Uncle Mike's Reflex holster problem

[Danko]

Hi guys, I'm seeking help with an Uncle Mikes Reflex holster I just received. It's an OWB, kydex type for a M&P 9mm 4.25". The problem is a flexible plastic tab that juts into the trigger guard to add a little retention. It's so damn stiff I can't always draw the gun without a massive amount of yanking or twisting the gun toward me and pulling. I repeatedly depressed the plastic tab in hopes of loosening it, but that's had little or no effect. There is no way to adjust the tension. The only sure way to solve the problem is break off the tab, but I don't want to do that. Does someone, or more have a possible fix for this problem?

Thank you, Danko--

[dogcaller]

Hi guys, I'm seeking help with an Uncle Mikes Reflex holster I just received. It's an OWB, kydex type for a M&P 9mm 4.25". The problem is a flexible plastic tab that juts into the trigger guard to add a little retention. It's so damn stiff I can't always draw the gun without a massive amount of yanking or twisting the gun toward me and pulling. I repeatedly depressed the plastic tab in hopes of loosening it, but that's had little or no effect. There is no way to adjust the tension. The only sure way to solve the problem is break off the tab, but I don't want to do that. Does someone, or more have a possible fix for this problem?

Thank you, Danko--

I don’t know that particular holster, and I very sincerely mean this with all due respect, but Uncle Mikes is Uncle Mikes. I’ve owned my share of it, and it’s just not quality. I use a couple of their nylon holsters with snap straps to tote my Ruger .22s around, but I wouldn’t trust one for serious use. Quality gear like JMCK, Blade-Tech, Kramer, Sparks, (many others) etc., is not cheap. I do believe in “buy once, cry once,” but I also believe in value. If I were you I would haunt the for sale listings of this board, Glocktalk, and S&W forums for quality used holsters. My $0.02.

[HCM]

Hi guys, I'm seeking help with an Uncle Mikes Reflex holster I just received. It's an OWB, kydex type for a M&P 9mm 4.25". The problem is a flexible plastic tab that juts into the trigger guard to add a little retention. It's so damn stiff I can't always draw the gun without a massive amount of yanking or twisting the gun toward me and pulling. I repeatedly depressed the plastic tab in hopes of loosening it, but that's had little or no effect. There is no way to adjust the tension. The only sure way to solve the problem is break off the tab, but I don't want to do that. Does someone, or more have a possible fix for this problem?

Thank you, Danko--

As noted, you get what you pay for. Uncle mikes holsters are junk. UM used a similar system in their duty holsters. It is not adjustable.

If you need a retention holster I would recommend Safariland / Bianchi ALS or SLS or the Blackhawk T series.

[vcdgrips]

The model you have may require a slight twist inward. See the video on the linked page below. Make sure you are using an UNLOADED firearm while you are figuring this out.


https://www.opticsplanet.com/uncle-mike-reflex-holster-open-top-right-hand-black.html?image=b1856cb693#

[Danko]

Huh, thank you! The literature that came with the holster doesn't mention the need to torque the gun to draw, but I found that's the easiest way to extract the gun. The trouble is moving the gun in any direction than up could present a serious safety issue.

[Danko]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will look into them. I certainly hear you on value. I hate spending my hard earned money on junk. I don't mind paying a reasonable price for any type of consumer good provided I'm getting a decent/good quality product. I read a Massad Ayoob book where he said he has a drawer full of junky and worn out holsters. I prefer buying only one item per need, but I guess our needs sometimes shift a little.

Thank again, Danko--

[Danko]

Thank you! I'm not seeking retention per se. I just want it for a range holster. I think the Uncle Mike's Flex holster, with the little trigger guard tab is a great design, idea, but the tab is simply too damn stiff. Yanking and twisting the gun to extract it can create a dangerous situation.

Danko--

[HeavyDuty]

That’s old school duty holster retention going back to when hats had eight points, ash nightsticks were being replaced with Monadnock PR-24s and the hot new portable was the tiny MT500.

[Duelist]

OWB range holster: buy this one, and done: https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/Q-OWB1-S-W.html

[vcdgrips]

While some of the holster suggestions to date are excellent, I sensed at this point of your journey you were seeking seething a bit more modestly priced.

This is 30 ish shipped- Bravo Concealment

https://www.amazon.com/Holster-40-4-25-Concealed-Concealment/dp/B08YP5481F/ref=sr_1_40?crid=1CD7SDCVA06VX&keywords=smith+and+wesson+M%26P+4.25+holster&qid=1654728180&sprefix=smith+and+wesson+m%26p+4.25+holster%2Caps% 2C93&sr=8-40

If you purchased the Reflex from Amazon, you are likely still in the return period. FWIW

[Casey]

While some of the holster suggestions to date are excellent, I sensed at this point of your journey you were seeking seething a bit more modestly priced.

This is 30 ish shipped- Bravo Concealment
I know there are a ton of rip-offs in this industry, but I'd have a real hard time supporting Bravo Concealment with their blatant copies of Raven Concealment designs. In that price range, I'd be looking at something like a Blade-Tech Signature Series (https://www.amazon.com/Blade-Tech-Signature-Holster-Shield-Tek-Lok/dp/B07Q23J7WJ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=126M44UGG4KQ5&keywords=blade-tech%2Bm%26p&qid=1654743264&sprefix=blade-tech%2Bm%26p%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1) for $45.

[Oldherkpilot]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will look into them. I certainly hear you on value. I hate spending my hard earned money on junk. I don't mind paying a reasonable price for any type of consumer good provided I'm getting a decent/good quality product. I read a Massad Ayoob book where he said he has a drawer full of junky and worn out holsters. I prefer buying only one item per need, but I guess our needs sometimes shift a little.

Thank again, Danko--

If you have a secret for making that "one item per need" work, please give it to me. My name is Roger and I'm a holsteraholic!😁

[That Guy]

There is also the fact that holsters wear out, and when plastic holsters break it tends to happen all of a sudden. It is a good idea to have a spare on hand.

[JTMcC]

I know there are a ton of rip-offs in this industry, but I'd have a real hard time supporting Bravo Concealment with their blatant copies of Raven Concealment designs. In that price range, I'd be looking at something like a Blade-Tech Signature Series (https://www.amazon.com/Blade-Tech-Signature-Holster-Shield-Tek-Lok/dp/B07Q23J7WJ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=126M44UGG4KQ5&keywords=blade-tech%2Bm%26p&qid=1654743264&sprefix=blade-tech%2Bm%26p%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1) for $45.

Blade-Tech has that holster on sale for 36 bucks right now, their Total Eclipse model for $32.

Safailand and Blade-Tech are two companies that sell some very solid holsters for very few pesos.

[Shootingjack]

If you press the butt of the pistol(grip) in toward your body and simply lift the pistol out. It is not adjustable but doesn't need to be, it is so simple to release.