Paddle or Not?

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dbp

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Getting a G26 and trying to decide on a OWB holster. I like the idea of a paddle in being able to easily remove and put back on.

However, I have seen a few posts and a youtube video touting the danger of having a paddle ripped from your side by a BG. In your opinion is this a legitimate concern? I guess it could happen, but what are the odds?
 
I carried my 26 with a fobus paddle holster last night. (under a jacket). They stay put well and wont get ripped off by a BG. They will pull the gun out before they get the holster. Unless you have a retention strap.

I'm thinking about getting a different OWB holster for CC though. The Fobus paddle holster sticks out kinda far. I have a feeling holsters that mount on the belt sit closer to the side and would be more comfortable to wear when sitting in a car and lay flatter under a jacket.
 
I'm a big fan of the paddle holster and have one for several different guns...Fobus, Uncle Mike, Blackhawk, Comp-Tec, Blade-Tec, Safariland

I'd be more concerned about how far the holster sticks out and how stable it is on the belt and someone ripping it off the belt...after all, it should be out of sight when you CCW.

The paddle holster that sticks out the most is the Fobus Revolution because of it's swivel system. The one that sticks out the least is the Comp-Tec Paddle and Settable Cant Paddle.

The Will Bill Fusion looks a lot like a Comp-Tec Paddle in leather. I really like the leather reinforcement around the mouth and the clearance at the root of the trigger guard. I have some concerns about the lack of adjustment for belt width...but then it's only $60. I found it a bit strange that they make separate models for the H&K P7 PSP and M8, but not for the Kahr CW9 and P9...they don't make a Fusion specifically for the Springfield EMP at all
 
dbp said:
Getting a G26 and trying to decide on a OWB holster. I like the idea of a paddle in being able to easily remove and put back on.

However, I have seen a few posts and a youtube video touting the danger of having a paddle ripped from your side by a BG. In your opinion is this a legitimate concern? I guess it could happen, but what are the odds?
Click to expand...
Not any more concern than any other open holster. I carry my G30 in one, as I cannot carry at work and it is easy to take on and off. It does require a baggy garment to conceal, but that's the compromise for the convenience.

Any holster/clothing combo that exposes the fact that you are carrying exposes you to the risk of attack. When I'm not going to work, IWB is chosen. When I'm riding my Harley, it's a shoulder holster.
 
As mentioned, paddle holsters, for the most part, tend to stick out from the body and don't conceal particularly well. Lack of stability and security on the belt are also probably reasonable concerns, though. Another thing to think about is the number of parts involved in the typical paddle holster. Lots of opportunities for something to break.

Possibly a better option for a concealment easy on/easy off holster would be a snap on holster such as the Alessi CQC-S. They are also sold through Brownell's.
http://shop.alessigunholsters.com/Belt-Holster/CQC-S

If you like kydex there is Aholster.
http://www.lefthandholster.com

Or, if you'd like your kydex leather lined, there is Garrett Industries.
http://garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/silent-thunder-stx-with-leather-loops/

Another thing to think about is for a "righty", you typically only need to undo your belt and back it out one or two loops to remove most belt holsters. I think I could probably do that easier and quicker than removing a paddle holster that has a secure mount system. If I were a "lefty" it may be worth it to me to have a paddle holster, as I'd practically have to remove my belt to get my holster off.
 
My experience with paddle holsters is limited to the basic Fobus ones. It was alright, especially if I was just heading to somewhere I couldn't carry. But it would flop around way too much, especially if I was running up stairs or something.
 
I have had paddle holsters made from some of the best in the business, they are all for range use. If I am carrying, I am wearing leather. I get crap from guys at matches when I have a custom kydex holster on when I make leather holsters.

If you want a good OWB holster for carry, get a well made leather pancake holster. If you want something easy to take off, a holster made with snap loops is by far the easiest holsters to remove yet one of the steadiest holsters (short of a pancake) but still very secure.
 
