Glock 23 Holster Advice

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SwaneeSR

SwaneeSR

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I recently purchased my first Glock and I would like to purchase a holster without breaking the bank. I would also like to avoid a drawer full of holsters I never use.

Can someone give me advice on what holster to try for my Glock 23?

Winter carry while on walks in the woods. I prefer leather, thinking outside on the belt, this pistol may be a little big for inside the belt. I am not sure what holster to get for this thing. Is there kind of an entry level holster the majority of owners think is a good value?

Thanks.
 
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Take a look at the Blackhawk line. I've got a number of their holsters and like them all so far. Cost around 60 bucks for good leather.
 
I just went through this same thing only for a glock 19. I went with a bianchi remedy it was about $40 on amazon. I typically prefer leather holster with out a retention strap. This holster seems well made but was a very tight fit. After a few days of leaving the gun in the holster it has loosened up enough to allow a smooth draw while still holding the gun securely.

Good luck with what ever you get.
 
G23 IWB is not difficult at all with a proper holster.

I've had this Kramer for 8 years. I got it used. I've tried a bunch but I like this design the best for IWB. Still going strong after all this time.
http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=7&categoryID=23

It's triple your budget. But you can find this style in the $50 range.

Shop USED holsters online or at your local gun show.

For OWB, I'd also go with leather. Kydex can break in a struggle as I've seen on the internet, and it's noisier.
 
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Not all leather, but I'm sold on Concealment Solutions Sidewinders. I have one for nearly every handgun I own.
 
I would also like to avoid a drawer full of holsters I never use.
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I really think there is no getting around this. What I like, you may hate. Everybody is different. Even if you get the worlds best holster, wearing a gun will not be as comfortable as not wearing your gun. You'll see some other holster that looks interesting and think maybe that one is better than what I have and end up trying that one to see if you can find something that is better. We all do it.

I am not sure what holster to get for this thing. Is there kind of an entry level holster the majority of owners think is a good value?
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My definition of "entry level" may be different than others, but when I see entry level, I think you don't really know how you want to carry. Either Inside the Waistband (IWB) or Outside the Waistband (OWB), strong side, weak side, more cant, less cant, high ride, lower ride, etc.

For entry level, I recommend a dual use holster. One that will allow different options that will help you decide what you prefer on the first try so you have a better idea of what you want when you inevitably get your second holster.

If you'd like kydex, which I always think is a good match for Glocks, Raven Concealment Systems Phantom http://rcsgear.com

This is one of the most concealable kydex OWB holsters available (of course, just about every kydex maker now produces a copy of this holster) and with an extra set of attachments, you can wear it either OWB or IWB. You can also adjust the ride height and cant giving you lots of different options to try out with the purchase of just one holster.

If you'd prefer leather, the Simply Rugged Cuda, with the inside/out straps, will also give you the OWB/IWB option as well as cross draw. http://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cuda-.cfm?item_id=407&parent=669

Both are very good holsters in their own right, but the advantage they give to the first time user with all of their adjustability options, makes them both excellent values regardless of what they cost.

The first thing you need to do though, is to get a good gun belt. Even a light gun like the G19 will feel more comfortable with a good belt. At the very least, get a Wildernes Tactical 5-Stitch Instructor belt. They are very lightweight, adjustable, and inexpensive. Make sure you follow their sizing instructions. Your belt size won't be the same as you jeans size. The Frequent Flyer version is probably a good place to start.

http://www.thewilderness.com/tactical-belts/
 
SwaneeSR said:
I would also like to avoid a drawer full of holsters I never use.
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Aw, man, it's like my wife said, "Nice leather holsters are like women's shoes." She said this while I was showing her a beautiful OWB belt slide holster, encouraging me to buy it.

You WILL have more holsters, so buy one, try it, then get ya another!

Super advice from JTQ all the way around, but especially the belt.
 
Reconsider your IWB carry for your glock 23.

I use Kydex becaue of the rigidity and the retention. The new holster from Raven is injection molded and custom configurable. I like that idea. Got one on the way for a little test and eval time.
 
My 23 rides in a Raven Concealment Phantom for OWB. (3-5:00)

It's in a Crossbreed Supertuck Horsehide for IWB. (5:00)

Anything leather just isn't going to get pulled in as well as the Ravens Holster. Even my pretty 1911's that I'd rather not put in Kydex are being carried in Kydex.
 
