have no idea what my situation is yet here you are acting like a turd.

I have something like eight 6377/6378 holsters and both the paddle and the belt attachment suck. The paddle sticks out way too far and the belt attachment is incorrectly designed. I have an alternative belt slide from a third party and while it's vastly superior overall for supporting the gun and interfacing with the belt, it is still a poor choice for concealed carry because it causes the holster to stick out even more.

 

[ChallengerScatPackClub]

I tried so many holsters. The most comfortable for me is IWB leather and canted at 3-4 o'clock.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Hello,
I hope all is well. Im about to get my CCW and I need recommendations for the following
Glock 19, Hellcat, and glock 42.
Im thinking of carrying at 3, so strong side. Then I think I will buy a TLR 7X or the sub version. Also should I buy another holosun or the vortex red dot. Im open for suggestions. Thank you

Shop Custom Ronin OWB Concealment Holster | GunfightersINC

Design your own personalized Ronin OWB Concealment Holster with custom options and patterns, exclusively from GunfightersINC.

gunfightersinc.com

You said “strong side” and also for “concealment”; this one is OwB kydex though for concealment. They offer optics cut option for neutral 0 degree cant; but not for 12 degree cant. They don’t offer light option; sounds like that might be a deal breaker. I have the Glock 26 Ronin OWB with 12 degree cant. It’s made pretty well, including the belt loops as a one piece design.

I mainly carry appendix with their IWB Wraith and Solace holster, paired with a spare mag holder; on a Kore Essentials Leather belt. The Solace is a nice hybrid as it’s a kydex but has a leather backing to rest smooth against the skin; but then you could always just pull your underwear up front higher if plain kydex is just feeling uncomfortable on the rubbing.

I first found out about this company when looking for a backcountry chest holster; they make one called the Kenai Kydex Chest Holster. I also wanted it in Kryptek Highlander Camo pattern. Pistol stays with me on my chest even when squatting over a cat hole behind the bushes because I knew I shouldn’t have ate canned chili mixed with hot link slices and canned corn before the trip again. Don’t need to be limited to carrying it in the pistol holster from the same brand as the binocular pack attached to my bino pack which is weight: I am able to keep it behind the bino pack when walking but can take off the bino pack for the squat in the bushes.

I noticed others mentioned tier 1, that’s something I want to try eventually for appendix as ride height can be adjusted; and their newer appendix one can adjust the cant of the spare mag.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

They make the sentimental owb which is light bearing but I don’t think they meant that for concealment; seems like they market it as a heavy duty OWB for duty/law enforcement/operators or everyday carry (but for OWB non concealment?)? Not sure since I havnt tried this one yet; they market the ronin as for concealment as they market it as hugging in a little tighter.

Sentinel OWB Duty Holster | GunfightersINC

The Sentinel OWB holster from GunfightersINC is the Ultimate Duty Holster. It is designed for extreme comfort and allows for a tactical light or modular thigh platform.

gunfightersinc.com

 

[ef9boy88]

Hello,
I hope all is well. Im about to get my CCW and I need recommendations for the following
Glock 19, Hellcat, and glock 42.
Im thinking of carrying at 3, so strong side. Then I think I will buy a TLR 7X or the sub version. Also should I buy another holosun or the vortex red dot. Im open for suggestions. Thank you

I like Tenicor