{"id":9054,"date":"2022-06-08T16:14:50","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T16:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=9054"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:14:15","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:14:15","slug":"best-glock-19-holster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/best-glock-19-holster\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Quest to Find the Best Glock 19 Holster"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are a ton of articles plastered across the internet claiming to review the best Glock 19 holster. Unfortunately, most of these articles are heavily influenced by affiliate relationships and free sample products. In our experience, many of the most popular holsters on the market gained a good portion of their following through biased reviews.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s frustrating that the endorsements of so many gun industry influencers are so easily bought with free merchandise and cool t-shirts. Backing a sub-par product does more than just put an influencer\u2019s name on the line. It could potentially put the lives of their followers on the line, especially when it comes to holsters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, a good number of the best-selling holsters for the Glock 19 aren\u2019t worth the gunpowder it would take to blow them across the street.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why I wanted to write a real review of quality Glock 19 holsters for real, everyday carriers like me. These recommendations aren\u2019t slanted by free products, cash, or trendy clothing. None of these companies sent me any samples or incentives in exchange for positive reviews.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Have other companies tried to woo me with free stuff? Yes. Yes, they have.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, we value integrity. I also think your safety and the safety of your family are too important to recommend a holster based on how many freebies the company dropped in my mailbox. Nope. These are all holsters we trust enough to put our stamp of approval on. We also trust them with our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Look for in a Glock 19 Holster<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been carrying your Glock for some time, there\u2019s a high probability that you\u2019ve test-driven a few different holsters<\/a>. You might even have some of the best-selling options listed on marketplace websites. You probably also tossed a few of those holsters into a box or drawer, where they rarely (if ever) see the light of day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
My box of junk holsters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Holsters are expensive. It sucks to invest a bunch of money into a holster only for it to be too frustrating to wear. I feel your pain, and I have a junk drawer full of barely-used holsters to prove it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully, these reviews will help save you some cash and some space in that junk drawer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you look at this list, my holster biases are incredibly apparent. I know not all carriers share my preferences, but it is impossible for these reviews not to be at least slightly influenced by mine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

IWB (Inside the Waistband)<\/span><\/h3>\n

First, I\u2019m coming at this from a concealed carry perspective. Are there great OWB holsters for your Glock 19 out there? Absolutely! I have a fabulous paddle holster that I use when I\u2019m bowhunting, just in case I come across something nefarious in the woods. However, if you picked a Glock 19 over the Glock 17<\/a>, odds are good you wanted something you can conceal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
An OWB holster is ideal when accessibility is everything and concealment isn\u2019t a priority.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An OWB (outside the waistband) holster is ideal when accessibility is everything and concealment isn\u2019t a priority. However, in the world of civilian carry (at least when you aren\u2019t running around in the woods), concealment is king, and it\u2019s worlds easier to conceal a Glock 19 in an IWB holster. <\/span><\/p>\n

Passive Retention<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a life-or-death situation, I don\u2019t want to fiddle with straps or thumb breaks to gain access to my weapon. The holsters on this list all use passive retention, which means the molded shape of the holster holds the weapon in place until you need to draw.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kydex<\/span><\/h3>\n

Functional, low-maintenance, sturdy, and lightweight, Kydex (or Kydex-like materials) are currently THE best way to protect your EDC sidearm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kydex is a trademarked thermoplastic, so not all holsters can boast the name. For example, Safariland uses its proprietary thermoplastic alloy called Boltaron.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, in today\u2019s world, Kydex is to holsters what Kleenex is to facial tissues. The word has become a generic catch-all term for all things thermoplastic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Glock 19 Holster Reviews<\/span><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve evaluated each of our favorite Glock 19 holsters in six categories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Comfort<\/span><\/h3>\n

If a holster isn\u2019t comfortable, you\u2019re going to be tempted to leave the whole setup at home. Any handgun worn on your person is better than the one you left in the gun safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A good holster is comfortable enough that you can wear it for hours and almost forget it’s there. Holster comfort means different things to different people, so we tested these holsters on two very different body types (which are admittedly two opposite ends of the body-type spectrum).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Me – AKA a small-framed, 5\u20194\u201d female who weighs 125 pounds after a big meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Daniel – My son, who measures in at 6\u20192\u201d with 230 pounds of rock-solid muscle.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Retention<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Retention is simply the holster\u2019s ability to hold on to your Glock. The base test for retention is inserting the handgun into the holster and flipping it upside down. If the gun falls out, the holster fails the retention test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    There aren\u2019t many opportunities for a holster to wind up completely upside down during everyday activities. However, defensive situations are usually dynamic. That means you\u2019ll need your sidearm to stay put until you draw it, even if you have to run, crawl, roll, or climb a fence to evade danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Checking
    Your Glock should stay inside your holster, even when you’re squatting or bending over.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    You also need your Glock to stay securely inside your holster while you\u2019re doing everyday activities like driving, bending over, climbing stairs, and even dropping your drawers to use the restroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Still, too much retention can be a bad thing. You don\u2019t want to fight the holster to draw your weapon when you need it. Most holsters allow you to adjust the retention, so you can find your one personal sweet spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