I really think there is no getting around this. What I like, you may hate. Everybody is different. Even if you get the worlds best holster, wearing a gun will not be as comfortable as not wearing your gun. You'll see some other holster that looks interesting and think maybe that one is better than what I have and end up trying that one to see if you can find something that is better. We all do it.
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Inevitably a gun owner/carrier will end up with a pile of holsters for various guns and mags. I think the trick though is to only buy quality stuff from the start - generally fitted leather or kydex. Rarely are nylon holsters for IWB carry going to work well. With the proper holster though, I've found that the handgun mostly is worn and forgotten that it's there.
 
Have you considered one from these guys?

http://aliengearholsters.com/

I really like them. They are IWB but they do make OWB as well. They are certainly more affordable than some of the others mentioned. However, I would avoid the metal clips and go with the straps instead.

Well, I see they actually come with plastic clips now. I still would get the straps though.
 
rcmodel said it...post #2 (for me anyhow)

rcmodel said:
The absolute best low cost holster you can buy for any Glock is a Glock Sport Holster.

I have a box full of expensive holsters, and it's still the one I use when I want ultimate safety, flatness, security, and a lightening fast draw.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/59...pf_ci_google&gclid=CPP7zfmMqcMCFfIF7Aodzy0Abg

The Glock mag pouches offer the same advantages.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/45...2-33-34-35-polymer-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding
rc
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That right there...in post #2. rcmodel said it all. 20 years of carrying various Glocks around and I've found no better holster that the inexpensive, ugly plastic Glock Sport/Combat holster.

I've used Galco, Bullard, Don Hume, etc., etc. and go back to the Glock one. It is the most comfortable and flat carrying holster I've tried. Got my Glock 23 OD in one right now.
 
Long time GLOCK shooter and I've settled on two holsters...

OWB - GLOCK Sport Holster
IWB - Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe

OBTW, both of these holsters will work with the baby, full, and mid-sized GLOCKs.

Edmo
 
Thank you Gentlemen.

Thank you Gentlemen.

I should be able to wade through the wilderness of holster options and get something ordered this weekend. Looks like I need to reconsider the IWB for the Glock. My carry gun is a Kahr single stack 9mm that I have IWB located at 4:30 or 5:00.

My definition for entry level was about $65. I hadn't thought about leather and Summer problems. Summer in MN is like 70 days starting July 4th.... Guess it is common to have different holsters for different occasions.
 
Even though I have holsters that cost three times as much I always recommend the Galco Concealable for people that want a good OWB holster that won't break the bank. Funny thing is though, and why I don't post in very many holster threads, most people are so concerned with price they can't see the forest through the trees. ;)

The exact reason why so many will waste $400 on eight holsters that really suck instead of buying two or three for $400 that will last a lifetime. Pay your money and take your chances. But before you take any advice from anyone, ask them if they have owned a holster made by Alessi, Kramer, Bulman or Tony Kanaley. If they give you a dumb look run away. ;)
 
a lot of people like the standard, $19 Glock sport holster.
 
I've had good experiences with RDR Holsters (IWB and OWB) as well as Wild Bill Holsters (IWB) for my Glock 19/23/30S.

Truth be told, however, my favorite style is the Milt Sparks Versamax/Galco V-Hawk leather IWB.

Glock 23 is plenty easy to conceal IWB with a good belt and holster.
 
I personally like the Don Hume H721 OT holster, it's OWB, leather (black or brown) and can be found on Ebay usually for around $35-45. I've had several in the past and several currently and for the price, they're a very good holster. It has good retention, holds it close in to the body and has the sweat shield so the bare slide isn't touching your skin.
 
For your stated carry, IMO, you can't beat the Fobus paddle holster. Light, inexpensive, quick to put on, secure and very comfortable. I don't carry mine for "walks in the woods", but the Fobus is my favorite range holster. When wearing it, I often forget I'm carrying. That is until my arm bumps the gun.

I have a much more expensive, leather clad paddle holster (forget who made it) and the little Glock factory one. The Fobus is my favorite. The Glock brand one a close second. The Glock brand one is also comfortable and cheap, but is not as easy or quick to mount on the hip.
 
I'm a fan of the Fobus Holsters and for the money it's worth the cost to have one to fit all of the guns you might want to carry. I have maybe a dozen that fit a multitude of my handguns.
Cheap, handy, quick on and off, maybe not the closest body hugging design but for what you are describing I think one would fill your immediate needs.
I just haven't warmed up to IWB just yet, I guess I need to try oversized pants some day and see if that helps.
 
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