Chances are you’re looking for the best OWB holster for Glock 17, and that’s a good decision because a holstering device for your Glock 17 would protect and secure it as well as offer you and other people with safety.
Glock pistols are dependable handguns known for their performance and reliability, and one of which is the Glock 17. This pistol has a full-sized easy to control grip and is good for concealed carry. It’s been designed for the military and police, and it is boasting its unmatched power and reliability.
It also offers gun owners an average of 17 rounds in magazine capacity, while also being lighter in weight when compared to other Glocks. The G17 is so popular that there are different holsters on the market for it.
Holster manufacturers are introducing new holsters, like different tactical holsters, duty holsters, and leather or Kydex holsters.
Due to the huge selection, though, I understand how you may be feeling confused in selecting among OWB holsters or open carry or concealment holsters. That’s exactly why we put up this buying guide on great OWB carry holsters for you. Keep reading to learn more.
What is the most popular holster for a Glock 17?
The Glock 17 or G17 is one of the most popular handguns for military personnel and police officers, as well as personal preservation people. It has the ability of using a 33-round magazine and allows gun owners to mount it with an optic or light.
But to understand what the best holster for Glock 17 is, consider the manner you plan to carry your gun and purpose. Remember that the Glock 17 holster should match your clothing, carry goals, and lifestyle/work.
Do you plan to carry your holster out for open carry, on duty, or concealment? Are you wearing it on a heavy-duty belt?
If you do, then you might want an OWB holster for Glock 17.
Meanwhile, it could be an IWB holster or shoulder holsters for you if you want to conceal carry your firearm, although it is also possible to do this with an OWB, depending on the selected holster.
Do you plan to use your holster for tactical or military situations? Would you like a holster that you can interchange side to side? Are you left-handed or right-handed?
Know that some holsters are not interchangeable side-to-side. See that the holster will accommodate the kind of shooter you are – left or right handed.
What is your shooting style and draw speed? Your Glock 17 is for your protection no matter where you are. Especially in real-life situations like when there is an attacker, you must be able to draw from your holster quickly.
The best OWB holsters for Glock 17 are ones that offer fast draw speeds. Typically, they are molded holsters that are made specifically for your handgun model that has no obstruction in the path of the gun when you need to draw it out.
That’s why you need to consider what your shooting style is to ensure that your OWB holster allows easy access to your gun, whether they’re open or concealment holsters.
The cant or carry angle is also essential in that you must find OWB holsters that offer adjustments.
The following reviews in this buying guide should be able to help you pick an OWB holster for Glock 17.
What Style & Material of OWB Holster?
The best OWB holsters for Glock 17 are perfect for a full-sized handgun, and most are typically not concealable like an inside the waistband holster (IWB holster), although concealed carry can also be possible.
But even if most OWB holsters are not easy to conceal if not wearing the right clothing, they are said to be more comfortable than an IWB holster.
If you’re choosing an OWB gun holster for Glock 17 or any other Glock or handgun model, know that there are many variants of holsters, either for open or concealed carry.
Standard holsters
They are time-tested designs and are some of the oldest holsters around.
Pancake holsters can be considered to be a part of this style that feature two pieces of materials that are together sewn so that they would cover the barrel, trigger guard, and the slide partly.
When it comes to retention, standard OWB holsters use a passive retention that comes from its molding or only from friction.
Modern concealed or open carry OWB holsters
Kydex holsters are known to be some of the most modern holsters for its polymer material when compared to older materials like leather.
Usually, Kydex OWB holsters are more for open carry, and some of them also have a slim and low profile that also makes this good for concealed styles of carry.
Good quality Kydex holsters are not only comfortable but also have fewer printing issues than older designs and models.
Paddle holsters
Paddle holsters don’t make use of belt loops in their designs but usually a plastic piece called a paddle and so its name is paddle holster.
This paddle in these holsters works to slide inside one’s waistband to secure it to the wearer’s body. This design is good for keeping the gun in place, and it will not move unless one intentionally does so.
OWB retention holsters
Duty officers use this everyday carry gun holster in their jobs because of their superior ability in accommodating a weapon even for open carry, while also keeping it safe.
A retention holster has a safety mechanism that works to protect the gun from being snatched away by someone with bad intentions. There are four levels of retention in these holsters, from Level 1 to Level 4.
Just to give you an idea, Level 1 retention in these OWB holsters mean using only a passive retention system, while Level 2 means that an active retentive device is used aside from a passive retention system.
Best OWB Holsters for Glock 17
1. Gluck HO17043 Sport Combat Holster
Many holsters can be available for the Glock 17, but not all of them are durable for holstering guns for a long time.
You’ll need a daily carry holster that will keep up with heavy abuse and use like this Gluck HO17043 sport holster with an ambidextrous design.
The concealed carry plastic holster for self-defense pistols like the Glock can be worn without any hassle on either the left or right side of the body.
Adding to its flexibility, this polymer holster can fit gun belts from one inch to two and a half inches wide.
For the security of the Glock model 17 in the holster, it is made with a trigger guard retention device for added protection.
