Is this holster unsafe? (Hidden Hybrid Holsters)

Pistoler0 · January 9, 2020, 02:57 PM

Hello all,

for the last months I have been carrying AIWB with a holster from Hidden Hybrid Holsters that is very comfortable. However I had concerns about its safety since the trigger bar is a bit exposed (although only on the side that is pressed against my body), as the picture shows:

I sent an email expressing my concerns to Hybrid Hidden Holsters and this was their reply:

<< We went through several designs before settling for this one. With an UNLOADED firearm we tried multiple angles. With this one I was able to push my undershirt, T shirt and hoodie all the way through the trigger guard then holster the pistol without activating the trigger. A higher leather may have made the material stop higher and activate the trigger. I used a lot of material in the trigger guard and could not make my Glock 17 trigger depress. So I am very comfortable that a little material could not activate it either. Unfortunately we do not have anything to retrofit you.>>
-----------------------------------------------------------

My email:
<< Hello, I am a happy owner of one of your holsters, I carry it everyday for AIWB and it is comfortable and it conceals great.
However, there is a small issue with the holster that I think could be easily solved. The issue is that although the kydex portion of the holster fully covers the trigger guard of the Glock, the leather side of the holster seems to be a bit short and leaves part of the trigger exposed. This has me a bit concerned for safety, because obviously, having the trigger guard and trigger accessible by a loose piece of clothing or string while holstered is never a good thing. (pics attached)
I think this would be very easily fixed by just making the leather back a bit bigger. Is this something you retrofit for me if I sent you the holster? >>
--------------------------------------------------------

Do you fellow CCW carriers think, by looking at the pictures above, that this holster is safe to wear?

TunnelRat · January 9, 2020, 03:18 PM

Leaves something to be desired from my perspective. There's not just the question of something getting in the trigger guard and activating the trigger, but something getting behind it and stopping the trigger from being pressed when you need to. I had Alien Gear holsters with the same fitment "issue". I switched to a different design. His point of doing it that way to prevent inadvertent material from entering the holster and activating the trigger as the pistol is fully seated isn't completely without merit in my view, but I think you open up the door to other problems

The reality is you may well be fine. But if it leaves you leery, there are a lot of holster options.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

kenny53 · January 9, 2020, 03:32 PM

It doesn't look like the best holster I have ever seen. I think the odds of something bad happening because of the holster are one in several million. I would get something different.

Tactical Jackalope · January 9, 2020, 03:38 PM

I generally don't like hybrid holsters of any kind.

The person is unsafe, yes, but the holster can also be.

**44 AMP** · January 12, 2020, 12:28 AM

I think if you have any concerns at all, then you need to carry a different gun/holster combination.

Worry or apprehension could actually cause a problem that otherwise wouldn't exist.

TXAZ · January 12, 2020, 01:37 AM

^^^^^^^^^ What 44AMP said.

Nanuk · January 12, 2020, 12:34 PM

Only if you are. Looks like a nice holster. How do you like carrying it?

Nathan · January 12, 2020, 02:28 PM

I would like a joggle covering the trigger a bit more, but I wouldn’t worry about what you have. It is cut out there to get a full firing grip with big hands.

I am much more concerned that the top is blocking getting the web of my hand up high enough.

stephen426 · January 12, 2020, 03:32 PM

The important part of the trigger (the actual face of the trigger) is covered and would prevent anything from depressing the trigger once the gun is in the holster. If something is snagged when holstering, I am not sure that a fully covered trigger would do much to prevent the trigger from being depressed, save a manual safety.

I know that anything can happen, but we are normally only required to be fast OUT of the holster rather than fast INTO the holster.

Pistoler0 · January 13, 2020, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanuk

Only if you are. Looks like a nice holster. How do you like carrying it?

As far as comfort and accessibility it is superb, I got different holsters and this one is my favorite to carry (I carry appendix). I have it on right now as I am typing this.

May I add that retention is also very good.

If one is to research reviews and recommendations regarding holsters, again and again one will find that one of the main requirements that is put forth as a must for holster safety is that the trigger guard and trigger must be COMPLETELY covered. This is the point of view of many professionals and firearms experts that know much more about the topic than I do.

I think that an extra square inch of leather would have gone a long way to make these otherwise super comfortable and versatile holsters safe from any doubts/criticism. But I really like it and I guess the purpose of this post is to make sure that I am not carrying something that a majority of fellow CCW holders with more experience than me would consider to be reckless.

