Having researched at length, drawing from hands-on, other shooter’s experience, online forums, and other reviews, we’ve aggregated and distilled this down to what we believe represent the best Glock 22 CCW holster. options on the market.
As always, it bears repeating that, despite manufacturers endorsements / claims, we, nor anyone for that matter,can guarantee 100% a particular holster will be perfect for your needs.
We aim so far as practicableto present the best of the best,so reducing your margin for error.
The final test of how the holster works for you will ultimately be established by your experience with it over the course of time, at least a month, albeit hopefully the lifetime of the product, development of your shooting style, and change of needs.
Following on, and to explain a little further, we’ve sought with the spreadof holsters presented to describe also the range of CCW carry modes suited to the Glock 22 as concealed carry.
This is worth to noting, as, determining the most appropriate carrymodeis one of the fundamentalsyou need to invest time and thought in toward determining what will be yourbest holster, (based on all of the facets of how, when and where you intend to carry, as well as pistol size, weight, etc.).
Glock 22 Holster Omissions
As a side note, save possibly for shooters of Hafthor Julius Bjornsson’s stature, pocket-carry or concealed-carry-ankle mode are taken to be out with the scope of this review and are omitted for reasons obvious to owners of Glock 22’s, or similar other full size pistols for that matter.
Unpack This Article's Arsenal
- Glock 22 Holster Omissions
- Our #1 Glock 22 Holster Top Pick
- How Gun News Daily Reviews Products
- Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Buy This Glock 22 Holster
- Best Concealed Carry Holsters for the Glock 22
- 1. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 4.0 IWB Holster – Best Value
- 2. The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster – [Runner Up]
- 3. Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster – [The Budget Option]
- 4. Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster – [Luxury Option]
- Glock 22 Holster – Conclusion
- Glock 22 Holster – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Wrapping It Up
- Recommended Reading
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Our #1 Glock 22 Holster Top Pick
Our Best Pick Concealment (CCW) holster for the Glock 22 is the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 4.0 IWB Holster, typically wornas 4 ~ 5 o’clock IWB position.
Why it’s the Best
Alien Gear’s Cloak Tuck 4.0 embodies several core strengths. However, with the Glock 22 in mind, in particular, the ability to carry concealed and in comfort to the point of being able to forget you’re carrying makes this holster the winning contender.
Small Point Of Concern
Potentially, the Cloak Tuck 4.0’s comfort in use, or critically, it’s functionality, can be impaired somewhat by any love handle type obstructions.
This may sound trivial, or a reason to pursue a diet and exercise-regime change, which would be fine. However, our recommendation is you purchase the holster that allows you to perform to your optimum level, based on how you are now.
There is no merit in owning a holster which will be perfect for a body you hope to obtain in 6 months, but which in the present time does not.
For those on the borderline, another solution may be by positioning the holster closer to the 5than the 4o’clock carry position.
How Gun News Daily Reviews Products
Starting out as hardcopy, Gun News Daily has been a leading voice on gun news and gear reviews since 2001, innovating aggregated gun information a single source, foreshadowing how we would all go on to gather information with the advent of the internet, web based publication and search function.
Your reviewer has been shooting circa 12 years, albeit principally with the military, which also formed my introduction to handguns. Accordingly my experience is limited to full size semi automatic pistols rather than compacts, sub compacts, wheel guns etc.
While most folks will readily accept the merit of learning from our own mistakes… learning from others experiences (successes, as well as mistakes), offers a better approach, saving you time, money, and knuckle skin (or worse injury).
With this in mind, our strategy is to augment any author’s experience, utilizing input & experience from other shooters from a broad range of disciplines & backgrounds.
Where we suggest models, e.g. for particular carry mode, this is based on our own testing of the item as first preference, or in the event of that not being the case, at the very least, hundreds of hours analyzing input from other shooters findings with the specific holster in question.
Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Buy This Glock 22 Holster
Conceal carrying a full size Glock 22, loaded, in comfort such that this reality slips your mind is no mean feat, Alien Gear, make this concept a reality.
With this in mind, we recommend the Cloak Tuck 3.0 for most shooters who, e.g. require to operate up on their feet for extended periods of time, twinned with a need for the superior conceal-ability of IWB, over OWB. The Cloak Tuck 3.0 addresses both of these needs with the resulting holster being a game changer.
While the comfort aspect for the Cloak Tuck is something you’ll likely hear praise for on a regular basis, as referenced above, no holster can be a one-size-fits-absolutely all, so your choice of holster needs to be tried on in the flesh, (and worn day-in-day out for a month IMHO).
Given that your holster represents a component-part of the weapon-system comprising it, you, and your weapon, it’s functionality is critical. If your draw is obstructed/ impeded by ‘love handles’, considerations of how fantastically comfortable a holster is, are irrelevant.
Similarly, for anyone who envisages carrying / drawing their Glock 22 from a sitting position, this, or any other 4 / 5 o’clock carry designated holster will not provide the optimum solution.
Best Concealed Carry Holsters for the Glock 22
After a thorough review of holster options, we’ve chosen the top four options:
- Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster [Best Overall]
- The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster – [Runner Up]
- Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster – [Budget Option]
- Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster – [Luxury Option]
There you have it, folks… the top 4.
If you’re not quite sure which to choose, continue reading. We’ll take a closer look at each holster and what makes it special.
Product Name | Where to Buy | |
---|---|---|
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 4.0 IWB Holster | ||
The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster | ||
Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster | ||
Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster |
1. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 4.0 IWB Holster – Best Value
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unbeatable comfort in use / belies that one is carrying a handgun, much less a handgun of the Glock 22’s heft | Big-built owners may find their draw / re-holstering obstructed by ‘love handles’, holster ride is more tightly situated against body than OWB holsters |
No break-in period required | Similarly, requires wearer to purchase additional larger size pants, to comfortably accommodate holster & pistol |
Proprietary thermo-elastomer shell custom designed to suit the Glock 22 | Relatively large surface area of holster, while aiding to spread load of heavy full size pistol, may cause some users to feel overheated, location / climate conditions dependent. |
Adjustable ride height & cant angle | |
Holster shells fully-swappable to suit other handguns on same stainless spring-steel / neoprene / ballistic nylon base | |
30 day ‘test drive’, free shells for-life as well as a forever warranty | |
Adjustable retention with a stainless spring steel core |
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 4.0 IWB Holster – Main Features & Benefits
Composite-construction lightweight holster, design developed over number of years, refining concept originally introduced in 2013.
Already a well proven, field-tested holster, the 4.0 provides a number of features, including some tweaks over the previous iteration.
At the 3.0 holster’s heart is a stainless spring-steel core, replacing the ABS plastic used in the 2.0. Another feature, andfurtherrefinement,by the 4.0 is the concealment of themajorityof body-side metal nut heads by the neoprene base. Although black steel is available, the 4.0 recommended standard-nylon clips, more than capably ensure the holster stays in-place.
As touched on above, a key feature of the 4.0 is that the holster is not solely the rig you receive at the time of purchase, but additionally, free shell trades for life, to suit different model handguns bought later on down the line. The supplied kit of screws & washers allow user-adjustment of holster ride height and cant, in addition to retention strength.
Alien Gear are Tried and True
Beyond the obvious, some benefits of this holster are that, due to it’s success, i.e. popularity, proliferation, (as well as design development), you are assured of a holster that has already been thoroughly tested, by a substantial size user group in the field.
Most readily appreciated perhaps, applies to the headline benefit of this holster, i.e. the comfort in use, for EDC / extended hours wear.
If you’re new to handgun holsters, the issue (and beneficial value) of the holster clips may appear trivial, paradoxically, they can be the making or the breaking, of otherwise decent holsters.
