Understanding the World of Exterior the Waistband Holsters
The Glock 19. It is a identify synonymous with reliability, compact dimension, and widespread recognition. This versatile handgun has develop into a favourite amongst each legislation enforcement, army personnel, and civilian gun homeowners alike. However proudly owning a Glock 19 is simply half the battle. To actually maximize its potential, and to hold it safely and successfully, you want a top-quality holster. For a lot of, Exterior the Waistband (OWB) holsters are the popular methodology of carry, providing benefits in accessibility, consolation, and, in some circumstances, concealment. This information delves into the world of OWB holsters, focusing particularly on discovering the *greatest OWB holster for Glock 19* homeowners. We’ll discover the different sorts, essential options to think about, and evaluation a number of the high contenders available on the market that can assist you make the best selection to your particular wants. Our aim is easy: to empower you with the information to pick the OWB holster that may present the most effective mixture of security, consolation, and performance to your Glock 19.
Exploring the Numerous Sorts of OWB Holsters
Earlier than diving into particular fashions, it’s important to grasp what an OWB holster is and the benefits it affords. An OWB holster, because the identify suggests, is designed to be worn *exterior* your waistband, sometimes hooked up to your belt. This contrasts with Contained in the Waistband (IWB) holsters, that are hid inside your pants.
One of many major advantages of OWB holsters is enhanced accessibility. Drawing your firearm is usually faster and simpler with an OWB holster, making it a sensible selection for vary use, competitors taking pictures, or eventualities the place speedy entry is paramount. For people with bodily limitations or those that discover IWB carry uncomfortable, OWB affords a extra accessible and infrequently extra comfy choice. The open design promotes airflow, which generally is a important profit in hotter climates. Moreover, OWB holsters are sometimes simpler to placed on and take off in comparison with IWB holsters, providing comfort and suppleness.
OWB holsters additionally supply larger versatility when it comes to carry positions. Relying on the holster design and your desire, you possibly can place your Glock 19 at numerous factors alongside your beltline. Some want a strong-side carry, whereas others could go for a cross-draw or perhaps a small-of-the-back configuration. The hot button is to discover a place that feels comfy and permits for a clean and environment friendly draw.
Past accessibility and luxury, OWB holsters can present a better stage of concealment than many individuals understand. Whereas they may not be as inherently discreet as IWB holsters, with the best clothes selections (e.g., a loose-fitting shirt or jacket) and a well-designed holster, you possibly can successfully conceal your Glock 19 in an OWB setup. The success of concealment typically is dependent upon the general profile of the holster and the particular carry place.
Kydex Holsters: Energy and Reliability
Kydex holsters are arguably the preferred selection for OWB carry, and for good purpose. Kydex is a thermoplastic sheet materials famend for its sturdiness, rigidity, and resistance to the weather. Kydex holsters are molded to the precise specs of your Glock 19, offering a safe and exact match. This exact molding sometimes ends in glorious retention, holding your firearm firmly in place even throughout rigorous actions. The inherent rigidity of Kydex additionally contributes to sooner and extra constant attracts. Kydex holsters are additionally very low-maintenance; they’re simple to wash and immune to oils, solvents, and sweat.
The manufacturing course of for Kydex holsters permits for a variety of designs and options. Many Kydex holsters incorporate adjustable cant, which lets you alter the angle of the holster to fit your most well-liked carry place and drawing fashion. The power so as to add options like optic cuts for purple dot sights, and even gentle/laser attachments, contributes to the general adaptability and flexibility of Kydex holsters.
Leather-based Holsters: Traditional Consolation and Type
Leather-based holsters supply a extra conventional strategy to carrying a firearm. Leather-based’s pure properties supply a snug and classy different to Kydex. Excessive-quality leather-based holsters are sometimes crafted with meticulous consideration to element, leading to a product that may final for many years with correct care. The pure flexibility of leather-based permits for a level of consolation that some discover unmatched by Kydex.
Leather-based holsters typically develop a singular patina over time, including character and persona to the holster. The method of breaking in a leather-based holster, the place the leather-based molds to the particular form of your Glock 19, can even contribute to a extra personalized and safe match. Leather-based holsters sometimes require extra upkeep than Kydex holsters, requiring common cleansing and conditioning to stop drying and cracking. Leather-based can also be prone to moisture injury and might retain sweat, doubtlessly resulting in corrosion of your firearm if not correctly cared for.
