holster

Can you teach an old Glock new tricks with Talon Grips?

I may have amassed a decent collection of pistols over the years, but without exception, I keep coming back to my good old Gen 3 Glock 19 for everyday-carry. Like just about every firearm I own, I’ve done a bit of work to it to make it unique, but aside from a few internal doodads, a set of TRUGLO TFX night sights, and some aesthetic touches, this pistol still looks and feels a lot like it did when it came from the factory.

My love for this pistol aside, that’s sort of the problem.

While later model Glocks have a more abrasive grip (though still not quite to my liking), these old Generation 3 pistols come with grips that feel fine… until your hands are slick. Add a bit of sweat, water, or (if you’re in a fight for your life) blood, and you can’t help but start to worry about how effectively you can grab at your piece. This isn’t too big an issue for slow and steady target shooting at the range, but a rapid draw from an IWB concealed carry holster can get tricky when your hands are slipping around on the pistol.

The obvious (and cheapest) solution to this dilemma is to stipple the grips of your Glock using either a dremel tool, a soldering iron, or both. I’ve seen this done very effectively, and in some cases, in beautiful ways — but I lack the artistic talent and coordination required to make mine look good, and as embarrassing as it is to admit, I love this old gun too much to feel comfortable hacking away at it like that. So what does one do when you need to add grip to your Glock, but you’re too much of a coward to pull the trigger on stippling?

You use a stick on solution.

Talon Grips offers a variety of stick-on solutions for a number of different weapons, but despite the variety, the application process is pretty much the same for all of them. Start by giving your pistol grip a good cleaning with the included alcohol swab, then simply wrap the grip around the handle of your pistol like a sticker. The grip has a fair amount of stick to it, but it’s forgiving — you can peel off portions and reapply them if you didn’t get your alignment quite right on the first pass.

Once it’s stuck on, you’ll need a hair dryer or heat gun to melt the grips into place. Heat the grips until they’re hot, but not too hot to touch with your bare hands. Then, press down firmly on the Talon Grips using your fingers to help the slightly-melted material seep in and adhere to all the nooks and crannies of the pistol. I repeated that process four times before calling it quits.

What you’re left with is a pretty damn good looking (and grippy) result that I’m certain will make me feel more confident on the draw. My only pressing concern is how long these grips will last through frequent use and the formidable humidity of these Georgia summers. After I’ve had a chance to beat the living hell out of these grips for a while, I’ll bring this pistol back into the office for round two of this review, focused on the durability and longevity of Talon’s grips.

Holster Selection: Things to Consider

During my 1,900 hours as a defensive shooting instructor one of the dominating questions I was asked was about holster selection. In my experience this is the hardest one to answer. I have good news and bad new for you: The perfect holster match for your body shape, selected firearm, carry position, and attire exists. It’s also likely to be the fourth or fifth holster you try.

Dara, Theis, Alien Gear, Clinger, Raw Dog Tactical, High Threat Concealment, 1791 Gun Leather, Coast, the guy down the street, and that latest-and-greatest brand they push at the local gun store. They all are the perfect match for someone, just maybe not you. What makes them either the prefect match or not depends on features, comfort threshold, carry position, cost, and mission of the day.

Personally I break one of the fundamental tactical rules and rotate between a few different holsters and handguns depending on my attire and tasks for the day. This is a tactical no-no because it means that my draw and pistol handling will vary from one combination to the next. Fortunately thousands of rounds and hundreds of hours of training along with weekly practice give me a false sense of confidence in my decision. Besides, if I wasn’t willing to try different combinations how would I know what worked best?

The video below has some knowledge nuggets that with any luck can help you find a favorite by your third or even second attempt instead of fourth or fortieth.

Now this guide is merely a guide and not a definitive end-all, be-all of holsters. The same considerations listed above have applied to me and so I can’t speak to holsters for every gun model, carry position, or clothing type. What I can say is that using my Bersa BP9CC in an Alien Gear holster with Ulti Clips I’ve been able to comfortably conceal at a trade show while wearing slacks and a tucked-in dress shirt. I love my Grand Power P11 and found it to fit nicely and ride very comfortably in an outside-the-waistband from 1791 Gun leather. My Walther PPS M2 rides very nicely in my No Print Wonder from Clinger Holsters. For the worst-case scenario my Walther P99AS is easily concealed in my SOG bag which also houses an Ally One from Angel Armor.