The 3.0 nylon clips are excellent and up to the task, rectifying a common issue symptomatic of lesser quality holsters in use, i.e. the holstered pistol wandering around your waist.
This is saves you that annoyance, but critically, facilitates you to function with your sidearm in the intended manner i.e. carrying with effective concealment, being able to efficiently draw your weapon. The patented stainless spring-steel core, beyond basic rigidity, ensures the adjustable retention feature has a solid base to work upon. This is particularly beneficial for heavy-use shooters, e.g. in training for competition, liable to impose heavy strain / abuse on this nexus of the holster.
Conclusion
As above, we’d recommend the AG Cloak Tuck 4.0 for most users who wish to concealed-carry their Glock 22, expect to be on their feet principally, and who require the superior conceal-ability performance of IWB.
The AG Cloak Tuck 4.0’s strengths will serve equally well, civilian EDC orLEO / Security operatives with need of the 4.0’s particular strengths. As mentioned above, aside from the supreme comfort, one thing that makes this holster stand out from the herd, is Alien Gear’s unbeatable guarantee, with 30 day free test drive, lifetime free shell-trades, and forever warranty.
If nothing else, the added confidence of the warranty should pique your interest sufficient to seek one out and give it a try.
2. The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster – [Runner Up]
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Level 2 retention Auto Lock™ design minimizes potential for surreptitious removal of handgun by persons with nefarious intent | Lesser conceal-ability performance, versus IWB holsters |
Comes with belt loops & paddle attachment options, for more secure, better concealed, attachment, or more convenient removal / reattachment respectively | Low tolerance for contamination with dirt, dust, mud etc, may be rendered inoperable in most extreme cases |
Carbon-Fiber shell designed specific for Glock 22 | Allegedly, may represent increased risk of ND for certain users |
Adjustable ride height & cant angle | |
Unaffected by moisture / humidity, versus natural material holsters e.g. leather / suede | |
Audible positive click upon re-holstering | |
Adjustable passive retention screw |
Main Features & Benefits
With Blackhawk Auto Lock™ this holster is promoted as providing level 2 retention, beyond which however, it would be only mild exaggeration to assert the Blackhawk Serpa CQC’s active release / retention, is the heart around which this holster is designed.
The CQC shell is built of lighter, more durable carbon fiber e.g. than Blackhawks own polymer plastic Sportster holster. Another feature of the Serpa CQC holster, as opposed e.g. to the Serpa Sportster, is that as standard it comes supplied with both belt loop and paddle attachment options.
Although normally advertised as matte black, the holster is also available in alternative tan, green, and olive drab colors. In common with a lot of OWB holsters, a strong point of the CQC is easy, quick single handed re-holstering, which could indicate predisposition toward LEO / security sphere users.
But ultimately, it depends on your assessment the environment of use, how you need things to work.
The CQC is a strong bet for anyone wishing to concealed-carry a Glock 22, particularly, perhaps, those with choice of apparel, to dress to the CQC’s strengths, aiding it’s conceal-ability vs. IWB mode holsters.
The flip side of this facet vs. IWB, is, in a word, convenience. Similarly, regards attachment methods, particularly the paddle option, putting on / taking the holster off is a breeze.
On the Fly Adjustments
In the event of wearing the CQC in say 5 o’clock, intending to sit down in a vehicle, the paddle facilitates very easy, on the fly adjustment. If this is why you’re here, you might want to check out the best concealed vehicle holsters.
The value of this will be apparent for any owners of traditional paddle holsters, where practically the only recourse is to grit your teeth and bear the discomfort, or de-belt, take your pistol out and put it in the glove box.
Similarly, if your occupation necessitates removal of a sidearm to enter any particular controlled secure premises e.g. the courthouse, removal / reattachment with the CQC is an instant and hassle free operation.
In a different vain, but still pertaining to convenience, if you find the CQC provides the functionality you need, it will do so without the moderate pain of your having to repurchase an additional wardrobe of pants sized to accommodate a holstered Glock 22 inside your waistband.
