When to use a paddle holster?

[CD8226]

I have a Tagua for my G23. Thought I would love it, but as others have mentioned it sticks out to far for CC, IMHO. It is great for range work or carry around the ranch, otherwise I use something else. Your mileage may vary, but if you like it by all means use it. Thats the reason there are more than one type of holster.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

When you're up a creek?

Really though, for the utmost in position control. Jostling, being jostled, motorcycles, terminal velocity and the like.

 

[RainDodger]

I was a federal law enforcement officer for years and I always used (and still do), paddle holsters. They are excellent, and contrary to some opinions they can indeed fit tight to your body. Not only that of course, but they are easy to take off when you're going in and out of offices, etc.

My favorites are my custom holsters made by "Wild Bill's Concealment", as the paddle portion is simply a good sized piece of stiff leather with a ridge sewn horizontally along the paddle to keep it aligned and inside your waist band. That leather paddle molds to the exact shape of your hip. Since the paddle holster also essentially rides on your hip instead of your pants, it doesn't pull your pants down like a belt holster can.

I have other paddles from Bianchi (also good, as the paddle is suede lined and does not slip at all), and Galco.

 

[Inebriated]

I've honestly never found paddle holsters to be that useful to me.

I usually put a quick clip-on IWB holster, and tuck my shirt behind it for around-the-house. For anything when I open carry, I prefer belt holsters.

I've got a couple, but they just seem like more work to put on than a clip-on IWB holster.

 

[scaatylobo]

Ritchie CQQR

I am 65 and NEVER use the paddle holsters that I still own,I used to carry my gun to work in one as it was convenient to drop it in the locker and strap on the duty rig.

But I taught defensive tactics at the academy for 22 years and I saw how easy it was to take away almost any handgun IF it was worn open to view.And then I saw a video of a Fobus paddle holster being actually RIPPED from the belt.

So that is the biggest reason I dont use the paddles.

Andother is that I like the CCW worn as close to my body [CONCEALED] as possible, and that means a Glock sport holster OR----

For the XDs a Ritchie CQQR which is exactly as pictured above except made by the late Lou Alessi.

It is a pleasure to put on and remove and it wears CLOSE so its easy to conceal.

The only reason I still use a paddle is to run outside for a yard errand and with belted pants on [ not sweats ].

 

[22-rimfire]

Don't you just hate to buy all these holsters only to discover that they don't work for you or at least the way you imagined it prior to purchase? I do like the Galco paddle. Probably going to get another one. Loose shirt or jacket and a gun is fairly well concealed.

 

[Marty183]

I love my Blackhawk Serpa. I used to own a Fobus holster, emphasis on used to.

Sent from my ADR8995 using Tapatalk 2

 

[CSG]

I have a few paddle holsters for my full sized autos. I did not care for the Fobus one I tried but I use them for my 1911, G17, and FNP45 and only when I'm in the backcountry and not worried about concealing most of the time. On SAR missions we do conceal but I still use a paddle. Two of them are Uncle Mike and one came with the FNP. I do use a Fobus 2 magazine paddle when I take the 1911.

Mine are stable but there are probably better alternatives if you're willing to spend more money.

For standard carry of the small CCW's I carry, it's either an IWB or pocket wallet in the case of my LCP.

 

[Blackstone]

I have a Fobus holster for a Glock 17, works very well. I can't carry, so it's only for rangework. No amount of tugging will loosen it from my trousers.

 

[ShadowsInSnow]

Be careful of the Fobus (I have an older model from 15+ years ago- they may have changed since). I was shooting in the winter on one occasion and was unable to draw the gun from the holster. The polymer holster had stiffened up, due to the cold (about 25 degrees) temperature and would not release the pistol. I finally yanked the gun out and the holster came with it. Not a good outcome if in dire circumstances. The poly has to flex to secure the gun in the Fobus holster and would not do so in the cold.

I have some Blackhawk Serpas which I like -BUT- if you have long fingers, you may overshoot the release button recess and find yourself pressing on the holster body. There was a video on YouTube showing a fellow rolling in the dirt and also the snow while wearing one of these holsters. Dirt and pebbles in the first case and ice/snow in the second, were able to lodge behind the release button and locked the gun into the holster. Again, not the optimal condition. The hooks on the paddle do a great job of securing the holster to your belt/pant. The Glock model seems a bit loose in the holster. I can not comment on models for other guns.

