The Glock 19 is one of the most common carry guns on the market. It’s long been the perfect compromise between concealability and combat potential.
The Glock 19 is Glock’s best-selling gun, and the gun itself is now in its fifth generation. If you are looking at the Glock 19 for concealment or for duty use, you’ll need a holster.
Good news is there are hundreds of options out there. The bad news is that some of them suck. To separate the good from the bad, we are here to guide you in the right direction with how to choose a holster and give plenty of suggestions for you can purchase right now.
11 Best Glock 19 Holsters of 2019: Outdoor Empire Reviews
Here is a list of the top Glock 19 Holsters of 2019:
- Best IWB Holsters #1: Glock Fierce Defender +1 Series
- Best IWB Holsters #2: Desantis Inside Heat
- Best IWB Holsters #3: Crossbreed SuperTuck
- Best OWB Holsters #1: Safariland 7378 7TS ALS
- Best OWB Holsters #2: Raven Concealment Perun
- Best OWB Holsters #3: 1791 Gunleather Glock 19 Holster
- Best Shoulder Holster: Galco Miami Classic 2
- Best Appendix Holster: Alien Gear Shapeshift Appendix
- Best Light-Bearing Holster: Desantis Duty Raptor
- Best Gen 4 Glock 19 Holster: Glock Sport Combat Holster
- Best Gen 5 Glock 19 Holster: Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB
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1. The Best Glock 19 IWB Holster #1: The Glock Fierce Defender +1 Series
Fierce Defender is an appendix style IWB holster that approaches the IWB carry position with a unique twist. The Glock Fierce Defender +1 Series offers you a spare magazine incorporated into your holster.
It positions the extra magazine to point at your nondominant hand. This ensures a quick and easy draw. The Fierce Defender holster bends inward to make the holster disappear underneath your pants.
This design does an amazing job at hiding your gun and a spare mag, making no one the wiser.
Features and Specs
- Adjustable retentions for both the gun and magazine
- A thick .08 kydex design
- A flared opening that allows for easy and safe holstering
Pros
- A spare magazine is an amazing add-on
- Dual clip design supports the holster well
- Affordable for the added features
Cons
- Can be a bulky design for smaller people
The Fierce Defender may be a bit much for some users, but for those looking for a reliable and easy way to carry a spare mag, then the Fierce Defender has you covered.
The kydex design is incredibly durable, and the dual clip support system keeps everything right where it needs to be. The Fierce Defender is well suited for concealed carry, and it ups the readiness of a user significantly.
2. The Best Glock 19 IWB Holster #2: Desantis Inside Heat
We couldn’t do an article on the Glock 19 and its holsters without mentioning a classic leather design. The Desantis Inside Heat is a classic leather holster that is designed to fit inside the waistband and provide all the comfort that leather is known for.
The Inside Heat is a minimalist leather holster that is appropriate for positioning all around the waistband. Its larger, metal, single-clip design allows you to carry your Glock 19 in relative comfort.
Once the leather breaks in, you will be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable option.
Features and Specs
- Single-clip design utilizes a strong metal clip
- Made entirely of leather
- Reinforced open for easy holstering
Pros
- Made in the USA from premium saddle leather
- Can be worn all around the body
- Very affordable.
Cons
- As a leather holster, it will need to be broken in
The Desantis Inside Heat holster is perfect for those who need a well-made leather holster for their Glock 19. If you find the pokes and prods of kydex to be too much, then the Inside Heat is perfect for you.
The Inside Heat’s minimalist design also makes it easy for those who have a smaller frame to conceal their big Glock 19 effectively.
3. The Best Glock 19 IWB Holster #3: Crossbreed SuperTuck
Hybrid holsters are an interesting concept, and a little company called Crossbreed has been building them for nearly 15 years. The Crossbreed SuperTuck is a full-sized hybrid holster designed for the Glock 19.
The rear backing is black cowhide that is soft and malleable to the skin. The external shell is made from a very strong and resilient polymer. The SuperTuck features a full-sized sweat guard that protects you and the gun, as well as adjustable height and cant.
Features and Specs
- Multi-clip design
- Features a cowhide leather backer and molded kydex shell
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Easy to put on and take off without undoing a belt
- Will accommodate a tucked in shirt
Cons
- Can only be worn strongside IWB
The Crossbreed SuperTuck is an incredibly comfortable design. You can wear it day in and day out without any comfort issues. It’s super comfortable and rests softly against the skin.
At the same time, the kydex shell makes it easy to retrieve and holster the gun. The SuperTuck is one of my favorite hybrid IWB rigs, and if I’m tasked with carrying a gun for hours without relief, this is the holster I’d grab.
Crossbreed SuperTuck is also available at:
4. Best Glock 19 OWB Holster #1: Safariland 7378 7TS ALS
Okay, so Safariland makes great holsters but has a confusing naming apparatus. The Safariland 7378 is a polymer OWB holster made for concealed carry.The holster uses a belt paddle that allows you to put the holster on and off without having to remove your gun belt.
The Safariland 7378 is designed for concealed carry and incorporates an active retention device that is defeated by the thumb when using a natural draw.
The Safariland 7378 is compatible with all generations of the Glock 19.
Features and Specs
- Thumb-defeated active retention device
- Paddle holster design for universal fit
- Can be converted to a standard belt slide
Pros
- Space between the holster and the body ensures a smooth and fast draw
- Perfect for open, concealed, and even duty carry
- Maintenance-free design
Cons
- Difficult for smaller people to conceal effectively
The Safariland 7378 is built for those who want serious security from their holsters. The Safariland 7378 is one of the few concealment holsters designed with an active security function.
The polymer design of the holster makes it immune to the elements, and it resists tears, splits, and other damage. This is a durable and secure holster for your Glock 19, plus it’s compatible with all Glock generations.
5. Best Glock 19 OWB Holster #2: Raven Concealment Perun
The Raven Concealment Perun holster is Raven Concealment’s flagship OWB holster. The Perun is a premium-grade holster from one of the best concealed carry holster makers on the planet.
The Perun is perfect for modern Glock 19 models. It accommodates the latest and greatest upgrades from the Glock aftermarket.
This includes miniature red dot sights, suppressor-height sights, and extended threaded barrels. The Raven Concealment holster hugs the body tightly and makes your Glock 19 disappear.
Features and Specs
- Fully ambidextrous and can be worn on a right or left-hand side.
- Completely adjustable cant with three different belt loops
- Features full body shields
Pros
- Compatible with the most up-to-date Glocks
- Adjustable for all shooters
- One of the most concealable OWB Glock 19 holsters
Cons
- Some may dislike how tight the gun is to the body
The Raven Concealment Perun is an outstanding design for those who prefer the classic OWB design. The Perun will disappear under nothing more than a shirt.
If you want the tight concealment of an IWB design with the comfort of an OWB design, then the Perun is for you. Raven Concealment is one of the top-tier holster makers, and this price and design make it an outstanding holster.
Raven Concealment Perun is also available at:
6. Best Glock 19 OWB Holster #3: The 1791 Gunleather Glock 19 Holster
I gave you a classic leather design for the IWB selections, so I have to follow it up with an OWB model. This particular model from 1791 Gunleather is designed for those looking to mix their modern carry pistol with the classic gun leather feeling.
The 1791 Gunleather OWB design uses a classic pancake design that pulls the holster tight to the body. This keeps the Glock close the body and ensures it is properly concealed.
The overall design is super simple and relatively easy to manage. The open top design makes it easy and rapid to draw, and the 1791 Gunleather holster is lightweight, soft, and comfortable.
Features and Specs
- Made from 100% certified American leather
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Grants a natural forward cant
Pros
- A classic gun leather design that keeps up with modern designs
- Keeps the gun tight to the body for maximum concealment
- Drawing easy and intuitive with the open top design
Cons
- No means to adjust cant or height
The 1791 Gun Leather holster is well suited for concealed carry, and as a minimalist design, the holster works perfectly. The 1791 Gunleather holster is well sized for the Glock 19, and drawing and firing the gun is very easy to do.
This simple design is perfect for those who love an old-school look and feel as well as a reliable and dependable holster.
7. The Best Glock 19 Shoulder Holster: Galco Miami Classic 2
As a big fan of shoulder holsters, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but the Galco Miami Classic 2 wins out. Most shoulder holsters that followed merely copied a lot of the features of the Miami Classic.
This includes the highly adjustable design, the wide weight distributing straps, the dual carrier, and the pivoting harness. This all adds up to one of the most comfortable shoulder holsters of all time.
The Glock 19 is the perfect companion since both were introduced around the same time. The Glock 19 may be in its fifth generation, but the Miami Classic, is, well, a classic.
Features and Specs
- Fits up to a 62-inch chest
- Spider harness makes the holster allows maximum mobility
- Comes with a dual magazine pouch
Pros
- Design provides for easy movement
- Accessory pouch can be swapped out for various combinations
- Most stylish holster out there.
Cons
- Tie downs not included
The Galco Miami Classic 2 is a must-have if you want to shoulder carry your Glock 19. This system is perfect for those who hate belt carry or need a shoulder holster in their lineup.
Shoulder holsters are excellent for those who are seated most of the day or on long road trips. In a seated position they are quicker and more accessible than belt mounted holsters.
The Miami Classic 2 isn’t the cheapest shoulder holster, buts it’s easily one of the most comfortable and the most modular.
Galco Miami Classic 2 is also available at:
8. Best Glock 19 Appendix Holster: Alien Gear Shapeshift Appendix
The Alien Gear brand is quite well known for producing an amazing number of different holsters, and the Shapeshift system is a fascinating way to turn one holster into many.
Today we are going to be looking at their appendix holster. This is a hybrid design with a soft, cool neoprene backing and a molded polymer shell to hold your Glock 19.
The holster is extremely comfortable and is one of my favorite appendix carry designs. The single massive clip keeps the gun in place, and the comfortable backing makes me forget it is even there.
Features and Specs
- Compatible with the entire Shapeshift line
- Lifetime warranty
- Waterproof neoprene backing layer
- Adjustable retention
Pros
- An incredibly comfortable design
- Quickdraw and safe holstering
- Strong but flexible core is sturdy and easy to move with
Cons
- Some may dislike hybrid designs
The Alien Gear Shapeshift Appendix is an extremely comfortable holster that is perfect for those who like to switch up their carry style.
The Shapeshift system allows you to easily swap between appendix carry, shoulder holster carry, OWB, and way more. This allows your holster to be as modular as your Glock 19.
9. Best Glock 19 Light-Bearing Holster: Desantis Duty Raptor
Desantis is well known for their leather holsters, but their step forward into polymer designs shouldn’t be ignored. The Desantis Duty Raptor offers you all the great features you need for a Glock 19 holster with the ability to carry a light.
The Duty Raptor is made from both kydex and glass-filled nylon. The holster has a level three retention design, with both a thumb device and a hood to keep the gun in place.
The Duty Raptor is a very strong and modern holster designed perfectly for open carry and duty use.
Features and Specs
- Two-step retention process
- Expertly molded for the Glock 19, including Gen 5 models
- Can be converted to a tuckable IWB design with adaptors
Pros
- Designed to fit most popular weapon lights
- Gen 5 compatible
- Versatile for duty and concealed use
Cons
- Retention systems are difficult when used IWB
The Desantis Raptor is perfect if you are looking for a Glock 19 duty holster or a simple means to carry with a light attached. The concept and design do lend themselves better to open carry than concealed.
However, if you purchase the IWB clips, you’ll be able to convert it to a concealable design. It has a foot in both worlds, and if that’s what you need, this is one of the few to provide it.
Learn more about the Desantis Duty Raptor.
10. The Best Glock 19 Gen 4 Holster: Glock Sport Combat holster
Let’s change it up a bit. Most Glock holsters are compatible across generations, with the biggest change being the Gen 5 slide release.
One holster that has been around forever comes from Glock: The Glock Sport Combat holster. It is the simplest holster out there and is made from Glock polymers and expertly fitted to the Glock design.
It sports a passive trigger retention device and is quite lightweight. The Sport Combat holster is also ridiculously cheap but surprisingly nice.
The design accommodates a wide variety of Glocks, and if you want your gun to match your holster, there is no better way.
