TOP OWB Holsters for EVERYTHING!
And other ramblings from the BRAIN INJURY
TL:DR:
Same shit, different day (IOW, buy what you like you BERZERKER, you!)
Most handgun holsters today are made of Kydex, or a mix of Kydex and something less stiff, maybe more pleasing to the eye, like leather. Kydex is thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride, a compound invented in the 60s mostly for aircraft interiors. People started calling it “Kydex”, one might suppose, because “thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride” is as rough as Hitler’s Deutch on the fat, delicate American butt-licker (that’s the tongue, for all the scientists). From aircraft interiors, Kydex was adapted to ol' bull-riding Uncle Sammy’s favorite toy–the hand canon! Et Voila! The perfect way to carry one’s lethal munitions–in a cold steel jammy jammed in a thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride holster–right there on the hip, like Quickdraw McGraw or Abuela and her chancla.
A bit on leather
I am aware that leather holsters are still prolific today. They look grand and can last for years. Decades if well cared for. Reader beware: I’m leaving leather off the list (mostly). Leather holsters have been known to “fold over”, inwards, towards the opening of the holster. This can cause problems when re-holstering the weapon, as the fold can slow things down and possibly jam into the trigger guard. This may cause an ND (negligent discharge), especially in competition when one is nervous (there may not be much re-holstering in a home invasion or other real-world offensive/defensive situation, but that’s for another article). Now, I’ve worked professionally in firearms as an instructor and RSO (range safety officer) and haven’t seen this phenomenon personally, but I can see the concern. I don’t, personally, share the concern as I believe there’s always a risk when doing dangerous shit like slinging lead at 2,000 fps downrange. The risk of leather holsters is likely negligible, not negligent, but take my word with a grain of fine sand. My first holster for combat operations was, I believe, an old Safariland thigh rig made of stiff Cordura. How much you wanna bet I can throw a football over them mountains? …
Most readers are going to lean heavily to the tactical side of things, anyway, and most aren’t using leather. Some other space aged shit, maybe (Boltaron). Let me know.
Holsters will be broken down as follows:
Range use (EDC and tactical gunbelts)
OWB concealed
OWB open carry
Home defense
3-Gun competition
Outdoor/hunting
And, kinky leather lovers and SASS folks (of which I am one, SASS #112241, being that I love to dress up and role-play–just not in leather) I shall not forget you. How about some great single action holsters?
Keep in mind, ladies and gents, that the following picks are meant to open the world to you. These are my OPINIONS based on experience in the military, as a shootist, range safety officer, self-defense aficionado and firearms rep. If you disagree, or have something to add, then give FM 7-8 some money, honey, or just SUBSCRIBE for free and leave a comment!
Alright then! Come’on and git.
Everyday Range
This is the lower-profile range holster when the shooter wishes to travel less encumbered. That is to say, most days because, let’s face it, most of us are lazy and ammo is heavy. Belts, even this sweet little 1.5 inch number by SubSecond, pouches, cases, optics, cleaning shit, gloves, eye and ear pro etc. should be kept to a minimum on short trips and grind days when it’s all about slinging garbage ammo through the Glock.
G-Code OSL (Operational Series-Light)
My choice in the Everyday Range category is the G-Code OSL (Operational Series-Light). G-Code is American Warrior owned, and USA made, based in Burgaw, NC. This gat-holder is truly modular, able to be swapped with G-Code’s entire line. Mounting options are varied and should be chosen based on preference. The holster shown is the light-bearing option, which I will always choose if given the choice. Having a reliable light to see what the hell you’re shooting is always a great idea. ‘Nuff said. From the G-Code website:
OSL (Operational Series-Light) holster. This holster is everything you love about our OSH and SOC holsters rolled into one. The OSL now gives the shooter the ability to carry their weapon and light in a single piece, precision formed, level one holster. The OSL is available in Standard or RTI configuration and will also accommodate weapons equipped with RMR's or like optics. Available with or without shirt guards and for a variety of Weapon/Light combinations. The OSL fits a variety of applications ranging from Plain-Clothes or Off-Duty carry to Competition Shooting and Tactical Applications. You asked, we delivered!