    There is another type of retention that isn\u2019t always discussed in online holster reviews – how well the holster stays attached to the carrier. A holster doesn\u2019t do much good if the whole thing, pistol and all, falls off when you bend over to pick up your kid or pet a dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protection<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Because your Glock will spend most of its life riding around in your EDC holster, that holster should offer plenty of protection from bumps, thumps, dirt, and sweat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    For safety, a quality holster will also offer ample trigger protection. Your Glock’s entire trigger should be covered by the holster to prevent accidental discharge. Every holster on our list provides complete trigger coverage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Concealment<\/span><\/h3>\n

    A top-notch concealed carry holster will virtually disappear under your clothing. However, there are tons of factors that impact concealability, including the carrier\u2019s body structure and clothing choices. Keeping that in mind, we tried to compare apples to apples as much as possible. That means we monitored the printing of each holster under a similar outfit of jeans and a plaid flannel shirt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ease of Draw<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Nothing is worse than having to grapple with your holster when you need to get your weapon into a fight. The best CCW holsters will allow you to efficiently and smoothly draw your Glock with a proper, ready-to-shoot grip from any position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s worth pointing out here that no matter which holster your Glock rides around in, the best way to gain confidence and proficiency with your weapon is to practice. That includes drawing and holstering your weapon. Don\u2019t wait until you find yourself in a life-or-death situation to work out the kinks. Work some practice into your everyday routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Adjustability<\/span><\/h3>\n

    No two shooters are exactly the same. Differences in body structure, hand size, and personal preferences can make what one shooter considers pure paradise absolute Hell for another. Holster adjustability helps solve that problem by allowing the shooter to customize cant, ride height, and retention to suit individual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

    There are few holsters you can pull straight from the packaging that feel perfect on your body. However, a quality holster will allow you to do some fine-tuning to find that nearly flawless fit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Best Glock 19 Holster – Our Top Picks<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Odin Holsters Valknut Inside-the-Waistband Holster<\/span><\/a> – 4.5\/5\"Odin<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Comfort 4.5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    There\u2019s nothing flashy about this holster. It\u2019s simple and unpretentious, and yet somehow manages to be the most comfortable IWB we\u2019ve tested to date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It might be voodoo magic, but we think it more likely has to do with the rounded edges that not only hug your Glock, but also hug your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    We ordered the Valknut with a closed-cut holster bottom, and it makes a huge difference in comfort. The rounded edges don\u2019t dig into soft body parts, and there are never any startling cold brushes of the slide against warm skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    We also ordered the Valknut with the high back sweat guard. We\u2019re firm believers in sweat guards, mostly because the Glock 19\u2019s rear slide serrations can be pretty uncomfortable rubbing against your midsection, especially when you\u2019re carrying all day. \"The<\/span><\/p>\n

    Retention 5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The retention on this one was near perfect right out of the gate, and it didn\u2019t loosen with use. It also provides a very positive lock when holstering your Glock, so there\u2019s never any doubt that your sidearm is firmly seated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The retention is also super easy to adjust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protection 5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The Valknut is made from thick, sturdy Kydex and tough, rugged hardware.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The rounded lower edge not only keeps a cold muzzle from pressing against your skin but also protects your barrel from laundry lint and thigh sweat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    We also highly recommend ordering the Valknut with a high back sweat guard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Concealment 5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Odin\u2019s Modwing Claw will cost an additional ten bucks, but it is well worth the investment. It changes the angle of the handgun, pushing the grip closer to the body to reduce printing. \"Image<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ease of Draw 4.5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    This one rides a smidge high compared to most of the holsters we tried, but the ride height and the streamlined cut make it super easy to get a solid grip on your Glock.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Adjustability 3\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Although retention is simple to tune, the Valknut doesn\u2019t offer a ton of adjustability. The cant can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees, but you\u2019ll have to make do with the ride height. Lucky for both of us, it feels damn near perfect as it is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Scoring an impressive 4.5 out of 5, the Odin Valknut IWB ended up being our top pick\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"OdinWe tested this holster pretty much on a whim, partly because we like the company\u2019s name and partly because we\u2019d heard some positive chatter about it in a few gun circles. We\u2019re so glad we did!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Although Odin Holsters is basically a no-name newcomer, with quality like this, they won\u2019t be a no-name for long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    What We Love<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Although we\u2019re tempted to say \u201ceverything,\u201d we also acknowledge that we\u2019re still kind of in the honeymoon phase of our relationship with this holster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    We also really love their badass logo!<\/span><\/p>\n

