Best Glock 17 Holster – Top 5 Best Holsters for Glock 17 Reviews

What is the best Glock 17 Holster? This can be a difficult question for a new owner. The internet is full of holster options, and everyone claims theirs is the best. Of course, they all cannot be right.

The holster you select is almost as important as the firearm itself. Select one that does not fit you, your lifestyle, or your expectations and two things will happen; one, you will not wear it and two, it will end up in a drawer somewhere.

We have scoured the internet and selected the best of the best. No matter how you plan on carrying your Glock 17, or why, we believe we have a holster that will exceed your expectations. Plus, we have offered a few tips on making your selection.

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for glock 17 holsters:

1. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 – Best Glock 17 Concealed Carry Holster
2. Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster – Best Shoulder Holster for the Glock 17
3. Safariland Model 6360 – Best Duty Holster for the Glock 17
4. Aker Leather 268A Flatsider XR19 – Best Paddle Holster for Glock 17
5. Gould & Goldrich 803 Three Slot Pancake Holster – Best OWB Holster for Glock 17

Best Glock 17 Holster on the Market Reviews

 1   Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 – Best Glock 17 Concealed Carry Holster

This holster is a combination of Alien Gear’s already popular ShapeShifter and Cloak Tuck 3.0 models. It shares a smaller backer and twists to attach clips. These features protect the holster from direct contact with the body and allow height or cant to be easily adjusted. A steel plate in the backer prevents rolling of the edges over time. Like the 3.0, this holster utilizes adjustable screws and rubber washers to affix the Kydex shell and adjust retention.

The Cloak Tuck 3.5 provides a holster that is easy to use, comfortable to wear, and durable enough to last for years to come. The open-top design allows for easy access and quick draw times. Even without a retention strap the adjustable retention system provides a comfortable level of retention and prevents accidental loss during normal activities.

The slim design and ability to place in multiple positions makes this an ideal concealment holster. It can be used with minimal cover garments (I wear mine with a t-shirt or polo shirt in summer) and attached with or without a belt. If you need to remove your firearms, such as when entering a courthouse or school, the entire holster comes off easily.

 2   Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Holster – Best Shoulder Holster for the Glock 17

Anyone who grew up watching Miami Vice is familiar with this holster, although you probably didn’t know it. The Miami Classic II is just what its name implies, a classic shoulder holster design that has stood the test of time.

The premium saddle leather construction provides a durable, long-lasting design that is well suited for larger, heavier frame firearms. Heavy-duty swivels and snaps are less likely to break or bend than the plastic of Velcro used in other models. The dual magazine pouches on the opposite side not only keeps your spare ammunition close at hand but also provides a good counterbalance.

One of the best features of this holster is an easy assembly. The package contains the holster, magazine pouch, and harness. All hardware is already attached. All you need to do is attach the harness and adjust for the correct fit. The design allows the same holster to be set up for left or right-handed use by simply switching the placement of the holster & magazine pouch.

 3   Safariland Model 6360 – Best Duty Holster for the Glock 17

Safariland is a leader in producing duty gear and the Model 6360 is a perfect example of why. I carry this holster every day and can attest to its durability, comfort, and ease of use.

This lightweight, sturdy holster can be mounted in a variety of methods including belt loop, paddle, or drop leg. Regardless of the specific mounting option, the holster provides a level of security that is hard to beat. The Automatic Locking System (ALS) offers Level 3 retention while still allowing for a smooth, fast draw.

The SLS rotating hood locks into place with an audible click and is nearly impossible to defeat through sheer force. When the firearm is needed you simple depress the thumb pad, rotate the hood forward, and draw. With some practice, this becomes almost second nature and can be accomplished in one single movement.

The mid-rise position offers an optimal location for drawing while also providing a close to the body position for protection. The slim design adds to the overall comfort and prevents the holster from being obstructive when entering or exiting vehicles. Plus, it is available for firearms equipped with attached rail-mounted lights as well.

 4   Aker Leather 268A Flatsider XR19 – Best Paddle Holster for Glock 17

This holster provides a classic look with updated features. Chief among these features is the flat rear, something that increases comfort and allows for a more secure fit against the body.

Another feature that adds to the overall comfort is the Air-Flo paddle, with multiple openings to allow air circulation and reduce weight. The paddle is secured in place by two barbs for maximum concealability, yet easily removed when necessary.

The holster itself is molded to fit your specific firearm. A full-length sight channel and dual-plane muzzle ensure a secure, yet easily drawn from it. The open-top design increases draw speed while adjustable retention screws keep your firearm from accidentally dropping to the ground during strenuous activity.

 5   Gould & Goldrich 803 Three Slot Pancake Holster – Best OWB Holster for Glock 17

Like the Miami Classic, this is another holster many Americans are familiar with, if for no other reason than its popularity in t.v. and movies. Why is it so popular in the entertainment industry? Because many of the technical advisors (i.e. retired law enforcement officers) trusted it during their careers. That alone says a lot about a product.