Tactical Range
The tactical range holster is the classic “battle belt”. This is that piece of apocalypse gear that goes in the back of the truck, waiting, salivating over the possibility of imminent mass destruction lurking just over that ridge. I focus this holster choice on a few attributes: more depth than Edgar Allen Poe, level one cling AND level two cling (retention), both attributes that keep that burner in your own centerline, not in the mitts of the level two clinger standing in your apartment, who just wanted to work things out with you, but now she can’t, and this is the only way.
Red Balloon Industries/Safariland QLS Tier 1
Red Balloon Industries is an American Warrior owned business with a focus on mods for holsters as well as, what appear to be, originals. Exceptional work. Shown is the Tier 1 with spring option in Cordura wrap. Custom belt slider is additional. I recommend the Cordura wrap because it’s what I have, and I think it looks and feels premium as hell. I also have the Tier 1 with thumbreak instead of the spring hood. To each his own. RBI says of the Tier One Cordura Wrapped QLS:
The Tier One QLS holster is our top-of-the-line Duty/Tactical system.
Each Tier One Cordura Wrapped QLS holster comes with your choice of solid colored or camo patterned cordura kydex and your choice of Spring Hood or Thumb Break retention.
Each Tier One QLS holster comes equipped with a Safariland QLS fork, you will need a belt slide in order to attach it to your assault belt. Add a matching Red Balloon Industries height adjustable belt slide here.
Do you have a weapon light? Add the light bearing option here.
If you don't see your weapon light listed, contact us and we'll give you an address to ship your light to us and we'll return it with your completed order.
Don't see your pistol listed? Contact us, we can probably get you sorted.
Lead Time:
Average lead time is approximately 12 weeks.
Sometimes quicker.
Sometimes longer.
Be patient, I assure you it's worth it.
Purchasing from Red Balloon Industries IS worth it but plan your shit ahead of time. Maybe get your basic rig together first by rounding things out with a bangin’ new GUNBELT!
OWB Concealed
Now we gone ninja. Mayhap it’s Winter’s cold embrace you’re feeling, or the warmth of hardboiled RAGE, either way, you don’t give a barrel of fucks about a little printing. A close-fitting OWB is great for baggy clothing or big ass Warriors, who can hide their firearms with frame. Others like the comfort and don’t worry much about the outline of a pistol grip. Either way, a good OWB concealed holster can be a solid EDC companion.
C&G Covert
Super simple, super effective this one is. Solid, scratch resistant, the molded belt loops bend the holster into the shootist’s body, making for a VERY low-profile rig for EDC. One of the only holsters I have chosen without light bearing as an option, this is for a purpose: for smaller, more lithe gunslingers, the printing with a light could be too much. There is also a C&G OWB Tactical for light bearing if one might be crawling the mean skreets like Robert Pattinson. I use the Covert damn near daily in the Winter and I am like a friggin’ wraith, even at 67 inches of marbled muscle. From the mouth of C&G on the C&G OWB Covert:
FEATURES INCLUDED
C&G "Omega" adjustable retention system (Varies by make & model)
C&G "Kickramp" to aide in concealment (Varies by make & model)
Designed to fit with most RMR/Red Dots on the market Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint, Sig Romeo, etc. (Please list in Order Notes if you have the Trijicon SRO)
Open Bottom that will fit your Threaded Barrels & Compensators (Tyrant, Agency, Zev, PMM, etc) (Varies by make & model)
Custom C&G 1.75" belt loops
Tall sight channel (Red Dot/Suppressor height)
100% made in America, by Veterans and Law Enforcement and guaranteed for life!
