paddle holsters

one bad con

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I've never had one that fit correctly and didn't move all over heck and half of Georgia; as far as I'm concerned they have no useful purpose.

Pro: Paddles are easy to put on and remove, good if you are LEO and get into/out of cars, court houses, etc. all day long.

Con: I have never been able to keep my one BladeTech paddle holster from sliding around and pulling-up partly during a draw.

I love my paddle holsters. They are very easy to remove and you don't have to depend entirely on your belt to hold it up.

I have 2 paddle holster a Fobus which works but feels "cheap". I also have a Blackhawk CQC Serpa and I love it. It is my regular carry rig unless I have to "dress up".


starshooter231

I carried a Bucheimer Federal Man for years and still think it is the best of the paddle holsters. I didn't even have to think about it unsnapping, it was automatic. Too bad the company is no longer in business.

Jim

I've got an all leather paddle (Don Hume) for my G19 that is my favorite holster. easy to put on or take off, sits comfortably, has broken in well, kinda wish I could find one for my 1911 & USP 45

I have a Wilson 1911 Tiger Shark hi-ride that I like real well. It has an extra hook that keeps it on until you want it off.
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/l_tigershark.asp

Also have a Fobus for a Walther P-22 which is a great lightweight set-up.

The only downside I can think of is they are a slightly heavier and stick out a little further then the same belt holster due to the extra material in the paddle.

rc

I have a Fobus 1911 paddle holster. I thought it might be good for carry until I was practicing drawing, and had it come out of my belt with the pistol a couple of times.

Only if...

You can get away with a paddle holster if you've maintained something of an athletic figure. Guys whose pants sag or whose shape precludes wearing any kind of high-ride holster probably won't have enough tension between belt and body to keep the paddle in place. My fobus is my favorite, fastest holsters, and not many can beat me to the draw when I use it. Then again, I'm a pretty skinny guy.

I've found that you definately get what you pay for when it comes ot paddles. Cheaper brands like Fobus, Uncle Mike's, even Safariland leave something to be desired in multiple ways. However, the nicer leather paddles from Don Hume, Galco, Gould and Goodrich or any fo the custom makers are quite well made and comfortable.

No matter where you get your paddle you will have to adjust your clothing around the holster because they all stick out significantly more than a belt slide or a pancake holster or an IWB.

Guys whose pants sag or whose shape precludes wearing

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Hey!
I resemble that remark!

My pants & belt actually get tighter the older & fatter I get!

BTW: I'd say if you want to find out if you like them or not, buy a Fobus and try it.
They only cost about the same as a meal at McDonald's for two.
If you find out you don't like paddles, write it off as helping Obama's economic recovery effort by spending 20 bucks.

Fobus - and had it come out of my belt with the pistol a couple of times.

Click to expand...

I don't know how that could happen without ripping your belt & pants off.
Mine has 1/4" plus hooks at the bottom of the pants/belt slot and when you put it on, it stays on, until you un-fasten your belt and unhook it.

rc

I have a CompTac paddle for my Sig. It works great and stays put with the unique design they built in. If you want even MORE security, they have a version that literally locks on to your belt.

I have so many paddles I can't count them. Blade tech, Comp tac, Center of Mass, J&S, and Black Hawk. I like them all for diff. reasons. The Comp tac is very fast and secure. The J&S is easy to hide. The Center of Mass is both comfy and easy to hide. All of my paddles are very secure and none will come out while drawing. With the right belt, they are every bit as secure as belt holsters. Get a good one ,because as stated above, you get what you pay for.

Pro: the paddle is comfortable to wear, with no pressure points. Con: gun spaced too far from my body.

For IPSC, few use paddles. Well, few good shooters, anyway.

Bob Vogel and Dave Sevigny won their 2008 National titles using a KyTac. It's not a paddle, but it allows a very fast draw.

If you get a paddle, get a good one. Here's what happens when you get a cheap one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeKtgkZKmQ

Unless you're just dead set on buying one, please oh please don't. Don't. Don't. I have never been able to find one that hides well and stays put. A holster has to stay in place to work properly. Buy a high ride pancake style or a high quality inside the pants one like a Milt Sparks Summer Special that has the snaps option on the belt loop part, or if your gun isn't too big, try a belly band holster from a reputable company. The more you wear and/or use a gun, the smaller size and higher quality you want anyway. If you are dead-set on a paddle, go try some out or buy some used ones to try. There should be some out there on the internet, 'cause guys like me are ditching them. If I can't rely on a holster 100% of the time, I don't use it. I've had a couple of times where I needed a gun, and was glad that the gun was hidden and secure until I decided to make it's presence known, on MY terms. Don't be in a hurry. That's my two cents. Good luck.

From doing research online the Kramer MSP paddle seems very popular and well regarded. I plan on getting one very soon. http://www.kramerleather.com

That Kramer seems to be the Gold Standard of paddle holsters!

I read though this thread amazed that nobody had mentioned the Kramer MSP paddle (until just above...!). I've carried with an MSP paddle from Kramer for 15+ years. I like it so much, I've got a lot of them - probably six or eight. It's the best holster I've ever used and doesn't move around at all. Granted, some concessions have to be considered when wearing any paddle holster from a concealment perspective, but any type of jacket in wintertime works well. I've got a Kramer paddle for a Sig 232 that I can conceal under a tshirt for summer use. Granted again, probably not the *best* holster from a concealment perspective in the summer months, but it works well for me.

The major issue I have with the vid is, It's too bad he says kydex vs Fobus. That's a Fobus paddle holster. Fobus is cheaply made, but not all Kydex holsters are created equal there. I don't like or wear paddle holsters for various reasons, but there are other brands you would not be able to do that with. Regardless, yikes!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeKtgkZKmQ