You’ve got a Glock 17 and now you need a way to carry it. You might be wondering what is the best Glock 17 holster to use?
In choosing the best holster for the Glock 17, we have to go with the Glock Thumb Release Paddle Holster by Orpaz.
This holster can be used for strong side, cross-draw, or small of back (SOB). The thumb break allows for a smooth, quick draw, and the simple retention guarantees security on re-holstering. The paddle is designed to be used with or without a belt, and is curved to fit the wearer’s body for added comfort.
What’s more, it just feels snug. Given that the Glock 17 is slightly bigger than it’s little brother, the Glock 19, you’ll often hear shooters (myself included) opting for the G19 when it comes to concealed carry.
With the Thumb Release Paddle Holster, I really enjoy carrying my G17 at home and at work. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this holster great.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Holster for Your G17
First, you need to consider how you plan to carry and what you’re going to carry for. After that, we’ll take a look at some of the different carry styles for your Glock, then we can learn about several types of specific holsters.
The type of holster you need will depend on your lifestyle, your carry intentions, and your attire. Do you plan to carry out in the open, on duty? On a regular or heavy-duty belt? Then an outside the waistband (OWB) holster is probably your best bet.
Are you going to carry concealed? Possibly an inside the waistband (IWB) or shoulder holster would be a better option. Do you carry right- or left-handed?
Do you plan to use it in a tactical situation (like police or military)? Maybe a leg holster will work best for you.
Also, remember that some holsters will not be interchangeable side-to-side, so you’ll want to carefully read the product descriptions before ordering.
General Holster Types
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) – these slide outside your waistband or over a belt to carry outside your pants.
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) – this type of holster tucks the gun inside your pants via clips.
- Semi-permanent belt clip – a belt clip can be attached to the butt of the Glock by removing a pin; it allows you to clip your pistol inside your pants without the bulk of a holster.
- Shoulder holster – wear cross-draw under your weak side arm.
- Belly band – puts the holster under your shirt around your belly.
- Tactical leg holster – for use in police or military situations, a leg holster puts the firearm around your thigh.
Things to Keep in Mind
For your Glock, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting a holster:
- Handedness
- Handgun Weight
- Concealment or Open Carry?
- Handgun Retention
- Draw Speed
Handedness
Are you right- or left-handed? Many holsters are not ambidextrous. You’ll need to consider this when you order one, especially online.
Handgun Weight
The Glock 17 is a rather large pistol, so you might want to consider that before buying a holster. For example, a belly band may not perform as well with a heavier pistol.
Read reviews, ask questions of the seller, or talk to someone who has used a similar holster with a Glock 17 to find out what works well for them.
Concealment or Open Carry?
You have to decide how you’ll be carrying your Glock the most often. If your intention is to carry concealed, you’ll want to choose a holster to facilitate concealment.
Depending on the holster you choose, you may need to add to your wardrobe to ensure concealment of your Glock. This might be simply adding a jacket or sport coat if you’re wearing an outside the waistband (OWB) or shoulder holster.
In case you choose the semi-permanent belt clip to mount to your Glock 17, make sure you keep the original pin that you pull from the grip to install the clip. Your belt clip will be removable in the future, so you’ll want the original pin.
If you plan to carry your weapon out in the open, you might decide on a belt slide or other outside the waistband (OWB) holster.
Handgun Retention
If you have an active lifestyle, and plan to carry your Glock, you might check out holsters offering retention straps or other ways to secure the pistol.
Many polymer holsters have thumb release buttons, and also give you an audible ‘click’ when the Glock is firmly seated in the holster.
Often, leather or nylon holsters will come with straps and a thumb break to maintain retention yet allow for a quick draw.
Draw Speed
If you’re after a quick draw with your Glock 17, keep this in mind when looking at belly bands or ankle holsters. These will be under your clothes, and need an extra step before drawing.
Holsters with retention straps or locking mechanisms will also require an additional step before you can draw them.
