People who want to carry a reliable pistol without having to worry about it slipping out of their hands frequently opt for the Sig M18. These people include members of the military, law enforcement professionals, and civilians. The acquisition of one of these specialized holsters may appear to be a no-brainer for individuals who wish to have a better hold on their firearms; nonetheless, there are certain considerations to take into account before making this purchase.
When searching for the ideal holster for your Sig M18, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration, including its dimensions, weight, and design. Some individuals choose a more natural firing grip, while others seek a better fit and feel from the weapon. In the end, a lot of it comes down to personal opinion, especially because some people favor a more natural firing grip. When thinking about whether Sig M18 holsters offer the ideal combination of features for your specific requirements, you should also consider whether you would prefer a single- or double-stack design for the holster. Find out what to look for when buying for a Sig M18 holster, and discover why the goods that are described in the next section deserve appreciation.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Sig M18 Holster
When looking for a new holster, there are a lot of different things to take into consideration. The following section will take a more in-depth look at some of the factors that should be taken into account.
Intended Use
What are your plans for using your new holster? That should be the first question you ask yourself. If the purpose is to provide protection, then you will want something that can put an end to an assault in a timely and efficient manner. There is a large selection of fashionable holsters available, but the level of security they provide may not be as high as some of the other options. These may appeal to individuals who want a sportier appearance.
- If you want something that can be used in a variety of situations, a hybrid holster can be the best choice for you. These models frequently combine an old-fashioned belt loop made of leather with a belt loop made of cloth that is more contemporary and allows for a quicker draw than an old-fashioned buckle.
- A traditional belt loop made of leather might be sufficient for people who prefer to keep things simple. On the other hand, if you are concerned about safety, a hybrid or multi-purpose holster can be the ideal option for you.
Material
Sig M18 holsters are made from various materials depending on style and purpose. Generally speaking, these include Kydex (a rigid plastic), Flexible Gun Handles (fabric covered handles), and Leather (natural hide). Each material has its own benefits and downsides.
- Kydex holsters tend to be very durable. They’re typically used for duty and competition guns because they won’t bend or fold with rough handling. This makes them perfect for those who drop their gun accidentally or get bumped while keeping it tucked away.
- Flexible Gun Handles have a soft rubber coating that gives them a comfortable feel. While this handle doesn’t provide much support, it does allow for a fast drawing without putting too much pressure on the wrist.
- Leather holsters are generally considered to be the most comfortable, but they do have a tendency to stretch out over time. This means they need regular maintenance to stay supple and functional.
Size and Fit
Next, think about where you intend to wear your holster and how often you’ll need to access it. If you know you’ll only need it once per month, then a smaller model might work better than one that requires a tighter fitment. However, daily carry handguns aren’t always as easy to conceal as monthly use ones. In fact, when I was testing the waters with my DCP, I found that concealing it every day got old really quick.
So rather than going small, I went with a medium size that fits snugly yet comfortably around my waist. It wasn’t until recently that I realized just how big a difference this little bit of extra width has made.
Quality Construction
Check into the construction quality of the holster itself. As mentioned above, Kydex holsters tend to be constructed using a mold, which reduces cost and increases durability. However, this also limits variety, so brands sometimes add filler to give the holster a more realistic shape and texture. This isn’t ideal as it can cause issues with moisture absorption and swelling, but it does mean that holsters built by different manufacturers will likely have slight differences in sizing and fit.
Style
While all three styles listed here serve the same function, there are variations in aesthetics among them. To make things even more confusing, some manufacturers use different names for the same product, so finding one that suits your personal preferences can prove challenging.
- Traditional leather belt loops are universally known as “flap pockets” and come in both single and double flap designs.
- Hybrid leather/fabric loops are commonly referred to as “pocket pouches” and usually feature a front pocket and a back panel that connects via a zipper running down the center of the pouch.
- Multiuse holsters are designed for convenience rather than protection, featuring several separate pockets and zippers that allow the user to organize multiple items such as keys, phones, wallets, and snacks. These holsters can be great for travel, but they aren’t suitable for high risk situations.
Types Of Sig M18 Holsters
There are several different types of Sig M18 holsters on the market. Each has its place, but you need to know what you’re getting into before making a purchase.
Shoulder
The shoulder holster is by far the most common and most effective way to carry your pistol. It’s also one of the easiest options for new users because it doesn’t require any adjustments or modifications to get going. The biggest benefit of this type of carrying is that it keeps your gun safe and protected from impacts and snags. However, there are some drawbacks as well. For starters, many find that their bodies aren’t made for sitting behind a large firearm like the Sig M18. Additionally, when wearing a shoulder holster, you’ll be constantly reminded of the fact that you’re concealing something. You won’t have access to your weapon unless you unholster it first which can be cumbersome at times.
Belly Band
Another choice to think about is a belly band holster. Out of all the choices we thought about, this carrying style required the least amount of alteration and adjustment. It secures your pistol firmly in place around your waist while not adding extra weight to your lower back. It fits really snugly. The extra risk of getting cut if you fall makes this method of carrying inappropriate for heavier weapons like the SIG Sauer P365. Additionally, you’ll always be conscious of the fact that you’re carrying a concealed weapon when using this method of carrying. It can be tedious at times to have to first unholster your weapon before you can draw it.
Paddle
This is an interesting option if you want more control over how your magazine pouch sits on your body. With paddle-style holsters, you’ll be able to adjust the tension using two straps – one across each side of your abdomen. Adjustments typically include things like hook-and-loop assemblies, ratcheting mechanisms, and locking pins. However, these types of systems often don’t offer much flexibility for re-drawing your weapon during tense situations. If you do opt to use a paddle holster, keep in mind that drawing your weapon may not be as easy as simply reaching under your shirt.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When selecting holsters for this list, we relied on our own personal experience with open-carry and concealed-carry holsters produced by a variety of brands. In addition to this, we looked at the feedback that was provided by web sources to see what people were saying about the different brands.
After that, we whittled down our options by considering factors such as price, availability, and characteristics that set each holster apart from the others. Finally, in order to locate holsters that are suitable for the many applications discussed previously, we compared them across a wide variety of categories.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIG M18 Holsters
Is SIG M18 full size or compact?
The M18 is a firearm known for its compact size. The United States military has just recently started making use of it. In the past, we referred to it as the XM18. It is a scaled-down version of the larger M17 pistol (a SIG Sauer P320), with a shortened barrel and a shorter grip to match.
How tight should my SIG M18 holster be?
Your SIG M18 holster will vary depending on brand and model, but generally speaking, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too loose (so your firearm doesn’t fall out when you sit down) and that it fits snugly without bunching or rubbing against anything sensitive on your gun.