When searching for the right holster for your weapon, there is a myriad of things that must be considered. Holsters can vary significantly in style, material makeup and the way in which they are carried. There are many different types of holsters, but some of the more popular ones include: inside the waistband holsters, outside the waistband holsters, shoulder holsters, and ankle holsters. Inside the waistband holsters (IWB) usually offer the most in concealability due to fact that they are made to operate effectively underneath your clothing. Looser fitting pants are best for IWB holsters, as they allow your weapon to fit with comfort, while tighter fitting pants make your weapon more difficult to remove and may compromise aspects of the concealment factor. Outside the waistband holsters (OWH) follow a more traditional model, leaning toward what would be worn by a uniformed officer or a cowboy. Shoulder holsters are usually made of leather and consist of two straps with one side consisting of a compartment to house the firearm, while the other strap compartment houses the spare magazine. A shoulder holster is ideal when extra ammunition is necessary, but where shoulder holsters shine in a bulk capacity, they are often lacking when it comes to concealability. Selecting the proper clothing is of great importance when wearing a shoulder holster, as a jacket or some form of outerwear is intended to be worn over it. Ankle holsters, while efficient, are primarily used to house backup firearms. Due to the location on the body that an ankle holster occupies, a crouching position is usually necessary to retrieve the weapon cleanly, so accessibility may become a factor. Also because of the location, ankle holsters are ideal for small-framed weapons, as larger firearms may be more difficult to conceal and may bring about more discomfort.

The Glock 27 has been referred to as the ultimate “carry” pistol due to its subcompact status and ability to retain an adequate level of stopping power. This weapon is very durable and nearly impervious to most damage, including salt-water and other forms of corrosion, due to the strength of its polymer frame. The small size of the Glock 27 allows it to fit comfortably for most hand sizes. When choosing a gun for concealment, there are compromises that must be made, as a firearm that packs a lot of stopping power and firepower, will usually be larger in size and heavier in weight, thus being more difficult to conceal and less comfortable. This is where the Glock 27 tends to shine. As a small frame firearm, the Glock 27 will operate efficiently IWB (inside the waistband) and OWB (outside the waistband) holsters. With IWB holsters, the Glock 27 will offer minimal printing and as a little brother to the standard Glock 9mm, offers an outstanding mix of style, stopping power, weight, and concealability. Operating with the .40 S&W round allows the Glock 27 to take advantage of its small, high-speed capabilities, delivering similar stopping power to its larger counterparts, all in a small concealable package. It utilizes a nine-round magazine and maintains its light weight even when it is fully loaded. While the Glock 27 doesn’t have a manual safety, there is a safety bar on the trigger that still eliminates an inadvertent firing and the fact that it does not have an external hammer, it is a breeze to carry with a variety of different holsters.

Concealability and comfort are two of the main things to consider when choosing the right holster and due to its compact size, the Glock 27 is the perfect piece to fit for holsters that want to ensure these two factors. Reholstering is also an important factor to consider when choosing a holster for your Glock 27, as it should always be a smooth and seamless process. A good holster for the Glock 27 will have a level of rigidity that ensures that the weapon fits securely in place. This will allow the wearer of the firearm to avoid the accidental firing of the weapon due to struggling with replacement. Holster retention is important to the reholstering process and is usually more common with leather or polymer holsters.

There are many types of holsters that will work with the Glock 27, but finding the right mixture of comfort, style and reliability can be a daunting task. Below are a few holsters that we recommend:

Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster

The Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster works with several subcompact firearms, including the Glock 27. Made from KYDEX, which is a polymer, Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster compares favorably with many leather holsters, but is superior in some facets, due to its durability against wear and outside elements. The Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster is very resistant to moisture and as it is an inside the waistband holster, sweat can begin to accumulate even during casual usage. Moisture can cause your weapon to slide into undesirable positions, and can also cause corrosion over time. With a weight of just two ounces, the Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster will add minimal additional bulk to your firearm, ensuring a high level of comfort for the wearer. The Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster also has adjustable pivot points that give the firearm a snug fit suitable to your needs.

The CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster

The CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster works with several variations of the Glock subcompact models, including the Glock 27. Made of Boltaron polymer, the CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster is incredibly durable by design, holding up very well against wear-and-tear and is very resistant to friction, allowing for a clean draw. The Boltaron polymer is often compared to KYDEX but offers several benefits to its counterpart. In terms of hardness and impact resistance, it performs better than KYDEX. Many other polymer holsters are form-fitting, which can have some advantages, but the CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster, although fitting, is slightly recessed, allowing for an ultra smooth draw. Also featuring an adjustable cant, the CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster is a superb blend of comfort and efficiency.

