There is no doubt that the Glock 26 is one of the most popular concealed carry weapons of choice among civilians, law enforcement, and anyone who wants to carry with themselves a firearm for protection, as a backup gun, or everyday carry.
The G26 or the Baby Glock offers plenty of benefits for all types of users, even new Glock owners, who are still learning the ropes in owning and using a gun for all-day carry.
The controllable and reliable small gun, with a good magazine capacity and enough firepower, is worth considering for concealed carry small guns or a secondary gun.
But the question remains, what is the best OWB holster for Glock 26? This is because having a good concealable firearm like the G26 won’t be enough if you don’t have the right holster for it.
In today’s guide, we’ll help you look for the best OWB holsters for your new Glock. So, keep reading and later make a better decision on which among the top five picks will work for you best.
Is the Glock 26 a good concealed carry gun?
The G26 is a real and reliable concealed carry weapon, which is designed and made both for safety and comfort of the user.
It’s a popular pistol for a backup gun among law enforcement personnel and sometimes also as a primary weapon for civilians who always want to keep a firearm with them, especially when outdoors.
For its small size and sleek profile, a quality holster for Glock, either an OWB or IWB, can fit it well.
Good quality holsters for the baby Glock can make it feel as if you’re not wearing any gun. That is why looking for holster specs like having a slim profile and lightweight should be a priority when buying a holster.
The Glock 26 is a subcompact that is both compact and easily carried, while also having enough barrel length for performance and accuracy. It’s also large enough that it would be able to avoid the common issues of a pocket pistol.
A few issues with a pocket pistol include lacking a way of locking its slide to its rear and many having flush fit magazines that can make one struggle to remove forcibly using one hand.
In addition, many pocket pistols have minimal sights or a Novak style rear sight. The small rear sights may present issues in terms of racking the pistol against a holster or belt.
Back to the Glock 26, it has a 3.4-inch barrel, is 4.17 inches tall, and 6.4 inches long. It fits the scale at 21.17 ounces, making it extremely lightweight when unloaded, has a trigger pull at 5.5 pounds, and has the capacity of 10+1 of 9x19mm (flush-fit magazine) or 12+1 (extended).
The Glock 26, nevertheless, remains as the firearm of choice for a lot of people looking for an everyday carry weapon (backup or primary weapon).
What are the benefits of using an OWB holster?
Carrying OWB is an extremely versatile carry position chosen by individuals who want to stay armed while keeping their weapon hidden from anyone’s sight in concealed carry places.
There are many benefits of an outside the waistband holster aside from flexibility of being carried openly or concealed, depending on the OWB holster type. Choosing the right holster for Glock pistols is necessary for the following advantages.
Quick & Easy draw
Aside from having a securely holstered weapon, a good OWB holster, like the right IWB holster, also allows for an easy and speedy draw.
Using a holster OWB style for Glock pistols like the G26, pistol owners only need to unsnap their holster and draw their firearm smoothly from it. Holstering and re-holstering with an OWB holstering gear also makes it easy for users to do this without needing to look down.
Protection & Self-Defense
In places where open carry is allowed, OWB holsters offer you with an advantage of deterring criminals and attackers with cruel intention to get near because they can obviously spot that you’re carrying a firearm unlike with an IWB holster. Carrying with an outside the waistband holster, thus, gives you more protection.
Comfort
A good holster can offer you comfort, whether standing or sitting, depending on your choice and that is if the firearm is properly holstered.
While a good IWB may be able to offer you comfort, it may be somehow uncomfortable when you sit down, like an IWB appendix carry. In this case, you might feel discouraged to wear a holster anymore.
Not to mention, you might also have to consider buying pants a size larger than your usual or wear a loose shirt or a jacket for effective concealment and a nice draw with an IWB.
This is in contrast with the best holsters, like a good Kydex holster, the OWB style that’s worn outside of the waistband that you can just cover with a jacket.
OWB does not also rub against your bare skin because they’re worn outside the waistband. Typically, they’re made with belt loops, a belt clip, and slits.
These elements in the design of an OWB holster allow it to be worn to the outside of your belt, which must be compatible with those attachments.
Versatility
Depending on the holster chosen, it features an adjustable retention and a secure fit, allowing for more comfort and safety.
But aside from those benefits, it is also versatile in that it gives you more options in styles of carrying (carrying angle) versus an IWB holster.
This is because you’ll have more space to adjust the holster effectively and wear it in style options, such as small of the back, cross-draw, or hip carry. Each has its pros and cons and you might have to test out different styles in order to determine which one works best for you.
