So you just bought a new Glock 17 and now you need to decide what holster you want to go with it. As you might have noticed, there are quite a few holsters out on the market for this particular gun. While having so many choices is great, it can also mean that choosing which one to purchase can be a pretty daunting task. Considering that you are likely going to be wearing this holster every day for years to come, you will want to make sure and do some research so you buy the right holster to fit your needs.
For this article, we are going to be discussing inside-the-waistband holsters or IWB holsters. IWB holsters fit inside the waistband and sit against your body. This means they are fairly easily concealed and will help prevent printing through your clothes. IWB holsters allow you to keep your firearm well concealed while still allowing easy access in the event that you need to draw your weapon. IWB holsters work well with most any type of clothing but in most cases you will need a good sturdy belt to attach the holster to. You want to make sure that you are using a quality belt in order to prevent the holster from slipping around while you are wearing it. Inside-the-waistband is one of the most popular options for people who want to carry a concealed firearm.
Best 3 IWB holsters by brand
There are many different brands that make IWB holsters for your Glock 17. Here are a few holsters, by brand, that I highly recommend you consider.
Galco Triton holster for Glock 17
First on the list is the Galco Triton Kydex holster. This holster is thin and light, weighing in at only 6.4 ounces. It is constructed from Kydex and includes a belt clip.
It also has a sweat guard which will protect your skin and your Glock from damaging perspiration. This is a small holster that is quick and easy to use.
Its small size also makes it comfortable to wear. You will want to make sure you have a good sturdy belt for us with this one.
Bianchi #135 Suppression holster
Next on our list is the Bianchi #135 Suppression IWB holster.
This holster is made from both leather and synthetic materials.
The leather on the body facing area is lined with foam and anti-microbial mesh to help prevent odors and preserve the life of your holster.
There are 2 C clips included to for attaching the holster to your belt.
Blackhawk Serpa Sportster holster
The Blackhawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster is another quality holster for your Glock. This is a paddle style holster made from a polymer material that was developed with civilians in mind for concealed carry as well as range use.
The patented Serpa Auto Lock feature on this holster immediately activates the trigger guard upon reholstering and will not release until you are ready.
For some people, the serpa style holsters have a little bit of a learning curve but once you grow accustomed to it, this could easily become your go-to holster.
Best 3 holsters by material
IWB holsters can be made of several different materials. The most common of these are kydex, leather and a mix of materials otherwise known as a hybrid. Material should be one of your main considerations when purchasing a new holster. It can make all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort. Here are a few of my favorite holsters made from these materials.
Kydex holster: Guardian from Badge Concealment
Kydex is a plastic that combines PVC and acrylic. It is tough and rigid but formable which makes it perfect for many applications, including holsters.
One of the best kydex IWB holsters out there today is the Guardian Holster from Badge Concealment. This is a custom handcrafted holster that is the lightest one around.
It only weighs 3oz. It has a 1.5” belt clip and a sweat guard to protect your Glock from perspiration.
Leather holster: ProCarry LT
Traditionally holsters have been made of leather and it is still a very comfortable option.
Leather is a very formable material so after an initial break-in period, leather holsters become very soft and comfortable to wear.
The ProCarry LT is a great holster that is made in America. It comes with a metal clip for attaching the holster to your belt.
If you are looking for a leather holster for your Glock 17, I highly recommend this one.
Hybrid holster: Galco King Tuk for Glock 17
A hybrid holster is made of a combination of materials. In the case of the Galco King Tuk these materials include leather and kydex. The backer is made of leather to increase comfort and the shell is made of kydex for durability and fast draw.
The removable metal belt clips can be adjusted up or down to change the carry height to whatever the user prefers.
This is also a tuckable holster, which means that you can wear your shirt tucked in on the outside of the holster and it will still remain concealed.
This can make a huge difference if you need to maintain a professional appearance while carrying your gun.
What to consider when choosing a holster for Glock 17?
There are quite a few things you need to consider when deciding which IWB holster you are going to purchase. One of the main considerations should be what type of material you want to go with. Like I said earlier, material makes a big difference when it comes to comfort.
While leather is extremely comfortable, it may not be as durable as a kydex holster. The leather will actually form to the shape of your body and it becomes very soft with use but you will sweat! If you live in a warmer climate this could end up being a real problem for you. Perspiration can cause damage to your firearm and can easily irritate your skin and become uncomfortable. Kydex isn’t as comfortable of an option but it does have its benefits. Kydex is a very rigid and durable material so you will likely get longer life out of a kydex holster. Many kydex holsters also have liners that will help prevent sweating and keep the perspiration of your skin and your gun. The liner can also help make it more comfortable.
Then there are the hybrid holsters which are meant to get you the best of both words. They typically combine the comfort of leather and the durability of kydex or a similar material by using different materials on different components of the holster.
When choosing a holster, comfort is of the upmost importance. If it isn’t comfortable, you aren’t going to wear it. Many holsters allow the user to adjust the ride and cant for the best fit. Cant is the angle the holster sits at and ride refers to how high or low the holster sits on your belt.
When adjusting the cant and ride you want to make sure you find the most comfortable position that you can easily and draw and reholster from. You should be able to perform both of these actions using only one hand. I recommend wearing your holster daily for at least 2 weeks before deciding that you don’t like and heading out to buy a new one. You need to give the holster a little time to break in as well as give yourself some time to get used to the way it feels.
Ready to buy a holster?
So now you should be ready to get out there and choose an inside-the-waistband holster for your Glock 17. Head on over to this Amazon store and take a look at the various options there are for you to consider.