Lastly, for those with the need, the value of the level 2 secure retention cannot be overstated. The Auto Lock™ feature ensures the risk of someone sneaking up on you, as you carry in 5 o’clock, lifting the hem of your shirt, and pulling out your Glock 22 is almost nil.
The Auto Lock™ will disengage only when the retention button is depressed, prior to any motion to draw, and even then, is liable to bite on the Glock, if not drawn in a well practiced linear motion.
Blackhawk Serpa CQC Holster for Glock 22 – Conclusion
We’d recommend the Blackhawk Serpa CQC Concealment holster for most users who wish to concealed-carry their Glock 22, and can deal with the slightly lesser conceal-ability performance of OWB.
Similarly, we’d recommend this holster for those whom the flexibility / convenience of the two supplied attachment options for different type environments would be appreciated.
This subjective assessment is yours, and only you can assess what you are willing to give up in one area, to gain in another, to suit your needs, e.g. for civilian EDC.
My personal feeling is that this holster tends toward LEO / security spheres, where absolute concealment often is not the over-riding concern, but, as before, YMMV.
Some key defining characteristics of the Serpa CQC, are the flexibility of the attachment choice, (beyond the two discussed here even, including Blackhawk shoulder, S.T.R.I.K.E., quick disconnect and tactical holster Platforms), but critically, the Auto Lock™ release button.
This last feature is why personally, I’d caveat recommending this holster for those either with a substantial depth of experience with LEO / security / military handgun training beforehand, or alternatively, those willing to invest the effort and time required with an expert instructor, and burn-in a commensurate level of muscle memory and index finger / trigger guard discipline.
That caveat said, however, the CQC isa paradigm defining, state of the art holster.
3. Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster – [The Budget Option]
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Compact minimalist design allows full range of IWB positions on waist, including AIWB | Clip is fabricated from ABS plastic rather than metal, so could be less durable under the most extreme conditions |
No break-in period required | As with all IWB holsters, requires shooter to purchase over-sized pants to comfortably accommodate holstered weapon within pant’s waistband |
0.8” Kydex shell compatible with Glock 22 & Glock 17, 31 | Anecdotal reports from some owners of holsters received with rough finish around holster edge |
Cant angle adjustable to any position between 0º – 15º | |
Adjustable Posi-Click audible retention lock system | |
Lifetime warranty | |
Full sweat shield |
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster for Glock 22 – Main Features & Benefits
One of my favorite features of the Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster is the ABS plastic clip.
Like most folks probably, I subscribe to the school of thought that one should always wear a purpose-made gun belt with a holster to complete the weapon-carry system. With that said however, the clip on the CE IWB holster works so well, it can function even with this key component omitted from your set up.
As noted, the clip allows adjustable angle settings facilitating e.g. a full 15 degree ‘FBI’ cant, in 4 or 5 o’clock position, or ‘zero’ degree cant for appendix AIWB carry. The other feature I appreciate most is the single Kydex sheet construction Concealment Express continues up, to form a full sweat guard.
A principal benefit of the Concealment Express IWB holster’s compact form is it’s conceal-ability, absence / minimizatio nof printing to onlookers, but similarly, allowing appendix carry of a full size pistol like a Glock 22, without transforming into a medieval instrument of torture against the wearer, upon assuming a sitting position.
Tied to the compact minimal design of the holster as a whole, the clip brings the whole package together, forming a highly versatile, highly concealable holster, at a price belying what you get functionally for your money.
On the functionality, Concealment Express’s Kydex full sweat-guard, beyond it’s stated purpose, of protecting the pistol from your perspiration, is what makes appendix carry a feasible choice for me. While my belly is not out of control, I’m not doing a body double for Adam Scott in Step Brothers anytime soon.
This holster’s full sweat-guard affords me just enough guidance, for want of a better term, to allow me to draw / re-holster without causing myself an injury, catching myself between steel and Kydex.
