I was hoping to get some thoughts on using slide style holsters for IWB carry. I primarly carry a G26 just in a cheap holster at the moment but want to get a better more comfortable holster soon. I have been looking at the Comptac MTAC and considering getting a slide version so I can use it for different size glocks. I have a G22 and G17 but I do not think I would carry them IWB, but I am considering a G19/23 so it would be nice to have a holster that would work for multiple size glocks. Would it be better to get a closed bottom rather than a slide version, or possibly even getting a G19 sized closed bottom and use the G26 in it?
Hopefully some of you will have some input on the downfalls of using a slide holster if there are any, I dont like to be cheap, just like to make my dollar stretch as much as I can, so if there are issues with getting a slide version then I will just get one sized for the G26 and can always purchase another holster later if needed. Thanks in advance for any input you may have.
Downfall of a slide type holster: when seated and especially using longer slides, the seat cushion can push the gun up in the holster. May could expose the trigger. No bueno.
For a lot of makers a holster that fits a full-sized gun can also work with a compact. You’ll have some empty space at the bottom. You may need to do some customizing (if kydex) on the body shield, if present.
I have a blade tech IWB that fits both full size and compact M&Ps. It is not optimal for the compact but it is usable.
Hmm, funny the things you just dont think of sometimes, I was thinking about protecting the muzzle and had heard of the front site hanging up sometimes on a slide holster but figured that was more on leather than on kydex, hadnt thought about it getting pushed up while sitting down, that makes it pretty much a no go.
Guess now I just have to decide which to get, G26 sized or go with a G19 and use the 26 in it, since they are same except grip length and muzzle length it should work fine, but then again I should probably just not be cheap and just get what fits what I have (and will keep me from being so tempted to buy another handgun :p).
I have an MTAC that i have been using everyday for over a year and a half. I went with the shell that fit a G17 and carry a G26 in it every day. I like that it has a closed bottom and if i want to stick my 17 in it I can. I have also used this holster in idpa and although a tad slower on the draw it is always smooth and without issue. The good thing about the MTAC is that you can buy the shells separately so if you are not satisfied with what you bought you can save on just buying another shell instead of having to repurchase the entire system.
I ordered a Dale Fricke Archangel AIWB and received it this past Monday. I am now an AIWB convert.
I will still run my Theis or my Hideous Holster just not as much as I will the Archangel appendix.
ETA: I tried the cheap route too. What I spent in buying differant cheap holsters I could have bought 1 or 2 more ‘expensive’ holsters and been done with it.
In extended practice sessions, the front of the slide can get hot enough that reholstering into a “slide” IWB can be uncomfortable. A friend of mine caused himself a burn using a G35 in a Comp-Tac Ghurka that was made as a slide.