RLSmith Holsters–Bombproof Kydex

April 3, 2015 Dave Higginbotham

IWB for a GLOCK 19, and an OWB for the 42.

Check out the holsters: https://www.rlsmithholsters.com

I’m a connoisseur of Kydex. As someone who reviews guns for a living, the holster makers sometimes see me as an easy target. I’ve got to find ways to carry the guns I review, and some of the upstarts are all-too-willing to make a one-off on the hopes that they’ll get a featured spot in a write-up. It is rare that I find something solid enough to consider putting it into constant rotation. It is rarer still that I see a design that is unique enough to really deserve mention.

What I’m getting at here is something I’m not really qualified to say. I’ve made leather holsters, but not Kydex. Still, I feel it is a craft that most can handle–to a point. The true craftsmen differentiate themselves by adding something unique, or doing everything so well that the fit and finish is flawless.

Today, I’m here to talk about RLSmith Holsters. These are, in the grand tradition of Kydex, remarkably well built holsters from a small shop. Cottage industry. The options Smith offers are easily customized, but the vision he’s working with seems to be based on strength. These are stout designs built from thick Kydex, and over-bolted. They may be the most substantially built Kydex holsters I’ve ever seen.

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1) minimal size/function ratio
2) Natural curvature built into holster to fit the body
3) Safety features built into holster,i.e.: covered trigger guard; covered magazine release; clear sight channel
4) clean aesthetics, polished fit and finish
5)FOMI clips for IWB; Warlock belt loop attachments for OWB; Screws instead of rivets
6) Quality assurance performed on each and every holster
7) Lifetime guarantee on all products we sell
8) Choice of carry positions
9) Large selection of colors

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An OWB for the GLOCK 42. You can see how the curve makes it stand off the table a bit.

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I’ve been carrying my GLOCK 42 in this OWB rig all winter. As I had the benefit of heavier cover, I didn’t want an IWB. I wanted to see what it would be like to carry a smaller gun on my hip instead of inside the waistband. And I like it–a lot. The hefty design and snug fit means that the 42 snicks in and locks in place. While it is still easy enough to draw, it rides so securely that no natural movement can dislodge the pistol.

There’s only one element about the design that I’d change. The single belt loop is solid, like everything else on these dudes, but it doesn’t allow me to split the two loops over a belt loop, which is how I typically keep an OWB holster from shifting around. This is less of an issue if you wear your belt tighter, which is what I’ve been doing.

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OWB for the 42.

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IWB for the 19.

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On the flip side, I often carry the bigger GLOCK in the waist band. I’d put this holster on par with others in this class. The clip sits along side the frame, which adds to the width you have to conceal. That’s never been a problem for me, as I have enough of my own width to conceal most anything. But there are others that like the belt loops, or clips, to be moved out to the sides for a flatter overall holster. For those who don’t mind the clip in this position, though, this is a well built rig.

Prices on these start at $65, and go up marginally depending on the options you add. Check out the shop here: . They’ve got more than 135 guns in the library, so finding the right model should be easy enough.

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Clear sight channels help keep sights working properly.

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