3 best paddle holsters

Paddle holsters are a type of firearm holster designed for carrying handguns, typically pistols and revolvers, securely and comfortably on a person's belt or waistband. These holsters are commonly used by law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and civilians who legally carry concealed firearms. Here are some key features and information about paddle holsters:

  1. Design: Paddle holsters are characterized by a paddle-shaped attachment on the back of the holster. This paddle is designed to fit inside the wearer's pants or belt, providing stability and retention without the need for additional straps or loops.

  2. Retention: Paddle holsters offer good retention for the firearm, keeping it securely in place during various activities, including walking, running, or engaging in physical tasks. They often have adjustable tension screws or retention devices to customize the level of retention to the user's preference.

  3. Quick Draw: Many paddle holsters are designed for a quick and smooth draw of the firearm. They usually have an open-top design, allowing the user to easily access their weapon when needed.

  4. Cant Adjustability: Some paddle holsters offer cant adjustability, allowing the wearer to adjust the angle at which the firearm is carried. This feature can enhance comfort and accessibility for both concealed and open carry.

  5. Material: Paddle holsters are commonly made from durable materials such as molded polymer, Kydex, or thermoplastic, which are known for their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and lightweight properties.

  6. Compatibility: Paddle holsters are often designed to fit specific handgun models or have a more generic fit for handguns of similar sizes. It's essential to ensure that the holster is compatible with your firearm for a secure and snug fit.

  7. Concealed Carry: Some paddle holsters are suitable for concealed carry, allowing the wearer to hide their firearm beneath clothing while still providing easy access when needed. The degree of concealment can vary depending on holster design and clothing choice.

  8. Belt Attachment: The paddle attachment of these holsters typically slides over the wearer's belt, allowing for easy on and off. Some designs may include belt loops or slots to accommodate various belt widths.

  9. Retention Mechanisms: Paddle holsters may incorporate different retention mechanisms, such as thumb breaks, trigger guard locks, or passive friction retention, depending on the user's preference and intended use.

  10. Usage: Paddle holsters are commonly used by individuals in law enforcement, security, and the military for open carry. They are also favored by competitive shooters who require quick and efficient access to their firearms during matches.

When choosing a paddle holster, it's essential to consider factors such as firearm compatibility, carry position, and personal preferences regarding retention and draw speed.Additionally, users should ensure they are compliant with all relevant local and federal firearm laws and regulations when carrying concealed or openly.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best paddle holsters on the market
  

Safariland 6378, ALS Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Combo Holster, Right Hand

Safariland

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Safarilands ALS concealment paddle and belt loop combo holster is a concealment version of the Automatic Locking System (ALS) series holsters. Once the weapon is holstered, it "locks" into place, providing an extra measure of security from standard open top holsters. A simple straight up draw is possible once the ALS is de-activated by the thumb while obtaining a shooting grip. IDPA approved. The Model 6378 holster features an all new injection molded paddle design that is highly concealable and rides close to body with a slightly forward weapon cant. It also comes standard with the 567BL Belt loop, fitting 1.5" to 1.75" belt widths. Additionally, it features suede lining to help protect the gun's sights and finish, and its Safari Laminate structure with wraparound design provides the strongest design combination available. Fits Glock 17, 22, IT, M3, LGT, right hand orientation.

  • Imported
  • 6378-320-411 Fits: S&W 6946 DA Only (295) Short
  • ALS (automatic Locking system) Secures your weapon once holstered and allows a fast draw
  • This holster rides close to the body for easy concealment
  • SafariLaminate construction makes the holster strong on the outside, while SafariSuede on the inside protects the firearm
  • This holster comes with a concealment paddle and belt loop
  • ALSAutomatic Locking System secures weapon once holstered, it locks into place