I have a Snapper from High Noon for another gun and liked it fine. I just thought that a paddle would be an improvement in terms of flexibility of wear. But from the replies, I am beginning to think the paddle may not be ideal for EDC.

Well, now to start the search for a good snapper -- HN is just too expensive for me at this time.

Thanks for your input.
 
smalls said:
My experience with paddle holsters is limited to the basic Fobus ones. It was alright, especially if I was just heading to somewhere I couldn't carry. But it would flop around way too much, especially if I was running up stairs or something.
Click to expand...
If I have to run up stairs (with MY knees) my gun is in my hand, 'cuz someone's gonna get shot!
 
I tend to run up stairs instead of walk, dunno why, haha. But any sort of fast movement including fast paced walking had my paddle flopping around.
 
I have a fobus holster for my G26 an I love it so much I am a second one for my G23 just because they are cheap (23.00 and 15.00 for the sec on EBay). as far as them sticking out mine sticks out an inch. no holster will do every job so get over that Idea but for a throw it on and go to the store holster or a range holster you can't beat them

Tip; take the rivet out just under the trigger and replace it with a fine thread nut and bolt and you can adjust the retention


fobus holster 004.jpg

fobus holster 005.jpg
 
smalls said:
I tend to run up stairs instead of walk, dunno why, haha. But any sort of fast movement including fast paced walking had my paddle flopping around.
Click to expand...
That's odd, usually the paddle is pretty much secured by the material of the pants...you wouldn't be wearing the paddle only being secured by the belt, would you?
 
Nope, inside my pants. I tried it once just through the belt, and it slid around, and flopped 100x more.

Now that I think about it, it might be because Fobus holsters are made of such thin plastic?
 
That's the crappiest holster I've ever seen. There's no way you could do that with a fobus holster or other good quality holsters.

What a joke.
 
Hey, they broke it. Look closely at the constuction and materials used before you stake you life on one. Make your own informed decision.

While I do have Serpas (with the belt attachment, not the paddle) for each of my pistols, I greatly prefer my leather belt-mounted holsters.
 
Last edited:
coolluke01 said:
There's no way you could do that with a fobus holster or other good quality holsters.
Click to expand...
What's interesting is that the holster in the video is a Fobus. I've seen that video before and understand the perceived limitations of the holster style

I have a drawer full of various Fobus holsters the I use for different activities...I only paid $9 for each...and I like them quite a bit. But I don't think of them as a good quality holster...they are more useful or serviceable...much like an Uncle Mike's paddle holster (have a couple of these too).

I think good quality paddle holsters start at Blade-tech and Comp-tac
 
I guess I should have said my fobus roto holster. It's pretty strong.

I haven't bought any of the others so I can't really speak for them.

The video didn't say what holster they where using, so there's not way to know for sure.

I've seen knockoffs that "look" just like the real thing from a distance.
 
I'm not a fan of paddle holsters. For an OWB holster that easy to put on and take off I prefer one with snap loops that go over the belt. I like the Milt Sparks Axiom a great deal.

Here's an article I wrote about the Axiom.
 
You don't even have to go premium to get a paddle holster that will pull the gun into your body like a good belt holster. The Comp-Tac Settable Cant I use with my SIG 220ST/226ST is a prime example.

The Will Bill's paddle in post #4 looks like it pulls in pretty snug too
 
However, I have seen a few posts and a youtube video touting the danger of having a paddle ripped from your side by a BG. In your opinion is this a legitimate concern? I guess it could happen, but what are the odds?
Click to expand...

If the weapon is truly concealed the chance of a bad guy even knowing there is something to go for is lessened. Unfortunately, the paddle holsters make it darn difficult to truly conceal anything. My advice would be get a belt designed for concealed carry and either a good pancake or belt slide type holster. I carry a G27 in a Tagua belt slide that is very comfortable and hugs the body well.

Something to keep in mind. If you need to go somewhere that doesn't allow you to carry, wearing a concealed holster is not against the law. Take the gun out of the holster, secure it well, and leave the holster on.
 
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