For example, the hip carry style is known as the most common OWB method because it allows one’s hand to grip the gun directly for a smooth draw.
It is also said to be the most practical for an outside the waistband style and convenient for many because it gives users the ability to make tilt modifications or cant adjustment when they want to, depending on the chosen holster.
For some potential drawbacks, some holsters may be bulky, which make them off to the side and potentially making it hard to control one’s gun.
Safety
Outside the waistband holsters are an ideal option for either concealed or open carry, typically carried on one’s waistband. Aside from offering comfort, these waistband holsters are safe.
Unlike an IWB holster that you wear inside the pants and that positions your firearm pointed towards your lower body, an outside the waistband of pants holsters are worn while being pointed away from your person, making it a safer holster option.
Accommodates larger handguns
While you can possibly carry a large handgun inside the pants or waistband, it is uncomfortable in this carry position. Plus, an IWB holster won’t mostly fit a larger firearm comfortably because of the limited maneuvering and space available.
But as you’re wearing a holster outside the waistband or over clothing, you may comfortably wear a larger firearm because its size isn’t impacted by the position of wearing inside your pants.
NOTE: You may be able to concealed carry a larger firearm effectively depending on your body type, build, and height. But when you’re thinner and shorter, it may be hard to conceal carry easily with either an OWB or IWB holster.
If you choose to carry a duty pistol or a full size gun as a part of an everyday carry, an OWB holstering gear may be your friend.
Fewer clothing adjustments
It’s more practical and comfortable to wear an OWB holster because you don’t need to adjust your dressing style and choices.
You just need a gun belt where to hold the holster. However, it is a given that you need to wear a jacket or an additional clothing layer to conceal your gun.
Top 5 OWB Holsters for Glock 26
1. CYTAC OWB Holster for Glock 26 27 33 (Gen 1-4)
The right-handed outside the waistband carry holster, which is compatible for Glocks 26, 27, and 33, from Gen 1 to 4, is our top pick for a Glock 26 holster for reasons.
Aside from its versatility and compatibility for these handgun models, it’s also a widely used OWB holster that’s easily concealable under a coat and is suitable for various applications, including law enforcement agencies and personal protection use.
This perfect holster for the G26 comes with a uniquely designed paddle attachment. I liked that it’s designed with a 360-degree tooth gear. This allows for smooth and easy rotation in all directions, making it more flexible based on personal preferences.
I appreciate that it gives us the option to wear it on duty belts or on web belts easily. Holstering is also easy with this belt holster, and that’s luckily for its nice and smooth back portion, which makes sliding into a belt fast.
That’s not all, because this one also allows for a simple removal and installation of different gun accessories. What more could I ask for?
It is also made with a release button that allows me to pull out my firearm from it quickly when the situation calls for it. This is important especially during emergencies when split second decisions are critical especially when your life is in danger.
This CYTAC holster offers easy operation, too, in that it has an open bottom and an empty interior design that is non-obtrusive in any way. This open design at the bottom also gives support even to guns with a longer barrel that can be sticking out.
Safety also matters when finding a good holster. This OWB holster for Glock 26 is designed and made with Level II retention. It works by automatically locking on the trigger of your gun when you put it inside the holster, making an audible clicking sound to let you know that you have secured your gun in place.
The holster is also extremely durable in that it’s weather- and water-resistant. That’s not all because it’s also lightweight, so even wearing this for hours will be comfortable. It also has a protruding design, which makes the perfect holster great to touch, while its skid proof stripe can aid you in recognizing it.
Overall, it is a great Glock 26 subcompact holster for everyday carry. It’s easy to operate, has an excellent open bottom design, and has an automatic locking system for safety. However, it can feel stiff initially for those unfamiliar with polymer material.
Pros
- Automatic locking system
- Adjustable carry angle
- Durable military grade polymer material
- Quick index finger release button
- Open bottom design for accommodating longer barrels
Cons
- Can feel stiff
2. Bravo Concealment Holster for Glock 26, 27, and 33
This Bravo Concealment holster for Glock 26 as well as for 27 and 33 is another reliable outside the waistband holstering gear from a good brand that’s been known for supplying the gun world with comfortable and concealed OWB holsters.
This is an adaptive holster, which allows the adding of famous pancake wings, for instance. This addition will allow for a closer fit of the holster to your body depending on your personal preference.
And if you want to convert it to an IWB holster carry position, you can easily do so using a belt clip.
So no matter how you prefer to wear this subcompact pistol Bravo Concealment holster, you can in order to improve your comfort and meet your needs.