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster for Glock 22 – Conclusion
To wind up, the Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster, will be a good choice for shooters from a broad range of backgrounds, areas & modes of use. Earlier, we went over some of the clip’s strengths in terms of the choice of IWB position it provides.
It’s deserves pointing out however, that this holster’s clip works very well from a convenience point of view, similar to the paddle option on the Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster.
In use, the clip retains this holster in-situ when you need it to, but if you want to remove / re-attach for any reason, this is easily accomplished.
Hence, we’d suggest this holster would be well matched to the LEO / security user groups noted above for the CQC, but with superiorIWB conceal-ability, including, critically, appendix carry IWB.
While we’ve categorized this holster under the budget-optionheading, what makes this ostensibly more spartanholster design stand out from the crowd is precisely it’s pared down, compactform-factor, twinned with the versatilityit offers in use. Realistically, this holster won’t match the comfort of the AG Cloak Tuck 3.0, however e.g. for concealability, for appendix carrythis holster would easily be my first choice of the three.
4. Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster – [Luxury Option]
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Full grain leather spider-harness with swiveling Flexalon™ back plate providing superior comfort level | Natural material construction requires break-in period to achieve full functionality and comfort level |
Premium steerhide holster custom designed to suit Glock 17, 22, 31 | Requires second layer as jacket or shirt to achieve concealment, hot weather conditions may inhibit use |
Cant angle adjustment possible to allow concealment fine-tuning | |
Premium steerhide open front spare magazine carrier | |
Horizontal mag carrier allows better access, with more naturalmotion reload | |
Available in right and left hand models |
Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System Holster for Glock 22 – Main Features & Benefits
The Galco Miami Classic II features a slightly wider harness than it’s precursor, the Miami Classic.
Similarly, versus the previous design, the spare magazine carrier is rotated round 90º to a horizontal position, and no longer uses snap-covers, (now employing passive screw-adjustable retention).
In common with the Classic however, the Miami Classic IIuses smooth surface full grain leather, rather than the less convenient, under a jacket / shirt, suede or steer hide, which tends to stick more against the material.
Holster and magazine construction is stitched, rather than riveted, as to be expected in a fine handcrafted holster of this caliber. An important benefit to touch on, in common with shoulder holsters generally, (environment temperature conditions allowing), is the location of the weapon & mags higher, allowing user movement exposing the waist with no associated risk of compromising your carry.
Some of the benefits of this holster are very fast, natural draw motion from a seated position, e.g. at a desk, on a motorbike, from within a motor vehicle, even while wearing a seatbelt.
Similarly, access to spare magazines is optimal, requiring simply placing a grip with your hand on the mag and pulling clear of the passive retention.
A nice characteristic of the Miami Classic II also, is that in the event of needing to put on the holster urgently, its also a very easy& natural motion to lift the rig quickly over one’s shoulders and go.
As mundane as it may sound, another benefit of this holster, when worn for extended periods, is that rest breaks to the bathroom do not necessitate removal of your holster or weapon.
Speaking of extended hours use, notwithstanding the AG Cloak Tuck 3.0 regards waist level holsters, the luxurious level of comfortprovided by Galco Miami Classic II holsters is a constant refrain repeated by virtually every owner of Galco Miami Classic and Classic II holsters, anywhere you encounter one.
Glock 22 Holster – Conclusion
In conclusion, the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster has it’s strong suit, qualifying it as the best concealed carry holster within certain parameters.
Among the strong points are the outstanding *comfort of the holster once broken-in, (*critical with a full size pistol such as the Glock 22) Similarly, once broken-in, the functional advantages of shoulder-mounted horizontal drawing & re-drawing, from seated situations such as, behind a desk, in / on various types of motor vehicles, effectively obviating seat belt obstruction issues, cannot be overstated.
Taking these factors into account, the applications for this holster, are again fairly widespread, not limited to LEO / security / military etc, but just as suitable for a substantial swathe of civilian EDCGlock 22 owners.
