Kydex Operator Holster/RE Factor
Initial evaluation
Brian Montgomery, BOLO Report Associate Editor
RE Factor Tactical has a molded holster available, the “Kydex Operator Holster“. Now, to be clear, I understand in advance that there are a number of different custom kydex manufacturers out there. Our staffers so far have worn and evaluated (and some of us continue to wear) holsters from several of the bigger names in this particular niche. There isn’t going to be a huge number of differences from holster to holster. It takes some time wearing one, off duty and on the range, before you can tell what you like about each style.
I’ve been wearing the kydex operator holster for a couple of weeks now. At first, I admit I was skeptical primarily because there are soooo many new Kydex gizmos and “high speed” contraptions being made of it, by everyone from true craftsmen to guys with the right tools in their garage (which is occasionally the best kind).
Wearing a typical Vertx polo, had to stretch to get it to ‘print’. Excellent concealment qualities.
So that said in advance, I now admit it. I loved it. It rode high, close to the body and was barely noticeable as an off-duty/plain clothes accessory. I wore it off-duty under a t-shirt and never worried about printing (it took a little effort to actually get to print for a picture, though in fairness that’s going to also depend on your choice of clothing and your body style–you’re going to see a full size Glock on the hip of a garden gnome in a spandex shirt, regardless of the holster). I took my motorcycle for a spin and wore a soft shell jacket over the top and found it remained largely covered while riding.
I didn’t wear a full-size Glock, instead I carried my 23 and 27 at different times and the fit was great. No rattle, never any feeling of not having my weapon secure.
Yes, that’s a maple bacon donut from Voodoo Donuts.
The “cons”: First, some wearers will have an issue with passive retention by itself. I would never wear it on duty, where I had to worry about weapon retention. That said, very few people would buy this style of holster for duty wear, at least on a standard duty belt. More significantly, I have to remove my entire belt in order to don and doff the holster. This is a problem with almost all the holsters I use because yes, I’m one of those guys…one of the Devil’s children…a Lefty (not politically – but that’s for an entirely different article). If I could have it my way, I would ask the designers to figure out a way to attach and remove the holster from a belt without removing the belt (oh well).
The price is reasonable, compared to most other kydex holsters. They all seem to cost about the same.
So, southpaw issues aside, it is definitely worth checking out and I plan to use this in my regular rotation of off-duty holsters.
That is all for now.
Specs:
Kydex Holster Specifications:
- Kydex LLC; 0.080″ Flat Tactical Black Kydex T
- 18-8 Stainless Steel Screw Posts – Slotted
- Black Oxidized Low Profile / No Snag Phillips Screws
- Weather resistant rubber washers. Increased thickness for more screw anti-walk security.
- Black 0.125″ Kydex T belt loops.
- Slight forward cant to accommodate large variety in carry positions. Also allows easier draw/reholster while seated in a vehicle.
- Enough room for a full firing grip while holstered.
- Reduced sweat guard with Index point for easy reholstering. Completely clears the primary thumb during a proper Full firing grip.
- Threaded Barrel mold with drain hole for debris to fall from barrel and allow easy rinsing or blowing out of dust/dirt.
-Holster is molded to exact Glock external dimensions, for perfect fit to firearm. All cuts and contours are made to aid in comfort and concealment.
-Passive retention system allows security of firearm while providing a fast and clean draw.
-Holster will never lose shape or retention.
