Paddle Holster?

Generally they're good for easy on/off and not much else. I'm not a fan mainly because they're usually less concealable (they tend to stick out more, than fixed holsters with loops) and they're not really secure. If the holster is easy for you to get off, it's easy for someone else to get off of you too.

I'm not sure which holster you have, but there's a video out there of someone using a fobus paddle holster in a weapon retention class... the holster broke into multiple pieces.

Unless you put a really high value on being able to quickly disarm, I'd recommend avoiding them for carry.

$18 for a Safariland is an awesome price, especially for a less common gun! I'm more of a fan of the SLS (hood), but I have a few Safarilands that have both ALS and SLS and they're both good systems. For less than $20 you can't go wrong.

I'd go ahead and get the belt loop adapter - most Safarilands are really easy to swap out.

Telekinesis said:

Generally they're good for easy on/off and not much else. I'm not a fan mainly because they're usually less concealable (they tend to stick out more, than fixed holsters with loops) and they're not really secure. If the holster is easy for you to get off, it's easy for someone else to get off of you too.

I'm not sure which holster you have, but there's a video out there of someone using a fobus paddle holster in a weapon retention class... the holster broke into multiple pieces.

Unless you put a really high value on being able to quickly disarm, I'd recommend avoiding them for carry.

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I would totally disagree. I love paddle holsters. My Kramer MSP Paddle is awesome for concealed carry of a SIG P-226, and my Safariland ALS paddles are my go-to holsters these days. If you buy quality, they are easily as concealable as a regular pancake OWB.

I've had this one for a long time. Very durable, easy on and off, and great retention.
I rarely use it for concealed carry but it's great when doing chores around home and in the woods.
I think it cost $15 or so.

I have used several. I do not find the paddle all that comfortable.

Only for my Berettas and only when hiking and then usually open carrying. As others noted, they cause the weapon to stick out about a half inch more, and even though that causes no problems where I live, it bothers me. It's a Fobus and have used them for years, and never had one fall apart yet.

I find them quite comfortable, secure, and use them daily.

I CCW with a J frame and a Blackhawk paddle holster all the time and never had an issue. The Blackhawks have 3 hooks that grab your pants and belt so no one is taking anything from you and frankly (not to sound rude to the other poster) If your in a ccw situation the odds of someone taking a gun off you are very slim to none and you shouldn't let someone get that close to you anyways if they are a threat. 21ft rule.

As far as the Fobus and other paddle holsters if it doesn't have the hooks for the pants or belt i'm not a fan. Too easy for it to slide on and off.

OP: In your case where your in the woods i would jump on that ALS. Safariland makes amazing holsters. When im woods walking i have a full size 9mm on me with a Blackhawk serpa paddle holster. Retention if for some chance i do have an altercation with someone, fast and durable. You shouldn't have any issue with that safariland.

Cooldill said:

Anyone use a paddle holster? I just bought one but admit I've never used or owned a paddle holster. What are they good for? Pros, cons? Are they secure? Do you like them? Just like for info on the type. Thanks!

-CD

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I own FOBUS regular paddle holsters for 2 Glock 45s, a Kimber 45, a Colt Lightweight Officers 45, a Springfield XDs 45, and a Glock 9mm. I find them comfortable to carry, very concealable (except maybe for the Glock 30), and very secure. Never had a problem with one coming off my belt or coming apart. Not sure what Telekinesis' experience has been (other than a video that might have been made by another holster mfgr), but that's my take and I carry about 85% of my waking hours. Al

Backroad said:

Never had a problem with one coming off my belt or coming apart. Not sure what Telekinesis' experience has been (other than a video that might have been made by another holster mfgr)

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My experience comes from owning a fobus holster (a long time ago before I knew better), listening and learning from top level instructors who universally label it as a crap holster, and from seeing a demo of the holster breaking apart during a disarm attempt (granted, the demo was of the "this is why you don't buy this type of holster" type, so it was not intended to be an even handed review).

Take a look at Greg Ellifritz's blog. This link is about another one of Fobus' holsters, but pay attention to the intro:

My disgust with Fobuses (Fobi?) intensified when I started teaching weapon retention and close quarters shooting classes. When I would conduct force on force training drills with my students, I would purposely try to disarm them. Fobus holsters never stood up to my disarming attempts. One yank downward on the grip of the gun would cause the holster to separate from the paddle. I’d tug and get my student’s entire gun and holster with minimal effort. Watch the 20-second video below for an illustration of what I am talking about. You can see why I don’t recommend Fobus products.

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The full review:
http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/features-to-avoid-when-buying-an-iwb-holster

And a video of the disarm (there's also a link in the article above):


I don't know of a single well respected trainer that likes these holsters and I know of at least 3 or 4 that hate them. But yeah, I made my decision based on a marketing video put out by a competing holster manufacturer

Telekinesis said:

And a video of the disarm

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I've seen that video before. What would be the ideal holster for standing around oblivious to the surroundings with a handgun exposed?

I like my paddle to quickly add a sidearm without much foofaw.

I only use them at the range and even then only for "range guns". They are cheap and I already have a box of holsters for the guns I do carry.

drunkenpoacher said:

I've seen that video before. What would be the ideal holster for standing around oblivious to the surroundings with a handgun exposed?

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One that doesn't fall apart when you put downward pressure on it?

And just to be clear, that video is a demo showing the failure point of a holster. Not a demonstration on how to be aware of your surroundings.

I have the paddle holster that came with my XDS. I love using it at the range! It is great to have a handy place to safely secure my gun while I am reloading magazines or what ever. The quick on and off is great for switching between guns. I have never considered it for concealed carry.

Telekinesis said:

One that doesn't fall apart when you put downward pressure on it?

And just to be clear, that video is a demo showing the failure point of a holster. Not a demonstration on how to be aware of your surroundings.

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I've had one for at least 15 years so if it breaks today it would have cost a dollar a year to own. If it was as fragile as the video depicts it would have failed long ago.
It's not really designed for concealed carry anyway.

drunkenpoacher said:

It's not really designed for concealed carry anyway.

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With very few exceptions, this is the key point about paddle holsters.

I use a paddle holster in a very limited capacity: OWB, open carry to and from work. At work I take off the whole unit to put in a drop safe, reverse the process when leaving. Paddle holsters never have and never will be my preferred method of carry.

I hate iwb carry. I just don't like it. Also, if I am carrying a pistol, it's usually a full size.

I have a Safariland that can be switched from belt loop to paddle with a couple of screws. The reverse hooks make it very difficult to take off my pants without pulling and flexing the paddle quite a bit. I usually loosen my belt to make it easier to pop off. It also has a lever that you compress to unlock it when you draw it. Not LEO level of security, but it's not going to fall out or be yanked out easily by someone else.

I think it carries just fine at 2 o'clock with an over shirt. I'm not worried about keeping it invisible, just out of sight enough.

I'm heading down to my uncle's property this weekend. I plan on packing my SIG 320 in the SL.

Panzerschwein said:

Anyone use a paddle holster? What are they good for? Pros, cons? Are they secure? Do you like them?

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I finally went for it and bought a Safariland ALS holster for my G19. I had never tried a paddle holster and thought I’d hate it, and was figuring I’d just use the belt loop attachment since the holster came with both options.

It came with the paddle option already mounted so I gave it a shot, and have never desired to switch it with the belt loop option. It’s great! Super quick and easy on/off, and excellent retention. Safariland makes a little “nub” (for lack of a better word) that basically works to snag your pants/belt if you try to jerk the paddle holster out of your pants. No cons as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know that I’ll ever go back to the belt loop style for OWB. IWB I still like the SuperTuck style.