Thoughts on paddle holster

[tham]

All:

Does anyone use a paddle holster? I'm thinking about it, and am looking for pros/cons as well as manufacturer recommendations (I need one for a Beretta 92D Centurion).

Thanks, Tham

[Mini-Me]

Make sure you get a very durable one. I have seen way too many plastic paddle holsters break during weapon retention drills.

Make sure the paddle is a high quality leather coated metal piece with a good adjustable retention belt clip. DeSantis makes a good one that will fit the Beretta.

[nyccyn]

tham,

It is good to see you on the boards again. I am assuming everything is going well if you are asking about holsters.

I do not use a paddle holster so I can't help you with your question though.

[sigy]

I use both Fobus and Galco paddle holsters for my Glocks and have never had a problem with any of them. Both styles are very durable and comfortable.

[zz25]

I use two different Safariland paddles for my Sig P228. Very happy with both. One of the models is used by everyone in my office.----------ZZ

[LA Express]

I'm not anti-paddle holster myself (never used/carried one), but during FI school, the instructors universally loathed them. They never explicity said why because a few instructor trainees used them on duty and I suppose they didn't want to insult them. But several times during our qualification drills, two things happened to the one guy using a paddle during quals: 1) the entire holster was pulled out and fell to the ground; 2) the holster was pulled out and was raised and pointed as one with the gun toward the target. Each time it happened, the instructors just stood there shaking their heads. During ultra-high stress situations, you're far more worried about getting that gun out of the holster as fast as possible (as you should be) than anything else, so I suppose those are very possible consequences.

That's just a story, but don't take it to be an attempt to dissuade you from paddles (seriously). If you do go with one, I'd recommend following mini-me's advice and making sure you get one with excellent retention. In my office, the Fobus is very popular, but my non-paddle Galco experience is top notch. Good advice there with those two.

[SkipInHiro]

My partner and I have used GCode kydex paddle holsters alot for the last year and they work GREAT! The factory is here and after taking a tour and using the holster we were sold. They just got a big contract with the Marines for a tactical holster and I haven't heard anyone say anything bad yet.

http://www.tacticalholsters.com/gcode.htm

[The Brown Hornet]

Depends on the mission, you know? I sell duty gear on the side and could be described as opinionated in this area. Some of the plastic paddles are less sturdy than others, but it depends on your daily work. Retention is an issue too. I use a paddle rig from safariland that has the rotating hood thing as opposed to a thumb-break. This holster is just about indestructable, but a little bulkier than some. The Desantis is really nice, and some of the Aker stuff is pretty decent quality for this price. The most important thing with a paddle is that it has some sort of little indentation or shelf inside the paddle below your belt line, to keep the holster in place during draw (keeps you from pulling both the gun and the holster out of your pants.

[Scooter]

I've used the Safariland Custom Fit for a couple years now, and it is outstanding..!

I noticed the last time I was at FLETC, that it is now "issue" for DSS.....



BTW, it's a little pricey, but ask for their GSA representative, and then ask for their GSA price, send them an order on letterhead, and they will take $20-25 off..

I think I paid $40.00 or so...

BTW: It has a hook on the inside of the paddle that hooks under your belt, making it impossible to come out..

I've tried lots of paddles, and this is the best IMHO..

From their website:

Safariland's Model 560, custom fit paddle holster is the lightest, thinnest, best fitting concealment holster you can buy. The new, extra-wide paddle will contour and conform to your body for unparalleled comfort and concealabilty. This is not some cheap "Kydex" holster that will break or scratch your gun. This holster uses five separate composite layers, two layers of leather, and a skeletal structure made of acrylic alloy. The inside of the holster is lined with premium brushed leather to protect the finish of your handgun. There's no other holster like it. http://www.magills.com/images/store3/pgroups/2987_image1.gif

[JimSpoor]

Originally posted by LA Express
two things happened to the one guy using a paddle during quals: 1) the entire holster was pulled out and fell to the ground; 2) the holster was pulled out and was raised and pointed as one with the gun toward the target.


I have had the same thing happen to me with my Strong paddle rig I have for a Beretta. Both happened the first time I qualified with the holster and it was only maybe a month or two after I bought it. I chalk it up to the holster not being broken in. Since then it has been my primary holster and I have had no problems either on the range or doing DT training.

On paddle holsters in general I have two observations:
1) Most models I have seen were a little more bulky than their non-paddle cousins of the same design.
2) The main reason I use a paddle is that I am in and out of corr. facs. throughout the day and you have to divest yourself of ALL your leather gear, not just the weapons. This is why my mags and my cuffs ride in Fobus paddles as well as my duty weapon. Now if I could find a paddle rig for my ASP.

