Kydex holster for IDPA (Hip or Paddle) ??

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telli97

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This maybe a STUPID question, but I'm new to the IDPA and this would be my first kydex holster. I went to my local gun shop and they have the Uncle Mikes in stock for my Glock one is a "hip" holster the other is a "paddle" holster. What's the difference and which would be the appropriate type to use? Sorry for the NUMB question.

JP
 
The U.M. kydex hip holster has a belt loop, the paddle has a broad paddle that fits down over pants waistband and belt. It rides closer and can be put on and taken off without unbuckling your belt. Older U.M. hip holsters failed the IDPA fit test, you could see daylight through the belt loop and it held the gun farther than 3/4" from the body of most people. They do have a new style. Try it on before you buy. Few club matches would penalize you for it, but it is just as easy to do it right to start.

Blade Tech makes molded holsters of both types that are little if any more expensive than U.M. and nearly sure to pass IDPA.
http://www.blade-tech.com/Injection-Molded-Holsters-c-259.html
 
Holster

Jim - Thanks for the info. I'vebeen checking out the balde tech website, however I can't see any holsters for lefty's? Does Blade Tech make them? Just so I understand, you recommend a paddle holster?

Thanks - JP
 
Well, you didn't SAY you were lefthanded and Blade Tech does not show their cheap molded holster in left.

What I would do is try on the Uncle Mike "hip" holster and see if it left daylight visible through the belt loops or if it left more than a 3/4" gap between some part of the gun and your torso. If it did neither, I would get it. If it does not pass the IDPA requirements, try the Paddle which is more likely to. I do not really like the U.M. Paddle, because it rides too high to suit me.
The best approach, if the "hip" holster does not pass IDPA requirements, is the Headhunter Conversion in which you unscrew its separate belt bracket at the bottom, put the screws back into the holster only, and hang the belt bracket over your waistband like a paddle. Better hang, not as high ride.
 
Be aware that many of the Uncle Mikes holsters are not IDPA legal as the spacing between the weapon and the belt is too great. You might try Blade Tech or Comp Tac. Both make IDPA legal holsters that work very well.;)
 
Thanks

Jim/Tahoo - Thanks for the info. I'll keep checking. Any other holster manufacturers you recommend please let me know. It doesn't have to be Kydex, I'm willing to spend a bit more for a decent holster for the gun and clips.

JP
 
Lots of makers out there ...

google up gcode, comtac, ready tactical, bladetech, KYtac, sidearmor, etc. I'm drawing a blank on a holster that I own and routinely use .... :(. Also there are a lot of holster makers that I think make mostly leather, but also do the Kydex too. Galco, desantis, etc.

I've run both and prefer the belt loops.

Be aware that Fobus holsters are inexpensive, but they are not KYDEX. Stick with Kydex....
 
Call Blade-Tech and ask if they can make the left-handed version. It should be a pre-order with about 2 weeks lead-time before shipping. They can even add new items, but they will ask to borrow a gun or a mag if you are the first person to order for a particulary type of hardware.
Richard
Schennberg.com
 
gcode - both belt and paddle

i just got a left handed Gcode belt holster with an optional paddle attachment - best of both worlds. They also have a tactical holster attachment.
 
I just got the NEW Blade-Tec IWB and it is much better than their old one.
The old one had hooks, which could slip under the belt if you pushed down on the holster to adjust it (as I did). During one IDPA shoot, I drew both pistol and holster:eek:
The new one has a complete loop (which the belt must be fed through) so no worries. It is simple, light, and comfortable.
 
I also use both belt and paddle Kydex holsters. I actually like the paddle better.

I use Comp-tac holsters and they are very secure and with the paddle you can place the holster exactly where you want it. With a belt holster,depending on which pants or shorts I am wearing, the holster is too far forward or back and that is what you are stuck with or else you have to miss a belt loop with your belt which lets the holster shift.

Good Luck!
 
I did the Headhunter UM Kydex belt-to-paddle conversion for a fellow on a shoot a couple months back. It works.
 
+1 Comp-Tac

I love the speed paddle models.

Another option may be (again, depending on if you have an IDPA compliant body), the Blackhawk CQC line (not the Serpa). They come with BOTH Belt and Paddle options...I prefer the Belt option for their models. Maybe the fastest holster I've ever used.

Good luck!

CZ52'
 
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