Nathan · January 13, 2020, 03:58 PM

Quote:

. save a manual safety.

Good idea there.

Koda94 · January 13, 2020, 10:41 PM

I wouldn't use any holster that didn't fully cover the trigger area. I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of otherwise high quality holsters and designs from of all people should be well trained and experienced carriers of guns, the people who make holsters.

5whiskey · January 14, 2020, 05:52 AM

Nathan hit it in post 8. It is designed that way to allow for big hands to more easily grasp the firearm during the draw. I have made quite a few leather holsters and my first couple of efforts completely covered the entire trigger guard. I found that drawing was encumbered, and figured out why. I now do not worry about complete coverage of the entire trigger guard area so long as the trigger is adequately protected. This holster appears pretty safe to me but I personally do not like leaving quite that much of the trigger guard area exposed. If for no other reason than appearance.

Nanuk · January 14, 2020, 07:48 AM

Quote:

If one is to research reviews and recommendations regarding holsters, again and again one will find that one of the main requirements that is put forth as a must for holster safety is that the trigger guard and trigger must be COMPLETELY covered. This is the point of view of many professionals and firearms experts that know much more about the topic than I do.

I have been carrying a pistol professionally for 40 years, on and off duty. That is one of the safest holsters I have ever seen. There is no reasonable way anything can get to the face of that trigger to depress it once it is safely holstered. If something interferes with the trigger during holstering all bets are off. With AIWB I always recommend that when holstering the holster be removed, the gun holstered and the the holster returned AIWB. Too many people today are in a rush to holster, take your time holstering.

The duty holsters we used with revolvers rarely covered ANY of the trigger guard.

If it really bothers you I will pay shipping, send it to me for disposal.

USNRet93 · January 14, 2020, 08:10 AM

Quote:

With AIWB I always recommend that when holstering the holster be removed, the gun holstered and the the holster returned AIWB. Too many people today are in a rush to holster, take your time holstering.

Agree 100%..what I do everytime. I don't get this need for 'speed' to reholster, particularly considering so many ND happen when you do that..reholster fast..IWB type holsters..

TunnelRat · January 14, 2020, 08:22 AM

I reholster on my body. Rushing to reholster is absolutely a problem. If you're reholstering it's because the threat has abated. That said, I still prefer a bit more of the trigger guard covered. As some have mentioned, with hybrid holsters cutting out more material makes it easier to get a hand in there. I prefer pure kydex holsters that are cut to the outline of the pistol. In those designs it's generally easier to cover the trigger guard without interfering with grip.

You can always try carrying the pistol around the house without a round chambered and see what you think after a bit.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Pistoler0 · January 14, 2020, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanuk

The duty holsters we used with revolvers rarely covered ANY of the trigger guard.

If it really bothers you I will pay shipping, send it to me for disposal.

No, I am happy with the holster and it does not bother me. That's why I posted this piece, I wanted to gauge more experienced CCW carrier's opinions as to whether or not it "should" worry me.

But regarding your other point, a revolver with a 12 lbs DA trigger and a striker fired weapon are totally different beasts when it comes to accidental discharge during holstering.

adamBomb · January 15, 2020, 09:52 AM

I personally prefer to have the trigger guard covered. Is what you have fine? Probably is completely fine, the main part is covered. But I am paranoid and it would bother me that is wasn't fully covered.

Nanuk · January 15, 2020, 08:49 PM

Quote:

But regarding your other point, a revolver with a 12 lbs DA trigger and a striker fired weapon are totally different beasts when it comes to accidental discharge during holstering.

My revolvers have nowhere near 12lb triggers. Closer to a smooth 8.

zoo · January 15, 2020, 10:25 PM

Quote:

But regarding your other point, a revolver with a 12 lbs DA trigger and a striker fired weapon are totally different beasts when it comes to accidental discharge during holstering.

I've never had a revolver with anything near a twelve pound trigger pull. And I've shot a LOT of different revolvers.

Closest I've ever come to that kind of pull was the pull on a High Standard .22 mag Derringer. Even at that I recall stories of people shooting themselves in their keisters or leg playing quick draw Mcgraw with those derringers.

Believe me, regardless what you carry you don't want anything yanking on the trigger other than you in the act of shooting it.

