Paddle holster what is

The issue with leather paddles was that they easily became rigid or lost their shape think of a worn out baseball glove. Modern versions of the paddle holster are often made of Kydex. Kydex is a lightweight plastic material that has often been used in aerospace engineering, car manufacturing and much more.

Due to it being lightweight and durable, Kydex has become the preferred material choice for paddle holsters. Another added benefit of modern paddle holsters is a reinforced section between the paddle and the holster which allows it to better grip a belt.

There are plenty of benefits to carrying your gun in a paddle holster. While the paddle portion of the holster goes inside your waistband, the gun is attached to the outside. This means that you can easily attach and detach your holster simply by pulling up to remove and pushing down to attach. However, being able to effortlessly remove and attach your holster is a huge benefit to paddle holsters.

Paddle holsters are significantly more comfortable than IWB holsters. The Kydex paddle is the only part of the holster that touches your body, and thanks to its flexible nature, it will bend to the natural contours of your body. For firearm enthusiasts who like to keep their gun on them at all times, paddle holsters can provide all day comfort. Since paddle holsters can be placed anywhere on your waist, you get to decide where you carry your weapon.

This allows you to keep your firearm in a place at your preferred location on your waist. If you find yourself in a high-pressure situation where every second matters, being able to effortlessly pull your weapon can be the difference in life and death. However, a few specialized paddle holster designs on the market are classified as Level 2. Ride Height — Some paddle holster models on the market also offer an adjustable ride height.

The user can adjust where the paddle attaches to the holster and control the height that the holster rides in relation to their belt or waistline.

Here are some commonly asked questions that we see regarding paddle holsters:. Yes, we carry the MTR Custom paddle holster, which is available to fit over different handgun models with many popular weapon light models attached.

That paddle holster model can be seen here. Unfortunately, we don't currently offer a leather paddle holster that features an internal lock or push button security release. All the paddle holsters that we offer use a thumb break as the retention device.

Of the two, only the MTR Custom model offers an adjustable cant. The cant on that model can be set up for straight-up cant, forward cant, or reverse forward cant for cross-draw carry. That model can be seen by following this link. At this time, we only offer holsters in leather, so all we have are leather paddle holster options.

The concept of something being either good or bad is based strictly on one's opinion of what is good or bad. As that opinion is entirely subjective, the "good" or "bad" rating is relative. Paddle holsters certainly have their place and fill a definite niche within the holster industry. Paddle holsters are quite popular due to their ease of being put on or taken off compared to a traditional belt holster, where you have to remove your belt to mount the belt holster.

Personally, we've always felt that paddle holsters were a good option for range use, general carry, or any situation where one has to take the holster on or off regularly.

While a paddle holster may look complicated, they are relatively easy to wear. Most paddle holsters are designed to wear on the strongside as in the same side as your shooting hand. The holster's paddle portion is inserted down into the waistband and then slightly adjusted to the specific point where it rides comfortably. It is oftentimes able to be concealed with a simple t-shirt because the holster sits between your waistband and your body.

You may be wondering, can I open carry with a Kydex paddle holster? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. If your state allows open carry you may be able to use a paddle holster. The retention level of your holster is important to consider based on where you are open carrying. But, what does that mean?

Normally, level one retention is going to be the natural shape of the holster around the gun holding it in place to a degree. In most holsters, this is adjustable to your preference. This holster is a great option for open carrying at your home, on your property, hunting, or at the range if they allow it. If you are looking to open carry in public we suggest a level two or three retention holster. This means you have two or three things keeping the gun in place.

You can also think of it as the number of steps you have to take to remove your gun from its holster. The paddle clip portion of your holster sits flush with your body and you may worry that it is uncomfortable.

While some people find it uncomfortable, many find they do not notice it is there and it can actually be quite comfortable. The holster and gun go in a drawer or a holster mount under the desk, and they go about their day. If you're only going from the parking lot to the office it's a perfectly viable system, and for just such a person, a paddle holster makes a lot of sense. You switch to an IWB when out and about otherwise, but during the work week, it's a convenient way to carry.

Granted, make sure that the gun is in a secure location and concealed from view. If stashing it in a desk drawer, lock the drawer. If you were considering getting a paddle holster, either for EDC or for range use, consider what your lifestyle is and how the holster would fit into it. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible.

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