OWB Holster Basics.... help!!!

[dave_in_delaware]

I've been researching open carry laws here in Delaware, and it's looking promising. So, I'm in the market for a good OWB holster for my XD-9.

My problem is: my knowledge of all the options out there is lacking. Do I want/need a holster that's all "plastic" and gets a belt threaded through it? Do I need the best in Kydex w/ a retention system? Is just a thumb-break good enough? What the &%*# is a "paddle" holster? I'm sorry, but I'm not well-versed in holsters....

What I want is this (combination):

- a holster that easily attaches to your belt (so you don't have to unbuckle your belt and thread/unthread it through your holster all the time).

- a holster that will prevent someone from easily removing my firearm (retention system). I'm guessing a thmb-break is a requirement in holsters? I don't know....

- a holster which is durable enough to withstand every day carry, probably some sort of plastic (not nylon). I would rather have plastic vs. leather, just so you know.

- a holster that fits both the subbie and service models (like my Crossbreed IWB does), although this isn't a huge requirement.

- a holster that fits semi-easily into my budget (preferably less than $75?)

Now, I do realize that I'll have to try them out to see what works for me and my gun and my experience, but I'd like to hear what you guys/gals think, what you've used, and especially what you currently use. I'd rather NOT end up w/ a drawer full of holsters that I hate or never use.

Hopefully such a combination exists in a holster.....

Thanks for any input! I anxiously await your replies....

[AlaskaXD]

I have the Galco Matrix 7X and it fits a lot of your needs. Super easy for quick on off, $20-$26, durable plastic, fits tight to body, great retention. I wouldn't say it's the best holster but a good option to try.

The one drawback is that retention is almost too tight. Belt size -
(thick 1 1/2") and where you place it on the curve of your waist, can cause it to hold the gun too tightly. There is no tension adjustment and Galco really needs to address this! Some who own this have modified it by drilling out the rivet at the trigger guard and installing a spacer and screw to be able to adjust it as needed.

Good luck finding a holster for your needs.

[jtkratzer]

Originally Posted by AlaskaXD

I have the Galco Matrix 7X and it fits a lot of your needs. Super easy for quick on off, $20-$26, durable plastic, fits tight to body, great retention. I wouldn't say it's the best holster but a good option to try.

The one drawback is that retention is almost too tight. Belt size -
(thick 1 1/2") and where you place it on the curve of your waist, can cause it to hold the gun too tightly. There is no tension adjustment and Galco really needs to address this! Some who own this have modified it by drilling out the rivet at the trigger guard and installing a spacer and screw to be able to adjust it as needed.

Good luck finding a holster for your needs.

Dave, I highly recommend this holster. It's a good place to start. For $20, it works very well. It was the only holster a local shop had that was specific to the XD45 models. It holds nice and tight, and it has loops that snap so you can put the holster on and take it off without undoing your belt. I wear it for concealed carry under just about everything and it works with my XD45 compact. You should have told me this on Saturday, I could have showed it to you, it was in my car.

I wear mine around the 4 - 5 o'clock position with noon being where my belt buckle is.

Here is thread on this holster, there are some pics on both pages.
Galco M7X MATRIX

Good luck.

As stated, it can be a bit too tight, but if I even start to feel like I might need quick access, I just pull the gun up about 1/2" to 1" to where it sits a touch looser. I will probably attempt to drill it and make it adjustable and for $20, if I screw it up, no big deal.

[dave_in_delaware]

Thanks, guys!!!

I also did a quick Google search, and found this: do you guys think this would work, too??

BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster Matte Finish Belt Loop and Paddle

(I'm not against your ideas... just exploring all my options....)

[jtkratzer]

don't know anything about it, sorry, my only experience with OWB is that Galco I have. I guess I was lucky to find on that fits well on the first try. I can conceal my XD45c under a t-shirt with it.

[newKid]

i have a blackhawk CQC SERPA for my Glock dave. its a good holser, you can tell its quality. as far as the paddle i coudlnt tell you how it work because i always use the belt loop attachment. the release button is right in line with your trigger finger when drawing and it feels very natural to use. to only thing is this holster WILL NOT hold the gun tight into your side, so dont expect to hide it by wearing something over it. its hard to conceal even under the largest of coats. but that said, if its purely for open carry than it shouldnt be a problem.

[dave_in_delaware]

I'm guessing the "paddle" thing is to attach it to your belt without needing to thread your belt through slots on the holster???

When you say it won't hold it tight to your body, do you mean it won't be against your body (i.e. it sticks out kind of far), or do you mean it flops around and is loose? Just double-checking.

[huntthehunter]

I have used the BH with the paddle. There are hooks that come off both the inner and outer section and provide quite a grip

I actually dremeled the hook off of the paddle so that I could get the holster off. WIth the other hooks it is very secure.

[jtkratzer]

Originally Posted by dave_in_delaware

...trimmed...

When you say it won't hold it tight to your body, do you mean it won't be against your body (i.e. it sticks out kind of far), or do you mean it flops around and is loose? Just double-checking.

I think what he means is, like the XD gear holster, it either sits a bit away from your body or it tends to lean away from your body.

The Galco holds the XD snug against your body allowing for concealment, this holster is geared towards either open carry or for carrying while on duty.

[Bidah]

I have the Blackhawk CQC, but it doesn't have the retention of the Serpa. I believe that they have fixed it, but there were some reported problems with Glocks going off during holstering due to the lock in the trigger. If you use the thumb on the back of the slide method of inserting the pistol into the holster you should not have any problems either way. Mine is well made (I like them better than Uncle Mikes and Fobus), and has worked great.

I don't use the paddle with mine as I prefer a standard belt loop. Yep, it holds it away from the body (not too far), not snug like a concealment would.

I carry mine quite a bit in this holster, around the farm, using the four wheeler, and other activities. I don't have any horses anymore, but would not hesitate to use it there either.