    What We Would Change<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Because there are so many customizable features, you can build the perfect holster right on the company\u2019s website. If you get yours and there\u2019s something you would change, you probably didn\u2019t order it right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Best Glock 19 Holster – A Close Second Place<\/h2>\n

    G-Code Phenom Stealth<\/span><\/a> – 4\/5\"G-Code<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Comfort 4\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    I don\u2019t think it\u2019s possible to find an IWB holster with perfect comfort scores. However, this one comes pretty freakin\u2019 close.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Kydex is well-known for being hard, cold, and uncomfortable. G-Code addressed the issue by covering the exterior of their Phenom Stealth holster in \u201cTactical Fuzz.\u201d An almost suede-like coating, \u201ctactical fuzz\u201d is soft, making it perfect for those times you need to wear your holster directly against your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Phenom Stealth also has a high-cut backside that covers the entire slide, serving as a plush barrier between the cold metal of your Glock and the soft skin of your abdomen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    G-Code also built this holster with a rounded edge at the muzzle to prevent cold, hard metal from digging into your thigh. I was able to sit all day and almost forget I was wearing my Glock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Retention 5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    \"AuthorWe love how easily the low-profile mounting system slips on the belt. That doesn\u2019t mean the clip doesn\u2019t hold the holster in place, it actually does that quite well. However, when you need to remove the holster, it comes off purposefully and easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The holster\u2019s interior fuzz adds some resistance on the draw. You\u2019ll need a firm pull to draw from this holster. While you can loosen the holster\u2019s retention to compensate for the extra drag, it can be a little tricky. The retention screws also screw into the claw, and they threaten to fall out completely if you loosen them too much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protection 4\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    G-Code\u2019s Tactical Fuzz lines the interior of the holster, providing a soft surface to reduce wear and tear on your Glock. This is a particularly handy feature if you have to regularly draw and re-holster your weapon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Kydex itself is sturdy and the clip is solid and obviously built to last. We also appreciate the high-cut Kydex sweat guard that not only prevents rubbing and pinching but also protects your Glock from corrosive sweat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Concealment 5\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Have we mentioned the \u201cTactical Fuzz?\u201d This stuff isn\u2019t just for comfort. It also creates a matte finish that doesn\u2019t catch the eye as easily as shiny black Kydex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The holster lays fairly flat on the waist, thanks to G-Code\u2019s patented MoClaw (a tension device that drives the butt of your Glock into your body to minimize printing). Although some internet reviewers claim this claw sits too low on the holster to be effective, we had zero problems with it. This holster laid flatter to the body than most of the other holsters on the list. \"G-Code<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ease of Draw 3\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    G-Code designed their Phenom Stealth with a streamlined cut of the Kydex that allows for a full grip and consistent draw. Getting a ready-to-shoot grip from this holster is no problem at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Tactical Fuzz does produce some drag on the weapon during the draw stroke. The extra friction was a little unsettling at first and definitely took some getting used to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    G-Code claims the interior suede-like finish is there to deliver a \u201cwhisper quiet performance.\u201d It\u2019s true, and this holster earned the name \u201cStealth\u201d fair and square. There is no scraping Kydex noise when you draw your Glock. However, we don\u2019t think this is a major selling point for defensive shooting. There aren\u2019t many scenarios where a stealthy draw is an absolute necessity. However, there are plenty where a fast, smooth draw would be a major asset. If I had to choose, I\u2019d take fast and smooth over stealthy pretty much any day.\"G-Code<\/span><\/p>\n

    Adjustability 3\/5<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The Phenom Stealth offers five different angle options so you can adjust the cant to compliment your body mechanics, preferred carry position, and draw stroke.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The holster also offers adjustable retention. Loosening the retention can be a tricky affair as the screws seem to want to fall out of their slots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The final score: 4\/5<\/span><\/p>\n

    What We Love<\/strong><\/h4>\n