Some of the Best Holsters for Glock 17
Now that we’ve discussed different styles of holsters in general that you could use for your Glock 17, let’s take a closer look at some specific makes and models.
(Best Glock 17 OWB Holster)
1. Glock Thumb Release Polymer Paddle Holster by Orpaz
This is a fully-formed polymer outside the waistband (OWB) holster with a paddle that slides into your waistband.
Specific molding of this holster even has a sight channel to protect your pistol’s sights.
The holster has a thumb break retention clip to ensure the firearm stays secure in the holster.
The paddle is curved to fit the body, though it may be a bit uncomfortable for skinny people with bony hips.
The paddle holster is fully adjustable to carry cross-draw, small-of-back (SOB), or strong-side draw, and it also features an adjustable retention screw to adjust holster tightness.
The polymer holster is for right- or left-hand draw or cross-draw.
Watch this short Youtube video to have a look at other Orpaz holster!
(Best Glock 17 Concealed Carry Holster)
2. The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster by Relentless Tactical
This is a soft leather in the waistband holster with a metal clip to secure it to your pants.
These holsters are somewhat form-fitting to specific pistols, but can be used for a variety of similar-framed pistols.
They do not have retaining straps. The leather is comfortable even against the skin. Relentless Tactical offers a Lifetime Warranty on their holsters.
3. Kydex Slide Belt Holster by X-Concealment
This is a Kydex OWB slider intended to be worn on a belt. It’s not ambidextrous, so make sure you get the right- or left-hand model when you order one.
It features adjustable retention so you get a good ‘click’ when the weapon is locked into the trigger guard.
This is a pancake-style holster, designed to ride closer to the body and avoid firearm ‘printing’ through clothing.
There is also a molded sight channel, and there are no retention straps to increase draw time. However, some enthusiasts shy away from Kydex, as it might be abrasive to your pistol’s finish.
4. SERPA Concealment Holster by Blackhawk!
This is a Level 2 polymer retention holster that comes with both a belt hook and paddle assembly. You’ll get an audible ‘click’ feedback when the weapon is securely holstered.
In addition to the retention lock, this holster has an adjustable retention screw as well.
This holster is designed for a quick draw and re-holster.
It’s not ambidextrous, so make sure you get the correct right- or left-hand holster.
5. Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster by Alien Gear Holsters
This is a molded polymer holster with clips designed to ride low inside your waistband.
Alien Gear offers a triple guarantee with a 30-day trial, free shells for life, and a Forever Warranty.
The holster features a spring steel inner core which enhances the strength of the holster.
This holster also works with shells for multiple pistols, allowing the user to easily swap out daily carry weapons.
You can also order different types of clips from the manufacturer. This holster is not ambidextrous.
(Best Shoulder Holster for Glock 17)
6. ShapeShift Glock 17 Shoulder Holster by Alien Gear Holsters
Several great features to this shoulder holster for a Glock 17. Fully adjustable, the cant, height, and suspenders, all can be adjusted to exactly how you would like to carry!
Also allows you to carry two extra magazines for your Glock 17. Not to mention made in the USA!
Our Final Best Holster for Glock 17 Thoughts
Now that we’ve learned a little more about specific holster models, it’s time to declare the best holster for the Glock 17.
Of course, what’s best for you might depend on whether you’re carrying concealed or in the open, if you’re right- or left-handed, and whether you choose leather, nylon, or polymer for your holster.
All of these things you must take into consideration before buying your holster.
For the most useful, versatile holster, we have to go with the Glock Thumb Release Paddle Holster by Orpaz. This holster can be used for strong side, cross-draw, or SOB.
The thumb break allows for a smooth, quick draw, and the simple retention guarantees security on re-holstering.
The paddle is designed to be used with or without a belt, and is curved to fit the wearer’s body for added comfort. The polymer molding ensures a tight fit and comes with a sight channel to protect important sights.
For a mid-range price, you’ll get a useful and customizable holster.