Solid locking retention (audible and tactile “click” when securely holstered)
Proprietary molds and CNC milled means perfection for you and a level of precision that can’t be beaten. This means a level of comfort and concealment you have never experienced from a Kydex holster.
OWB Open Carry
There are many a fine shootist speaking out against open carry, and I feel the weight of their concerns. I can also see the appeal of brazen Patriotism. If a shootist goes full blown Texan, cowboy boots kickin’, wide brim hat like a tornado swirling and laying waste and decides to carry that fireball like a longhorn carries its horns, then take some precautions. Strong level 1 clinger, preferably level 2 or 3, in the off chance you tangle with a Tango and he gets his mitts on the boy. Give him some dancing lessons before you find yourself a grave man.
Rapid Force Level 2 Slim by Alien Gear
Here I chose the standard paddle, but there is a belt slide option as well. This is the Christian Bale in The Machinist version of Alien Gear’s Rapid Force Duty line, which is chalk full of options, including level 2 and 3 retentions. As for the Slim, level 2 retention lies in the thumb slide that releases hold on the weapon. This movement takes some getting used to—so take your trigger-happy ass to the range a few times before trying to Dicken mall shooters. For open carry, if you’d be so bold, it’s a great option to have a slim, easy-wearing holster with level 2 cling to it. Especially a system that’s simple to use. Here’s what Alien Gear has to say about the Rapid Force LVL 2 Slim:
This classic level 2 holster provides the safety of a duty holster in a slim, minimalist design. It maintains all the benefits of the Rapid Force Duty Holster with its fast, intuitive draw, maximum durability, and ultimate security; designed to fit in a slim form factor that is perfect for detective, security, or off-duty work that requires a level 2 holster.
Home Defense
Let’s be clear on this one: if someone breaks into one’s home, even the most PATRIOTIC AMERICAN WARRIOR SHOOTIST of all, with the intent to dispatch the strongest first—most humans are going down. Preparation be damned. For most instances, though, like those NOT involving prolific serial killers, the best bet is to have easy access to your sidearm that is REASONABLY secure. If it’s too secure, well shit, it’s no good. If it’s sitting out in the open, you got a six-year-old shooting a teacher. So, what does a home defense holster do for you? It gives you a place to re-holster when, inevitably, there’s a false alarm. It’s also there to sheath your katana for any other of a trillion reasons. What was I looking for? Well, primarily the ability to wear it in pajamas. While one can throw a gunbelt on, especially when sleeping in the nude, it isn’t always the most comfortable option as the belt can move around when not anchored to an inner belt or the like. So, my choice for holster in home defense is stand-alone and functional on any waistband.
Hasten Cordura OWB by Red Balloon Industries
The Hasten by RBI can be moved from belt to belt via “wings” on each side that form hooks that can be fastened and removed with ease. Anchors at the bottom of each hook keep the Hasten in place. This is a bad ass little holster, and its modularity makes it possible for this single piece to fill many of the spots on the TOP list. For simplicity, it has adjustable level 1 retention and is height adjustable. Beside all this, the Hasten is a beautiful holster. I love Cordura wrap because I’m a King, and if you go Cordura you can be a Queen/King too. Make sure, in keeping with my paranoia, you get the light bearing option when ordering. Here’s what Red Balloon Industries says about the Hasten Cordura OWB holster:
The Hasten OWB is our "Quick On/Quick Off" Outside the Waistband solution.
Utilizing Speed Ease Clips, you can easily don or doff your holster without having to remove your belt. This non belt-weave attachment quickly mounts to your belt securely using clutches that hook underneith for a solid hold.
Speed Ease Clips are available for 1.5" and 1.75" belts.
Do you have a weapon light? Add light bearing to your holster here.
Don't see your light listed? No worries, contact us and we'll give you a shipping address for your light, we'll return it with your completed order.
Don't see your pistol listed? Contact us, we'll likely get you sorted!
Lead Time
Lead times averaging 12+ weeks on most orders.
Sometimes a little longer.
Sometimes a little quicker.