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster

The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is an excellent take on the ankle holster as it aligns perfectly with the Glock 27 due to its incredible design, but also because of the Glock 27’s subcompact status. The subcompact Glock 27 will fit comfortably against the ankle because of its lack of bulk, which is essential when choosing a comfortable, yet effective ankle holster. Leather holsters are preferred by many gun owners, due to their ability to conform to the shape of your weapon. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is made from high-quality leather that allows for a great level of retention with your firearm, but it also implements a comfortable neoprene band that keeps the holster secured to your body. For moisture reduction, the Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster utilizes a sheepskin barrier, that is both stylish and effective.

The BlackHawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster

The BlackHawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster for the Glock 27 is built from an injection molded polymer that places emphasis on durability. This outside the waistband holster comes equipped with a myriad of features, including the SERPA Auto Lock release, a screw for adjustable retention and a speed-cut design that allows for a quick and smooth draw. Clothing options should be carefully considered when using the BlackHawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster due to the fact that it is an OWB holster and will rely on your clothing as far as concealment is concerned. This outside the waistband holster relies on your belt for functionality, but it is only compatible with belts of a certain size, so options are more limited than some of the inside the waistband holsters on the market. For and outside the waistband holster, the BlackHawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster offers minimal printing due to its lack of bulk and one of the many superb BlackHawk products.

There are many things to consider when choosing the right holster for your firearm and due to the fact that the Glock 27 is a subcompact weapon, there are also a number of additional variables to contemplate. Safety, comfort, and durability are usually at the forefront of those considerations. Because the Glock 27 is not designed with an external hammer, there is no risk of the hammer getting caught on the holster during reholstering, but because the Glock 27 relies on a trigger guard, it is important to choose a holster that adheres to the specific dimensions of your firearm to avoid mishaps. Of the considerations to be made, it is important to find the holster that gives you the best mixture of safety, accessibility, and durability. While polymer based materials may offer consistently rigid holsters that excel in areas such as reholstering, leather holsters may offer more in terms of weapon retention, despite the fact they may take longer to break in. When choosing a holster for the Glock 27, remember to consider the variables.

When you are looking for a new holster for your Glock 42, there are certain types of features you need to consider. Your holster is a very important part of your defense plan, and you should be comfortable when you are wearing it throughout the day. You also want to make sure it has balance protection, so it doesn’t fall out the holster or someone can’t snatch it away from you. Here are a few tips on what to look for in a Glock 42 holster and a few reviews to help you start your search.

A Glock 42 is a .380 semi-automatic pistol that is lightweight and concealable. When choosing a holster, there are several qualities to keep in mind:

• Durability – The holster should last several years, even with everyday service.
• Protection – The holster should protect your gun from being scratched or becoming rusted from sweat and rain.
• Retention – This is important for two reasons. First, you don’t want the gun to fall out from your movements. Second, you don’t want an assailant to get a hold of it and control it.
• Slim – This is important if you do not want the gun and holster to show through your clothing.
• Price – Reasonable and within your budget. Make sure you know what your personal requirements are, so that you can shop for your holster with an objective eye and not use cost as the decision maker. Fewer features is not always a good idea, so carefully consider all the factors when choosing your holster.

IWB Glock 42 Holsters

Inside the Waistband, or IWB, holsters rest against your body inside your waistband. It attaches to your belt with one or two clips to keep the holster from slipping off. Your handgun should only be partially exposed just above the waistline.

Some of the IWB holsters can be tuckable and will fit nicely inside your shorts or pants with very little space between the holster and the clip. This makes it easy to tuck in your shirt so that it entirely covered. The attachment of the holster is fixed with a clip, flap, or curved hook to your pants lining and you will find several tuckable version of standard IWB holsters.

Otherwise, IWB holsters work much better for untucked shirts which are great if the weather is warm. Also, remember you will need pants a little bit larger than you would wear without the holster. Your waistband must not only fit you, but also accommodate the holstered gun and possible a spare magazine pouch.

OWB Glock 42 Holsters

The Outside the Waistband, or OWB, holsters are designed to fit on your hip and are probably the most common holster for a full-size handgun. This is a very comfortable place to draw from, but it is not as easy to conceal. Your clothes will also be more comfortable as you don’t have any need to hide anything with your clothes.

The placement of the holster is not only more comfortable to wear and draw from, but it also helps in reholstering. A good fitting holster should have belt loops before and after your holster, not just behind the gun, which keeps the gun from leaning out. There are several designs in the OWB category, so you will have a wider selection to choose from.

Glock 42 Holster Features to Consider

Quality

The quality of your Glock 42 holster is very important, and you need to consider the materials, thickness, and durability. Make sure to consider the construction, if it is made of leather, how heavy it is, will it stand up to wear and tear, and are there metals parts that will rust. Also, consider any guarantees and warranties that holster may have and if the manufacturer is from a reputable company.