The 3 o’clock carry belt holster has 1.5 inch belt loops, threaded barrel clearance up to .6653″ in diameter, and a tall sight clearance up to .355”.
If you’re looking for a high quality holster to keep up with the test of time and won’t warp unlike leather holsters, which also require some maintenance to keep their integrity, this might be the holster for you.
This Bravo Concealment holster is designed with a semi full sweat guard. It works by preventing gun slide discomfort like how other users feel when using another type of OWB holster without a sweat guard. It also serves another purpose in that it can be used as a guide whenever you’re re-holstering your G26.
Concealment is also much more effective with the Bravo Concealment holster’s default 10-degree cant that improves concealment when you’re carrying an outside the pants holster.
This BCA gun holster also comes with a lifetime guarantee. If ever it gets damaged, Bravo Concealment will replace it. This adds to the confidence of buyers looking to buy this durable and high quality holster.
For the perfect fit, this Bravo Concealment holster is made with an adjustable retention screw, allowing users to easily adjust the firearm retention into the holster for a quick and smooth draw and based on personal preference.
However, this Bravo Concealment product has no red dot sight clearance, so if you need that, this might not be the holster for you.
Overall, it’s one of the best holsters in its class that you must check out if you’re looking for a high quality holster for your G26. This Bravo Concealment holster is durable, lightweight, and reliable to secure your gun in place.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight for everyday carry
- Glove fit for gun security and safety
- Improves concealment with the 10-degree cant
- Lifetime guarantee
- Can be converted to an IWB holster
Cons
- No red dot sight clearance
3. BIANCHI 56 Serpent Holster
When choosing a holster, be it ankle holsters, belly band holsters, or a paddle holster, we need to ensure that it’s the right holster to fit the G26, or else we’ll encounter problems with fitting.
If this happens, we would have issues about the gun falling out of the holster or making unnecessary movements when we move.
None of these is an issue with this holstering device that is of the right diameter holster for the Glock 26 (G27, G33).
It is custom made to securely fit your Glock so that it remains in place especially for duty officers and law enforcement who move a lot most of their time when working on duty. It is not the same holster like a universal one that might not fit your gun model properly.
Having this said, using OWB holsters like this one from Bianchi can offer us with peace of mind that the pistol will be secured into it all the time and prevent your firearm from slipping out of it.
The great holster, which has a right hand orientation and black in color, also has a safety feature in its thumb snap that prevents any chance of it being in contact or caught in the gun’s trigger guard.
The rectangular thumb snap also allows for fast release, while guarding against the strap getting into contact with the trigger guard when you’re re-holstering.
The black thumb snap holster, which has a classic appearance, has a molded contour on its front that offers better comfort even for long hours of wearing.
It is also a good holster that can perfectly fit dual belt slots having up to 1.5 inches width for a tighter and perfect fit with your belt.
I’d also like to mention that this holster made for small frame revolvers and semi automatics has a great ride on the hip, offering a better concealment than low riding holsters.
This product is also lightweight at only 0.4 pounds for added comfort during long hours of wearing.
Overall, this is one of the best holsters in its class to consider for its solid features, such as classic appearance, nice fit, and safety features, although some may find it a bit flimsy.
Pros
- Excellent ride on the hip for better concealment
- Fits belts up to 1.5 inches widths
- Classic black color
- Thumb snap for quick release
- Great for semi automatics and small frame revolvers
Cons
- Feels a bit flimsy
4. Fobus GL26ND Concealed Carry OWB Paddle Holster for Glock 26
This product is as dependable as a high quality appendix carry holster, pancake holster, or ankle glove, or other IWB holsters.
It’s not the same one that can be tight for your G26 because this one is custom made for Glocks 26 and 27 from Generation 1 to 4.
This paddle holster is one of the top choices among G26 owners especially that it’s from Fobus, a reliable OWB holstering gear manufacturer known for their quality and durable holstering gear, and this product is one of their top offerings.
This adjustable is designed and made with passive retention, allowing it to automatically engage during re-holster for a secure fit. It also has a screw closure type, making it easier to use.
I also noticed how this product can offer a good concealment because it can sit close to my body, which is important for concealed carry holsters. This also reduces the printing that may be common in other holsters on the market.
For stability, I find it good that it is designed with this reinforced rivet attachment along with a rubberized insert, which can also offer comfort for wearers using it during most of the day.
The design is also simple so that there is no obstruction that will hinder a smooth draw. It has a one-piece construction and is designed with a protected sight channel, which is one of its unique features.
However, take note that this product is for right-handed users, although not to worry because they also have a version for left-handed users.