Safariland makes the ALS holster. The release is a thumb button, which I find to work rather well. The button falls under the thumb and is extremely fast and natural to use. The holster has a softer lining which protects the gun and is quieter on the draw or in holstering. The gun and holster are extremely secure. This is my favorite style of holster.

I think a locking holster has many important benefits that many people do not think about. First and foremost, if you are in a donnybrook and someone tries to snatch your gun, a lock affords you an added measure of security. If your gun butt makes contact with the arm of a chair, the edge of a counter, etc.- the gun will not push out then fall to the floor. If you should take a tumble the gun stays secure. If you go boating, not only will it give you peace of mind but it could save you from having to go diving to recover your gun. All good things.

 

[wgaynor]

I use a Fobus Paddle Holster for my Kel-Tec PF9 and one for my Ruger P95. Both work great. Comfortable, conceals under a t-shirt well, and easy to take on and off.

 

[lpsharp88]

I like a paddle holster if I'm going to the range, but really don't use it for CCW unless it's cold and I'm wearing a jacket or sweatshirt of some type. For my taste, they don't hug close enough to the body to conceal when it's warm out. I can't recommend a Blackhawk Serpa enough, it's very sturdy and stays in place very well. I have a Fobus for my Beretta 92, and it's very flimsy

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I have this holster for my Glock 19 and it had been fantastic. It is my everyday holster. It does require a cover garment for concealment.

http://www.holsterops.com/6378-holster-lcr

 

[Dave P.]

They are not my normal mode of everyday carry.
I use them for times where concelment is not an issue
and for "range games", competitions, and classes.
For games that require drawing from "concealment" I
find them the fastest and easiest to re-holster.
Dave

 

[JPG19]

I wear a Crossbreed SuperTuck for my G19 daily and a Fobus paddle holster when out in the woods, at the range, and sometimes in the winter if I'm wearing a large covering garment. I really like my paddle holster and don't find it to be insecure whatsoever. In fact, it's it grips onto my jeans and gun belt so well that I have to unbutton my pants and loosen my belt just to get it off. I haven't found that it rides too far away from my body either; for me, it is far enough out that I can get a very positive grip on the weapon prior to drawing (something that I cannot do with my SuperTuck) yet sits close enough that I don't feel uncomfortable with it, nor does it catch onto other things. Just my experience, but from it and all of the other responses, I'd say the paddle holster seems to definitely have a niche and satisfy the needs of quite a few shooters out there.

 

[rayban]

You don't see a lot of leather paddle holsters around, I found one at a gun show and "borrowed" the paddle to attach to a holster I made for myself.
It's turned out nicely...however I only seem to wear it when I know I'll only be carrying for a short period of time, to run to the store, etc...
I wear the paddle between my belt and the pants waist band. The leather paddle has a Kydex strap stiffner sandwiched in between...works very well.

 

[gym]

Paddle holsters are great for most times when you will be removing your rig a few times a day and you don't have to mess with your belt each time, had em for 30 yrs. Used to use them more when I carried at work on and off several time a day.

 

[Lance Boyle]

I only own one (a safariland for 4" revolvers) and it's a very comfortable carry for the heavy python. I don't carry it daily but I use it as a range holster. I could easily be happy carrying concealed with it, it carries the weight very well.

My buddy had a 90's vintage galco paddle holster for his S&W model 36 and you could easily forget you had the combo on.

I generally just go for a solid FBI tilt with thumbstrap leather belt holster, be it Don Hume (actually a great quality piece), Desantis (they soften over time) or a Kramer which I love but it is for a gun I seldom carry currently.

 

[VeganTaxidermist]

My Springfield 1911 came with a paddle holster branded "11 Gear", which works quite well for the one-off occasion when I need to open carry. (Primarily churches or day cares when my job duties take me there late at night; we can OC there but definitely no concealed carry.) It's also suitable for wearing in the car or around the house, and being able to slide it into a comfortable position is a definite plus in the car.

It has a strong ridge on it to ride beneath one's belt. Taking it on and off is relatively simple, and it has no issues with coming off during presentation.