Features and Specs
- Will accommodate belts 1 to 2.5 inches wide via a convertible belt system
- Completely ambidextrous
- Passive locking retention device
Pros
- Will fit all medium frame Glocks
- Very easy and quick to draw from
- Made to last but very affordable
Cons
- Does not cover the end of the barrel
The Glock Sport Combat holster is incredibly deceptive. A holster this great can’t be this cheap. Somehow Glock makes it work.
The Sport Combat holster is well designed, and if you collect Glocks, it’s a holster that can rotate between a variety of different Glock pistols. That being said, it is perfect for concealed carry and holds the gun tight to the body—perfect for the Glock 19.
11. Best Gen 5 Glock 19 Holster: Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB
I’m a big fan of Bravo Concealment, and the Torsion IWB rig is by far one of my favorite Gen 5 holsters. The newest Torsion 3.0 design has no issues with the ambidextrous slide lock.
This minimalist design can be carried in a few different positions, but the appendix is where it fits best. The holster has an integrated forward cant and hugs the body tightly to keep it concealed.
The polymer design allows room for a threaded barrel, suppressor-height sights, as well as a miniature red dot. The Torsion IWB holster comes with two clips but can be converted to a single-clip, AIWB design.
Features and Specs
- Made to accommodate the Gen 5’s unique slide locks
- Highly adjustable belt clips
- Integrated sweat guard to protect you and your body.
Pros
- Cut to accommodate red dots, threaded barrels, and tall sights
- Adjustable and can be worn anywhere IWB
- Has an excellent lifetime warranty
Cons
- As a kydex holster, it may poke and prod
The Torsion 3.0 is the holster for those wanting to rock a modern and well-made IWB holster. The purpose-built design ensures compatibility with the Glock Gen 5 as well the Gen 5 MOS models.
The holster is cut for high sights, an optic, and a threaded barrel, making it easy to keep as you mod your Glock.
Why Quality Matters for a Glock 19 Holster
In many ways, the Glock 19 is a pretty big gun, at least in terms of concealed carry. When there are literally guns that fit in the palm of your hand, the Glock 19 seems huge.
Compared to a 1911, or even a Glock 17 the 19 seems compact. It certainly sits in its own odd place. The Glock 19 is somewhat heavy and somewhat big, so this means it needs a high-quality holster to handle it.
You don’t know discomfort or pain until you’ve used a poorly made holster or a holster that’s not designed for your particular gun. The Glock 19 is a peculiar gun, but its popularity allows you to have a ton of holster options.
There are consequences for carrying the wrong holster are very real. Without a quality holster, you’ll run into a number of different issues.
First is safety. The next is comfort. The third is access. All three are critical when it comes to carrying a gun. If it’s not safe, you’ll hurt yourself or others.
If it’s not comfortable, you won’t carry the gun. Lastly, if it’s not accessible, it won’t be there when you need it. A good holster supports and allows you to carry daily in comfort.
A poor-quality holster is going to have you constantly adjusting your holster, your body, and your clothing. It’ll be a dead giveaway that you are carrying a gun. This is the importance of a high-quality holster.
Luckily, it’s not hard to find a quality holster. Not only do we have the suggestions above, but we want to give you the tools to find the holster you need to be successful. So, let’s talk about how to find the highest quality holsters on the market.
How to Choose a Quality Glock 19 Holster
What are you planning to do with your Glock 19? Is it for concealed carry?
Is it for duty use or open carry?
Knowing how you plan to use the gun is the first step in deciding on what holster to choose. Concealed carry holsters are designed to minimize the imprint of your weapon.
This means it clings tighter to the body, and you can keep it under a shirt with ease. These holsters are supposed to remain unseen, so passive retention is the go-to option.
Duty or open carry holsters will often feature an active retention device that ensures no one but the only authorized user can remove the gun from the holster. This prevents someone from spotting the gun and deciding to take it.
You need a holster that is capable of containing the weapon safely and retains it. Retention comes in many different ways, but passive and active are the most common.
With active retention devices, you have to defeat a certain device to draw the weapon. Passive is more common and is a way to retain the weapon with having to defeat a device. It is defeated as the gun is drawn.
You also want a holster that is purpose-built for your weapon. It needs to be molded to your Glock 19. If the gun moves, rattles, or twists inside the holster, ditch it. The Glock 19 deserves a holster made for it.