This holster is marketed as “the finest genuine leather holster in the world.” Although I cannot speak for being the finest in the “world” I cannot find a reason to dispute the claim either. What I can attest to is the comfort of this holster.

This is another one I have owned and carried in one form or another for many years and with several firearms, including a full-size Glock.  It rides tight to the body for added security. The slim profile allows for easy concealment. The three slots allow either a straight or canted to the front setup for additional accessibility. The full leather snap closure strap allows for quick access with reliable retention.

What to Consider Before Buying a Glock 17 Holster?

You cannot buy your holster simply by finding one with high ratings on the internet. Even if everyone who had previously purchased that same holster raves about does not mean it is right for you.

Lifestyle

The first thing you need to consider is your lifestyle. This can encompass a lot of different areas, but some of the most common are listed below:

• Active
• Driving
• Concealed or Open
• Personal Protection or Professional
• Left or Right-Handed

Holster Types

There are several different types of holsters. Most are differentiated by where on the body it is carried and/or whether it is intended for concealed or open carry. Others, such as the paddle or belt loop, can be remarkably similar but differ in how it attaches to the body.

The Glock 17 is a larger frame firearm and heavier than other models. Keep this in mind when selecting a holster as it makes some designs impractical. For example, a belly band many are not strong enough to secure a larger frame firearm. On the other hand, you may find an ankle holster that is strong enough, but the weight and size of the Glock 17 will make this method uncomfortable and difficult to access.

It is recommended you try on a holster before purchase. If this is not possible try to purchase from a seller who has a good return policy.

• Outside the Waist Band – is positioned outside your pants for easier access. It can also be harder to conceal without a cover garment or baggy clothing.
• Inside the Waist Band – rides inside your waistband with only a small portion of the holster and grip of firearms exposed. These offer excellent concealment but can be harder to access.
• Shoulder – worn in a cross-draw manner under your non-shooting arm. Offers easy access and comfort but requires a cover garment for concealment.
• Duty – think police or military style. Usually, a heavy-duty design that offers easy access and excellent retention. However, you will sacrifice concealment.
• Paddle –uses a wide molded paddle to secure the holster to the waist area. Usually considered a specialized outside the waistband design. Easy to take the holster off if needed.
• Belt Loop – like the paddle, the belt loop is specialized outside the waistband design. This design attaches directly to your belt via loops or clips. It will require a heavy-duty belt to support the weight of a Glock 17
• Drop Leg – this is another specialized design but in the duty line. Allows the firearm to be carried lower on the thigh. This provides improved access and greater comfort but makes concealment nearly impossible.
• Chest – this design allows the firearm to be carried on your chest like a reversed backpack. Extremely comfortable and provides excellent retention. However, you will find it hard to conceal.
• Ankle – carried on the inside of the non-shooting leg, just above the ankle. Offers good concealment and, if the correct design is used, excellent retention. However, with a heavy firearm such as the Glock 17, it would be difficult to access or draw a firearm from this position.
• Belly Band – these elastic or spandex designs wrap around your mid-section via a large flexible belt. Some can be adjusted up or down to allow OTB or IWB options. In most cases, the Glock 17 is too large and heavy for this type of holster.

Retention

There are two things you need to consider when selecting a holster based upon retention. First, the holster’s ability to prevent an accidental loss. Second, the holster’s ability to withstand an attack from an assailant.

A simple strap or internal lock is usually sufficient to prevent accidental loss. If you are concerned someone way attempt to take your firearm from the holster a higher level of retention, such as a Level 3, will include thumb releases or even a hood that needs to be released before drawing.

Draw Speed

Draw speed is the result of several different factors including holster type, location on the body, and retention system. A belly band or ankle holster requires additional time to access. A level 3 retention holster will be more secure, but slower to draw from.

Required draw speed is generally higher for professionals such as law enforcement, security, or the military. Most concealed carry shooters will not need lighting fast draw speed.

Material

Holsters are made from a wide variety of materials and many are a combination of more than one material. The most common materials are listed below:

• Leather
• Nylon
• Kydex
• Polymer
• Spandex

The biggest considerations concerning materials are security and durability. Leather, Kydex, and polymer are the most secure and offer greater longevity. Nylon and spandex can be secure, if properly constructed and reinforced. However, they will generally show wear quicker.

Conclusion

Hopefully, our list of the best Glock 17 holsters has provided you the insight needed to select the perfect holster for you. I think you will find one of those reviewed a perfect fit for almost any shooter. However, should you wish to keep shopping, I hope our tips will help you make a wise choice.

Although there are some quality bargain holsters expect to pay more for the best. Remember the saying “you get what you pay for”? Well, it is usually true when it comes to holsters.