Nylon/Material Holsters: Affordability and Light-weight Design
Nylon or cloth holsters supply an especially inexpensive choice. They’re typically light-weight and available. Nylon holsters are normally the least costly choice out there, which makes them accessible to individuals on a funds. Some cloth holsters additionally present added safety to your firearm.
Nylon holsters typically have a much less safe match, generally relying totally on an elasticized materials to carry your firearm in place. Retention could be much less dependable than Kydex or Leather-based, particularly throughout bodily actions. They sometimes supply much less safety to the firearm in opposition to impacts. Nylon holsters might be much less sturdy than Kydex or leather-based, prone to put on and tear with repeated use.
Key Options to Contemplate When Selecting an OWB Holster
Past the kind of holster materials, a number of key options play a crucial position in its total efficiency and suitability to your Glock 19:
Retention
Retention refers back to the holster’s skill to securely maintain your firearm. Good retention prevents the gun from falling out by accident, significantly throughout bodily exercise or when the holster is bumped. Passive retention depends on the friction of the holster materials gripping the gun. Energetic retention methods, reminiscent of thumb breaks or locking mechanisms, present an additional layer of safety and are sometimes most well-liked for responsibility carry or conditions the place a better stage of retention is required. The most effective *OWB holster for Glock 19* could have glorious retention.
Cant
Cant refers back to the angle at which the holster positions the firearm relative to your physique. A impartial cant (0 levels) positions the gun vertically. Constructive cant angles tilt the gun ahead, making it simpler to attract, whereas damaging cant angles tilt the gun backward. The perfect cant is dependent upon your most well-liked carry place, draw fashion, and physique kind.
Journey Peak
Journey peak refers to how excessive or low the holster positions the firearm in your belt. The next trip peak could make drawing simpler and sooner, whereas a decrease trip peak can support in concealment.
Belt Attachment Choices
OWB holsters connect to your belt utilizing quite a lot of strategies. Frequent choices embody belt loops, paddles, and MOLLE-compatible attachments. Belt loops supply a safe and steady attachment, however they require you to string them by your belt. Paddles are designed to clip over your belt and might be simply placed on and brought off. MOLLE attachments can help you mount the holster onto tactical vests or different suitable gear.
Sturdiness
Sturdiness is a vital issue, significantly for holsters utilized in demanding environments or for every day carry. The holster needs to be constituted of high-quality supplies and constructed to face up to common put on and tear. Kydex holsters, usually, supply superior sturdiness in comparison with nylon choices.
Consolation
Consolation is important, particularly when you plan to hold your Glock 19 for prolonged intervals. The holster needs to be designed to attenuate stress factors and forestall rubbing or chafing. Leather-based holsters are sometimes praised for his or her consolation, whereas hybrid holsters (combining Kydex and leather-based or neoprene) can even present an excellent steadiness of consolation and retention.
Concealment
Whereas OWB holsters should not inherently designed for max concealment, some designs and options can support in concealing your Glock 19. Holsters with a low profile and those who trip near the physique are usually higher for concealment. Utilizing a garment designed for concealment can even enhance the power to hide the firearm.
Prime Contenders: Really helpful Exterior the Waistband Holsters for Your Glock 19
Let’s look at just a few of the *greatest OWB holsters for Glock 19* out there available on the market:
Kydex Holster Instance: A Fashionable Model
Model Overview: Let’s think about a extremely revered producer, identified for its revolutionary designs and use of premium supplies. They’ve a robust status for constructing sturdy, dependable, and well-designed holsters.
Particular Mannequin: We’re their normal OWB holster for the Glock 19.
Key Options: Constructed from sturdy Kydex, the holster options adjustable cant, offering a snug and customizable carry place. It incorporates a optimistic retention mechanism, with audible “click on” upon reholstering, assuring safety. It has a sturdy belt attachment with pre-drilled holes for various belt widths and cant angles.
Professionals: Distinctive sturdiness, offering years of dependable service. The adjustable cant system permits customized carry consolation. The optimistic retention ensures confidence in your firearm’s safety.
Cons: Might require a slight break-in interval for optimum match and really feel. The inflexible design won’t attraction to those that want a extra versatile holster materials.
Who it is Finest For: This holster is ideally fitted to customers who prioritize sturdiness, retention, and customization. It’s a unbelievable choice for on a regular basis carry, vary use, and tactical purposes.
General Impression: The holster offers a wonderful mixture of options and efficiency.