This product is also lightweight in that it weighs only 0.25 pounds, which adds to the comfort it can offer even for many hours in the field, range, or duty.
This Fobus GL26ND holstering device also has a classic black color, which is preferred by most users.
This one has an adjustable retention screw to help you achieve the perfect fit for your gun based on your personal preference.
For more concealment ability, it also has a low profile design.
Overall, this Fobus OWB holstering gear is one of the top in the category for its reliability and durability. This will not disappoint. However, it can be a bit tight, which can be easily remedied by adjusting the tension screw. No special tools needed.
Pros
- Adjustable retention screw for quick adjustments
- Low profile design for added concealment
- Lightweight at only 0.25 pounds
- Durable construction material
- No printing issues
Cons
- Can be tight initially
5. CYTAC OWB Holster for Glock 26 27 33 (Gen 1-4)
This Glock 26 Holster shouldn’t be forgotten when looking for a reliable outside waistband carry holstering device for your gun for its outstanding features and performance.
This right hand orientation G26 holster has an adjustable cant, which means you can adjust its carry angle to suit your needs and preferences.
It also has a Level II retention wherein it has an automatic locking system, locking the gun’s trigger when you holster your weapon without a sound.
Regarding its design, it has guide stripes, which can ensure better retention of the weapon. If you need to pull your gun out of it, you just need to press its button using your index finger to release it. This feature in it adds more safety to the user.
In addition, this product for the Glock 26 is versatile and it can be used in a wide range of applications and places, such as for law enforcement agencies. People in the military and civilians can also use it with ease and comfort.
The CYTAC product also includes a paddle attachment with a rotating tooth gear, allowing it to rotate in different directions. This also makes it easier for anyone to replace gun accessories.
More so, I find this holstering for Glock 26 flexible so that it can be used on duty belts and web belts up to 2.5 inches. I also discovered that this can also be comfortable to carry into the pants directly using a silicone pad.
The CYTAC holstering device is also lightweight in that it only weighs 0.18 kilograms, ensuring it doesn’t only offer everyday carry safety but also comfort.
For its material, this one is made with highly rugged military grade polymer, which enhances the thickness and smoothness of this product. Such material is also known for being wear resistant and not needing much maintenance unlike a leather IWB holster.
It is also designed with an internal screw, which can enhance the pistol’s security in the holstering device, preventing it from falling off.
Pros
- Durable polymer material
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry
- Automatic locking system
- Easy and simplistic design
- Internal screw prevents the gun from falling off from the holster
Cons
- Fitting issues for some users
FAQs
How many rounds will a Glock 26 last?
When deciding to buy a hybrid, leather, or polymer holster, or any other concealment holster style for Glock 26, it pays off to know the number of rounds that your Glock can fire or will last.
At the very least, the G26, in the standard magazine capacity, can hold 10 rounds, although it can give an optional or additional round in its chamber. Some options in terms of capacities include 12, 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, and 33 rounds.
What is the proper placement and fit on the waistband?
The Glock 26, a safe-action handgun, can offer you protection and concealment ability. But to get the most out of the experience from this small but reliable handgun for EDC, there are certain things to know about its proper placement and fit on the waistband.
The first thing is the use of the right gun belt, whether you’re using a Kydex holster or another type of holster.
Choose a gun belt of the right width that is compatible with the holster. It must also be stiff and strong enough to accommodate the added weight of the gun and holster, while keeping your holstering gear in place.
Avoid poorly fitting belts and weak belts, which aren’t strong enough to support your Glock.
Choose the right ride height for effective concealment, whether for an appendix carry, inside the waistband, or outside the waistband.
Proper ride height will prevent exposing your holster.
Your holster will sit deep below the waistline with a lower ride height. Thus, you’ll need longer clothing for enough concealment, or the holster will become visible.
Having this said, choose a holster that has an adjustable ride height so that your gun will not be visible for being too low deep into your waistline. There are also holsters that offer adjustable settings like for its retention and carry angle.
Final Thoughts
A G26 is a reliable, compact, lightweight, and concealable pistol, and it deserves nothing less than the best holster for Glock 26 that can offer comfort, concealment, and convenience, a quick and smooth draw, and durability.
Not all holsters possess these features, though, so hopefully our research on the best holsters for the Glock 26 has helped you make a better decision for an open or concealed carry holster for you.
At the end of the day, pick based on your level of comfort and personal preferences because what is most comfortable for one shooter may not be for you. It’s all a matter of personal choice. Which among these Glock 26 holsters is your favorite?
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