I picked up a cheap Fobus paddle holster for my M&P Shield 40. Presentation with that thing is horrible. Instead of a solid ridge on it, it just has two little bumps on it to hold on to your belt. Even with my belt pulled gut-bustingly tight, I had the holster come off during presentation more than once.

I also got a Fobus for a Sig P238. It did not cover the trigger to my satisfaction and appeared to be made to fit something else, despite the package claiming to be compatible with the P238.

Not sure what's going on with Fobus, but I'm glad I bought those at a sporting-goods store that takes returns. I wish I could find Comp-Tac and DeSantis stuff as well stocked as Fobus. I do believe the Fobus paddle holsters may be giving all paddle holsters a bad name.

 

[Trent]

How in the world can you conceal anything in a paddle holster in the middle of summer???

I tried (jeans and tshirt) and I printed HORRIBLY.

(We're new at this CCW stuff in IL, so forgive my ignorance in advance of any rebukes.)

 

[9mmepiphany]

How in the world can you conceal anything in a paddle holster in the middle of summer???

Go up a size in a t-shirt and go with the longer length. Move the holster to carry your gun in the hollow behind the flare of your hip bone

While it won't work with a Beretta 92 (rides too low) I've concealed a SIG 220, 228 and Glock G19 in paddles under T-shirts

 

[Trent]

Go up a size in a t-shirt and go with the longer length. Move the holster to carry your gun in the hollow behind the flare of your hip bone

While it won't work with a Beretta 92 (rides too low) I've concealed a SIG 220, 228 and Glock G19 in paddles under T-shirts

Probably should start a separate thread on this, but next question.

Doesn't that hurt or get in the way when you sit down in a car?

I've been carrying a Taurus PT92 in an inside waistband holster (totally flattens out when empty). I found I can't have it on the side, prints too bad, so I moved it to my appendix. Problem there, is when I sit down the muzzle is in contention with "my boys" for room...which is a bit unnerving and somewhat uncomfortable.

But, it doesn't print much at all as long as I don't lean back to stretch. Just a little bump at the end of the grip.

My other options (handguns I own) are limited; and I'd rather not carry an expensive one due to our concealed carry being .. well, sketchy. County State's attorney announced he wouldn't prosecute, county sheriff said he's OK with it, but we may still get arrested by Illinois State Police.

Too many full sized guns here, never had CCW until this month so I never had any interest in "compacts".

Taurus PT145 (can't find a holster for it)
Glock 21 (fobus paddle holster, rides too low)
FN Fiveseven (fobus paddle holster, rides too low, too big)
CZ75 (just got it, no real holster, have a couple that 'sort of' fit, blade tech nano IWB on the way)
H&K USP Tactical 45 (AkA "the brick"- it's for sale.. too big & slow, no holster)
S&W M&P 45 (fobus paddle holster, prints too bad)
S&W SP101 357 (I like this one for coat pocket carry...)

My next choice was this holster (should be here tomorrow)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/38..._-Service_Emails-_-ShippingConf-_-ProductLink

For my Springfield 1911 GI

So I've got two IWB on the way for two more experiments.

Was just curious about the OWB and concealing. From what you say, it needs to ride pretty "high".

 

[9mmepiphany]

I used to carry a 1911 IWB with a Milt Spark's Summer Special, but IWB put too much pressure on my spine.

The advantage of a paddle holster is that you can keep adjusting it's position in your beltline until you get it just right. If you're going to carry Apendix, roll your shoulders forward a bit, hunch over and let you arms dangle in front of the gun

 

[Trent]

I used to carry a 1911 IWB with a Milt Spark's Summer Special, but IWB put too much pressure on my spine.

The advantage of a paddle holster is that you can keep adjusting it's position in your beltline until you get it just right. If you're going to carry Apendix, roll your shoulders forward a bit, hunch over and let you arms dangle in front of the gun

I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those guys that ends up with a drawer full of holsters.

I'll have to try a different paddle holster for one or two of the guns I own. The Fobus ones don't do it for me. (They LOOK cool, but .. the idea now is not to be seen. I need something .. smoother contoured.)

Thanks for the advice.

 

[AZ PAUL]

I wear my 3" 1911 in a paddle holster when I run outside and am wearing something like gym shorts. It works well and have had no issues. Its not something I wear if I have a belt on though.