Leather-based Holster Instance: A Traditional Selection
Model Overview: A well-established model identified for producing high-quality leather-based items for generations. They’re a trusted identify amongst gun fans and carry a robust status for craftsmanship.
Particular Mannequin: A traditional open-top leather-based OWB holster designed particularly for the Glock 19.
Key Options: Constructed from premium, full-grain leather-based. The holster contains a molded design that gives a safe match and glorious retention. The sleek leather-based lining protects the end of your Glock 19. It incorporates belt loops that accommodate all kinds of belt sizes.
Professionals: The wealthy really feel and look of high-quality leather-based. The consolation and suppleness of leather-based contribute to simple all-day carry. Over time, the holster conforms to the precise form of your Glock 19, offering an ideal customized match.
Cons: Leather-based requires common upkeep to stop drying and cracking. The open-top design won’t be appropriate for all carry eventualities, reminiscent of conditions involving excessive exercise.
Who it is Finest For: People who respect the timeless aesthetics of leather-based, in addition to those that prioritize consolation. It is a superb choice for on a regular basis carry and informal use.
General Impression: The leather-based holster is a superb selection for its consolation and magnificence.
Hybrid Holster Instance: Mixing Consolation and Safety
Model Overview: A producer that makes a speciality of hybrid holster designs, combining Kydex with different supplies for a snug and versatile carry expertise. Their focus is on offering revolutionary merchandise.
Particular Mannequin: A hybrid OWB holster that mixes a Kydex shell with a neoprene backing and leather-based loops for a snug carry.
Key Options: The Kydex shell offers glorious retention and firearm safety. The neoprene backing affords superior consolation in opposition to the physique. The leather-based belt loops present a safe attachment and glorious stability.
Professionals: The mixture of a inflexible Kydex shell and mushy neoprene backing offers glorious consolation for all-day put on. The holster affords a steadiness of retention and accessibility.
Cons: The general profile could be barely bulkier than another designs.
Who it is Finest For: People who’re in search of a steadiness of retention and luxury, in addition to these in search of a flexible OWB holster appropriate for a variety of carry eventualities.
General Impression: The holster is a superb selection for comfy and dependable carry.
Selecting the Proper OWB Holster for You: Making the Finest Resolution
The *greatest OWB holster for Glock 19* is the one that matches your particular person wants, carry preferences, and life-style. Earlier than making a purchase order, rigorously think about the next elements:
Carry Type: Decide how you plan to hold your Glock 19. For open carry, retention and sturdiness could be the best priorities. For hid carry, concealment and luxury are paramount. For vary use, ease of entry and draw pace could be most vital.
Consolation Wants: Contemplate how typically and for a way lengthy you may be carrying your Glock 19. If you happen to plan to hold all day, consolation is a should. Search for holsters constituted of comfy supplies or those who incorporate options like neoprene backing.
Retention Necessities: Determine how a lot retention you want. Passive retention is appropriate for a lot of customers, however energetic retention could be most well-liked for responsibility carry, or for individuals who are extra energetic.
Materials Preferences: Contemplate the benefits and downsides of Kydex, leather-based, and nylon holsters, protecting in thoughts your funds and upkeep preferences.
Price range: Set a practical funds and analysis holsters inside that worth vary.
Local weather and Atmosphere: Contemplate the environmental circumstances during which you may be carrying your Glock 19. Kydex is usually extra immune to moisture and sweat than leather-based.
Sustaining Your Holster: Making certain Lengthy Life and Efficiency
As soon as you have chosen the *greatest OWB holster for Glock 19* to your wants, it is vital to keep up it correctly to make sure its longevity and optimum efficiency. Kydex holsters require minimal upkeep, however they need to be cleaned recurrently to take away mud and particles. Leather-based holsters, however, require extra care. Clear leather-based holsters with a leather-based cleaner and situation them with a leather-based conditioner to maintain the leather-based supple and forestall cracking. All the time observe the producer’s directions when cleansing or sustaining your holster.
Conclusion: Discovering Your Excellent Match
Selecting the *greatest OWB holster for Glock 19* is a private choice. By understanding the various kinds of holsters, evaluating the important thing options, and contemplating your particular person wants, you will discover the proper holster to securely and comfortably carry your Glock 19. Keep in mind to prioritize security, analysis your choices, and select a holster that enhances your carry fashion and private preferences. The precise holster could make all of the distinction in your total consolation and confidence. Good luck in your search!
