Over a century has passed since the Glocks first became popular in the United States. The first model, created by John Moses Browning in 1877, was simple: a metal frame that fit over the trigger guard and steadied the weapon as the user pressed the trigger. The original design was altered significantly over time, and the final product is the weapon we know today.
While there are differences among various models, they all serve the same basic purpose. The majority of today’s popular firearms use the same basic design template as their predecessors from the late 19th century onward. What makes a good holster? Reliability is the main thing. Once you get used to carrying your weapon with you at all times, it becomes easier to do so without worrying about whether or not you’ll need to use it later on. When choosing the best glock 21 holsters, there are several factors to consider. This guide explores some of these important features and offers choices by category for some of the top products on the market.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Glock 21 Holster
There are a lot of things to think about while purchasing a new holster. The most crucial characteristics that might help you in choosing the best Glock 21 holster are examined in the section that follows.
Material
Materials used in holsters vary greatly depending on whether it is meant as an everyday carry (EDC) item, a tactical gear option, or something in between. Leather and leather-like materials like sheepskin and pigskin have their place; they’re comfortable, reliable, and resilient. But they can be expensive and difficult to clean if they get caught up in mud or water.
Kydex holsters use plastic and rubber components. It’s lighter than leather and more flexible, making it easier to wear during movement. However, it doesn’t hold up well in wet conditions and may not keep your gun oiled if you use a high-quality product.
Size
The size of your firearm will determine what size holster you should purchase. If it has a large frame, such as a hammer action revolver, then you’ll want a larger holster to prevent accidental activation when wearing it concealed. On the other hand, a small pistol won’t need as much space because it won’t interfere with drawing your weapon quickly.
Also take into account how much force you’d want the holster to stop. For instance, would you rather have your thumb break from pressing down on the trigger too long or would you prefer having your wrist broken? It’s better to have a slight discomfort due to pressure applied over time than breaking bones immediately after putting on the holster.
Fit
Finding the right fit ensures that your Glock stays snugly attached to your hip without rubbing or bunching up. This is especially important when wearing it concealed where only the outline of the gun shows. A poorly fitting one could cause damage to your skin or even result in firing accidentally. Conversely, a perfect fit means that you’ll feel confident that you can reach for your gun fast without fumbling around looking for it.
A lot of this depends on how badly you want the concealability of your gun. If you’re going for a minimalist look, go with a model that doesn’t stand out too much, but instead fits nicely against your body. But if you’re trying to hide your gun, you might want something that draws attention to itself.
Quality Construction
Glock holsters are made using Kydex – a rigid plastic material similar to nylon mesh – which gives them durability and strength. They also feature steel plates along the sides to protect your leg while wearing them. These side plates are known as load-bearing walls because they support the weight of the handgun while keeping the majority of the pressure off your thigh bone. However, these load-bearing walls do have a weakness. While they will stop a bullet, they’re not entirely indestructible. And if you happen to drop your gun on one of these saddles, it could very easily rip through them and injure yourself.
Locking Mechanism
One of the biggest advantages of a Glock 21 holster is its locking mechanism. Unlike some handguns that require a special key to unlock the holster, any standard key will work with a Glock 21 holster. This simple design makes it easy to access your gun when necessary without having to fumble for keys or try to remember a complicated combination.
Weight
If you’re looking for a lightweight EDC tool, then you might want to check into a Glock 21 holster. Though these guns don’t weigh much less than full-size 9mm autos, they do make a difference if you have to move quickly. Lightweight holsters tend to sacrifice some protection for weight savings, so we recommend them only if you plan on carrying your gun exposed.
Dominant hand
Make sure to buy the right- or left-handed holster for your dominant hand if you’re not ambidextrous, which most of us are not. Of course, if you wish to shoulder holster or cross-draw, the same rules apply; if you intend to draw using the right hand, a right-handed shoulder harness is required (the gun will be below your left arm).
Retention
You’ll need some sort of retention to make sure your Glock is securely fastened in the holster if you’re a very active individual or if you plan to carry it while on duty. To regulate how tightly the gun fits in the holster, this may include a retention strap, thumb break (Level 1 retention), or retention screw. For individuals in the military or law enforcement, Level 2 and Level 3 retention holsters are also available. These aid in preventing an attacker from taking the gun out of the holster.
Types Of Glock 21 Holsters
Glock’s pistol is a well-designed piece of equipment. It has an excellent reputation for reliability and it comes at a very reasonable price point.
Outside the waistband (OWB)
An outside-the-waistband holster, or OWB holster, is one that you wear on your belt line, but not in front of your pants. This type of holster tends to be more comfortable than other types because there are no sharp edges digging into your body. However, they’re also less secure than some other options. If you use this type of holster, make sure you keep your gun safe until you need it. You’ll have to reach under your shirt to draw your weapon.
Inside the waistband (IWB)
An inside-the-waistband holster, or IWB holster, is one that you wear within your waistband, usually right over your pants. This type of holster offers the most amount of security since it keeps the muzzle of your firearm firmly against your body all the time. The drawback is that it can be awkward to conceal a larger handgun with this kind of setup.
Shoulder
A shoulder holster is when you carry a firearm on your upper back near your shoulders. They’re designed to keep the muzzle parallel to the ground so it doesn’t interfere with your range of motion.
The ideal location for a shoulder holster is where you would often find a hip holster, which is on your left side right below your armpit. By doing this, you’ll be able to draw your pistol while naturally extending your arms forward. You should be aware that the holster’s position will influence how much control you have over your weapon. For instance, you’ll understand what I mean if you’ve ever attempted to draw from a high bridge deck.
Belly Band Holster
These belly-fitting neoprene bands have a nylon holster sewed into them. Keep in mind that this can increase your draw period.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for holsters from reputable companies, and we looked at a variety of factors. First, we considered the quality of the materials used in the construction of the holster, as well as how well they were made.
Next, we looked at the price of the holster, as well as any features that made it unique or better than other options on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glock 21 Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for Glock 21?
Your body type and way of living have a big impact on which holster is the most comfortable. An IWB solution might not be as pleasant for runners.
How snug should the holster on my Glock 21 be?
What you want to use your holster with will determine how well it fits. You need clothing that is not too loose or too tight to be uncomfortable or make drawing your firearm difficult for concealed carry. While self-defense holsters must be tightly fitted against your skin in order to avoid unwanted movement during a violent encounter, open-carry holsters can tolerate a certain level of looseness. This choice is also influenced by your body type, since people with larger frames typically need more space between the gun and their bodies, necessitating the use of a holster designed especially for your particular handgun model.
Can you ankle-carry a Glock 21?
It depends entirely upon the manufacturer of the pistol. Some manufacturers offer limited, non-upgradeable options, which would limit your choices even further. However, there are plenty of aftermarket solutions available that allow you to turn any five-to-seven-o’clock position ankle holster into a very reliable one.