The way the holster attaches to your body is also an important consideration for you. This is a personal choice, and the way you carry the gun is critical for your individual comfort.
When choosing between IWB, OWB, a shoulder rig, appendix, etc., you need to figure out exactly what you need for your daily life.
Best Brands
Bravo Concealment
Bravo Concealment is one of the best companies if you are looking for concealment-based holsters made from polymer. When it comes to the Glock 19, Bravo Concealment produces holsters in a variety of configurations.
This includes traditional IWB, appendix, and OWB styles. They also have models that are designed to utilize weapon lights from companies like Surefire and Streamlight.
Bravo Concealment is known for their use of modern kydex molding materials. Bravo Concealment’s holsters are cut and designed to accommodate modern accessories. This includes miniature red dots and threaded barrels.
They can produce an outstanding quality holster for a great price. These holsters, including their OWB models, are designed for concealment. They hug the gun tight to the body and make it disappear.
Their primary focus holster-wise is the concealed carry market. They’ve developed a variety of holsters that excel in their ability to conceal a gun.
Rarely will you find a concealed carry company that is willing to build holsters designed for concealed carry and to accommodate weapon lights, miniature red dots, and threaded barrels.
Why spend the money customizing a gun when you can’t carry it. Bravo Concealment offers you this with high-quality and affordable holsters.
Crossbreed Holsters
Crossbreed is one of the originators of the famed hybrid style holster. They incorporate both a kydex shell and leather or leather-like material backing.
This gives you the advantages of both kydex and leather holsters. These holsters are IWB designs and are incredibly comfortable. They produce a massive number of different holsters for different guns and carrying styles.
Crossbreed even produces light-bearing designs that allow you to conceal a gun as big as the Glock 19, even with a light.
Crossbreed produces these holsters at a wide variety of prices and produces a number of different designs that incorporate a lot of customization. They are really known for their comfort and long-lasting durability.
Crossbreed has been around for a very long time, and this system is very well suited for concealed carry. The Crossbreed systems are designed to last and will give you service for decades.
Crossbreed is a company that directly targets the concealed carry market. Their holsters are designed to maximize concealment, and they do so well. Crossbreed holsters are fantastic for concealment, but they still balance comfort very well with concealment.
They offer an outstanding warranty, and they are very customer service focused. They assure you will be extremely happy with their holsters, and your Glock 19 will disappear in a flash.
Safariland
What kind of holster do you want? Is it an OWB polymer design? An appendix IWB type? What about a shoulder holster? Well, regardless of what you want, Safariland has you covered.
Safariland is easily one of the biggest holster companies on the market. They produce a very wide variety of holsters, but somehow they’ve never lost their dedication to quality.
Safariland is an amazing company, and they’ve worked hard to establish and maintain their reputation. Safariland produces some of the best duty holsters on the market.
They do have a strong law enforcement background, and the Glock 19 is a gun that transcends both concealed carry and law enforcement users.
Safariland produces holsters for the Glock 19 that fit both types of carry. These holsters are designed and built to last. They are extremely capable holsters that will deliver excellent concealment on top of rock-solid security.
Safariland truly dominates the market. From concealed carry to duty use, Safariland will have you covered. Quite a few of their holsters feature an integrated attachment system that will allow you to move your holster from platform to platform.
The system will take your OWB holster and move it a leg rig, a MOLLE mount, or even a vehicle mount. When it comes to the Glock 19 and Safariland, you will have all the holster options you need.
FAQS
Will the Glock 19 Holster fit a Glock 19X?
Yes! Well, most of the time. As long as the holster is compatible with Gen 5 Glock, it will fit perfectly fine.
Is the Glock 19 hard to conceal?
This is a subjective question. Lots of smaller people are going to have an issue with the Glock 19, but the majority of people agree the Glock 19 is an easy gun to conceal. You’ll, of course, need the right holster before you even start.
The Glock 19 is the standard setter for concealed-carry pistols. This gun offers you a full grip, a 15-round magazine, and a relatively small size—the Glock 19 packs an incredible amount of firepower in a compact package.
The problem is, without the right holster, you’ll just leave it home. You’ve already chosen the right gun, now choose the right holster.
Before you go, you might also want to check out Glock 19 ankle holsters.