For more than a century, Glocks have been a staple of the American market. The first model, invented in 1877 by John Moses Browning, was straightforward: a metal frame that covered the trigger guard and held the gun steady while the user pressed the trigger. The present weapon is the outcome of numerous modifications that were made to the original design over time.
When compared with other types of handguns, though, the Glocks tend to be heavier and less maneuverable. Because they are designed with such a large grip size, they also can cause hand fatigue faster than most other types of guns. On the positive side, they are very reliable, durable, and come with plenty of power. All in all, there are pros and cons to consider when choosing a Glock holster. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite picks as well as some of the more niche options available today. We’ll give you an overview of what makes each model unique, and then delve into the details to help you make the best decision possible.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Glock 48 Holster
When shopping for a new Glock holster, there are many factors to consider. The following section looks at some of the most important features and functions when selecting the best Glock holster for your needs.
Size/Fit
The first thing you need to determine is how well your jeans fit. If they’re too big, then the holster won’t sit flush with your body. It may also be difficult to get it off if you need to go to the toilet or just move around in general. If the jeans are too small, then the holster will feel tight and constricting. This can make moving and sitting uncomfortable as well as making it harder to reach for your gun if an emergency arises.
Material
Glock holsters are made from various materials depending on price point and style. Cheap plastic options are widely available but tend to wear out over time, whereas leather holsters look great but can cost upwards of $300.
- Plastic holsters are more affordable than leather ones because they don’t require animals’ hides. However, these plastics aren’t as durable as real leathers and can crack easily if dropped on hard surfaces. They do, however, have a longer lifespan than other materials.
- Leather holsters use animal skins such as cowhide or sheepskin to create tough, protective gear that feels good against the skin and doesn’t snag or tear. These holsters range in quality from low-end work boots to high-end dress shoes. Leather is a beautiful material with a classic look, but it’s not particularly easy to clean and maintain.
- Nylon holsters are another synthetic option. Although nylon isn’t as soft or breathable as natural leather, it does offer durability and comfort. These holsters often incorporate elastane, a stretchy fabric that helps them mold to your waistline.
Style
There are two main styles of Glock holsters: traditional and convertible.
- Traditional holsters consist of a piece of equipment attached directly to your belt via a strap or a key fob. This means that when you draw your gun, the holster will immediately drop down to cover it. There’s no additional step necessary.
- Convertible holsters allow you to adjust the angle of the holster so that it covers your gun only when you want it to. For instance, if you keep your gun in your right pocket, then a conventional holster setup would expose it every time you moved. With a convertible holster, though, you could set it to angle away from yourself until you decide to display it.
Security
A quality holster makes sure that only you can access your firearm. A simple button or switch is enough to secure it. Be careful, though, because even if you completely disable the trigger, someone could still pull it by reaching through your jacket. Make sure that whatever you choose has a sturdy locking mechanism that requires multiple steps to unlock.
Features
Depending on how much storage space you have, you might find one or more of the following features useful.
- Angled safety – As mentioned above, Glocks come with a safety that prevents the gun from firing unless the holster is disengaged. Some holsters include this feature built in; others must be purchased separately.
- Magnetic base – Many modern handguns have a magnetic base that locks into place without the need for tools. You should definitely check into getting one of these bases if you purchase a new handgun.
- Depth sensor – Certain models of Glock pistols have sensors that detect how deep into tissue you’re pressing the trigger. This allows you to fire while holding your gun close to your body, reducing risk of accidental discharge.
Retention
You must modify the retention regardless of how you decide to carry your weapon. In holster models where you need to open a thumb break or twist a hood to access your gun, flexible retention is less important. However, in passive retention holsters, which rely solely on a snug fit and no additional locking mechanism, you may often alter the amount of force required to release the gun. For this situation, a tight fit that requires a stronger draw would be ideal.
Comfort
Always think about how a holster will feel on your hip before buying one. Given that you will be carrying the item with you during the day, this factor is crucial. You won’t be able to carry your holster all day if it is uncomfortable. But if you invest in a more ergonomic holster, you can use it while carrying a Glock 48 without feeling uncomfortable.
Concealment
The holster’s ability to conceal or hide your Glock 48 is another crucial aspect to take into account. If you intend to conceal your use of the product, this function is extremely crucial. The ideal holsters should not only provide a secure fit, but also help in disguising the weapon and preventing others from spotting it.
Price
When purchasing a holster, affordability is always a crucial consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one. In most circumstances, you get what you pay for, even though a more expensive model does not always imply that it is better. While high-quality holsters typically endure for many years, buying a low-quality one could harm your Glock 48.
Types Of Glock 48 Holsters
Glock has a variety of handguns to choose from, and each one is designed for a specific type of shooting. For example, the 45 ACP was developed as an Army pistol while the 43 was intended for law enforcement officers who need a smaller handgun with more capacity.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
An outside-the-waistband holster attaches to your belt on the side closest to your dominant hand. This means that when you draw your firearm it will be at the waist level or slightly above depending on how you carry. The opposite is an inside-the-waistband holster which requires you to wear your gun in the front over your appendix or right next to your hip bone. These types of holsters are typically worn by undercover agents since they don’t want their position known.
Shoulder
A shoulder holster is very similar to an OWB holster except instead of attaching to your pants on the side closest to your dominant hand, this style secures your pistol via straps across your shoulders. Since these types of holsters require you to have both hands free to operate your weapon, they’re not ideal for situations where you need to draw quickly.
Appendix
Appendix carry refers to carrying your pistol in the lower right side of your abdomen. It’s also called “bumper” carry because you literally carry your entire personal effects in the form of a single pistol, bulletproof vests, magazines, and even cash/credit cards.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for holsters from reputable companies and sellers. Next, we narrowed our search to those that were designed specifically for use with a concealed carry permit holder.
Finally, because holsters made of materials other than leather or nylon have a tendency to be less concealable, we disqualified them. We evaluated the products available on the market today while keeping these factors in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glock 48 holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Glock 43?
The best response to this question mostly relies on the purpose for which you are using it. The two-piece IWB designs by Galco or the three- to five o’clock position belt-mounted plate carriers are widely considered to be the most comfortable solutions for concealed carry in public.
How tight should my Glock 48 holster be?
How snug you need your holster will depend on your particular model. In general, though, you’ll want to ensure that it does not slide off when you are sitting or standing still and that it does fit comfortably. Choose an item that can sustain more force than typical wear and tear if you anticipate any movement at all, even a small twitching, during fire training exercises.
Can you ankle-carry a Glock 48?
If you have an adaptor, then sure. Since many manufacturers provide these as an option, you might also think about purchasing a specialized ankle holster.