This holster can also ensure your handgun will stay in place even with casual movements or even if you’re walking or standing.
In addition, this holster for Glock model 17 is made of heavy-duty polymer that can deal with the elements and different temperatures. It has the ability of retaining its shape and form even for a long time.
Re holstering and draw speed will not also become a problem with this holster for Glock 17 because it has a simple design, which doesn’t have any components to hinder a quick draw or re holstering.
This universal holster also fits different 9mm guns, like .40 and .357 cal Glock handguns and is suitable for guns, such as the G27, G19, G17, and G23 as well.
The concealed carry polymer holsters are a great holster chosen by gun owners who wear plain clothes or for off-duty applications. I liked that the holster for Glock 17 can effectively conceal pistols underneath a jacket or a coat effectively.
It’s also suitable for users doing airsoft, paintball, and hunting. This also has a thin profile, which can provide better concealment and avoid printing issues.
However, I find it a bit tight, and there are no adjustments available for the polymer holster. But overall, this concealment holster is a durable Glock 17 holster for a gun belt. It is also affordable and doesn’t require maintenance like a leather holster for G17.
Pros
- Rugged and durable
- Fits different handguns
- Polymer material
- Can retain form and shape
- Fits gun belts up to 2 ½ inches wide
Cons
- Quite tight
2. Concealment Express OWB KYDEX Belt Loop Holster
As a responsible gun owner looking for the best holster, you should not miss out on this OWB Kydex holster for Glock 17. The concealment rig is made in the USA and comes with forever warranty.
The manufacturer of these holsters for different styles of carry boast the unmatched quality and durability of their products, so they guarantee producing the best holsters on the market.
The OWB rig features Kydex material that can maintain its integrity and durability for many years. It has the ability of retaining its shape and form, no matter what. It can also deal with extreme temperatures and weather changes.
In addition, this polymer holster doesn’t require maintenance unlike leather holsters, which need some upkeep with leather products to keep its appeal.
More so, this versatile holster features a posi-click retention system, which produces an audible click, letting you know that your Glock 17 has been properly holstered in it.
I also liked the adjustments available for the ride height and carry angle. For example, I can easily adjust the ride height using the belt loops in this holster, allowing me to customize how high or low I want to carry it. Plus, the carry angle is adjustable, giving me more options on the carry angle suitable for my preferences.
The Glock 17 concealed carry holster is designed to be comfortable for long hours of wearing. It is a minimalist holster that will not hinder a draw or movement because it has a slim and thin profile. The ambidextrous holster is lightweight for added comfort, too.
This Concealment Express holster is also designed with an open face for other accessories. For example, it can accommodate threaded barrels and has a clearance for suppressor height sights. This makes it more flexible when compared to other holstering gears for Glock 17.
The manufacturer also used Philips hardware with thread lock, allowing you to make quick adjustments and giving you peace of mind not to lose another screw again.
For safety, this holster also has a fully enclosed trigger guard and durable fiber-reinforced belt loops.
Pros
- Accommodates threaded barrels
- Has clearance for rear suppressor sights
- Philips hardware with thread lock
- Quick draw and re holstering
- Maintenance-free holster
Cons
- Unless specified, not compatible with laser/light combo
3. BLACKHAWK Serpa Sportster Holster
When looking for the best gun deals, finding the perfect holster for your Glock 17 is important because it can make carrying a gun easier, more comfortable, and more secure.
This Blackhawk SERPA holster is a favorite among holster buyers, either in a gun shop or online, for its cool and innovative features.
One of the things I liked about these waistband holsters for G17 is its simple and straightforward design. It doesn’t have extra components in its design that will hinder a quick and easy draw. The design is well thought out for an outside the pants holster for pistols.
This left hand oriented holster, with gunmetal gray color, features an automatic locking system. It has an auto lock release for added firearm safety, ensuring your G17 will stay in place unless you draw it. It will not fall out or slip out of the holster, also protecting your G17 from damage.
In addition, it has a passive retention that adds more security in keeping your firearm in the holster. This fits like a glove, so I can feel that it can properly keep the position of my weapon in place even if I move a lot during the day.
During emergencies and situations when a quick draw is needed, it is important that a holster doesn’t make it feel like a struggle. In terms of design, this Blackhawk SERPA holster has a speed cut that allows for rapid draw as well as target acquisition.
It also allows for easy re holstering of the holster in place. This model is also available for left or right hand configurations to choose from.
Overall, it is a good holster for Glock 17, offering a minimalist design and is made of durable construction material. It is also from a reputable holster manufacturer. If I had a little complaint about it, this could be its quite heavier weight when compared to other holsters on the market.
Pros
- Rugged, all-weather performance
- Reputable holster manufacturer
- Rapid draw design and performance
- Quality construction materials
- Automatic locking system
Cons
- Quite heavy
4. Orpaz Glock 17 Holster
If you’re looking for a paddle holster, then you might want to check out this best OWB holster from ORPAZ. It offers different features and qualities that make it one of the top choices among G17 owners looking for a solid performing holster.
