The Glock 30 is a very popular compact .45 ACP handgun, used oftentimes for concealed carry. This weapon’s popularity ensures that there are a wide variety of accessories to choose from, with holsters being one of the most important. Below we outline 10 picks for the best holsters for this gun, and then ten tips for when you buy.
1. Blackhawk! SERPA Concealment Holster – Matte Finish
This holster attaches to the outside of one’s belt, along with a SERPA auto-lock release that completely prevents the pistol from coming out. What’s really unique about this particular holster is its construction material: carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is extremely durable and is able to withstand a large range of temperatures.
2. Desantis Mini Slide Holster
The Desantis Mini Slide Holster, made in the USA, is made from light brown leather and has an adjustable strap for different sized pistols. Much like an OWB holster, this one slightly tilts the weapon forward to greatly increase concealment. It’s a two-slot holster as well. Because the holster exposes the muzzle of the firearm, it’s not nearly as bulky as other holster designs.
3. BLACKHAWK! Serpa CQC Carbon Fiber Appliqué Finish Concealment Holster
Aside from the SERPA retention-release features and adjustable strap, this holster is positioned to allow for the fastest draw times, thanks to its full-mastered grip and speed-cut design, which only covers a portion of the weapon. Like the previous holster, this one is made from carbon fiber, making it ideal for rough outdoor activities, like hiking. It comes with both the belt loop and and paddle platform.
4. Safariland ALS Concealment Paddle Holster (STX Black Finish)
The ALS locking system secures the pistol once it’s holstered and is released by a thumb-push button. Although the inner construction is made from a rigid plastic, the outside nylon padding adds a good level of extra comfort. Like the previously mentioned holster, this one slightly tilts the weapon forward. The belt slot will fit anywhere from 1.5 to 1.75 inch belt widths.
5. Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster
This open-top holster simply holds the weapon securely without any locking features, allowing for a quicker draw time. Its thin polymer construction makes it extremely comfortable and conforming to the body. On top of that, the inner part is highly textured to further help secure the firearm in place. One also can look forward to its Forever warranty included in the deal.
6. Gould & Goodrich B890-G30 Concealment Inside Trouser Holster
The Gould and Goodrich holster has a concealed, narrow design and is made from genuine leather, so it’ll conform to the body well. Also, it’s worn from the inside of one’s pants, increasing concealment. Rather than being connected with a belt, this holster simply clips unto the wearer’s pants. However, it can also “belt up” with up to a one-and-three-quarter of an inch belt width.
7. Ambidextrous Hip Holster with Magazine Pouch Fits Glock
Conveniently being able to be worn by both right and left handed people, this clip-on and belt-loop holster is made with a sturdy outside layer with a soft nylon inner. Overall, it conforms to the body pretty well, almost like leather. On top of that, it features a built-in magazine pouch. It’s overall a very practical, durable holster that is extremely light weight.
8. Desantis Cozy Partner Holster
The Desantis Cozy Partner holster is very compact and lightweight in design, being made entirely with leather. On top of that, it’s made in the USA and comes in two colors: pitch and and cowboy brown. It secures with a one and three-quarter inch belt. The design as a whole is round and very inconspicuous, not even really looking like a holster. It features a tension device as well.
9. OUTBAGS LOB2S-G30 Brown Genuine Leather IWB Conceal Carry Gun Holster
This real leather IWB holster is strictly worn in the inside of one’s pants. The protective clear coat will completely shield out moisture and water. Although it’s a top-open holster, it offers exceptional pistol retention, thanks to the cured and hardened leather that maintains shape. Aside from the protective coat, each holster is hand dyed to preserve natural color and texture.
10. Ace Case Concealed In-the-Pants/Waistband Holster
This all-American-made, inner-worn holster is one of the most compact, simple holsters around. It simply clips onto one’s pants and holsters a pistol with a single, simple slot. The entire thing is made of nylon, so it’s very flexible and comfortable. Better yet, it can also be worn on the outside through one’s belt if they wish to open carry or simply carry a different way.
10 Tips for Choosing a Holster
1. Construction Material
Both leather and molded plastic are the generally the best holster materials. However, leather may require some “breaking in.” Plastic molds, on the other hand, will require no break-in period. However, some down sides of plastic holsters include warping in extremely heat and not conforming to the body comfortably, like leather. Keep in mind that some plastics are more flexible than others.
2. Weapon Retention
Whether one has a top-open or lock-feature holster, they want their pistol to remain inside the holster securely. If one doesn’t plan to be very mobile while carrying, then a top-open holster will do just fine. Those that move around a lot, such as when hiking or doing other dynamic activities, will want some type of retention feature, whether it be a button, clip or some other feature.
3. IWB Holsters
These holsters are generally worn in the one, and three to six o’clock positions. Therefore, one will need to get pants that are around two inches bigger in waist. Because having a holster against the skin can eventually become uncomfortable, wearing an undershirt is highly recommended. Many IWB holster companies are using either leather or Kydex that are both excellent materials. A few IWB holsters can be worn on the outside of one’s pants. Overall, these type of holsters are great for conceal carry.
4. OWB Holsters
Worn from either the three to six or nine to 11 o’clock position, OWB holsters face the bottom of the grip toward the adversary or target, making them a little slower to draw. However, they are ideal for those who may have to draw from a sitting position. Most of these holsters tilt the gun slightly forward, making the pistol more concealed.
5. Pocket Carry Holsters
The biggest downside to pocket carry is that it takes up the entire pocket. Pocket holsters are very thin and light weight, securing to the inside of the pocket. With some practice, they can become very easy to draw from. Pocket holsters are the perfect option for light clothing that doesn’t have a belt strap, such as a pair of sweats. One must first have clothing that has sufficient sized pockets for their carry pistol.
6. Shoulder Rig Holster
Shoulder rigs are one of the most comfortable type of holsters that a person can wear. A strap with a holster is placed on one’s shoulder, putting the holster itself several inches below the armpit. Not only are they very comfortable, but they are extremely good at concealing. The only cons to this setup is that it slightly slows draw time.
7. Ankle Holster
These holsters seem to make sub-compact pistols almost disappear. They can either be very comfortable or very uncomfortable, depending on the padding material, tightness of strap and a few other factors. They are also much harder to draw from and aren’t ideal if someone gets into a brawl. One can forget about carrying full-sized pistols with this type of holster. Buying a leather ankle holster is highly recommended when going this route.
8. Carry in Plain Sight
Conceal carrying in plain site includes carrying in items such as backpacks, fanny packs and purses. One can even get a holster that attaches to the inside of their bag or purse, keeping the weapon from getting moved around and lost in the bag. The only major downside to this method is that it’s much easier for a thief to snatch it away. Depending on exactly how one uses this method, draw time may slow down a bit.
9. Exotic Holsters
Exotic holsters include methods such as belly bands, fanny packs, hidden jacket pockets and other things of the like. This method of carrying is great for those who can’t use their normal method of carrying, such as when at events like a wedding or going to the beach. They do, however, greatly conceal and hide the idea that one is carrying in the first place.
10. Choose Pistol Size Wisely
Although this doesn’t directly relate to holsters, it does need to be mentioned. Those who need the most concealment should carry nothing bigger than compact size, whereas those who don’t need as much concealment can get away with a full-sized pistol. Fortunately, there are many sub-compact and even compact pistols today that offer larger calibers, such as the 45 acp, packing quite a punch in a little pistol.
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