While there are differences among the various models, they all serve the same basic purpose. When you pair a proper holster with a suitable firearm, it becomes easier to fire accurately and reliably. The best glock 23 holsters are designed with an emphasis on comfort and concealability, making them ideal for those who want to carry a reliable firearm without attracting undesirable attention. In this article, we’ll be examining the top options available today for the best glock 23 holsters. We did our research, so you don’t have to. Read further to find out what makes each model unique.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Glock 23 Holster
There are a lot of things to think about while purchasing a new holster. The most crucial characteristics and capabilities to consider while choosing the best Glock 23 holster are covered in the following section.
Material
Leather, nylon, fiberglass, and plastic are some of the materials that can be used to make Glock holsters.
- Leather is an excellent material for a gun holster because it’s tough, water resistant, and naturally flexible. Leather also feels good against the skin, which helps promote comfort during wear.
- Nylon is another popular option, though this material isn’t as durable as leather. This lightweight fabric is more flexible than leather and easier to clean if you need to wipe down sweat or dirt.
- Fiberglass is stronger than steel but lighter than aluminum. It doesn’t rust like iron does, so it won’t corrode over time. Fiberglass is also softer than steel, making it less likely to cause discomfort after repeated use.
- Plastic is inexpensive, easy to clean, and durable. However, these holsters tend to feel bulky and restrictive due to their shape and size.
Size and Fit
The first thing people notice about a Glock 23 pistol is how big it is in comparison to other pistols. That obviously adds to their bulk, even if both of those firearms may fit in pockets that are smaller than those of larger versions. The ability of any holster to balance out the weight and bulk of the firearm will determine whether it can fit under your arm or in your handbag or shopping bag. Fortunately, most manufacturers now include detailed measurements along with suggested sizes. So before buying a holster, measure yourself to make sure it fits!
Quality Construction
A good holster should stop the gun from shaking when you move it up and down or side to side. Many holsters contain cushioned straps that wrap around the waist to secure the weapon in order to help accomplish this function. To keep the gun motionless, some holsters have locking mechanisms incorporated into the sidewalls of the holster. All of these precautions notwithstanding, a gun can nevertheless make a little amount of movement inside the holster. For this reason, it’s important to examine the stitching inside the pieces of leather, nylon, etc. rather than merely the seams to evaluate the level of construction.
Firearm Type
While we focused primarily on Glocks here, these versatile handguns work similarly to other semi-automatic pistols. They fire a round of ammunition each time the trigger is pulled. However, unlike a standard rifle where the magazine is attached to the barrel, a Glock 23 has a removable magazine that slides back and forth in the handle. There are generally two types of magazines used for Glocks: straight (or traditional) and extended.
- Straight magazines typically have shorter versions of the clips found on standard AR-style rifles. These allow for quick reloads without having to manipulate the grip or change hands.
- Extended magazines look similar to a traditional rifle mag except they’re longer and don’t require as much manual dexterity to reload. Instead of pushing the entire magazine into the handgun, users simply slide the top half of the magazine into the groove at the front of the handle and then snap it closed. Extended magazines can often accommodate twice as many bullets as straight ones, giving them a significant advantage in long-term shootouts.
Style
There are countless ways to carry a gun, and while the classic duffel bag style is undoubtedly popular, it’s far from universal. Handles molded into the shape of a pistol or a knife blade might seem cool, but they’re not practical for everyday carrying. Many prefer a simple backpack or a belt pouch instead.
A money clip in the form of a gun is a fantastic option for people who want to carry something fashionable in their pocket. When not in use, money clips are conveniently tucked away in a purse or bag or hung from a keychain, allowing their possessor to flaunt their status symbol everywhere they go.
Retention
Various manufacturers make a variety of promises about how effectively their holsters hold the gun. Holsters made of leather typically fit better and have greater retention than those made of Kydex. When it comes to holstering the gun, the magnetic or snap closure is the most reliable for holding the weapon in place.
Comfort
The level of comfort is the most crucial factor to take into account when purchasing a holster. It’s possible that you’ll be carrying the weapon for the majority of your day for countless consecutive days, so you need to pick something that won’t strain your body or irritate you.
Types Of Glock 23 Holsters
There are numerous varieties of Glock 23 holsters available. Each has a purpose, but before making a purchase, you should understand what you’re getting into.
Shoulder holster
When wearing a shoulder holster for concealed carry, you hook it over your shoulders so that it drapes down behind your back and fastens it to your belt at the front. Because it doesn’t pull or press against your body like other options, this kind of holster usually feels more comfortable. Since there isn’t an opening in the center of your shirt like with some other possibilities, it is also highly discrete.
Belt loop
The most common type of gun holster uses loops woven into the fabric which attach to the waistband of your pants. The advantage of this option is comfort as well as concealability since there aren’t many places to put a bulky handgun without drawing attention. However, if you wear a jacket often, this may not be ideal.
Paddle
A paddle holster, which fastens to your jeans with straps and buckles, is an additional choice. The top of the grip frame has an insert molded into it that is used to attach a firearm. This enables the user to conceal the weapon while maintaining free hands to operate machinery, open doors, etc.
Thumb break
Some people find carrying a firearm uncomfortable due to the way their clothes fit around the muzzle of the gun. If you fall into this category, you can alleviate some of the discomfort by breaking the barrel of the gun slightly. Breakage isn’t noticeable unless you look closely, but it does allow you to have a properly fitted shirt without worrying about bulkiness.
Belly Band
Under your shirt, this neoprene band wraps around your abdomen. The band has an elastic holster sewn on it. Since the weapon is concealed behind your clothing, they typically feature retention straps, which may prolong the draw process. This holster might not be comfortable for some users with particular body types.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for holsters from reputable companies and sellers. We limited our search to products that were designed specifically for concealed carry, so most of the holsters on this list are constructed with a concealable carrier permit in mind.
Next we narrowed our search based on price point. There’s no reason to spend an arm and a leg when there are plenty of options at more reasonable prices. Lastly, we eliminated any holsters from manufacturers who have been caught red-handed inflating their holster prices aftermarket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glock 23 Holsters
Which holster for a Glock 23 is the most comfortable?
The best answer to this question depends heavily on your intended use. For concealed carry in public, it’s generally agreed that the IWB variety is the most comfortable option.
How tight should my Glock 23 holster be?
Your holster should be snug enough to allow your trigger finger to just barely slide off the trigger guard when you sit down with your gun in place, enabling you to fire a rapid, precise shot while seated. If it doesn’t fit that way, it’s too loose; if it hurts to wear it there, it’s too tight.
Can you ankle-carry a Glock 23?
It’s possible to ankle-carry a Glock 23, but we don’t recommend it. The good news is that there are plenty of companies out there that offer aftermarket plates and/or leg bands specifically designed for this purpose.