This concealed carry holster is made for different Glock models aside from the G17. It also fits Glock 19, 22, 23, 25, and 26, to name some. However, make sure to check your pistol model before adding this to cart to ensure that it will accommodate your pistol.
It features a highly rotatable paddle to ensure that you can adjust the holster based on your desired position and to allow for a rapid draw.
This paddle holster is constructed using molded polymer, which is an extremely durable material for a holster when compared to a leather holster, which may also loosen over the years.
This material is known for its rigidity to deal with the harshest weather conditions, which is why it’s still the affordable choice for many pistol owners looking for all season use holsters.
The holster is composed of 360-degree rotatable paddle and holster. But then, I find it easy to be separately attached to a belt adapter, Molle adapter, low ride adapter, or thigh rig adapter, making it one of the best holsters for its flexibility and multiple uses.
The Orpaz Glock 17 Holster also has a trigger guard retention system, which even newbie G17 owners won’t have a hard time adjusting. There are no special tools required. You only have to use the supplied Allen Key that comes with this versatile holster.
Its paddle is designed with two screws, which are what makes attaching or detaching it to the body of the holster possible and easy. It also allows for carry style adjustments. And for added protection, this features a thumb lock safety.
Nevertheless, this G17 pistol holster is one of the most versatile of all holsters that I’ve tested. It is also highly adjustable with its 360-degree rotatable paddle. This will not disappoint you.
Pros
- Versatile for different adapters
- Rotatable paddle for adjusting carry styles
- Tough construction material
- Rigid to deal with the harshest weathers
- Fits different handguns
Cons
- Quite stiff
5. POLE.CRAFT OWB Kydex Holster
This Pole Craft outside the waistband holster is another choice to consider if you’re looking for a strong and rugged Kydex holster to stay with you over the years. It is a high quality OWB holster that is made of thick 0.08 inch Kydex material, which is lightweight yet tough to deal with just about anything.
For someone looking to save money on a good holster purchase will find satisfaction in this GL holster that’ll surely last long. While it’s rugged to last for a long time, it is unbelievably lightweight at less than 100 grams.
I also liked that the Kydex holster is suitable for most situations and weathers because it is also waterproof and heat resistant.
You also don’t have to worry about it being damaged due to abrasion or impact because it is molded to retain its shape, no matter what. Nevertheless, you can always count on this maintenance-free holster from Pole Craft.
It’s also designed with a belt clip, which comes with a switch and safety lock and that fits 1.5 inch to 2 inches belt widths. And as it has a safety lock, it can avoid any accidents, too.
Another thing I appreciate about this OWB holster for Glock 17 is its adjustable carry angle and ride height. Thus, I can set it up low, mid, or high as well as adjust the angle in which I want to carry it.
This model also has an adjustable firearm retention pressure that can be done easily by adjusting the screw. No other tools are needed. It also has a widened opening so that you can easily place the firearm into it as well as avoid any scratch or damage to it.
Best of all, the manufacturer also offers a forever warranty on this product, ensuring their confidence in it and giving us peace of mind when buying this OWB Kydex holster.
Pros
- Quality and thick 0.08 inch Kydex
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Wide opening for easy holstering
- Adjustable weapon retention pressure
- Adjustable height and carry angle
Cons
- A little tight
FAQs
Is a Glock 17 a good concealed carry gun?
In the past, this pistol wasn’t considered for concealed carry styles because of its relatively large size especially with standard, traditional holsters. Luckily, owners of the G17 can now buy an OWB holster that can accommodate this weapon.
In fact, there are so many outside the waistband holsters that they can choose from, as more holster manufacturers have started innovating their designs in order for the G17 to fit securely in the holstering device. Nevertheless, this pistol can now be possibly carried in positions, like OWB, appendix IWB, and IWB.
What is the effective range of a Glock 17?
Most reports claim that they would be able to shoot up to 1500 yards using a G17, but that may not be possible for most average shooters.
You must also take note that you’re not going to hit your target at this 1500 distance range.
This range is also an approximation. The results may vary from one shooter to another, depending on their skills, practice, and level.
But for the most part, anyone is likely to hit their target at 10 to 15 yards and should be able to make group shots between two and three radius even for a beginner.
For a novice shooter with more practice, they’d be able to hit six to eight inch radius groups within 25 yards distance.
Meanwhile, semi and professionals should be able to make a shot at 35 yards and with bullet groups having five inches in diameter.
Conclusion
Carry your gun confidently and with peace of mind using the best holster for Glock 17, whether nylon, Kydex, or leather holsters, or any specific holsters. It may have retention screws, adjustable retention, thumb break, sweat shield, should be accommodating an entire barrel of a handgun, and must be made of quality materials.
This holster also makes it easy to draw your firearm from it, protects your weapon for open or concealed carry, and keeps it in place. In addition, this holster keeps your handgun from falling out when you make movement and gives you comfort even for hours of wearing it.
This guide should be able to help you pick the right holster for carrying your firearm safely and securely. Refer to these reviews and make an informed decision today!
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