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.

The Glock 21 combines the best of all worlds when it comes to semi-automatic handguns. It provides the stopping power of the .45 AUTO round, but it also uses cutting edge engineering to reduce recoil, and create a comfortable, lightweight package. With a 13-round standard magazine, and a construction that can endure any kind of weather (no matter how inclement), Glock’s reputation for making durable, workhorse pistols is definitely one that’s been earned.

It’s also created a loyal customer base that comes back to the Glock time and time again.

While there are civilians, law enforcement, and even military personnel who swear by the Glock 21, holding it up as the standard all sidearms should strive for, having a good weapon is only one part of the equation. If you’re going to carry a Glock 21, then you need to have a holster as well. And while that sounds simple, it’s all too easy to put a superb weapon into a subpar holster, and hamstring your capabilities in the field. Which is why if you carry the Glock 21, you should consider some of the following models.

#1: Blackhawk SERPA Concealment Holster

If Glock is the go-to name in firearms, then Blackhawk is the industry standard when it comes to holsters for those firearms. Known far and wide for providing quality holsters in a wide variety of styles and sizes, one of the highest-rated holsters for the Glock 21 is the SERPA concealment holster. This holster has a passive retention mechanism, meaning that despite its hard plastic exterior your weapon won’t bounce out if you run, fall, or otherwise move quickly. There’s even an audible click to let you know your weapon is properly holstered. This system also makes it very difficult for anyone else to draw your weapon, which is an advantage we all want to have when we’re in the field (though the draw will take some getting used to if you aren’t familiar with Blackhawk’s hard top holsters and their passive retention capabilities).

It is important to keep in mind that this holster is designed for concealed carry. It’s a hip holster with both a paddle and a belt loop, and it’s meant to be hidden beneath a jacket. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear your weapon openly, it just means that’s not the primary purpose this holster was designed for. Lastly, remember that these holsters are designed to fit one hand, so pay close attention to ensure you get the right holster for your draw.

#2: Barsony OWB Belt Holster With Magazine Pouch

Unlike the Blackhawk model above, the Barsony OWB belt holster is designed to accommodate several different models of firearm. Made from laminate cordura nylon, this holster will fit any full-size nine millimeter, .40, or .45 caliber weapon. It has a clip that makes it easy to wear on any belt between 1.5 and 1.75 inches, and it has a basic retention strap with a simple thumb break to make drawing fast and easy.

One of the biggest draws for this holster, so to speak, is the accessory pouch along the front of it. This pouch is large enough to hold a spare magazine for your weapon, thus saving space and ensuring you don’t have to carry backup rounds in a separate pouch. This is a big space and energy saver for those who intend on wearing a duty belt, or who want to conserve their waistline real estate as much as possible while carrying.

#3: King Tactical Shoulder Holster

Not everyone wants to carry their weapon on their hip. Whether it’s for comfort or concealment, there are a lot of people who favor a shoulder holster over a traditional hip one. If you want something that fits the Glock 21 like a glove, then you need to take a look at the King tactical shoulder holster.

The rig is fairly simple. It has dual loops that fit around your shoulders, and it anchors at the left and right sides of your belt. The standard model has a holster under the left arm for a right-hand cross-body draw, and a pouch that holds two spare magazines under the right arm. Users who are left-handed can easily change the locations, making it more comfortable for their dominant hands. This holster is made from tough, durable nylon, and it can be adjusted to fit each user for height, weight, etc. A classic model, built to last for long hours of wear in the field.

#4: Gould & Goodrich B803 Belt Holster

While most of the holsters for the Glock 21 are tactical in nature, made from either hard plastic or chemically-treated nylon, sometimes it’s hard to beat a classic leather holster. The B803 from Gould & Goodrich offers classic style, but with modern sensibilities. Made to fit both the Glock 20 and 21 models, this holster is contoured to the curves of the weapon, and it provides a tight grip. Top grain, vegetable tanned leather provides a comfortable place to stow your weapon, and the retention strap can be removed with a flick of the thumb.

What makes this model a good fit for those who want a belt holster is that it can be worn in two different ways. So whether you prefer your weapon tilted forward, or perpendicular to the ground, you can adjust the fit based on which belt loop you use. However, like all leather holsters, this model may take some time to properly break in. It should also be rubbed down to make sure the dye doesn’t leak onto your pants or shirt during early use.

#5: Safariland ALS Concealment Paddle Holster

The Safariland ALS concealment paddle holster is meant to be a safe, secure, and comfortable holster for those who want the security of carrying their Glock 21, but who want to avoid the discomfort an ill-fitted holster often brings. This holster will hold a Glock 20 or 21, and the automatic locking system retains the weapon without the need of a strap. The holster itself is thermal molded plastic, and it has a suede lining to ensure that your weapon isn’t scratched, dinged, or otherwise damaged in the course of everyday carry.

In addition to being secure, though, this Safariland model comes with an ergonomically designed nylon paddle that fits inside your belt. This serves the dual function of making the holster more comfortable to wear, as well as providing added stability for it as a platform for your weapon.

#6: Blade Tech Industries Revolution Belt Holster

If you prefer a minimalist holster style, you can’t do better than the Blade Tech Industries Revolution model. These holsters fit the Glock 20 and 21 models, and they’re a simple, straightforward molded plastic holster. These holsters are bare bones in the extreme, though, which is why it’s important to consider their use very carefully. They might be fine for going to the range, target shooting, or for casual carry, but they’re far from ideal for an on-the-job holster. With that said, though, they get the job done without any bells and whistles, which is a major advantage for Glock owners who like a straightforward holster.

#7: Desantis Mini Slide Holster

Speaking of bare bones holsters, the Desantis Mini Slide model is just what the doctor ordered if you like the comfort and security of a classic leather holster, but you prefer the streamlined, stripped-down contours of more modern holsters as well. The holster bears a resemblance to old-fashioned leather frogs, which allowed swordsmen to carry their blades without actually providing a scabbard. You simply slide the holster onto your belt, and slip your Glock 21 into it. The weight of the weapon holds it in place, as there’s no retention strap or locking mechanism. The holster grips your weapon, providing resistance that won’t be overcome by everyday movements.

This particular holster is good for casual carry, but if you have an active profession that requires you to keep a weapon on your person, it might not be the best option. It is, however, comfortable, and barely bigger than a cell phone case for those who prefer a basic holster.

You’re The One Who Defines “Best”

While there are a lot of options out there for Glock 21 owners, it’s important to remember that even the “best” holsters might not suit you and your needs. Because you’re the only one who can decide what is best for you, and how you prefer to carry your weapon.

That’s why it’s important to try several different models, materials, and carrying styles to see what works best for you. Because even if a few hundred, or a few thousand, people gave a particular holster a 5-star rating, that doesn’t mean you will have the same experience they’ve had.

You might, though, and if you’re looking for somewhere to start then customer reviews and overall ratings are a solid judge of what’s worked for other people. You simply won’t know until you try it for yourself.