“Universal” belt holster for full-size 9mm double-stack

[cluttonfred]

I am looking for a good general purpose tactical or military belt (not drop leg) holster that I could use for a Beretta APX and other typical modern double-stack 9mm pistols. Barring revolution, zombie apocalypse, or alien invasion, I will probably only use it for the range or maybe a pistol shooting class or competition. Surplus U.S. military gear like a nylon M12/UM84 is an obvious choice and I may go with that, but I welcome other suggestions. I do prefer a surplus military/police option or, if new, something *not* made in China. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[JTQ]

Initially reading the thread title and the first part of the post, I was thinking perhaps carry inside the home or perhaps walking around the property. However, reading this...

I will probably only use it for the range or maybe a pistol shooting class or competition.

I'd not use a generic holster for a training class or competition. I think you count on a holster too much in those instances for using a generic "universal" holster.

If that is really what you plan to use the holster for, I'd pick something made for the APX.

 

[marvin02]

Phalanx Defense Stealth holster.

Made it the USA, $35 and it does fit multiple guns, check out some YouTube videos.

I have the full size it both OWB and IWB. I like it.

 

[cluttonfred]

Thanks, that’s the kind of suggestion I was hoping for, I’ll check it out.

 

[cluttonfred]

I went ahead and ordered the full-size (referring to the holster, not the gun) Phalanx OWB holster for my APX. They even gave me a discount if I would try it with my Beretta M1951 (a gun not on their list) and send them a photo if it fits.

 

[Armored farmer]

I like Tagua 4-in-1.
Iwb, owb, sob.

 

[marvin02]

I went ahead and ordered the full-size (referring to the holster, not the gun) Phalanx OWB holster for my APX. They even gave me a discount if I would try it with my Beretta M1951 (a gun not on their list) and send them a photo if it fits.

Looking forward to how it works for you.

 

[cluttonfred]

Got the Phalanx holster and...it's not for me. Even though my Beretta APX was on the "will fit" list, it's a such a tight fit that's it's hard to put it in the holster one-handed and still keep your pants on even with a strong pistol belt. It also requires quite a yank to draw it. I'm going to send it back and get a Galco Switchback, which is also a holster that should work for a variety of pistols. Optics planet has them for $39.

PS--The Phalanx didn't work for my M1951 either. You could holster it but there was almost no retention, not at all secure.

 

[Dibbs]

I've got a Galco holster which is made for glock. Not a glock person, myself, but most of my full size double stacks
fit this leather holster.

 

[cluttonfred]

Yes, that is an advantage to some leather or nylon holsters that can flex to fit different guns. This is what it says about that model of the Galco Switchback:

SA8-45B also fits the following guns:
BERETTA APX, PX4 STORM 9/40 * CZ P-07, P10C * FN 509, FNP 9/40, FNX 9/40 * GLOCK 17, 22, 31 * HK VP9 * RUGER AMERICAN 9/40, SR40, SR9 * S&W 39, 4006, 4046, 411, 439, 459, 59, 5904, 639, 659, 6904, 915, M&P 9/40, M&P M2.0 9/40 4.25", SW99 9mm /.40 Full Size * SARSILMAZ SAR9 * SIG-SAUER M18, P225 (P6), P228, P229, P229 w/rail, P229 w/rail bobbed hammer, P320 COMPACT 9/40, P320 XCOMPACT 9/40 * STOEGER STR-9 * TAURUS 24/7 .40, 24/7 .45 ACP, 24/7 9MM, G3, TH9 * WALTHER P99, PPQ, PPQ M2 4"

 

[Old Dog]

I'd not use a generic holster for a training class or competition. I think you count on a holster too much in those instances for using a generic "universal" holster.

I've gotta second this. As the saying goes, buy once, cry once. Speaking solely for myself, I have never found a generic "one holster fits this many handguns" to be of (1) sufficient quality to use for lasting retention and (2) sufficient quality to use for repetitive draws in training.

Not to mention the fact that there's a lot of quality Kydex out there (Mission First Tactical, Blade-Tec, Com-Tac, K-Rounds to name only a few) that sell quality Kydex holsters for specific models at relatively low prices. I frankly see no advantage to a holster that fits different guns ...