What Is A Paddle Holster And How Do You Use It?

— Scott MurdockCADRE Dispatch

Just when you think you’ve figured out all the holsters and retention levels in Safariland’s catalog, here come the mounting options. There’s a lot to choose from. It’s possible to create the perfect system for your needs, but that will require some homework on your part.

How are you going to keep that fancy new holster on your hip? You can mount it to a belt, MOLLE webbing, a quick attachment system, or a combination of the three. And then there’s something called a paddle holster.

What’s a paddle and why would you choose one over the other options available to you? Let’s figure that out.

What is a Paddle Holster?

safariland paddle attachment
Safariland’s paddle attachments mount to any three-hole-pattern holster.

A paddle holster has more to do with the mounting system than the holster. In fact, you can use any Safariland holster that uses the standard three-hole pattern with a paddle.

The paddle is a molded piece of polymer that fits the contour of the hip (there are separate models for the right and left side) inside the waistband. The holster sits outside the waistband, pressing your garment in the middle.

You can buy a paddle attachment individually and mount it to a Safariland holster you already own, or buy a pre-assembled setup like the 7378 7TS or 6378RDS.

Safariland paddle holsters are compatible with belts up to 1.75 inches wide. They work without a belt, too. 

How Do You Set Up a Paddle Holster?

This small hook keeps your holster locked in place.

Instead of mounting directly to a belt outside your pants like most holsters, paddle holsters hug your hip and use your lower garment as an anchor. There’s a small hook that screws into place on the back of your holster and a hole in the paddle to make sure your holster doesn’t budge.

Safariland paddles use the same three-hole pattern as other mounting systems, so you can mix and match with all kinds of holsters and retention levels. Installing one is as simple as turning a screwdriver and a hex key.

safariland paddle attachment and hex key
Paddle attachments are inexpensive and easy to install.

Before you snug everything down, try it on and adjust the cant (tilt of the pistol forward and backward) to your liking.

When to Use a Paddle Holster

Paddle holsters are great for times when you don’t want to commit to one mounting system, or when time is a factor.

Going to the range for a quick training session? Get reps with your holster without changing your belt or getting all kitted out.

The paddle wraps around your hip for extra support and comfort.

If you’re packing a go-bag, including a paddle holster will give you access to an outside-the-waistband holster regardless of whether or not you happen to be wearing a stiff gunbelt when you need to hit the door.

Another use case where I think paddle holsters are extremely useful is backcountry camping and hunting. The hip belt on a heavy pack can make it difficult or impossible to wear a holster on your waist, which is where most people prefer to carry. 

Safariland holster, QLS receiver, and paddle attachment
The beauty of Safariland holsters is that you can mix and match components depending on your needs.

If your pack has MOLLE on the hip belt, you can mount the holster of your choice to it with a Tactical MOLLE Adapter and a Quick Locking System. Slip a paddle and another QLS receiver in your pack. When you stop for the day, drop your pack, tuck the paddle inside your waistband, and move your holster over to the paddle’s QLS in seconds.

Should You Buy One?

When you’re wearing a paddle holster, you’ll barely know it’s there.

If you’re trying to decide which holster to buy first, paddles make a lot of sense. You don’t have to commit to wearing a leather belt, a duty belt, or gear that’s covered in tactical webbing. A paddle will work with just about any sturdy lower garment.

For the money, it’s hard to go wrong with a paddle holster attachment. It might not be my first choice for every scenario, but it’s an incredibly versatile tool to have at your disposal.

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