You are not obliged to abandon your rock thrower at home just because the world is divisive and unpredictable. Glock has kept one eye on the future while still looking backwards, as you can tell by looking at their most recent products. As a consequence, you have a pistol that is equipped to complete any task you give it.
People that wish to carry a trustworthy pistol without having to worry about it slipping out of their hands, such as law enforcement officers, members of the military, and citizens, favor Glock 17s. While a holster may seem like a no-brainer for someone trying to strengthen their hold on their firearms, there are actually some factors to take into account before buying one of these specialist holsters. Choosing between a single- and double-stack Glock 17 holster should be your first priority. Exactly how much extra weight you need to carry and your shooting style will determine this. You should probably spend money on a double-stack holster that can handle two pistols if you want to use your firearm frequently.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Glock 17 Holster
Numerous variables should be taken into account while purchasing a new holster. In order to choose the best Glock 17 handgun holster, the next section examines some of the most crucial factors.
Material and Design
Materials used in holsters can vary greatly depending on price point and style. Cheap plastic gun holsters tend to be more durable than leather ones but may not feel as good. Leather is a tough material with a classic look that feels great against your skin. It’s also flexible enough to accommodate different sizes and shapes of handguns.
- Plastic is an inexpensive option that comes in a variety of colors. Plastic holsters tend to be less stylish but often more functional. They’re made from one continuous piece of molded plastic rather than several pieces stitched together like a traditional holster. This means they don’t have any extra bits to snag on your belt or catch on your shoe.
- Leather has long been considered a premium material with a quality product feeling smooth and supple between your fingers. While it doesn’t rust like plastic, leather does tear easily and requires regular maintenance. Leather holsters come in various colors and patterns, including plain black, tan, olive drab, and camouflage designs. There are even belts available with embedded metal plates designed to protect your firearm if you need to make a quick move.
Size and Fit
Glock 17 holsters range in size and fit. Smaller guns might work fine in a smaller holster without much room for adjustment, while larger guns might benefit from a bigger hole or a tighter fit in a larger holster. Tighter fits mean fewer adjustments needed to get the angle right, while looser fits allow for more movement and flexibility. A too-small holster won’t hold up its end of the bargain, and a too-big one will cause damage to your weapon or interfere with drawing it quickly.
Most Glock 17 holsters measure about 2 inches wide and 3 inches tall, so they should fit most average-size hands (about 8 inches long). Adjustable straps are another feature offered by some manufacturers, allowing users to customize the fit for their own body type.
Quality Construction
A well-made holster protects your gun better than anything else, and a poorly constructed one could result in damage to your firearm or cause it to fire accidentally. Fortunately, modern manufacturing techniques ensure that holsters are stronger than ever before. The two main areas where construction quality matters are the pivot points and the stitching. In terms of pivots, these are critical because they connect the holster to the gun and transfer motion from the shooter to the gun.
In terms of stitching, this is equally important because these stitches hold everything together, and a sloppy stitch can cause problems such as leakage or separation. Good stitching practices use double threading and perfect seams; avoid using single threads unless necessary.
Style
There are countless ways to wear a pistol holster, and each individual prefers something different. Some people prefer a high-quality leather holster that matches their suit or dress, whereas others want a low-key everyday carry (EDC) holster they can throw into a baggy pants set. Here are just a few examples of popular styles:
- Classic dressed down – wearing jeans and a T-shirt under a leather jacket is a simple way to go for many people.
- Modern casual – putting away a sports coat and tie every day is impractical, so many guys opt for a more relaxed approach with clothing like sweatpants and a hoodie.
- Workout gear – weightlifting gloves and a headband aren’t exactly appropriate attire for a business meeting, so many choose to bring along a pair of boxing gloves or a yoga mat instead.
- Everyday carry (EDC) – An EDC holster is typically worn on the hip, usually concealed beneath pants, but sometimes visible above them. These are generally considered to be the least offensive form of carrying a gun since no one sees them except other people who know what they are looking at.
Types Of Glock 17 holsters
The Glock 17 is a great gun. It’s reliable, accurate, and it has an excellent reputation in the shooting sports.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
The vast majority of people who carry a firearm use some sort of outside-the-waistband holster. The most common type uses hook or loop closures to keep your pistol secure while you’re wearing other garments. This kind of holster can be very comfortable because there are no restrictions on how you draw your weapon. However, this kind of holster isn’t ideal for concealed-carry because it doesn’t offer much protection against someone seeing your open hand as you reach for your gun.
An OWB holster is worn where your normal clothes cover the trigger area. You’ll need to wear something like a jacket or loose shirt so that your skin is not exposed to any potential threats. These kinds of holsters aren’t well suited for warm climates, as they leave your upper body extremely vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
Some women choose to have their firearms inside their waistbands rather than using an OWB holster. There are many advantages to carrying a handgun in the front over the appendix position, but the biggest drawback is concealability. Since your actual belt serves as part of the retention mechanism, drawing from an IWB requires reaching behind your back, which is awkward at best and impossible at worst. In addition, since you must remove your pants to access your firearm, you will also have to take off your shoes and possibly your hat if you are carrying a cap. However, these disadvantages are more than offset by the fact that you will now have easy access to your firearm without removing any of your gear. Disguise is a completely different matter.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We drew on first-hand knowledge of numerous holsters from various manufacturers for this article. We searched for holsters for the Glock 17 that fit comfortably and entirely covered the trigger guard in order to locate the finest one. In terms of priority, concealability comes first.
We also considered feedback in product reviews and YouTube videos to get a well-rounded idea of what makes a good holster. In particular, we focused on people who had used the holsters for more than just concealed carry; they were using them as duty holsters or open-carry holsters. This gave us an indication of which ones would be most comfortable in other types of jobs where you have to wear a loose shirt and jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glock 17 holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Glock 17?
The best answer to this question depends heavily on your lifestyle and preferences. Personally, I prefer an ankle holster with good leg support, but that’s not for everyone.
Is it legal to carry a Glock 17 in public?
In general, the short answer is “no”, but there are so many exceptions and nuances to the law that it’s impossible for us to cover them all in the scope of this article.
How tight should my Glock 17 holster be?
Your holster should fit snugly enough where you don’t feel the muzzle against your body or bump into anything while seated, but not so tightly as to cause discomfort or make drawing/holstering difficult. If you wear a belt, make sure it fits snugly enough where your pants won’t bunch up when you sit down. Make sure you practice drawing from the waistband position before wearing it in public places. Also, make sure you practice drawing from the shoulder strap position before using it in self-defense scenarios.
Can I use a Glock 17 holster with a Glock 19?
Yes, however, you might have to swap out certain parts of the holster such as the rear sight for one that matches the model of firearm you’re equipping it with. You’ll also need to remember to zero your new pistol prior to shooting offhand, since the software used by the holster will rely on the gun being properly calibrated. Otherwise, you could risk hitting low while aiming high.