The 5 Best Holsters for the Glock 17 (IWB & OWB)
The Glock 17 is the most widely used law enforcement pistol in the world. It offers unsurpassed reliability, a massive 17-round capacity with its standard magazine, low weight for comfortable carrying, and a proven “safe action” trigger that ensures your pistol only fires when you want it to.
The Glock 17 packs plenty of punch with the gold standard 9mm cartridge, and at 8” long and 5” tall, it’s a sizeable gun that offers plenty of stability. Trigger pull is a healthy 5.5 lbs. – not too little, not too much.
But we’re talking about a big, full-size pistol, here. Carrying it means investing in a quality holster that can hold up to this relatively large handgun. So, what’s the best holster for the Glock 17? Let’s break down the list of our top 5. We’ll show you our favorite picks for carrying your Glock 17 IWB (inside the waistband) and OWB (outside the waistband):
5. Galco Triton Kydex IWB Holster
*Best Glock 17 Gen 4 Concealed Carry Holster
We particularly like the Triton Kydex because it strips away unnecessary bells and whistles. It simply retains your Glock confidently, at just the right angle for drawing quickly. There’s not much else to it, and we like that. You’re getting away with a thin profile with the Kydex material, too. Much less bulk is apparent when compared to a leather or cloth holster, making 3 o’clock and 4 o’clock carrying possible without excessive printing. A good quality to have when carrying a larger Glock like the 17.
An adjustable tension unit keeps your pistol secured so you don’t have to fidget around with buttons, springs or other contraptions. The butt-forward cant of the holster keeps your 17’s longer grip from printing, and this also makes cross-draw and appendix draw equally feasible. An injection molded nylon clip will fit any belt up to 1-3/4” wide, so you’re covered with most daily wearables. A raised sweat guard keeps things from getting sticky and uncomfortable after long periods. At just around $50, this is a well-built, simple holster that keeps things easy when it counts.
Plenty of customer reviews remark that this holster provides surprising comfort and functionality, making it a great concealment holster for a larger handgun like the Glock 17.
4. StealthGear SG-Revolution IWB Holster
*Best IWB Glock 17 Holster
And because the StealthGear SG-Revolution doesn’t use actual leather, it doesn’t suffer any of the quirks and problems other leather holsters might cause. You won’t have to deal with any break-in period or squeaking or chirping (like leather holsters with metal bits often do), and you won’t have to oil, treat, or maintain the synthetic material like a leather holster.
An adjustable cant angle and spring steel belt clips are distinguished upgrades over many entry-level holsters, though with added quality there doesn’t seem to be any added complication. This is still a very simple, no-bones-about-it holster, perfect for deep concealment. The synthetic material and organic shape of this holster’s Kydex make printing even less likely, so if you’re working in a sensitive environment where ultimate concealment and comfort are your top two priorities, the SG-Revolution should be your Glock 17 IWB holster of choice.
With hundreds of great reviews from LEOs and veteran conceal-carry permit holsters, the SG-Revolution gets a strong buy from us.
3. OutBags OB-16SC Nylon OWB Belt Gun Holster with Mag Pouch
This thing is seriously stupid simple, in a good way. With a 600 denier nylon construction, it’s tough but not pointy or jagged like some Kydex holsters. An included magazine pouch adds capacity, letting you carry up to 34 rounds. A steel belt clip provides a confident hold on your waist without any complications, and the button-snap retainer is equally sturdy but simple.
Allthough this is a non-fitted cloth holster, it keeps the Glock 17 snug without any bouncing around during running, hiking, or any other activities. A webbed spine inside the holster also prevents collapse after drawing – an unfortunate reality many other cloth holsters suffer. A nice touch for a product made in the USA at such a low price. Stitching is strong, too, as many customers remark.
The belt clip is also springy and tight enough that it stops the holster from swaying around or getting floppy. At just around $17, it really doesn’t get any better or simpler than this for such a low price. We rate this a strong buy based on its value and many favorable 4- and 5-star reviews.
2. BlackHawk Serpa Sportster Paddle Holster
*Best Paddle Holster for the Glock 17
This is what we consider a tactical holster in our list of Glock 17 holsters, thanks to its design, retention system, and numerous mounting and platforming options: The Serpa Auto Lock Release features an active retention button that can be adjusted alongside a passive retention detent adjustment screw. This holster is basically the best guarantee of retention in any Glock holster – a must-have for a big handgun like the 17.
A speed-cut design and cant angle adjustment make rapid draw and target acquisition perhaps the fastest possible, while the horseshoe-designed waist paddle makes placement and removal of the whole unit simple and quick. Those who want a little extra assurance can thread their belt through the horseshoe, though it was not originally designed for this. Owners comment that it holds so well, this is not needed.
But what we particularly like about the Serpa is its ability to be fitted with BlackHawk’s other platforms. The actual holster itself can be removed from the horseshoe retainer and added to BlackHawk’s shoulder, S.T.R.I.K.E., Quick Disconnect, and Tactical platforms, making this a 5-in-1 holster system. At just $35, the Serpa Sportster presents a huge value for the quality, modularity, and functionality you’re getting.
1. Orpaz Level 2 Thumb Release Belt Holster
*Best OWB Glock 17 Holster
The Orpaz Level 2 Thumb Release Belt Holster is a true Goldilocks of gun holsters, incorporating well-executed features that just work well and function with simplicity. As the name implies, you’re getting level 2 retention with a quick-access and very ergonomic thumb-press release button. Until pressed, the Orpaz does a great job of keeping your Glock 17 snug, tight, and secured even during extreme movement.
The Orpaz features a two-piece design, one component being the bucket itself, the other being the belt retention piece. This design offers 360 degrees of rotation with easy adjustment for flawless cross-draw, bodyguard or driver carry, small-of-the-back carry, and of course, strong-side carry with a refined cant to fit your exact frame and arm length. For security, the rotating mechanism is locked by two set screws.
Tension adjustment is, of course, a standard item that further allows you to mold this holster to your draw and retention needs. The bucket itself is made from an injected molded TPO material that’s very durable and rigid without suffering any pointy or uncomfortable bits. Speaking of comfort, the subtly curved belt retainer helps to keep the Orpaz tight against your frame without feeling like it’s fighting you. Extra-wide belt loops make this perfect for wider USGI-like or LEO duty belts.
As with any quality tactical holster, the Orpaz Level 2 can be reconfigured to function as a shoulder holster, concealment holster, or other tactical holster, including a MOLLE-attached, small belt, or paddle style holster.
Conclusion
The Orpaz Level 2 Thumb Release Belt Holster is surprisingly inexpensive, given its design and features. Hundreds of raving reviews from active service members and LEOs can attest to this holster’s mettle as a Glock 17 carrier. For all of its features and outstanding reviews, the Orpaz easily earns first place on our list of Best Holsters for the Glock 17.
*Featured Image by Zorin Denu