What Glock IWB Holster is Best for Hunting?
Dec 1st 2021
Glock semi-automatic pistols are popular for various applications, including hunting, and an IWB holster has certain advantages in a hunting context. Find out why you should consider inside-the-waistband carry for your hunting or backup Glock and how to find the best IWB holster for your next outing.
Glock Handguns for Hunting
The Glock semi-automatic pistol was designed to meet an Austrian Army requirement in 1980. Following its adoption and introduction to the U.S. market, the company developed several size and caliber variants for the commercial market.
Today, Glock handguns are used extensively for concealed carry, duty, home defense, competitive target shooting, and hunting. Glock handguns can either serve as secondary firearms or primary hunting weapons.
The Glock pistols that are most suitable for hunting include the G20 in 10mm Auto; the G31 in .357 SIG; and the long-slide 9mm variants (e.g., the G17L and G34), which provide an increased sight radius. As secondary or backup guns, all standard service weapons are capable, but you should select a caliber and size that you find comfortable to carry. It should also be sufficiently powerful for the threats you expect to face.
A Glock 17 in 9mm, for example, may be an effective weapon against human assailants, but the .357 SIG and 10mm Auto chamberings are more appropriate for defense against bears. The two rounds provide increased penetration relative to the 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP cartridges, especially when using FMJ, hard-cast semi-wadcutter, or flat-point bullets.
Why IWB?
You may be asking, “Why IWB for a hunting gun?” In IWB, or inside the waistband, your holster is worn snugly between the waistband of your pants and the skin or clothing layer of your hip, abdomen, or back. If your handgun is your primary hunting weapon, you should consider carrying it in an OWB holster, preferably worn openly, for better access.
However, hunters whose primary weapon is a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow routinely carry pistols and revolvers in a secondary or backup role. Depending on the other equipment you’re carrying, you may not be able to carry your handgun openly in an OWB holster on your hip or in the appendix position.
Inside, the waistband (IWB) allows you to carry your handgun away from your backpack, front pack, and rifle or shotgun. That way, these weapons or accessories won’t interfere with your draw stroke or inhibit access to your weapon when you need it most.
If you’re accustomed to carrying IWB for self-defense under ordinary circumstances, continuing to use that method also preserves your muscle memory. Carrying and drawing from the same position and method ensures consistent performance.
Glock IWB Holster Criteria
If you’re searching for an IWB holster for hunting, your requirements should include protection against the elements. Traditional leather holsters don’t provide the same degree of weather resistance as modern thermoplastics.
Kydex is waterproof, allowing you to carry your firearm under various adverse weather conditions without the fear that your holster will warp, swell, or otherwise become deformed.
Adjustability
No two shooters are alike. A certain amount of adjustability is necessary to personalize the draw, cant, and ride height of your firearm. Passive retention Kydex holsters typically provide screws for adjustment so you can find the perfect holster fit. Although less relevant in an outdoor environment, you should also be able to adjust these points to increase concealability, depending on your choice of clothing.
When you’re selecting an IWB or OWB holster, your dominant-hand position matters. You should be able to choose a left-handed option if you’re a southpaw.
Retention
Active retention is arguably necessary for increased security when carrying a firearm openly in an OWB holster. However, an IWB holster is designed to maximize concealment by partially hiding the holster inside your pants and holding it close to your body.
If you’ll be carrying your weapon in a wilderness environment, there’s no need for multiple levels of retention to prevent disarmament. On the other hand, depending on your expected level of physical activity, an active retention system can prevent you from losing your gun, especially if you fall or experience another kind of accident. It’s up to you to determine which risks are worth addressing.
Sweat guard
A sweat guard covers the slide, preventing contact between your skin and the gun. The presence of a sweat guard during the winter months is generally less of a concern, but during the summer, having the gun pressed against your body without a barrier is an invitation to corrosion as you perspire.
The Glock’s slide has a ferritic nitrocarburizing finish the company calls Tenifer, but this is corrosion-resistant, not rustproof.
Light/laser compatibility
In a self-defense weapon, a holster compatible with a laser can be useful for close-range shooting under low-light conditions, especially when you can’t see your sights. However, a weapon-mounted light (WML) is more useful to the hunter, especially at dusk or after dark.
A WML has the advantage of shining a beam where you aim, allowing you to maintain a two-handed grip and leaving your support hand free for other tasks. If you carry your weapon with a pistol light, find a Kydex holster that’s specifically cut to accommodate the extra bulk.
Miniature red-dot (MRD) sights
Handgun manufacturers offer optics-ready weapons for law-enforcement and military applications, competitive target shooting, and private self-defense. Instead of relying strictly on iron sights, you can now use a reflector or holographic sight attached to the slide for rapid target acquisition.
If you want to carry an MRD-equipped handgun, always ensure your holster will not stop you from properly drawing or re-holstering.
Open bottom
A holster with an open bottom allows foreign debris and water to fall through the holster rather than collect inside it. At the same time, the open bottom is compatible with long-slide Glock handguns, for which the holster was not purposely designed but would still adequately retain.
Fully enclosed trigger guard
The holster should cover the trigger guard to protect against unintentional discharge. When you’re carrying packs, pouches, sheaths, and other equipment through the woods, there are more opportunities for foreign objects to enter the holster mouth or interfere with the trigger.
IWB Glock Holster Types
To choose the best Glock IWB holster for hunting, you’ll need to understand the different types available.
Incognito T3
The Incognito Concealment T3 is the ideal IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster for the Glock and outdoor applications, attaching to your gun belt using a single 1.5” or 1.75” clip. The Kydex construction is rugged and capable of withstanding rain, snow, mud, and sand while remaining lightweight, discreet, and versatile.
The T3 is also compatible with a wing or claw, which ensures the holster and pistol are as close to your body as possible, keeping printing to a minimum. Although less critical in a hunting context, this has the bonus of reducing snagging points.
One- and two-piece appendix rigs
Alternatively, if you carry in the appendix position, you can carry a one- or two-piece rig consisting of a holster and magazine carrier for spare ammunition. Using two belt clips, both rigs evenly distribute the weight on the gun belt for stability and comfort.
The holster and magazine carrier are separate components attached via shock cord in the two-piece variant. This configuration allows the rig to conform to your body for a comfortable, secure fit.
Hunting for Holsters? We’ve Got the Best
At Incognito Concealment, we understand the utility of handguns, including the popular Glock series, as primary and secondary hunting weapons. To meet the diverse and demanding requirements of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike, we offer the best holsters on the market. Our products are high quality, rugged, waterproof, and resistant to abrasion and impact.
Carry your weapon with peace of mind with our discreet T3 IWB holster or ST7-Pro OWB holster. If you need active retention for the most secure carry option, our UBL Level 2 employs a rotating hood for additional protection.
Give us a call at (586) 333-4240, and we’ll help you find the best holster for your next hunting trip.