Be patient, it's worth it.
3-Gun Competition
Want to get your blood pumping again, eh? I feel ya. Used to be, a gunslinger could take the 3:10 to Yuma, maybe ride up into Deadwood or Tombstone for laughs. Gamble, spit, fight, drink rotgut and OUTDRAW THE WEAK and send those yellowbellies STRAIGHT TO HELL. Simple days. Now, if a shootist wishes to keep his skills up, there ain’t no better way than to shoot HANDGUNS, RIFLES and FECKIN’ SHOTGUNS while RUNNING AS FAST AS YOU CAN! It’s either a bonfire at the PL’s house, him just wringing his hands in the corner as all of 2nd Platoon rides motorcycles into his pool and 3/5 empties mags of stolen ammo into the firepit—or it’s 3-Gun, baby. With all the movement, a holster for 3-Gun differs from other competitions like IDPA, where the Victoria not-so-Secret of holsters will suffice. By all means, if you want your gat to take a dirt nap as you juke over to the next barrier, use a minimalist holster. That being said, there are holsters that hold up well, great support, clean break, no rattle, that aren’t bulky or slow. What follows is what I use. Let it guide you to what you like.
Blade-Tech Classic w/Duty Drop and Offset
This is not the flashiest holster I own, nor is it high-tech, but it is my favorite. By far. First thing, the Signature OWB holster is about thirty quid cheaper than the Classic. As far as I can tell, these holsters are very similar, the Signature being more “blocky” and the Classic with a more organic curve. The biggest difference is in material: the Classic is made of the thermoplastic Boltaron and the Signature is a proprietary polymer. Boltaron is a feckin’ real thing, guys, don’t make fun of me. It is a thermoplastic rival to Kydex. Mine has been through some tough shit. I wipe it off, looks like new. For attaching to my gunbelt, I utilize the included Tek-Lok which, despite the late 90s alternate spelling, is the best thing to happen to shooting kit, and a Drop and Offset, Short Drop attachment. The Tek-Lok (shown in the pic) flips over the belt, sandwiching the belt (1.5 to 2 inch belts), and locking with two separate devices—the pinch-to-release lock and a little flip lock that goes over top. In other words, it’s going nowhere unless you want it to, and you can detach from one belt and attach to another AT WILL. Easy. No feckin’ MOLLE or MACE clips. The Drop and Offset lowers the holster, sets it away from the body and cants it out towards the shootist’s hand. This is essential for quick, smooth draws. Last, the adjustable level 1 retention allows the shootist to adjust the cling. This works flawlessly, with an audible “click” upon re-holstering. Blade-Tech does some good shit. Made in the USA. Here’s what Blade-Tech has to say about the Classic OWB holster:
The Classic OWB Holster is worn by some of the most renowned marksmen in modern competitive shooting sports. With its adjustable retention, modular mounting holes, speed cut, and optics compatibility you have a holster that can be tailored to your shooting style.
Crafted with precision by our expert team of holster makers out of high-strength Boltaron to give you an everyday carry holster that will last a lifetime.
Carry Confident™ with the time-tested Classic OWB Competition Holster.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor range time is not what I’m talking about here. Any of the aforementioned holsters will do the trick for that kind of training (although running and gunning, holsters should have at least good level 1 retention). Outdoor adventures include hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, snowshoeing—you get the idea. This here’s for the bigg’n’s. From crazed woodsmen, elk, moose and Bambi to BEAR and GHOSTS, this one’s for the heavy hitters. Away we go.