Comfort

Comfort is an important consideration when wearing a holster. There are several different positions that you need to consider including sitting, standing, bending, walking, and twisting. You also want to make sure you can wear it while you are driving, and if it will be comfortable to wear for an entire day.

Concealment

Another important consideration is whether the holster is performing all the requirement of concealed carry. Is it hid well enough for regular body motions like walking, bending, and reaching? You want to make sure it is easy enough to adjust for better comfort and concealment.

Safety

Safety should be your number one priority when choosing a holster. You want to make sure that the following is not an issue:
• Accidental firing from movement
• Accidental disengagement of the safety mechanism
• Accidental forward or rearward movement of the hammer

Access and Reholstering

A holster should make it easy to access your gun and also reholster it as well. A holster that is too rigid will make it easy to reholster while a flexible holster may collapse and require two hands to reholster. You also need to consider all the physical positions you can be in and whether or not the holster will be easy to access or reholster when you are walking, bending, standing, and twisting.

Putting It On and Taking It Off

If you need to take off your holster throughout the day, you will want to consider how easy it is to put on and take off. You also need to consider if you can take it on and off safely.

Retention

This is another safety consideration as you want to make sure the holster retains the gun adequately. Your gun should be secure in the holster and stop someone else from removing it from you.

Glock 42 Blade-Tech Industries Klipt IWB Holster

The Klipt Appendix is an IWB holster that is the ideal way to securely carry a concealed weapon. With its super-thin signature, the Klipt Appendix has a very low profile that is super comfortable. It is virtually undetectable without printing even if you wear very little clothing.

The signature Blade-Tech click makes sure your Glock 42 locks firmly into the holster. The Blade-Tech Belt clip allows for fast removal from the belt that is also very secure and fits belts up to 1 ¾-inches. Originally developed in collaboration with covert special operators, the Glock 42 holster was designed for CQB environments as a front strong side add-on holster for extremely quick access.

With its simple design, the Klipt Appendix can also be carried on the weak side in IWB cross draw fashion as well as on the strong side hip as a straight drop IWB holster. You’ll see its best performance in the add-on mode is where it requires a very little movement when you present your firearm. This allows for a super-fast draw stroke that gets your gun in the action when every second counts. It is also ideal as a driving/anti-carjacking holster.

Blackhawk! SERPA Holster

Well-known for the speed-cut design, the Blackhawk! SERPA holsters give you an efficient and quick draw as well as smooth re-holstering. And they are one of the best holsters when it comes to firearm retention as the gun cannot be drawn unless you press the auto lock release that is positioned so your finger is intuitively above the trigger when you draw the weapon to maximize safety. Available in both belt loop and paddle designs, SERPA holsters are a natural fit that maximizes safety.

Glock 42 Alien Gear 3.0 IWB Holster

For improved retention and enhanced flexibility, the Alien Gear 3.0 IWB holster provides extreme comfort to users without losing weight and size. This thoughtful design was created by Alien Gear Holsters manufacturers and their committed team of engineers. The durable core of the Cloak Tuck 3.0 has a stainless spring-steel band that is the backbone to the IWB holster.

Retention and durability are added by this material from the inside out, and it lets you have many years of hard use without worrying about breakage. There is a layer of thermoplastic polymer that protects the gun holster’s face with an added “alien skin” texture that gives you extra grip that will keep your gun in place.

Alien Gear Holsters also had an improved overall comfort level by protecting the T-nuts that were once exposed with a layer of soft neoprene fabric along the backside of the holster. You will feel the quality comfort down to the last stitch, and the IWB holster can be outfitted with all kinds of belt clips that include the several concealed options. It can also hold several shells which allow you to change out your guns but use same holster base.

Galco Combat Master Belt Holster

One of the more popular OWB Glock 42 holsters, the Galco Combat Master Belt Holster is made of high-quality saddle leather that has double-stitched seams. The hand molded fit is the real show stopper of the Combat Master indicating its high quality and its ability to retain the weapon. Galco regularly tests its products for durability and quality.

Because of its butt-forward cant, this OWB holster can also be carried as a concealed weapon. It can attach onto belts that measure up to one and three-quarters inch, and it is available in either a black or brown finish and in either right or left handed designs. The Galco Combat Master Belt Holster is one of the most popular Glock 42 holsters you can get for the money.

Your holster is a vital part of your defense plan. It should be comfortable enough that you will wear it every day and offer all the protection you need. Any or the reviewed holsters would be a great choice to carry your Glock 42, so take your time, do some research, and find the best product that will work for you.

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.