User questions & answers

Question: is this also a paddle holster? does it cover the entire front of the slide or does it leave some exposed
Answer: It does cover the entire gun. I believe it will cover up to the 4.5in barrel. I cut mine down because i have the 3.8 compact. Great holster, thumb lock works great and gun is snug at all times.
Question: Does this fit compact
Answer: For me, no. It fits my full-size 9mm perfectly. I can't even get my Compact 9mm in it.
Question: Does this model work with M&P with external thumb safeties
Answer: Safariland website shows a different model number for M&P with safety. I couldn't find one anywhere else, so I ordered it thru them.
Question: Does this fit with TLR
Answer: Yup, it fit my TLR-1, Insight M3, SF X200, X300 and X300ua

Product features

ALS Level 1 Retention

The ALS or Automatic Locking System provides a high level of security without adding thumb breaks, snaps or levers requiring the use of the trigger finger. The ALS features an intuitive release which locks into place once the weapon is holstered and is easily depressed with a thumb. Check chart below to see included models.

Safariland Concealed Holsters

Safariland Concealed Holsters are known for quality, performance and technological advancements in design, new products are continually being developed with the most knowledgeable and experienced users in the industry and field-tested by users and our world-renowned Team Safariland shooters.

Safarilaminate Material

Impact-resistant thermoplastic alloy thermoformed around the firearm at close tolerances for an exact fit. The thermal-laminate finish is impervious to moisture, bloodborne pathogens, and does not break down like natural materials. Extremely durable and maintains professional looking appearance for years.

HolsterBuilder Paddle for Holster | OWB Gun Accessory | Gun Holster for Men & Women | Keeps Your Gun Safe | Outside Waist Belt Mount for Pistol Holster | Handgun & Pistol Accessories

HolsterBuilder

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

HolsterBuilder OWB Paddle:

The new DIY OWB Paddle is the handiest paddle on today’s holster market. Similar in size and shape to the other popular paddles out there ours saves you time and effort by already including holes. Our paddle features two rows of wide slotted holes that allow your hole spacing to range from 0.5″ to 1.5″ on center. The dual rows of slotted holes allow you a wide range of cant options too. Straight drop / zero cants. Plus or minus adjust ability clear out to 30 degrees!

What choose HolsterBuilder?

Quality Holster Paddles are as much about the features that you can see, like the ones that you can't. The attention to the smallest details is what sets HolsterBuilder apart. Everything from our unique design, to the thread lock on each screw, to our stealth belt clip, to the specific shape of our holsters is no accident. This deliberate attention to detail is what makes the difference between a holster paddle that collects dust in a drawer and a HolsterBuilder product that you can confidently use & comfortably wear every day.

Specifications:

High-quality full grain genuine leather strap

Product Dimensions : 4 x 0.5 x 4.25 inches

Product weight: 5.93 Ounces

Solid screw hardware

Built-in the USA

Package Contains:

1 OWB Paddle

Mounting screws and washers

  • Comfortable Design: Our ergonomically designed paddle holster distributes the weight of a fully-loaded weapon while sitting just at the hip bone and close to the body for a consistent and perfect drawing platform.
  • Rigid Build Quality: HoslterBuilder Paddles are built with a durable polymer material and allow users to rearrange screws quickly and efficiently without the use of tools. The Holster Locking Fork is designed to mount directly to the back of the holster to keep your gun safe.
  • Ease Of Use: Complete installation will only take less than 5 minutes. One side is attached to the holster body and the other is attached to the back-piece or holster attachment device. You can mount these receiver plates anywhere you wish to securely keep your handgun safe.
  • Customizable Fit: Our paddle features two rows of wide slotted holes that allow your hole spacing from range 0.5" to 1.5" on center. The dual rows of slotted holes allow you a wide range of options to set the size of the paddle to plus or minus and adjust the ability to rotate up to 30 degrees.
  • Assured Quality: 100% Made In USA. Our quality & durability is engineered into every holster accessories from the start. Because of this, we guarantee that your holster will last you forever no matter what. You will not find a better quality holster on the market.