Yes, every one of those links takes you to more information about those options, so bookmark this page and use this as a guide and hopefully we’ll help you feel safer sooner than unguided exploration might have done. Let us know what you carry and in what in the comments below.

BLACKHAWK Releases Next Evolution of Master Grip Principle Holsters: The T-SERIES

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – April 10, 2019 – BLACKHAWK™ products are relied on and revered by top tier law enforcement and military personnel around the world. BLACKHAWK has spent the past several years, behind closed doors in their Bozeman, Montana facility, taking their attention to detail and quality engineering to an even higher level to create the ultimate line of duty-rated holsters – the T-Series™.

The T-Series is the next evolution of BLACKHAWK’s Master Grip Principle. The Master Grip Principle provides a critical benefit for end users because it compliments intuition; the user will never have to re-learn how to use their equipment. As the user naturally reaches down to draw on the holster their hand lands exactly where it should to deploy their sidearm. With its streamlined thumb-activated retention, the T-Series keeps your firearm at the ready while maintaining total security.

The low-friction, dual-density internal material makes for a smooth and effortless draw while the exterior provides high-durability with a proprietary glass reinforced nylon and soft touch polymer liner. This durable material provides protection with a sleek design for minimal bulk.

Available in Level 2 or Level 3 configurations, there’s a fit for any need. This new line of holsters is just the beginning of the anticipated innovations to come out of BLACKHAWK this year; there are plans to release compact, light-bearing, and RMR compatible versions of the T-Series. This and many other BLACKHAWK products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

About BLACKHAWK
In 1990, a Navy SEAL was navigating a minefield when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground he vowed that if he got out of there alive he would make gear the right way. Today, this obsession with quality applies to everything we do. We’re constantly researching, refining and perfecting every detail to provide gear that won’t let you down. Because we’re not just making stuff. We’re honoring a vow.

Precision Holsters Ultra Carry Series IWB Holsters

I am frequently asked which holster I prefer. I will preface the answer with it depends on your task threat and environment, but my go-to is the Ultra Carry Elite by Precision Holsters for the following reasons:

Functionality: Excellent mechanics on the draw, excellent retention, etc.
Comfort: Leather backing makes it comfortable and it is a great size/width.
Concealabilty: A great IWB option as it is also tuckable, if necessary, as shown with a GLOCK 19.
Quality: Well built and great materials.

note: an actual draw would be much more violent and effective versus this one trying to video it, black clips hide even better with a black belt, #IPAK also visible at 6 o’clock.

Author – Joseph M. LaSorsa, CPP® currently employed as a senior partner managing and conducting: Protective Operations Training Courses, Executive Protection & Bodyguard Services, Risk Management Consultations & Seminars, Workplace Violence Prevention Seminars & Intervention Services, Security Consultations & Seminars, Private Investigations and Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures with LaSorsa & Associates – an International Protection, Investigations & Consulting Firm.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmlasorsa

Tenicor ARX Holster: A Strong Fortress for Your Pistol

ARX in Latin means a Citadel, Stronghold, Fortress. ARX in Tenicor means a Citadel, a Stronghold, a Fortress for your pistol!

Purposeful Design

The Tenicor ARX holster is a simple design with no hardware to fail you. When you pick the holster up for the first time you’ll be surprised at the lightweight and evident strength.

The shape and weight of the holster lends itself to secure all-day wear. If you care about concealment but prefer an outside the waistband carry, this is the holster you want at or just behind your strong side hip. In a world of fancy and inside the waistband holsters, the Tenicor ARX stands out as thinking outside the box.

A purposeful design of the holster places the gun tight against your body while still being comfortable. The pistol is easy to draw from the Tenicor ARX with a 10 degree forward cant.

