Factors to Consider in Selecting a Holster for Glock 22

The Glock 22, introduced in 1990, is the .40 S&W variant of the popular Glock 17. In use by law enforcement and private citizens for self-defense, the G22 is suitable for concealed and open carry with the right holster. But what factors should you consider when selecting a holster for this weapon?

The new .40 S&W cartridge duplicated the service ballistics of the FBI’s 10mm Autoload in a shorter case. The result was a round that delivered more punch than the 9mm in a 9mm-sized (i.e., medium-framed) weapon. Glock designed the G22 and G23 — .40-caliber variants of the Glock 17 and 19, respectively — to take advantage of this ammunition development.

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Glock Generations and Accessories 

There are no accessory rails or slide cuts in Gen1 and Gen2 Glock 17 and 22 handguns, so no special holster types are needed. In Gen3 Glock handguns, the company introduced an accessory rail for attaching weapon-mounted lights (WML) and lasers. If you have a laser- or light-equipped Glock handgun, you’ll need to ensure your holster is compatible.

In Gen4, the company introduced the  Modular Optic System (MOS). The MOS lets you attach miniature red-dot sights (MRD) to your Glock using different adapter plates for more rapid target acquisition, especially in low light. An optic-equipped pistol requires a molded and cut holster to accommodate the increased bulk.

What About Gen 5?

Don’t assume that a holster designed for Gen1-4 Glock pistols will be compatible with your Gen5 weapon. While the overall length, barrel length, slide length, and width remained constant for four generations, the company changed Gen5 pistols that affected compatibility with older holsters. One of these design modifications is the inclusion of an ambidextrous slide stop. Before ordering a holster for your Gen5 Glock, always ensure that it’s compatible.

Open and Concealed Carry

When searching for a Glock 22 holster, you’ll need to decide how you want to carry it. Various holster types are available on the market, from drop-leg holsters to shoulder holsters.

However, the waistband holster remains the most accessible, versatile, and popular type, whether worn IWB or OWB. While you can carry the G22 in an IWB holster, many choose OWB for concealed and open carry. Some of the factors you should consider when selecting a G22 holster depend on the holster type.

IWB Carry Holsters

For inside-the-waistband carry (IWB), you carry your handgun in an internal holster located inside your pants. Ideal for deep concealment, especially with compact and subcompact handguns, it’s also highly practical with larger weapons. You’ll also need to take into account how you dress to ensure adequate room for the holster inside your waistband.

IWB Concealability: Incognito T3

The Incognito T3 is a highly concealable IWB holster that attaches to your gun belt using a single 1.5” or 1.75” polymer belt clip. Alternatively, you can select the Discreet Carry Concepts Discreet Clip, a durable, low-profile flat-spring belt clip that increases stability.

The Glock 22, like the G17, is more likely to print through clothing than the compact G19 and subcompact pistols due to the increased height. The T3 allows you to attach a modwing (also called a claw) for increased concealability.

This device presses the holster and gun toward your body, ensuring that it stays as close to your hip or abdomen (i.e., in appendix carry) as possible. When used in conjunction with the adjustable ride-height and cant functionality, the T3 provides a highly discreet carry option.

OWB Carry Holsters

In outside-the-waistband-carry (OWB), you carry your handgun in an external belt holster, increasing accessibility. Many people prefer OWB because they find the method more comfortable, as the holster and pistol don’t press directly against the body.

While you can carry your G22 OWB and concealed, this requires a light jacket, vest, or untucked shirt to hide the weapon. OWB is also the standard for open carry, especially among law enforcement officers. In OWB holsters, you have several options.

OWB Versatility: Venture

The Venture is a pancake OWB holster that attaches to your gun belt using two belt loops (1.5” or 1.75”), which you can also use to adjust the ride height and cant. The Venture is a covert OWB holster designed to minimize printing by contouring to the wearer’s body. In addition, the holster fully protects the trigger guard and has a sweat shield to guard your gun’s finish against perspiration.

If your Glock 22 has a weapon-mounted light, you can order a variant designed to accommodate it. While the Venture provides adjustable retention in standard variants, the retention is fixed on light-compatible models. If you want to carry your weapon comfortably, either concealed or openly, consider the Venture. Unlike IWB holsters, there’s no need to change your pants size to accommodate the width of the holster.

Active Retention: Level 2 UBL

As the Glock 22 is a full-size service pistol commonly used by law enforcement and private security personnel, there’s a demand for multiple retention levels to safeguard the weapon. This also applies to private citizens who choose to carry their G22 openly. An active retention holster is worth considering if you want increased security when carrying your G22.

The Incognito Concealment Level 2 UBL provides two retention levels. The first is the draw, standard on all Incognito Concealment holster designs. The thermoformed construction provides a degree of passive retention.

The second level is a locking hood. When you draw your weapon, you depress a lever with your right thumb (in right-handed variants), which raises the hood and unlocks the gun. As with other Incognito Concealment OWB and IWB holsters, you can add a cut for an MRD, allowing you to take full advantage of pistol optics.

Comfort and Convenience: Incognito ST7-Pro

While the other IWB and OWB holsters Incognito Concealment offers are based on the pancake design, the  ST7-Pro uses a paddle to attach securely to the belt. Comfortable to wear, this paddle holster is intended for open carry, either on the shooting range or for self-defense.

As there’s more space between the holster and your body, this design is less suitable for concealed carry than the Venture. For increased comfort compared with other paddle holsters, the Incognito Concealment contoured the exterior surfaces using a taco design.

The paddle is a rigid panel that slips behind and under the gun belt to hold the holster in place. The primary advantage of this design is convenience; you can quickly detach and reattach the holster as needed. Four screws hold the paddle to the holster body and allow you to adjust the cant and ride height according to your preferences.

We Can Help You Find the Best IWB or OWB Holster

At Incognito Concealment, we offer Kydex holsters in multiple configurations and retention options for your full-size Glock 22 pistol. Whether you carry for duty or personal protection, you need a holster that fits your gun and accessories snugly and allows for individual adjustment.

Give us a call at  (586) 333-4240, and we’ll advise you on the best choice of holster for your G22, depending on your specific circumstances.