I don't know what I don't know about owb holsters (brainstorming design specs?)

[0ddl0t]

I am hoping to avoid the box or drawer full of holsters that many seem to accumulate in their quest for the perfect holster, but I'm still feeling a bit lost despite reading a number of "holster 101" type articles and polling friends on their preferences. Essentially I'm looking for an OWB (~3:30) holster for IDPA, range days/classes, and the occasional hiking/hunting trip.



What I've discovered so far:

I don't like the muzzle to protrude below the holster and am not a big fan of the muzzle even being exposed. I've found that my pistol tends to get jostled loose by classroom chair armrests or the seatbelt buckle receptacle in my car. So far I haven't had the pistol fall out, but it is disconcerting. Aside from the extra 1/2 inch in length, is there any big disadvantage to fully enclosing the bottom of the holster?

I'd like a holster that holds its shape. One of my more comfortable (leather) holsters has the nasty habit of collapsing if the gun is out for an extended period of time (especially after being squashed by a seatbelt). I don't want to play 'find the holster with the muzzle' or risk having a flap of leather bend into the trigger guard on the way down... I also don't want the top of the gun to needlessly flex away from my body (definitely must be compliant with IDPA dowel rule).

I want a robust/firm/protective full trigger guard. I don't want to worry about spoiled dogs with stiff little paws jumping up & down and somehow bumping the trigger through the holster.

I also want to be able to wrap my middle finger around the pistol's grip -- right up under the trigger guard. I can't seem to get a good firing grip with any of my current holsters until after I begin the draw. Hopefully this isn't mutually exclusive with above.

I want Goldilocks retention. I won't be doing any backflips on the dance floor or anticipate jostling with strangers, but I may do some run and gun stuff. And I have, on occasion, tripped and fallen. I don't think I need active retention, but is there any disadvantage to adjustable tension screws?

I would love a clip-on holster that stays put through repeated draws, but from polling folks I gather this is unrealistic. A belt slide isn't that big of a deal, but it seems to slide around as much as the belt loop spacing permits. Are there any holsters that bite into the belt or pants like suspenders so they won't move around?

Is it possible to have an adjustable cant holster without making it stick out farther from the body? It might be nice to play with angles...

Noise: this is very low on the list of wants, but I'd like a holster that didn't squeak, rattle, or even clunk when I misjudge doorway spacing. One can dream, right?

I'd like the magazine release to be accessible while the gun is holstered.

I have on occasion holstered a pistol at slide lock. This doesn't work well with one of my holsters that seems to rely on the ejection port for retention.

All of my holsters have no/low sweat guards. Does a mid or high guard really help keep clothing out of the way? I guess I could always trim it down, right?


Are there any other features I should consider? Do any holsters come to mind or am I probably just looking for a custom job?

[powell556]

I'd probably take a strong look at this Dark Star Gear Osiris holster if I was doing competition OWB.

https://darkstargear.com/product/gosiris/

I'd also consider some Safariland 6004 variant set up to be mid-drop, if that's legal for competition, because then you'd have a retention holster for civil unrest scenarios, should that unlikely need arise.

[einherjarvalk]

I feel like you're not gonna get a lot of useful help until we know what gun you're looking to holster.

[0ddl0t]

I feel like you're not gonna get a lot of useful help until we know what gun you're looking to holster.

Primarily a Sig P365, but I also shoot a glock 35 & a kahr pm9 (obviously different holsters for each, though the pm9 and P365 sometimes are close enough to interchange). I'm kinda looking for ideas to know what to look for in general.

Like can you have a more open front holster to begin pivoting sooner (like what I see on that DarkStar Osiris), yet still maintain adequate retention?

[BK14]

For everything you said, I’d look at the Safariland ALS system, with an OTD nub. The Safariland Als holsters can be had with essentially a tek-lok belt mount which will clip onto your belt but remain secure.

Als, especially with the OTD nub, has minimal time penalty over an open top, and has the added benefit of your gun never falling out on accident. I use an OWB pancake holster going to/from work, or if I’m pretending like I’m a cool guy doing vehicle containments but that’s it. OWB sucks for concealment in my experience.

So if you’re going for a range/training/class/field holster, I think the ALS is the way to go. It’s the 6379 holster for with a belt clip.

[Duelist]

For your Glock, you could go JMCK OWB#2. Great holster. I have one for my Beretta that I use in IDPA club matches. It works well for hiking and other such activities as well, if I am inclined to carry a full-sized metal pistol OWB while doing them.

Usually, that’s a range gun, and i actually carry a G26 in either a JMCK IWB#3 or an RCS similar to the OWB I use with my Beretta. Much lighter for long hikes.

[OnionsAndDragons]

For everything you said, I’d look at the Safariland ALS system, with an OTD nub. The Safariland Als holsters can be had with essentially a tek-lok belt mount which will clip onto your belt but remain secure.

Als, especially with the OTD nub, has minimal time penalty over an open top, and has the added benefit of your gun never falling out on accident. I use an OWB pancake holster going to/from work, or if I’m pretending like I’m a cool guy doing vehicle containments but that’s it. OWB sucks for concealment in my experience.

So if you’re going for a range/training/class/field holster, I think the ALS is the way to go. It’s the 6379 holster for with a belt clip.

This is a really good suggestion. I think everyone should have a safariland holster because they are so damned affordable, especially for how good they are. It will also let you play around with cant and figure out exactly what position you prefer before spending any serious cash on quality kydex or leather.

The ALS system really isn’t hard to get used to, just a bit of familiarization practice and you’ll be off to the races.


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[Bucky]

First thing to decide is leather, Kydex, or other. I like Leather for OWB Carry, but Kydex for games. A quality leather holster doesn’t need retention screws, but most Kydex will have them.

Clips for OWB isn’t a good idea, IMO. For easy on and off, the wrap around straps work really well and don’t give up concealability. A good paddle works well for range work, but are less concealable IME.

The gun will matter too. A lot of holster companies have a very limited gun list. A Glock 19 will have a lot more options than a 92 Compact.

[RJ]

RCS Perun comes to mind.

https://rcsgear.com/perun-strongside-owb/


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[Alpha Sierra]

Some options that fit most of your needs, from my favorite holster maker:

https://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0d...8b43b86c33c995

https://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0d...f953e447a1592b

https://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0d...a9c65a5501c438

https://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0d...fa59ed5d294680

https://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0d...45885a05d27bfb


Other worthwhile options from

FIST holsters:
http://www.fist-holsters.com/storage...92-detail.html
http://www.fist-holsters.com/storage...87-detail.html

Tucker Gunleather:
https://tuckergunleather.com/hf1-belt-holster/

If true concealability with an OWB holster is important to you, leather wins over kydex every single time. Leather molds to you, kydex does not. That means fewer bulges and hard angles with leather.