Aside from maybe the 1911, few handguns are as popular and iconic as the Glock 19. Despite their simple, albeit blocky design, Glock pistols are widely regarded as some of the best, most reliable handguns ever made.
I’d venture to say that most of us have at least one Glock — probably the G19 or G17 — in our collection. At least one, though I have multiple, and you probably do, too.
More than half of all US police agencies favor Glock handguns, and nearly all federal law enforcement agencies do as well, with the G19, G17, and G22 being the primary issued models.
Glock’s popularity is undeniable. But it’s the Glock 19 that really takes the cake. It outsells its competitors in droves, thanks in part to ample aftermarket support and tons of holster options. Which brings us to my main point of interest for this little article.
But before we get too much into the weeds, let’s take a step back and discuss why the G19 is so popular among law enforcement professionals and civilian shooters alike.
Why Carry the Glock 19?
The Glock 19 is widely considered the best compact handgun ever made. We’ve made that pretty clear, right?
It’s balanced in terms of size, capacity, and shootability, which I think makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry, home defense, and even duty use. It offers the performance of a full-size pistol, but in a more streamlined and easily concealable package.
You’ve got a compact handgun that holds 15+1 rounds of 9mm, which is just the right amount of firepower for most situations. And despite the capacity, it doesn’t feel bulky or unwieldy. At least not to me.
The grip angle of the Glock 19 is also pretty fantastic. Most shooters find that it positions the hand in a more natural position for better maneuverability and control.
And speaking of the grip, the texture pattern or “stippling” on the Glock 19 is comfortable enough. It’s not too aggressive, but it’s grippy enough to stay put in your hand, even with wet or gloved hands. This is especially true for the Gen 5 models with the more muted stippling pattern than the Gen 4, but even the Gen 4 pattern is still fairly comfortable.
It might not be as comfortable as the stippling you find on guns like the Walther PPQ or Springfield Hellcat/Echelon, but it gets the job done. Plus, with interchangeable backstraps, the grip can be tailored to fit just about any shooter. While I like using full-size backstraps with the extended beavertail on my handguns, someone with smaller hands might not.
It’s no sweat to change ’em out to find the right fit.
Easy to Conceal
Its shorter barrel and reduced grip length compared to its full-size Glock 17 counterpart make it much easier to carry inside the waistband without printing. Pair that with a quality Safariland holster and a good gun belt, and it’s one of the most concealable double-stack pistols out there.
The G19 is just easy to live with. Maintenance is a breeze, the aftermarket support is massive, and on the rare occasion that something breaks or fails, parts are plentiful and affordable. Couple that with its inherent reliability (even in less-than-favorable conditions), and it’s really a solid carry gun.
I’m preaching to the choir now, aren’t I?
But you get my point. The Glock 19 is popular among LEO and sport shooter communities for a reason. So with all that said, though, let’s shift our focus a bit and cover some of my favorite holster options for the Glock 19.
Top IWB Holsters for the Glock 19
A quality holster can make or break your carry experience. They can also spell the difference between life and death. And while I have no illusions of being a top-tier shooter or law enforcement/military professional, there are a few specific models that I’ve trained with over the years that I think deserve a little extra love.
Let’s take a quick look at a few of those. We’ll start with Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters.
Safariland Incog X
The Incog X was designed in collaboration with Haley Strategic and is easily my favorite concealment holster for the G19. Shoot, I’ve written entire articles on it before. It offers deep concealment and incredible comfort.
At its core, the Incog X is classified as an appendix carry inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holster, meaning it’s specifically engineered for appendix carry, which positions your pistol at the lower front of your torso between your belly button and hip. That’s obviously an over-simplification, but you get the general gist of it.
Moving on.
The Incog X is crafted from precision-molded, suede-wrapped Boltaron material, which is stronger than Kydex and less susceptible to extreme temperatures and carry conditions than leather. The soft suede exterior cushions the holster against your body and breaks up the profile when carried under clothing for better concealment. It’s subtle, but it makes a huge difference in daily comfort.
Its adjustable and tuckable clips allow you to fine-tune your cant and ride height. More importantly, the clips have built-in concealment struts, which are small “winglets,” if you will, that press against your belt line to rotate the grip closer to your body, reducing printing and, again, maximizing comfort.
The holster is also optic-compatible right out of the box. No special cuts are required.
I’ve carried my Glock 19 in an Incog X for the better part of a year, and it’s my go-to on most occasions. I’ve also gone so far as to recommend it to several friends, including some who are more experienced than I am, who want a solid AIWB holster.
It just works. It’s comfortable and even with my “elder emo” (it wasn’t just a phase, apparently) slim-fit attire, I can carry my Glock 19 with discreet confidence.
Safariland Schema
The Schema holster is a minimalist inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, offering deep, print-free concealment. At first glance, it looks a little different from your typical IWB rig. It’s constructed from a durable, injection-molded polymer with a “skeletonized” design that basically removes all unnecessary bulk while maintaining rigid support for secure weapon retention.
