Dark Star Gear "Orion" (G19)

[blues]

When I first joined these forums five years ago, it was because I was searching for an updated holster for my Glocks. (I had been using Ky-Tac holsters made for me by Dave Elderton since the mid 90's.)

I was fortunate to purchase a JMCK "George" in G19 size which has served flawlessly. However, I always wanted to find another G19 sized holster to carry my G26 or G19 without necessarily having to carry the longer G17 holsters I have on hand.

Unfortunately, the search was less fruitful than I had hoped. A Mastermind special edition holster for P-F was beautifully crafted, but didn't conceal as well as I had hoped on my frame. I gifted that one to my buddy @TC215 when he purchased a Gen5 G26 a year or so back as he didn't have a dedicated holster for the new gun.

Then, I tried the Tenicor Velo 4 in G19 size, another very well made holster, but it too had a few issues. The body contour didn't always mate up well where I wanted to place the holster, the DCC clips were a bit fiddly and came out of adjustment a few times, and the holster didn't conceal quite as well as I'd have liked, mostly because of the lack of length...leaving the corner of the slide more noticeable than desired.

I wasn't aware that Tom, @Dark Star Gear , had begun building G19 sized Orions until it came up during a phone call with my friend @Jason M who told me that that is what he uses with his G26.

I contacted Tom and asked him if he had one that I could try out since I hadn't any luck with G19 sized holsters but for the "George" from JMCK.

Yesterday, I received a "lovely" toxic green Orion in G19 size. I had hoped to try it out with the DCC clips in place of Tom's standard metal clip, but now that I've worn it some, I'm not sure it's necessary. (Though I'm still curious.)

I was expecting to be disappointed by the smaller holster, figuring that it wouldn't tuck as well, or maybe there'd be some roll out, slide corner exposure etc.

But no. This holster, on me at least, secures the G26 as tight to the body, maybe even tighter, than my two G17 sized versions...and this is with only the Dark Wing...no wedge or pad. And due to the shorter length, as comfortable as the 17 sized version is, this is even more comfortable and less "pokey".

I don't know if Tom incorporated any changes with this G19 sized holster as compared to the original G17 sized version, but I'm impressed with both the comfort and concealment...and not requiring a pad or wedge with the shorter length.

Obviously, this is early in the relationship, so I'll be experimenting with it more with different clothing and environments...but I'm very pleased thus far.

So, if you are considering a G19 sized holster, I feel like this is one worthy of serious consideration.

Image showing the comparison in length:

[Larry T]

Interesting timing. I just took delivery of an Orion 17-length this week. I wanted something for "drawstring carry" and had re-purposed a Velo with DCC clips for that purpose. As much as I've wanted to like Tenicor and the Velo, it just doesn't do it for me no matter how I use it. The built-in body contour never fit where I wanted to carry and the muzzle end of the Velo is straight / sharp-edged compared to the rounded muzzle of the JM Wing Claws and Orion. Plus my love affair with DCC Clips is over. I've gone back to PTD loops for belt carry.

So since I already have several JM holsters I decided to try an Orion (17-length) with Their metal clip - it's a single wide clip appropriately strong and not over-built like the DCC clips. I carried a G26 in the Orion with a Teardrop Pad and found the Dark Star clip so much easier to work with than two DCC clips. Tom also suggested I try running a piece of aquarium tubing into the drawstring channel to give the clip more to hold on to. I found the Orion so much more comfortable on a long walk today compared to the Velo.

[blues]

I've never bothered trying any "fixes" with the metal clip. It seems like having a slightly thicker belt, in my case various Mastermind offerings, helps the clip get good purchase...though it still allows a little leeway for movement on the belt. In other words, not 100% locked into position, but not problematic.

With gym attire, I always felt it grabbed pretty well without any further enhancement. If I need more, I just use the Mastermind "Specialist Covert" to lock things in place...either under or over the gym shorts or sweatpants, but under a t-shirt. Good piece of gear to consider to allow flexibility.

[Larry T]

... If I need more, I just use the Mastermind "Specialist Covert" to lock things in place...either under or over the gym shorts or sweatpants, but under a t-shirt. Good piece of gear to consider to allow flexibility.

I hadn't thought of the Covert. How would the Covert work with PTD loops instead of a metal clip?

[blues]

I hadn't thought of the Covert. How would the Covert work with PTD loops instead of a metal clip?

It should work fine...and probably be a bit more stable.

[WobblyPossum]

I like mine a lot and happily recommend it to anyone looking for an AIWB holster. DSG products have served me well.

[blues]

So far the G19 sized Orion is punching above its weight. Without a muzzle pad, wedge or pillow it has been very comfortable, conceals as well as its big brothers, and I really don't have a bad thing to say about it.

It's a definite step up for the G26 from the 17 length, (imho), without any "short"comings.

Don't know what else I can say other than it's the only other G19 sized holster I have found to be effective in all the areas that matter to me.

[jeffhughes]

I’m a big fan of the g19 size Orion

[Crashpad]

It looks like I may need to pick one of these up. Both of my current Orions are G17 length and work great for normal carry but I've recently started commuting via motorcycle and the extra length is causing the holster to push up more than I'd like.

[Crashpad]

It looks like I may need to pick one of these up. My current Orions are G17 length and work great for normal carry but I've recently started commuting via motorcycle and the extra length is causing the holster to push up more than I'd like.