What makes the Galco Miami Classic II different, and in my opinion, worth the higher price tag, is the combination of the advantages of an innately well designed shoulder format holster, the well thought out, and implemented design refinements, and lastly, the impressive craftsmanship of the holster’s construction in person.
Glock 22 Holster – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will this holster fit the Glock 22? (..as well as Glock 17, 19, 26, 27, 31?)
All holsters listed here are expressly designed for, and dofit the Glock 22, further:
- Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster, (IWB), specifically intended solely for Glock 22
- TheConcealment Express IWB Kydex (IWB/ AIWB) will fit Glock 17, 22, 31
- The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster (OWB)specifically intended solely for Glock 22
- The Galco Miami Classic II(Shoulder) expressly designed for the Glock 17, 22 & 31, but also will fit 19, 23, 26, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35
How well does this holster conceal?
- Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster, (IWB)following standard practice of wearing comfortably sized, dark colored, un-tucked shirts , concealment performance is generally very good. Tucking in liable to cause someprinting, YMMV.
- TheConcealment Express IWB Kydex (IWB/ AIWB) worn in appendix, no cant, virtually no printing with Glock 22. Worn in 5 o’clock, with FBI cant, some concealability, but willprint slightly.
- The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster (OWB) someprinting almost unavoidable, but still workable where fullconcealmentnot an ultimate requirement.
- The Galco Miami Classic II(Shoulder) excellent concealment possible, largely coming down to clothing choice. Wearing a dress shirt will print, albeit with thicker hunting shirts, jackets, excellent concealability easily achievable for most users.
How long does this holster take to break-in?
- Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster, (IWB)effectively are readyto gostraight out of the box, with no need to break-in beforehand.
- TheConcealment Express IWB Kydex (IWB/ AIWB) similarly, no break-in period needed, functionsand wearscomfortably straight away from point of purchase.
- The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster (OWB) no break-in period needed.
- The Galco Miami Classic II(Shoulder) Breaking-in holster highly recommendedprior to first use in the field, holster can be broken in with circa3 to 4 days of constant use.
Wrapping It Up
Our final thoughts on the these concealed carry holster options for the Glock 22.
As an owner of a Glock 22, consciously or not, you declare to the world that you don’t simply follow the herd, but demand quality and comfort.
Otherwise, why choose a .40 caliber Glock 22 in the first place?
The optimum balance of capacity, power, and the ergonomics & handling only possible with a full size pistol. Since you take these things seriously, it behooves us to approach the matter of ‘which holster’ in a commensurate manner.
We chose the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 as our top pick based on the combination of it’s performance in terms of comfort, carrying a Glock 22, and it’s IWB credentials, affording great conceal-ability for the greater majority of Glock 22 owners.
Alien Gear’s built-in30 day test drive also, (as part of their iron clad triple guarantee)makes trying it out, literally a no brainer and the first holster that comes to mind when anyone asks me personally for a concealed carry (CCW) holster.
Sources
- Eric Goldschein, The Colts Might Sign An Icelandic Weightlifter Who Makes Arnold Schwarzenegger Look Like A Regular-Sized Human, SportsGrid, May 14th, 2013
- Thomas Tedder, Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster, Alien Gear Holsters, April 25th 2017
- Stephen Halverson, Alien Gear Holster’s New 3.0, Defend & Carry, August 21st 2015
- Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0, James Yeager, August 3rd 2015
- Blackhawk! SERPA Sportster vs CQC, GFO270, July 23rd 2012
- BLACKHAWK! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster, Blackhawk!, March 16th 2016
- Concealment Express Holster (The Last IWB Holster You’ll Ever Need), Joseph C., Jan 20th 2017
- Step Brothers Derek Gets Punched Out Of The Tree House, Alexish1175, March 14th 2009
- Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster Review, Shooter’s Life, October 1st 2011