Does paddle=concealed?

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I'm looking for a concealed carry holster for a Glock 17. A paddle holster seems like it would be convenient since I could just slip the holster and rig off and leave it in my truck.

Where I work doesn't allow firearms in the office but does permit me to leave it in my vehicle. I would prefer to be able to just slip the whole rig off as opposed to walking around with an empty holster.

I read somewhere that paddle holsters aren't very good concealment rigs. Is that true?

Are all paddle holsters the same? Any better than the others?

thanx.

 

[michiganfan]

I use a fobus paddle holster everyday. I have no problems concealing it. I am like you my employer doesnt allow guns in the building. I also spend a lot of time in courthouses so I am always taking off and putting on the paddle.

 

[Frandy]

I use and like paddle holsters, but I find that belt snap loop systems keep the weapon closer to the body and come off your belt just as easily. Quite a few manufactureres now have these. Here's one example at one of my favorite distributors, Gunners Alley:

http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/MRPREMIERCBG19

 

[Pilgrim]

I have carried a full size 1911 in an Uncle Mike's 'kydex' paddle holster for two years. It conceals as well as any other holster for me.

Pilgrim

 

[Lennyjoe]

Lot of things depend on your acceptance of concealability.

If you live where you can wear a jacket or a light overcoat then the paddle will work. The paddle is a bit easier to remove but so is a quality IWB holster. You can either get them with the button loops, a belt clip ect.

For me here in Arizona, I prefer an IWB holster to help keep the weapon closer to my body. A light tee or button down shirt is the norm here so concealability is an issue as well as printing.

The only time I use anything other than IWB is when I'm open carrying and printing isnt an issue.

 

[Old Fuff]

The paddle design was popularized by Bill Rogers (now working with Safariland) and was intended for concealment. If the paddle is correctly made it will conceal as well as any OWB holster, but not as well as a IWB which holds the gun tighter to the body. It does offer an easy "on-off" feature, and the paddle tends to keep the rig positioned where it should be. In addition some models allow you to adjust the angle of the holster pouch. The paddle holster is one of those things you'll either like or hate. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground. If you continue to be interested in this kind of holster, check out Safariland at: www.safariland.com or www.holsters.com

 

[Leatherneck]

I use a paddle every day, but with a long-tail shirt untucked, or a vest or jacket, depending on the weather. It's convenient for those times when you have to temporarily disarm.

TC

 

[PlayboyPenguin]

I have a Galco paddle holster for my .357mag SP101 and it sticks out like a sore thumb. It looks like I am carrying a canteen on my hip. It sits kind of low and sticks out kind of far but the worst part is the shape of the paddle makes you have to carry it in a certain position on your hip. You can't move it very far to the back.

 

[XLMiguel]

I just picked up a Bianchi model 83 PADDLELOK for my 1911. It's adjustable to height and cant, and I wear it at 4 o'clock. It holds the gun in nice and tight and it is very discrete under a cover shirt or jacket, FWIW. The paddlelok takes a little practive to get used to, but it holds the gun securely, maybe better than a thumb-break. Worth a look.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I like paddle holsters because the distribute the gun's weight over a greater area of skin and bone, and can be shifted back and forth with ease.

I carry openly all day long at work, and much of the rest of the time, too, so concealability doesn't make a great deal of difference to me.

 

[Ryder]

I read somewhere that paddle holsters aren't very good concealment rigs. Is that true?

As mentioned they don't ride very close to the body. Also, if the gun fits tight enough in the holster to prevent it from falling out accidentally (as it should IMO) a one handed presentation gets real sloppy.

I like paddle holsters just fine though. Been using them for 30 years. The trick I learned is to put the rig under the belt (outside the pants). The belt holds it in place tight to the body. To mount or dismount the rig is as simple as undoing your belt buckle to get a little slack.

 

[PlayboyPenguin]

Ryder,

I take it you are a lefty. Good advice by the way.

 

[Ryder]

Negative Mr Penguin. It is a reverse image.

The picture was snapped in my bathroom mirror. That is not a lousy camera shot those are water spots on the mirror. Nothing better than long steamy showers!

I fixed it for you

 

[PlayboyPenguin]

Duh, I should have been able to tell that from the zipper on your jeans being reversed.