Let's Talk About Paddle Holsters

[Biggfoot44]

I love how wide the paddle is. Just like the one Blackhawk! Has for the SERPA.

It's a two edged sword . IF the shape of the paddle matches the contours of your hip , it's great . If not , it's an Infernal Torture Device .

The first variant of the Uncle Mike kydex- ish paddle holster , had multiple slots in the main part of the paddle , that gave just enough flexibility to conform to hip shape . The later version had the rigid , solid paddle .

 

[Biggfoot44]

Yea it’s not exactly tight against my side. But it’s secure.

Part of the inherent nature of the beast .
It takes an excellently designed paddle holster , with the right gun , to conceal as well as average holster directly on the belt .

I'm not saying Paddle holsters inherently suck , but there are design tradeoffs to gain the EZ On/ EZ Off .

 

[OldBrokenGrunt]

Ok, so what your saying is paddle holsters go under the belt and not under the pants……

 

[Bikebreath]

Ok, so what your saying is paddle holsters go under the belt and not under the pants……

Blaster ain't gonna play 'dat chit.

 

[Bikebreath]

It's a two edged sword . IF the shape of the paddle matches the contours of your hip , it's great . If not , it's an Infernal Torture Device .

The first variant of the Uncle Mike kydex- ish paddle holster , had multiple slots in the main part of the paddle , that gave just enough flexibility to conform to hip shape . The later version had the rigid , solid paddle .

The paddle that came with my XDs fits really nicely at 4 o'clock and the butt of the gun shows clearly to world. Put at 3 o'clock and it hides the butt, but damn that thing bites me.

 

[csanc123]

More and more of my class time is spent teaching people how to dress/holster. Could be a 3 credit course.

TD

It's tough when holster companies themselves show the paddles going through the belt when demonstrating their products (This is NOT a dig at OP...I value his opinion and experience.)

 

[Jimgoespewpew]

Is that guy serious with the braided beard?

 

[Bullfrog]

I thought we were going to talk about holsters for our paddles...

 

[csanc123]

I

Is that guy serious with the braided beard?

Trust no one with long hair like that:

 

[Squaregrouper]

It's tough when holster companies themselves show the paddles going through the belt when demonstrating their products (This is NOT a dig at OP...I value his opinion and experience.)

The Alien Gear guy only drinks local IPA's and lives in Hampden or Remington in Baltimore City.

 

[Squaregrouper]

It's a design balancing act .

A lot has to do with how the center of balance of the holstered gun in relation to the line of the belt . Ie , if it's extra high riding , gravity acting on center of balance , will pull the upper part of the gun outwards .

Conversely , if it's lower riding , it will stay in place better , but the muzzle will be lower . and require a longer cover garments ( if concealed ) . A ride height about the same as the classic Tom Threepersons is close to a sweet spot for comfort and stability .

With my Safarilands, I disagree. Same holster, different paddles. The full size paddle is firm and tight- close to the body. The "mini paddle" is flexible and sags- printing more.
You're welcome to do a side by side comparison whenever we see each other again.

 

[Threeband]

I have a Comp-Tac paddle holster for my S&W M&Ps. It is a very solid, top grade piece of kit. It is a single piece of elaborately folded and shaped kydex, rather thick. The pistol locks in the holster with a very satisfying click, and requires a brisk and deliberate tug to draw.

Of course the paddle goes down in the pants. It has projections at the front and rear of the large paddle which help anchor it. Worn with a heavy leather belt, or my steel-lined Loopers "barrel hoop" belt, it is both stable and comfortable.

I have worn it in various classes, at steel shoots, and at the range generally. I may try it for OWB concealed carry under a jacket: we'll see.

Anyway, I really like that holster.

Gear Review: Comp-Tac Paddle Holster - The Truth About Guns

&#9664Previous Post Next Post▶ When I first started carrying, I was hell bent on an IWB holster. Nick and RF told me that I’d ditch it soon in favor of a OWB model. Sure enough, like the certainty of death, taxes, and a SWAT team shooting your dog, they were right. And you are looking […]

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

 

[Jimgoespewpew]

I

Trust no one with long hair like that:

If only he spent that much time cleaning up his yard...

 

[Blaster229]

It's tough when holster companies themselves show the paddles going through the belt when demonstrating their products (This is NOT a dig at OP...I value his opinion and experience.)

Well, anything alien gear sucks. That being said, the video said they make one just for going through the belt if I heard him correctly.
But most paddles I am familiar with have a 2 inch space, but the average belt is 1.5. No one wears a 2 inch belt, especially with jeans because the loops are typically 1.75. The extra half inch is for pant grab.

 

[miles71]

Sounds like a good use of time, actually.

It is, I bring a crate if about 20-30 holsters and then explain the good and the bad. If I have 16 in a class at least half on a good day realize their cheap gear doesn’t work well. If they learn this before they leave it’s a success.

TD

 

[E.Shell]

@csanc123:
My back hurts and one of my fingers is bleeding just from watching that,