Any Luck with Paddle Holsters and CCW?

[zebco]

Has anyone had any luck with CCW and using paddle holsters. I know the Fobus aren't the best for me as the print is quite noticeable. How about some of the leather paddle holsters? Do they work any better? I like the idea of a paddle holster for the ease of putting on/taking off. Does anyone use these as their primary ccw holster? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Lawdawg45]

I have a Fobus and a Blackhawk for my Glock 19, and both of them aren't worth a hoot. They both stick out far too much for realistic concealed carry.

LD45

 

[txgunsuscg]

I've used a Fobus with my 1911 and didn't feel that it stuck out very far, but the 1911 feels much slimmer than a Glock (the old Fobus, not the new Roto series). I do feel the Serpa sticks out too far. I have moved to an IWB for anything fatter than my 1911 or CZ.

 

[kd7nqb]

I have a leather paddle (I think its a galco but not really sure) it is NOT my primary holster but it does get used as the holster to toss on when I have already taken the gun off for the night and end up running out to the store for something.

 

[MrCleanOK]

I have no experience with kydex or leather paddle holsters, but I use the Blackhawk SERPA paddle holsters and I do like the ease of donning and doffing. They are marketed as "Close Quarters Concealment", but realistically they stick out far too much.

I have no doubt that with a good design in leather or kydex, paddle holsters would be a very viable option of for concealed carry. I would stay away from molded products like SERPAs or Fobus holsters if you want to conceal.

 

[GCBurner]

Depends on what you're carrying, too. I've got a Fobus paddle holster for my .380 Kel-Tec, as an alternative to a pocket holster when I'm wearing a coat and tie, and it's as concealable as any other outside holster. I use one under a vest when shooting in IDPA competition with my Taurus 9mm, and appreciate its convenience and light weight. Everything is a tradeoff, depending on what you're carrying, what you're wearing, and what you're going to be doing.

 

[JTQ]

For a right hander, carrying strong side, my belief is if you have a paddle attachment that holds the pistol securely enough, you can probably remove a belt holster just as fast. You are only undoing your belt past one or two belt loops to get a belt holster off.

On the other hand, if you are a lefty carrying strong side I can see the need for a paddle holster since you'd basically need to remove your entire belt to get your holster off.

A better option I believe, is a holster like the Alessi CQC-S and the many copiers. It will carry very close to the body, just like a pancake holster, but will snap on and off the belt. If you need to frequently put on and remove a holster during the day this is a better holster than a paddle holster. Brownell's has these in stock for some pistols.
http://shop.alessigunholsters.com/Belt-Holster/CQC-S

 

[9mmepiphany]

For teaching, I'm using a Blackhawk CQC Serpa Paddle holster and I'll just throw a shirt or jacket over it after class to go to dinner. It sticks out a bit more than I'd like, but I works OK for casual carry.

I like have a Fobus paddle holster for every pistol I own...well, not the H&K P7...and it is my go to casual CCW holster. It actually carries closer to the body than the Blackhawk and it is a lot cheaper to buy. It doesn't carry especially close...some better than others...but it is great for going back and forth to work (goes in the locker at work), taking the trash to the curb or a quick run to the store. It requires a work shirt over the top.

For more discrete carry, I use a Comp-Tac Settable Cant Paddle holster for my Sig 220. It rides high and close to the body. It is very secure on the belt and fast to draw from.

The best leather paddle holster I've ever used...it wasn't mine...was a Kramer Leather MSP paddle holster. High, tight, secure and well made...but a little spendy

 

[Paladin38-40]

Ditto snap-on's

The snap-on style mentioned by JTQ above is a better alternative IMO. Very convienient and more secure. FIST #2 leather and their Dave Spaulding kydex are other examples.
.http://www.fist-inc.com

 

[zebco]

Thanks guys. I'll check out some of the options mentioned.

 

[Frozen North]

The on and off is super easy and they don't bounce when you run. I have a SERPA for outdoor active stuff. I do allot of what I call "full contact fishing" that always end up climbing river banks and shimmying along bridge piers. I like paddle holsters for this because the gun stays put, does not move, and can be removed from my hip and shoved in my pack quickly. If I feel I am probably gonna get wet, I will toss my pack across and reholster when I am back on terra firma

I like the SERPA feature because the gun WILL NOT FALL OUT when it is on my hip or in my pack. I stick it in there and it stays PUT.

It is concealable enough for stuff like this, but it does stick out more than I would like. I have a belt slide for more public settings.

 

[tmoore912]

Comp-Tac's regular FBI cant Kydex paddle holster is one of the best imo. Rides as close to the body as a paddle can (I'm talking close, nothing like a Serpa or the settable cant comp-tac paddle). If you happen to carry a Glock in several model sizes, then I would recommend getting it in the "Slide Version". It will allow you to wear it with a 26, 27, 19, 23, 17, 22 because the bottom of the holster is not shaped or closed off at the bottom.

Retention is great with two screws to tighten if you like. It is made out of a single piece of Kydex and is very strong.

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=53

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Granted, I've never tried a good paddle holster, but they space the gun too far away from my body for my liking.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a Galco Speedpaddle for my snubbies. I use it when I'm going to be doing alot of off and on with the gun.