Stupid question of the day: WTF is a paddle holster?

[Viper GTS]

Seems like such a simple question, but I can't find an explanation anywhere.

Lots of people selling them, but what the heck are they?

Viper GTS

 

[bradruth]

I'm not sure why they're called that, but they seem to be a pretty standard holster designed to go on the waistband (likely the side). Example.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: bradruth
I'm not sure why they're called that, but they seem to be a pretty standard holster designed to go on the waistband (likely the side). Example.

I know that, but what makes them different from a belt attached holster?

Here for example

Viper GTS

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: bradruth
I'm not sure why they're called that, but they seem to be a pretty standard holster designed to go on the waistband (likely the side). Example.

They are for CCW under a jacket or shirt, usually cross-draw. The outer leather covering is molded to the weapon.
They are handgun specific.

A regular holster wraps its leather around the weapon.


Viewed from the back side it looks like a paddle

 

[ShotgunSteven]

The wide part (the "paddle") tucks inside your waistband, and the pistol in these tends to ride higher than in a holster that actually attaches to the belt.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

The extra contact area with the body makes for less rocking around, they are more comfortable.

Plus many are set-up to carry an extra magazine.

 

[Viper GTS]

So what prevents them from just sliding out of your waistband when you draw? Texture & the pressure between your clothing & body?

Viper GTS

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: galvanizedyankee

Originally posted by: bradruth
I'm not sure why they're called that, but they seem to be a pretty standard holster designed to go on the waistband (likely the side). Example.

They are for CCW under a jacket or shirt, usually cross-draw. The outer leather covering is molded to the weapon.
They are handgun specific.

A regular holster wraps its leather around the weapon.


Viewed from the back side it looks like a paddle

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteve
The wide part (the "paddle") tucks inside your waistband, and the pistol in these tends to ride higher than in a holster that actually attaches to the belt.

Interesting. Thanks for the info. So they're part IWB/part OWB? If I get hired on as a Reserve Officer within the next couple months I might have to get something like that. Not sure if the duty belt holster detaches and if it does whether or not it'd be concealable for off-duty. I'll be carrying a department-issue Glock 22 (.40 cal) if this all works out.

 

[bockchow]

dude you've seen my paddle holster before and you still don't know what it is?

 

[HorizonSeeker]

paddle holster has, as has been pointed out, a wide folded section at the back that looks like a paddle. the main advantage is that unlike belt mounted holsters you can mount and detach a paddle holster without taking the belt off, making it much easier if somehow you are required to take it off and put it back on in a hurry.

how they won't slide off:

on my paddle holster, there are two protrusions on the inner side of the paddle that cannot be seen from the outside but you can see them when you look at it side ways. they essentially act as a blocker that holds the holster down by going under the underside of the belt from the inside of the pants. it's a little hard to explain in words but it is a very simple concept and one look or try on one and you'll see.

most any gunshows or gunshop will sell the Fobus brand of holster. Folbus makes both belt holster and paddle holster, give it a try and it will become apparent.

pm me if this confused you more than before.

 

[Pliablemoose]

I believe Fausto has some pics of the paddle holster in position inside his thong in one of his posts, it's pretty graphic, but depicts how they work.




























<-------Runs for cover...

 

[thebestMAX]

If you are thinking of buying one, they are great IF the right size for your weapon and you. I tried several until I got the right one, doesnt fit all my carry pieces either.

Look here.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have a cheapie Fobus paddle holster I use at the range - they are definitely handy if you are just carrying the weapon for a short period of time. There are some nice modular holsters (like Sidearmors) that allow you to interchange a paddle or a belt mount. As a Glock guy, I think Sidearmors are probably the best all-around holsters for that gun, but they definitely don't have the softness or elegance of a high-quality leather holster.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: bockchow
dude you've seen my paddle holster before and you still don't know what it is?

I don't think I've ever seen any of your guns in a holster...

Anyway, I think I've got a pretty good grasp of it now.

Don_Vito:

I was actually specifically looking at Glock holsters, I was looking at Fobus...

I'll go look at Sidearmor, would you consider them better than Fobus (never used either)?

Viper GTS