Help Finding a Tactical Holster for My Canik TP9SF
Sep 11th 2021
The Canik TP9SF is a striker-fired, polymer-framed semi-automatic handgun chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum. Dimensionally comparable to the Glock 17, the TP9SF is an affordably priced tactical pistol suitable for concealed and open carry, home defense, law enforcement, and competitive target shooting. A tactical handgun like this requires a tactical holster to match.
How Will You Carry: IWB or OWB
When selecting the most appropriate type of holster for your Canik TP9SF, you must decide how you want to carry it and in what position. If you’re primarily interested in concealed carry, either IWB (inside the waistband) or OWB (outside the waistband) are effective, depending on your specific requirements.
IWB allows you to conceal the handgun more deeply, partly hiding the weapon below the beltline and inside the pants. With some holsters, you can also tuck your shirt into your pants, over the holster, for one of the most discreet carry options available. While IWB is usually associated with compact and subcompact handguns, it’s also suitable for full-size combat weapons, such as the Glock 17 and comparably sized firearms.
However, if you’re primarily interested in a tactical holster, you can consider an open carry OWB holster with an active-retention system. If you intend to carry your TP9SF openly, you should think about how you’re going to protect it against potential threats. Carrying a handgun openly, especially as a law-enforcement officer or private security guard, discloses your weapon to potential criminals. As a result, you may deem it necessary to include an active-retention system in your list of required features.
Choosing Between Active and Passive Retention
Passive retention is the ability of the holster to securely hold the firearm in place due to contact or friction between the interior surfaces of the holster and the exterior surfaces of the firearm.
Many IWB holsters, especially Kydex holsters, rely on friction and allow you to adjust the retention using two screws. If your weapon is fully concealed under your clothing, passive retention is usually sufficient. It also allows you to perform a simpler draw stroke.
An active-retention holster has one or more shooter-activated retention devices. In one design, when you want to draw your firearm, you’ll need to depress a lever with your thumb to rotate a protective hood and unlock your weapon. Unless you rotate this hood, your weapon cannot be drawn.
If a criminal attempts to disarm you, he will have to manipulate this lever first, buying you precious time to resist.
Additional Considerations for Your Tactical Holster
Any holster you select for self-defense should be reliable, ruggedly built, easy to draw from, and safe. The holster mouth should be rigid, retaining its shape after the gun is drawn and resisting wear. A rigid holster mouth ensures you’ll be able to re-holster your firearm with one hand when carrying in a waistband position.
The handgun’s trigger guard should be fully covered to minimize the risk of an unintentional discharge or foreign debris entering the trigger.
Comfort should also be on your list of essential criteria. A comfortable holster will improve your handling characteristics and encourage you to carry your firearm.
If you intend to carry AIWB (appendix inside the waistband), the holster should be compatible with claw or wing attachments designed to enhance concealment.
Is Spare Ammo Necessary?
Fed from an 18-round detachable box magazine, the TP9SF offers a high-capacity package to private citizens or law enforcement officers. In all probability, you will not require more than its 18+1 capacity; however, defensive shootings are inherently unpredictable.
If you need to confront an active shooter, for example, those extra magazines may prove invaluable. Dual OWB magazine pouches with adjustable retention allow you to carry up to 36 additional rounds of ammunition.
Incognito Concealment Tactical Holsters
At Incognito Concealment, we offer both active and passive-retention OWB holsters for self-defense and law enforcement or other security personnel when on duty. If you need a tactical or IWB holster for your self-defense handgun, give us a call at (586) 333-4240.
