Fobus holster and the Colt Commander

Purchased today, solely because I forgot to pack a carry holster for my Colt, was a Fobus C-21 paddle holster.

Fabricated from formed plastic with bits of metal here and there, this holster is as unlike my usual Galco leather goods as can be imagined. In one giant leap, ancient leatherworking craftsmanship gives way to modern mass produced plastic wear.






I have never owned a paddle type holster, so this will be a new adventure on all counts. Normally favoring a Galco JAK slide for any semi-auto I happen to carry, I’ve become accustomed to a holster thats minimal and comfortable, while still having good retention.

Here, I picture the holster on the belt with the paddle outside the pants, giving an idea of its fit and ride angle. A wide, stiff, belt would suit this holster much better.




The Fobus holster seems to get mixed reviews. While most note it’s relatively low price, many reviewers question its fit. It will be some time before I can give a knowledgeable tale regarding the rig; but here are my first impressions…

The holster has no external snap, strap, or latch. It relies on a molded plastic impression snapping into the trigger guard for retention of the weapon. While this may not be a bad way to secure a DA automatic with it’s hammer down, or a 1911 Colt with grip and frame safeties, I would pass on carrying my S+W M+P automatic in this holster. The M+P relies on internal safeties, and a shooter who knows enough not to pull the trigger unless a shot is desired. As such, trigger guard retention may not be the finest plan. I know thousands carry M+P’s, Glocks, and other such striker fired pistols in these holsters, but my comfort level would be threatened.



My Colt Combat Commander rides in the Fobus holster snugly, without annoying slop or rattling. Its carry angle is appropriate for wear just behind the hip, and draw is fairly natural. A stiff yank is required to bring the pistol smoothly from the holster, with a decided forward drag on the pistol. Pulling slowly, or drawing with a rearward cant is just as likely to pull the entire pistol and holster off the belt as a unit. Using a stiff draw motion allows the weapon to snap free reasonably well, but I suspect a fair amount of practice will be required to make the motion second nature.

A downside to this: Quietly drawing the weapon without any fuss is problematic. I can see where that could be an issue one day. Perhaps the holster will wear in a bit with use and range time, allowing a smoother draw.

Any more review will have to wait till the holster has been in use a while. It may end up in the box ‘o holsters most shooters build over the years or it may enter regular use for carrying the Colt. We shall see.