Tenicor smartly placed the belt slots on the holster so that the pistol rides high enough to keep the gun from showing without having to wear long shirts or jackets.

Securely Concealed

With your pistol inserted into the Tenicor ARX holster you know it is secure. No frills, no snaps, no buttons, and no-nonsense with the ARX holster.

You have one adjustment point on the holster which allows you to easily adjust the level of retention on your pistol. The holster has integrated belt loops that are angled perfectly for a tight fit to your body that doesn’t pinch. Tenicor paid attention to strength and simplicity when they built the ARX.

Precision Fit

Tenicor has built the ARX holster from custom CAD designs and then precision machined CNC tooling to create a positive fit. Tenicor is currently offering the ARX Holster for the GLOCK pistols in models 19/23, 17/22, 48, 43 and 43x.

When you purchase a Tenicor ARX you also will need to choose a loop size to match your belt. The choices for loop size are 1.50″ or 1.75″.

Lifetime Guarantee

No frills or lengthy explanations are needed from Tenicor on their stance about a warranty. If it fails, they will replace it.

Tenicor is an American design, development, manufacturing, and training company that builds products that work.

As tested, the ARX holster costs $87.00. If you’re Military, Law Enforcement, or a First Responder, contact Tenicor for a coupon code.

Use code LOADOUTROOM for 10% off your order

Duty gear evolved from Zero9 Holsters

Zero9 Holsters is a Cleveland, Ohio based custom Kydex manufacturing company. Zero9 Holsters offer kydex solutions that work for the law enforcement and concealed carry communities.

Keeping up with the Times

When I started working in law enforcement in 1993 I was issued basketweave leather gear. It worked but was heavy, maintenance required, and often uncomfortable. The leather was also quite stiff and squeaky until it broke in. I upgraded to nylon duty gear in the late ’90s and have toyed with some kydex mixed in over the years. I’ve never been completely happy with the options that I’ve found until now.

Zero9 Holsters offers lightweight, maintenance free Kydex solutions for duty gear. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable.

Cleanup

Leather and nylon gear can be a pain to clean up when it’s been exposed to simple messes such as moisture and mud but becomes a nightmare when it has been covered in bloodborne pathogens etc. Kydex makes cleanup a cinch and with the smart mounting solutions like Malice Clips or Tek-Lok, you can easily remove the holster in questions without having to slide everything on and off the belt to get to it.

Kydex holsters are ready to use right away! No break-in period to get the leather to fit properly or quit squeaking.

Looks Great

I went with a plain finish to meet the requirements of my department but Zero9 Holsters offers options for basketweave too. No more curling leather corners or dirty looking nylon gear when you switch to Kydex.

Mounting Solutions

With most Nylon and Leather gear, you are stuck with the belt attachment style and belt attachment location that the manufacturer chooses for you. With Zero9 Holsters, you pick the belt attachment and you pick from several “ride-heights” when you attach it. Just determine where you want the attachment to sit on the case and then apply a small amount of the included threadlocker product to each machine screw and install. It’s that easy to do.

I went with the single handcuff cases for my ASP brand handcuffs, radio holster, upright and open top magazine holster, OC holster, and the AR single magazine pouch holster from Zero9 Holsters.

The handcuff holsters sit high and tight to the belt and give a positive snap when you put them in. They are quiet in the case and stay perfectly oriented for presentation out of the holster.

The radio holster is specific to my radio and fits perfectly. Radio holsters tend to sag out and away from the body with the weight but this holster keeps it in place and easily secures in with a cord that hooks over the volume control.

The triple magazine case takes up the same amount of space as my old double magazine case! It orients the magazines for an easy draw and load.

Highly Recommended

Good gear needs to keep things in place, make it easy to get the required tool and keep things quiet. Zero9 Holsters checks all those boxes and then some. Zero9 is a LEO owned small business that deserves our support. If you have a custom need, let them know! Zero9 Holsters is a Made in the USA company and has a limited lifetime warranty that covers craftsmanship and production issues. Free delivery on individual web orders over $100. Give Zero9 a shot at your business.