[UncleSugar]

Originally posted by JimSpoor
. . . 2) The main reason I use a paddle is that I am in and out of corr. facs. throughout the day and you have to divest yourself of ALL your leather gear, not just the weapons. This is why my mags and my cuffs ride in Fobus paddles as well as my duty weapon. . .

I solved this problem with an IWB holster from Blade-Tech and a mag carrier, and a cuff case that snap on. I carry OC that clips to the belt so I don't have the baton problem. Just providing another option.

[slam]

Another vote for G-Code. Like the holsters, hate the mag holders.

[mmagoo]

Originally posted by JimSpoor
The main reason I use a paddle is that I am in and out of corr. facs. throughout the day and you have to divest yourself of ALL your leather gear, not just the weapons. This is why my mags and my cuffs ride in Fobus paddles as well as my duty weapon. Now if I could find a paddle rig for my ASP.


Out of curiosity, is the main reason that people use paddle holsters because they are easy to take on and off? Or are they more comfortable?

The one you showed looks nice Scooter, is it supposed to be more comfortable than say a belt slide?

[slam]

I think they are more comfortable if you're forced to wear a slim dress belt. No matter how stiff that belt is, if the majority of the weight of the gun is on the belt, it is uncomfortable and it pulls down your pants. The paddle helps distribute some of the weight to the fleshy part of the hip, but this is also something that some people hate about a paddle holster (the feel it digs into them). I like to put a little rubber with adhesive on the paddle so that it doesn't slip around as much (same stuff they sell in hardware stores to put in drawers to keep things from sliding around in them). I also feel they suck the gun in closer than a belt style, but not as much as a IWB. Of course, some are better than others, just as with any other type of holster.

I sit in aircraft a lot, and a paddle is easy to move around to the front or back of the hip in order to fit in the seats easier. I've used several types, but I've had my G-Code for about a year and I love it. It is very well made, retention is good, it fits the gun perfectly, has a sweat gaurd and the price if very acceptable.

[erosado]

Anybody owns a REAC rig for the G-Code?

[SkipInHiro]

The REAC is good, and of course modular, but you might want to look into the SOC holster if you are looking at a drop style. I played with one at their factory and it was slick. I can say also that the owner is good to go! I stopped in one day to inquire if they were going to start making a dual mag/surefire holder (it is in the planning stage). I ended up with a 15' conversion for my gov't model holster which he switched out one for one with the existing paddle!!

[erosado]

I dont' know if this "SOC" holster is for me.


I am curious about the REAC rig since I would like to carry the same type of holster when casual or rough duty. That is my main purpose for looking into the reac rig.

[nwohsy]

I use a Safariland for my Glock 19 only when in a suit. For me I found it to be the best option with the light weight pants and a non gun belt. It doesn't pull at the belt loops like a pancake, nor do I have to a a larger size pants for an IWB. All other times it sits in the locker because I have better, more secure holster/belt combinations.

[1890to1811]

I Can Not Emphasize My Dislike For These Things Enough.

I Had Always Carried A Pancake Style Holster Off Duty, And A Double Retention On Duty, When I Was In Uniform. I Had Heard All The Horror Stories About Paddles And Grew To Dislike Them From What I Had Seen And Heard About Them.

Today I Wore A Paddle In To A Weapon Retention Class. Although I Usually Wouldn't, Circumstances As They Were, I Had No Choice. I Will Put This As Mildly As Possible So As Not To Offend The Fans Of Paddles.

Anyone Who Carries A Weapon, Should Seriously Consider These Facts.... If An Officer's Weapon Is Taken Away The Chances Are Astronomical That The Weapon Will Be Used On The Officer.

As Told To Me By An Instructor Today, 50% Of All Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty Are Killed With Their Own Weapon.

My Point Is, There Is Just Not Enough Retention With A Paddle. It Was Better To Have Found This Out In The Mat Room Than While In The Mix!

Lae, How About Those Pancakes!

My 2 Cents

[LA Express]

Lae, How About Those Pancakes!

I really love the ones with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Peach pancakes may be my favorite, though really good chocolate chip ones are very tempting.

If you're talking about something other than hotcakes, check your PMs.

[Rooster5150]

I got to go with Sigy on this one. I have tried many paddle holsters over my 7 years as an agent an finally settled on the Fobus. It's not too expensive, It's not bulky and it doesn't use a thumb break. It uses a trigger guard retention. The top 1/4 of my pistol is exposed but it's in tight! It clips on so good that it's a pain to get it off my belt sometimes when I want to transition to an ankle holster.

I see many others goin to it because of it's convenience. I shoot the standard ICE issued Glock 26 and 19 and they both fit in it. I think I'm gonna stay with it for a long time.