T. O'Heir · January 16, 2020, 01:48 PM

Trigger itself is covered so it's fine. Sure isn't pretty though.
With commercial products you need to think in terms of liability. Manufacturers are terrified of stupid laws suits. And rightly so. It costs a big pile of money to defend against a frivolous law suit, even when you win. So the chances of any such product not being safe are slim.
Oh and a revolver with a 12 lbs DA trigger isn't safe. It's junk. Just like a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. So is a revolver with an excessively heavy DA trigger. Pulling one sends the muzzle in who knows what direction.

January 12, 2020, 12:28 AM	#5
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,820	I think if you have any concerns at all, then you need to carry a different gun/holster combination. Worry or apprehension could actually cause a problem that otherwise wouldn't exist. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 12, 2020, 01:37 AM	#6
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	^^^^^^^^^ What 44AMP said. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

January 12, 2020, 12:34 PM	#7
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	Only if you are. Looks like a nice holster. How do you like carrying it? __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

January 12, 2020, 03:32 PM	#9
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	The important part of the trigger (the actual face of the trigger) is covered and would prevent anything from depressing the trigger once the gun is in the holster. If something is snagged when holstering, I am not sure that a fully covered trigger would do much to prevent the trigger from being depressed, save a manual safety. I know that anything can happen, but we are normally only required to be fast OUT of the holster rather than fast INTO the holster. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

January 13, 2020, 10:41 PM	#12
Koda94 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: Cascadia Posts: 1,294	I wouldn't use any holster that didn't fully cover the trigger area. I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of otherwise high quality holsters and designs from of all people should be well trained and experienced carriers of guns, the people who make holsters. __________________ lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2

January 9, 2020, 03:18 PM	#2
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,215	Leaves something to be desired from my perspective. There's not just the question of something getting in the trigger guard and activating the trigger, but something getting behind it and stopping the trigger from being pressed when you need to. I had Alien Gear holsters with the same fitment "issue". I switched to a different design. His point of doing it that way to prevent inadvertent material from entering the holster and activating the trigger as the pistol is fully seated isn't completely without merit in my view, but I think you open up the door to other problems The reality is you may well be fine. But if it leaves you leery, there are a lot of holster options. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

January 9, 2020, 03:32 PM	#3
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	It doesn't look like the best holster I have ever seen. I think the odds of something bad happening because of the holster are one in several million. I would get something different.

January 9, 2020, 03:38 PM	#4
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	I generally don't like hybrid holsters of any kind. The person is unsafe, yes, but the holster can also be.

January 12, 2020, 02:28 PM	#8
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	I would like a joggle covering the trigger a bit more, but I wouldn’t worry about what you have. It is cut out there to get a full firing grip with big hands. I am much more concerned that the top is blocking getting the web of my hand up high enough.

January 14, 2020, 05:52 AM	#13
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,652	Nathan hit it in post 8. It is designed that way to allow for big hands to more easily grasp the firearm during the draw. I have made quite a few leather holsters and my first couple of efforts completely covered the entire trigger guard. I found that drawing was encumbered, and figured out why. I now do not worry about complete coverage of the entire trigger guard area so long as the trigger is adequately protected. This holster appears pretty safe to me but I personally do not like leaving quite that much of the trigger guard area exposed. If for no other reason than appearance. __________________ Support the NRA-ILA Auction, ends 03/09/2018 https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=593946

January 14, 2020, 08:22 AM	#16
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,215	I reholster on my body. Rushing to reholster is absolutely a problem. If you're reholstering it's because the threat has abated. That said, I still prefer a bit more of the trigger guard covered. As some have mentioned, with hybrid holsters cutting out more material makes it easier to get a hand in there. I prefer pure kydex holsters that are cut to the outline of the pistol. In those designs it's generally easier to cover the trigger guard without interfering with grip. You can always try carrying the pistol around the house without a round chambered and see what you think after a bit. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

January 15, 2020, 09:52 AM	#18
adamBomb Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2015 Location: coastal NC Posts: 645	I personally prefer to have the trigger guard covered. Is what you have fine? Probably is completely fine, the main part is covered. But I am paranoid and it would bother me that is wasn't fully covered.

January 16, 2020, 01:48 PM	#21
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Trigger itself is covered so it's fine. Sure isn't pretty though. With commercial products you need to think in terms of liability. Manufacturers are terrified of stupid laws suits. And rightly so. It costs a big pile of money to defend against a frivolous law suit, even when you win. So the chances of any such product not being safe are slim. Oh and a revolver with a 12 lbs DA trigger isn't safe. It's junk. Just like a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. So is a revolver with an excessively heavy DA trigger. Pulling one sends the muzzle in who knows what direction. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!