User questions & answers

Question: Where is this made
Answer: USA
Question: will this fit blackhawk holsters
Answer: If the Blackhawk holster has the same hole pattern spacing then yes

Concealment Express OWB Paddle KYDEX Holster (Black) - Outside Waistband - Adjustable Cant & Posi-Click Retention - 100% US Made

Concealment Express

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

(NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANY LIGHT/LASER COMBO OR SLIDE MOUNTED OPTICS UNLESS SPECIFIED)

Hand Molded, Adjustable Cant (-5 to +20 Degrees) OWB Paddle KYDEX Holsters. Crafted and Formed over our Proprietary, Precision Aluminum Molds - Our molds are designed and milled in house so we can ensure the consistency, quality, & fit for each and every holster we make, regardless of the gun it is for. They are the perfect all around holster for every day OWB concealed carry. These holsters are comfortable enough for everyday use and very easy to hide no matter how you are dressed. Designed for Hip Carry.



Features:

Adjustable Cant (-5 to +20 Degrees)

Adjustable 'Posi-Click' Retention - Hear a Satisfying Click when Holstered

Undercut Trigger Guard for ease of Draw

Over-cut Open-face to Accommodate Threaded Barrels

Accommodates Suppressor Height Sights

Full Length Sweat Guard with Rear Sight Shield

Fiber-Reinforced Stealth Paddle

All Black Oxide Steel Hardware with Threadlock

Made 100% Start to Finish in the USA by Americans using All American Made Machinery & Equipment

Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

  • OUTSIDE THE WAISTBAND KYDEX PADDLE HOLSTER fits: Kimber, Colt, Ruger, Springfield 1911 3.5" Officer Model (Non-Rail) (ONLY unless Specified). Our minimalist OWB paddle holsters are designed to be worn comfortably outside the waistband with an untucked shirt for proper concealed carry. We use .08” KYDEX precision formed over our proprietary in house CAD designed & crafted Aluminum molds. This ensures unparalleled consistency, fit, quality, durability, lightness, comfort, & uniform features across
  • EXCLUSIVE HOLSTER FEATURES: Undercut Trigger Guard keeps the KYDEX from interfering with your draw. Over-Cut Open-Face accommodates Threaded Barrels and clears Suppressor Height Sights. Full length Sweat Guard & Rear Sight Shield to protect your weapon from sweat. Fiber Reinforced Stealth Belt Clip, so no one knows you are carrying. We utilize all Black Oxide Steel (Phillips) hardware with Threadlock, so you can easily make adjustments but never lose a screw.
  • ADJUSTABLE ‘POSI-CLICK’ RETENTION & CANT: When you holster your 1911 3.5" Officer (NR) (Non-Sig), you'll hear a satisfying ‘CLICK’ letting you know your weapon is securely holstered & won’t come out unless YOU want it to. Retention pressure is fully adjustable via the black oxide steel hardware forward of the trigger guard. Cant (or Carry Angle) is adjustable from -5 to +20 Degrees, allowing you to angle the holster perfectly for appendix (AIWB), strong side, behind the hip or cross draw carry p
  • 100% MADE IN USA - GUARANTEED FOR LIFE: Our holsters are designed and built from start to finish in the USA by Americans on All US made Machinery & Equipment for a level of quality that is unparalleled. Our Quality & Durability is engineered into each holster from the start. Because of this, we guarantee that your holster will last you forever no matter what.

User questions & answers

Question: will this fit a glock 19 4.6 inch barrel with redot sight
Answer: Yes they offer it for the Glock 19 . You can email the manufacturer for the laser fitting . I did for my S&W 380 body with laser .
Question: Does it fit 5 inch M&p
Answer: Thank you for reaching out to us, unfortunately that model will not fit your firearm. We do not have a holster for this model at this time, but we will do some research into adding this to our lineup. We are always adding new models consistently and we will take this one into consideration too. We appreciate you thinking of us and please check back with us for updates at any time!
Question: Will this fit the Taurus g3c
Answer: At this point CE does not yet have a model for the Taurus G3C... The model for the G2 will fit, albeit a little longer. p2-services.
Question: Will it fit a Glock 26 with a red dot sight
Answer: These holsters are designed to fit the stock firearm only. But I would check the company’s website for options, they might sell other styles that accommodate optics.

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