And I’ll admit that I was skeptical about the Schema when I first picked it up. It’s just so lightweight and rigid that I wondered whether it would withstand daily use in the real world. But after a week of wearing it, I was sold, and it’s now a mainstay in my carry rotation.
I think what I really like about this holster (aside from its super-slim design) is the passive retention system. It secures the firearm with a precise friction fit around the trigger guard and slide, so you get a super-fast and intuitive draw without losing out on safety and security.
The Schema is also compatible with optics-equipped pistols. So while I don’t usually keep an optic installed on my Glock pistols (just a personal preference, I guess), it’s a nice little added bonus for those rare occasions and wild hairs.
All that said, I typically reserve the Schema for warm-weather carry when I’m wearing slimmer-fit t-shirts and shorts. It rides comfortably against my body — no digging into my hip, no awkward shifting when getting in and out of the truck, and best of all, it stays hidden under my slim-fit band tees and Volcom shorts.
It’s a favorite. Nuff said.
Safariland Species
The Safariland Species holster is a bit of a sleeper. It’s not flashy. It’s not sexy. But man, when it comes to providing both comfort and concealment (rather than one or the other), it just gets it right.
The Species features a thermomolded Safarilaminate shell, wrapped with non-abrasive Cordura material and lined with a non-marring suede interior.
Much like the passive retention system of the Schema holster we discussed earlier, I dig the Species’ adjustable passive retention system. It secures your pistol with a clean, positive click, but you can dial in the tension to your personal preference. So if you like a tighter hold and a more deliberate draw, or if you prefer a quicker draw with less effort, adjusting the retention is pretty simple with a quick turn of a screw.
Personally, I like my draws somewhere in the middle. But in this day and age, customizability is the name of the game.
Anyway, the Safariland Species might not be the sexiest holster. Nor is it bursting at the seams with features. But that’s part of its charm. It’s a well-designed, no-nonsense holster that does exactly what it’s supposed to.
Top OWB Glock 19 Holsters
For the times when I need the accessibility and comfort of outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, these are my go-to’s.
Safariland 7378 Concealment
I’m not typically a big fan of OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster designs for concealed carry. They’re just harder to conceal than your typical IWB holster.
But, the Safariland 7378 Concealment holster is different. It’s my favorite OWB holster for concealed carry, typically worn during the cooler months when I wear heavier clothing.
Designed around the tried-and-true ALS (Automatic Locking System) mechanism, the 7378 Concealment holster offers one of the fastest and smoothest draws I’ve ever experienced. The ALS system locks the Glock 19 into place with an audible “click.” And until the simple release lever is actuated by your thumb using your natural shooting grip, it ain’t going anywhere. It’s a clean, natural motion that doesn’t take long to get used to.
Like the Species holster, the 7378 is crafted of thermomolded SafariLaminate with a non-marring lining. The holster ships with a paddle attachment that slides inside the waistband, offering a secure but easily removable setup. But if you prefer a little extra stability, it also includes a belt loop attachment.
The 7378 Concealment holster rides close enough to the body to stay reasonably discreet under a loose hoodie or jacket, and the paddle contours to the natural curvature of your body, making it pretty dang comfortable.
It’s not the smallest or sleekest holster out there, but for an OWB holster with active retention, it really ain’t too bad.
Safariland SOLIS ALS
The Safariland SOLIS ALS holster is a newer model, and I admit that I’ve only recently started integrating it into my carry rotation.
That said, however, I am already impressed with it and all it has to offer. Especially for shooters who need a light-bearing holster.
The SOLIS ALS is an open-top holster equipped with the aforementioned ALS (Automatic Locking System) mechanism. So, weapon retention and security are as you’d expect.
What I really like about this holster, though, is how surprisingly easy it is to conceal during the cooler months. It’s comfortable enough, but even with a simple flannel shirt in early spring, I’m able to conceal my G19 with minimal printing, if any.
It’s not as discreet as a slim inside-the-waistband holster, obviously. But for those who prefer the accessibility and comfort of outside-the-waistband carry, it’s worth a look. The contoured shape and relatively low-profile design make it a real pleasure to carry.
Now that the weather is warming up, though, I find myself less likely to carry with the SOLIS ALS holster. I may still try from time to time, though, as my limited experience with it thus far has been nothing but positive.
Final Thoughts on the Glock 19
If you’re looking to add the trusty Glock 19 (or any Glock model for that matter) to your concealed carry rotation, you’re in good company. It’s easier than you think to carry, and honestly, why wouldn’t you want to?
The Glock 19 is still the king of striker-fired handguns. It’s trusted by professional and civilian shooters worldwide. It has earned a reputation for being reliable, easy to use, and tough enough to handle whatever life throws at you.
And when carried with a quality holster, it’s a real force to be reckoned with. But always remember that quality matters more than price. Never skimp on quality to save a few bucks.
Seriously. That’s a rookie mistake.
That said, Safariland should be at the top of your list for a quality Glock 19 holster. Always.
Anyway, get to it! There are tons of options out there, and it’s high time you find what works for you.
