Full-sized handguns tend to be heavier and bigger than their smaller counterparts and are more likely to be accessorized. Add an optic and light; the gun will get even heavier and bulkier. With that in mind, you can’t accept sloppy, craptastic holsters that won’t offer you the security, support, retention, and comfort you desire.
Let’s save some time and look at some of the best holsters out there for full-sized handguns. We have options for concealment, duty, competition, carry, and everything in between.
6304RDS: The full-sized Duty rig
The 6304RDS is the definition of the modern, tactical, full-sized holster. It’s compatible with modern accessories, features Safariland’s Level 3 retention system, and has a modular design for numerous wear styles. In keeping up with modern needs, the holster is available for a multitude of manufacturers and it even comes in a multitude of awesome finish options.
The holster works with both weapon lights and optics. You can choose from standard-sized or larger optics options, like the ACRO series, and it comes with an optic guard that rotates a hood over the optic. This protects the optic from rain, debris, and other intruders, which could cause serious issues with your sight picture.
The Level 3 retention system includes the ALS thumb device and the SLS hood. Together, these two devices require three hand movements to defeat. A Level 3 retention system makes grabs from unauthorized users all but impossible. At the same time, if you’re willing to train, you will have no problems defeating the retention devices and drawing the gun quickly and efficiently.
If you’re looking to swap between belt mounts, thigh rigs, or other systems, you will be happy with the included QLS fork, which provides quick and easy modularity. The 6304RDS features compatibility with models from Glock, Shadow Systems, Walther, SIG, HK, S&W, Springfield Armory, Wilson Combat, Staccato, and more.
SafariVault: The Most Durable Holster
Traditionally, a holster has one job: holding your gun. Safariland redefined this purpose by focusing on not only holding your gun but also protecting it from grabs and the world around you.
The Safarivault aims to provide duty users with a protective and rugged full-sized holster design. It’s Safariland’s toughest holster ever. It’s rugged and built for modern guns.
The clamshell housing is bolted rather than screwed together. There is no exterior flex, and the ALS design has been strengthened to reduce flex and increase crush resistance. It’s designed to take a beating without ever beating up your gun.
The Safarivault comes ready with optics and light-bearing capability. The optic capability includes compatibility with enclosed emitter designs, standard-sized pen emitter optics, and huge open emitter optics like the SRO. Optics even got the rotating hood, which premiered with the Vault in 2023. The system can house many different lights or various designs, from the big Surefire X300U to the compact TLR-8.
The Safarivault is available as a Level 1 holster with the ALS device and as a Level 3 holster with a combination of the ALS and SLS devices. Regardless of your choice, it allows for a simple, intuitive draw.
It also features a magnetic guidance system for easy reholstering and open bottom with room for compensators or allowing debris to pass through. It’s compatible with the Safariland 3-hole pattern accessories.
The biggest downside is that it’s only made for Glock and SIG handguns, but hopefully, new models will come soon.
Incog X: Keep It Concealed
When most people picture a concealed carry gun, they imagine an image of the SIG P365, a J-Frame revolver, or a subcompact Glock. That’s most people, but some fine folks carry a full-sized gun. For those folks, the Incog X offers a modern AIWB holster to pack a full-sized piece.
The Incog X delivers an AIWB holster with all the features you need for a modern gun. The holster is designed to disappear under your shirt. Concealed Carriers can pack their favorite full-sized handgun without issue from a variety of companies, including S&W, SIG, Glock, and more. You can even customize the holster in a few different ways to enhance concealment or capacity.
The Incog X works with both lights and optics. This is optional, and those not concerned with carrying a light can forgo that feature. Light compatibility includes compact weapon lights like the TLR 7 series. The Incog X is compatible with standard-sized optics and micro-optics.
An optional mag caddy sits on the nondominant side of the holster. This provides an onboard extra magazine for the situations that require it. You can also customize the offset of the dual clip design via a system of struts to get the right combination of concealment and access.
The Incog X provides an excellent concealment option for guns not traditionally meant to be concealed.
7053 7TS ALS Shoulder Holster: Pack A Punch
Shoulder holsters are a modern niche. They are an excellent option for people who are seated for most of the time, drive an extended amount, or simply prefer their gun off their waistband.
To answer the call for a modern shoulder holster for full-sized guns, Safariland offers the 7053 7TS ALS Shoulder Holster. This shoulder holster provides a modern touch to an old style, fits several different firearms, and even allows the use of modern accessories.
Most shoulder holsters are made from leather, and leather is fine, but it’s not 1964 anymore. We’ve moved beyond leather and adopted modern materials, like Kydex and Boltaron. These modern polymers are tougher, weather-resistant, and safer. The 7053 is made from the SafariSeven proprietary polymer blend.
Another downside to most shoulder holsters is using button-based leather thongs as a retention device. The 7053 uses an ALS device that is more secure, faster to defeat, and more intuitive for a good, efficient, and safe draw. This makes it quick to deploy the gun but also lets you know it sits safely retained by the holster at all times.
The 7053 is designed to accommodate modern full-sized guns with modern features, including weapon lights. It can work with a wide variety of light options to ensure your gun packs the illumination you prefer. The 7053 series is designed for a ton of different guns, and you are unlikely to be left in the cold if you want a modern, duty-rated shoulder holster.
GLS Pro-Fit: For All The Guns
If you want one holster that can accommodate most full-sized handguns, then the GLS Pro-Fit is for you. This is Safariland’s take on a quasi-universal holster. It’s designed to fit a wide variety of guns, over 225, to be clear. The design features inherent modularity that makes it adjustable to fit full-sized and subcompact guns.
The 578 GLS Pro-Fit series has an adjustable internal design that allows you to adjust the internal size of the holster with one bolt. This allows the holster to tighten down on firearms’ dust covers and ensure a tight and safe fit. A shim is also included for guns with narrow trigger guards, allowing the GLS system to work with thin and thick trigger guards.
GLS stands for Grip Lock System. It places the retention device underneath the grip. It’s automatically defeated when you grip your firearm and draw. The GLS system provides Level 1 retention that’s intuitive and simple.
Users can swap between numerous belt attachment devices, and the holster comes with both a paddle and a belt loop design. This allows for greater customization and is a nice touch on an affordable holster. The 578 GLS allows you to use optics, but this isn’t a light-compatible holster.
Made from SafariSeven, it’s tough, well made, and nonabrasive to your firearms finish. The 578 GLS Pro Fit is the best budget full-sized holster on the market by far!
Going Full Sized
Full-sized guns offer the benefits of greater accuracy, controllability, and easier shooting. They need a little more support than smaller guns, and luckily, there are plenty of awesome holster options out there to give you exactly what you need.