VTAC Big Rig Chest Holder (Revolver)
The Big Rig is for revolvers and large pistols. This mother can be worn at the chest, with or without a backpack, and on the belt. If you take a tumble down the side of a mountain, stand up and look around. All your shit will be gone. Except for the Big Rig and your MIGHTY Mjöllnir, the .44 MAGNUM, safe inside! Deep woods treks mean deep penetration, and nothing stops a brown bear like revolver calibers. The Big Rig also has some MOLLE and four-point attachment. Don’t lose your greatest assets in the bush: your mind and your mac. Always good to have some iodine tabs too. Here’s what VTAC says about the Big Rig (Revolver):
The Big Rig Chest Holster from Viking Tactics gives big game hunters the ability to comfortably carry big bore revolvers as well as large semi-automatic pistols. Keeping backpack hunters in mind the VTAC Big Rig is set up to with or without a backpack and can be configured to be carried on your belt as well. Simply detach the release buckler for instant access to the firearm. A limited amount of MOLLE allows for the addition of accessories or magazine pouches.
Made in the USA!
Single Action Shooting
Here we are, to the leather lovers and costumed crusaders, everyone loves a fancy dress party, especially when there’s leather. I’m talking about Cowboy Action Shooting, of course! Part 3-Gun competition, part historical reenactment, Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) might be one of the most fun, least known, events for shootists out there—and it doesn’t have to be intimidating, or expensive, to enter into. Certainly not as expensive as the boomtown’s finest whores. In this section I feature an economical CAS setup, without being entirely entry-level. This rig looks superb and is crafted by skilled leatherworkers who know the old West and CAS like no other. I also wanted a rig that could be “one and done”, carrying a shootist from buckaroo to Elder Statesman/Grande Dame. Get along little doggies!
Mernickle High Performance Series
The Mernickle High Performance rig is a big step in design for CAS competition shooters. Here’s what their site says about the HP series:
We have dropped the holster down 1 " lower than anything we have done before making for an easier reach for the gun.
We have cut the front down to allow a full thumb landing on the upper frame for those who do a gun transfer.
For gun transfer we now do a taper below the trigger guard that tapers to the point where the guard meets the frame allowing the center finger to reach under the guard for a one hand draw keeping the grip fame completely free of the hand. This makes doing a gun transfer easier than ever thought possible. The side has been dropped and then flared out for the easiest re-holster ever!
The new "WR " Wrist Relief! This is designed into the angle of the holster so when you reach for a gun you will not have to flex your wrist back to grab the gun, yet you will be able to bring the gun straight up for an extremely fast draw with the quickest accessibility to the front site ever!
The newly designed "Speed Load " shell holder no longer needs a stopper plate under the shells and can be staged at any height you the shooter would like to see them at. Also, you no longer have to pull the shell straight up. You are free to choose the angle of grab which suits your shooting style the most.
Then to finish all this off we have had a new dye lot created called "Gunfighter Brown." Now you can shoot fast, be accurate and look good at the same time. It doesn't get any better than that!
The price point for the High-Performance flagship rig beats any other premium rig, especially given the features. The shootists can also configure the rig as desired, opting for color, custom strap and Double Strong Side or Cross Draw, depending on preference and competition category (Dualist, Gunslinger, or Two Handed). This is what Mernickle says about the High Performance rig:
The High Performance (HP) system is the most widely used holster in Cowboy Action Shooting. The standard option as always been the signature HP diamond. Now you can customize the greatest cowboy holster on the market by adding your own designer strap.
Conclusion
That’s that, your 2023 guide to some sweet pencil-holders. Remember, this is obviously not exhaustive, and many will disagree, but these choices reflect only what I have used, have owned or have actually had my hands on. Thus, I’m limited by my own finances. If you’d like to see more, to push this movement into the print publication it deserves to be, then I need the best I can get. If you haven’t subscribed, you can do it for FREE. Though, giving me money is much better in my humble opinion. Subscribing allows you to comment and join the chat. Share your ideas with me, even get PUBLISHED! Right here on FM 7-8. Click the button below to SUBSCRIBE, and don’t forget to SHARE this article with friends and family, vulgarities and all. Be on the lookout for our FM 7-8 Podcast and keep your eyes on your inboxes for next week’s post schedule. See you on the front line.
You’re drunk, Erin!
Some good products to review. Thanks for the insight.