With increased violent attacks on innocent civilians and soldiers being carried out by terrorists around the world, the need to carry a weapon to protect yourself has never been more critical. If a pistol is your choice of protection, there are a myriad of holsters on the market to choose from and several have been reviewed on The Loadout Room. FAB Defense designs and builds tactical equipment and weapon accessories that have been utilized by both the Israeli Military and Police. FAB Defense carries several products for their customers including; holsters, grips, bipods, rifle & shotgun furniture, rail systems and more.
I recently had the pleasure and responsibility to thoroughly test the new Scorpus G-9R holster and PG-9 magazine pouch from FAB Defense. The SCORPUS G-9R boasts a robust, sturdy construction with level 2 retention designed to fit your Glock 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 Sig chambered firearms. The G9-R holster incorporates a lock release mechanism located on the side of the holster placing your trigger finger exactly where it should be, along the side of the trigger well while un-holstering your weapon. By definition, a level 2 holster has 2 separate mechanisms retaining the pistol. In the early 1980’s, Safariland developed a retention standard that most manufacturers now adhere to. More information can be found here defining the various retention level standards.
The SCORPUS G-9R holster and PG-9 double magazine pouch both utilize fiberglass reinforced polymer in the construction and are supplied with a paddle and belt loop mounting options. Both feature a 35 degree angle adjustment to suit most shooters preferences.
However, with any mechanical release feature, there lies a potential failure point. While drawing and holstering my Glock 35 at the range, I had no issues with the finger release mechanism. The pistol remained firmly planted in the holster as you’d expect while maneuvering between obstacles and engaging targets. Where I did have a problem was after a brief low crawl. The finger activated release button on the side of the SCORPUS G-9R had scooped up some dirt preventing activation and release of the sidearm. Looking closer at the release design, I noticed that there is no escape for dirt or debris once introduced to the top of the release mechanism. A similar holster, the Blackhawk SERPA, has an open cutout behind the release mechanism which helps dirt or debris escape while depressing the finger release. This may be a concern for tactical carry purposes but most likely not an issue for the concealed or open carry user.
The SCORPUS G-9R holster and companion PG-9 double magazine pouch were excellent choices for range use. Depending on your personal carry needs, these would be great open carry options as well as concealed carry options under a loose jacket. The PG-9 magazine pouch has a slide adjuster with 8 settings to control the level of magazine retention. I preferred a setting in the middle of the adjustment range which turned out to be the perfect compromise between retention and functionality during testing. Additionally, my Glock 35 has taller tactical sights installed which had been an issue hanging up on other holsters. The SCORPUS G-9R has plenty of clearance for taller sights with no “hang-ups” through hundreds of draw/holstering drills.
SCORPUS G-9R Advantages (detailed from fab-defense.com):
- Provides excellent handgun protection
- Slim and compact design for close handgun carry
- 2-point detent retention system for quick draw and more secure carry
- True ‘level 2’ detent retention system, both spring based and pressure activated locking lever.
- Ergonomically located push release retention lever for quick and instinctive draw
- Anti-rattle pressure tab for tight and secure fit
- Guarded lever prevents involuntary firearm release
- Paddle features a 35 degree angle adjustment option
- Durable fiberglass reinforced polymer composite construction
- Available in matte black, olive drab green or desert tan
- Provided with one belt loop and one paddle in the kit
Compatibility:
- GLOCK 9mm standard and compact models
- Also available in Left Hand configuration, or with a 360 adjustable swivel in the ‘S’ type
P-9G Double Magazine Pouch Advantages (detailed from fab-defense.com):
- Provides excellent magazine protection
- Slim and compact design for close carry
- Innovative 8 levels of manually adjustable magazine retention
- Allows quick draw action for optimal performance
- Anti-rattle pressure tab for tight and secure fit
- Paddle features a 35 degree angle adjustment option
- Durable fiberglass reinforced polymer composite construction
- Available in matte black, olive drab green or flat dark earth
- Provided with one belt loop and one paddle in the kit
Compatibility:
- GLOCK 17/19/22/23/25/26/27/31/32/33/34/35/37/38/39 magazines
- Also available with a 360 adjustable swivel in the ‘S’ type
Final Thoughts:
Although the FAB Defense SCORPUS G-9R & PG-9 holster and magazine pouch are very robust and well made products, there is always some room for improvement. The issue with dirt lodging in the release mechanism may only be valid if you plan to drag it through the dirt. However, most self-defense situations are dynamic and unpredictable so use this knowledge to your advantage while deciding on which holster best suits your needs. Another minor issue was the clearance between the holster body and the paddle or belt-loop. Because of the lower profile of this holster, I was unable to get my thumb into my shooting grip while drawing the weapon. I like to get a good solid purchase of the firearm while drawing and presenting. Because I was unable to fit my thumb between the holster and mounting hardware, I had to take a split second to adjust my grip before discharging the weapon. When selecting any firearm or accessory designated for personal protection, take the necessary time and effort to test the equipment yourself ensuring you are 100% comfortable and proficient with it. Because when you need it, split seconds may be the difference in the outcome.
