Remember the good old times? It wasn’t so long ago. Were there ever days when we felt comfortable carrying a single-stack revolver or pistol? Those days, along with our innocent innocence, are long gone. Sidecar magazine holsters have become more popular, and holster companies are now offering a wider range of magazines.
Benefits of a Sidecar magazine holster
I carried a Kahr PM9, a single-stack of 9mm with 6+1 capacity. Later, I switched over to a slightly bigger S&W Shield that had a 7+1 capacity. I chose this model because of its slightly larger grip frame, which allowed me to shoot with a little bit more accuracy.
When Sig introduced the P365 in 2018, with a 10+1 capacity I thought, Who in the world would need all those rounds for a conceal carry gun?
Then we saw the riots in 2020. In this new world, we watched cops helplessly stand by as protagonists burnt down their police stations. The anti-fascists were more fascists that they were anti. They pulled innocent victims out of their cars and beat or worse them.
Even our future Vice-President was seen arranging bail for rioters arrested. In this bizarro universe, law enforcement was the villain and outlaws were untouchable.
Suddenly, micro-compacts such as the P365, Springfield Hellcats, Ruger Max-9s, Mossbergs MC2s and Taurus GX4 made perfect sense! No one wants a mob to confront them. Concealed carriers who are prudent will do all they can to avoid being caught in such a situation.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes we find ourselves in situations that are not our choice. A micro-compact that has a large capacity and a second magazine can be incredibly comforting.
Concealed and Ready
In recent years, holsters worn inside the waistband (IWB), with a magazine carrier attached and worn in appendix position, have become very popular. I’ve grown to love the appendix carry. They are quick, easy to use and easy to conceal. I can reach the gun even while seated, driving and with arthritic elbows and shoulders.
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
This position does not stress either joint. I usually wear a button-down top over a undershirt. I will button one or two buttons over the gun. Access is as simple as grabbing the bottom part of the shirt and grabbing my right hand to the gun.
I used to keep my spare magazine in the pocket on my left side. I know it’s a bad practice, but it was more of a convenience than anything. I have a picture of my S&W Shield disassembled after one year of pocket carrying. The amount of pocket lint, and other junk, that migrated into the S&W Shield magazine was incredible.
This is not a good habit, especially if other items, such as car keys, are also carried in the same pocket. The new appendix IWB Holsters with sidecar magazine carriers have broken me of this bad habits!
The popularity of sidecar-equipped holsters is on the rise. Many companies offer sidecar-equipped gun holsters. The list I have included is not exhaustive, but consists of recent samples sent to me for review.
Black Arch Holsters Entrada
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
I first met the Black Arch Holsters during the 2022 SHOT Show. I was immediately impressed by how innovative, clean, and well-executed the designs were. I was particularly impressed with their Entrada holster, which seemed to make sense for IWB carry.
The Entrada is made of Kydex, which is cut low to accommodate a red dot sight with adjustable retention. It also has a claw that pushes the butt into the wearer’s skin for concealment.
The sidecar magazine carrier is attached to the holster using a flexible polymer-coated webbing. This allows for some movement, without binding. The ride height can be adjusted, and the customer has a choice of three belt clips.
Black Arch makes Entrada for guns up to the size of a Glock 19. This type of holster is a good fit for micro-compact pistols in 9mm. While I was at the booth, I purchased an Entrada for my Springfield Armory Hellcat. I have worn it a lot and am very happy with it.
Black Arch Open Belt
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
You may need to move the buckle on your belt to accommodate the new IWB holsters that have attached sidecars. The clips are usually spread further apart. It is easiest for right-handed people to move the belt buckle to their left.
Consider how thick your buckle is and where the belt overlaps the buckle on the opposite side. Add a holster or belt clip to the belt and belt overlap and you have a big bulge. Black Arch’s Open Belt is a solution that solves this problem.
The 1.5-inch belt, made of polymer-coated webbing is virtually indestructible. It also features a billet 6061 aluminium, hard coat anodized, low-profile buckle. The belt is rigid enough without steel inserts. The belt does not have to be folded over on the opposite side of the buckle. This allows for a more comfortable and trim profile.
Crossbreed Holsters
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
Crossbreed’s new Rogue System is an evolution from their hybrid holsters. It features an all-Kydex design. Its modular design allows for the attachment of a sidecar mag carrier and a concealment claw that pushes the gun’s butt into the body to achieve extreme concealment.
The Rogue System has multiple clip options and adjustable retention. It also offers a ride height that can be adjusted. The Rogue System has a nice bonus: it does not have to be worn in the appendix position. With Crossbreed’s outside-the-waistband loops, the gun can be worn at the strongside position and even cross-draw.
Grant Buckman, Crossbreed’s VP of sales, told me at the 2022 SHOT Show that the Rogue System is currently available for 50 popular carry weapons but that he expected this number to grow quickly to more than 100.
C&G Holsters
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
C&G Holsters kindly sent me a MOD1 modular Kydex Holster System that has some unique features. One of them is a hinge that allows you to push the sidecar and holster inwards, preventing printing. The hinge can be locked or unlocked to provide flexibility.
C&G has cut the holster to accommodate an optic, and there is a tall sight channel if you are using suppressor sights with your gun. The holster’s end is left open to accommodate compensators and threaded muzzles. C&G uses spring-steel clips that are designed to last a lifetime. They are nitride treated for corrosion resistance, and pivot for maximum flexibility.
Both the holster as well as the sidecar can be adjusted for ride height and inclination. A detachable concealment is also available to prevent printing. The sidecar magazine carrier can be swapped out for a tactical light case, handcuff case or knife sheath. C&G offers holsters that are compatible with guns that have lights.
Bravo Concealment
(Photo by Alex Landeen).
Bravo Concealment sent to me their IWB Torsion 3 and magazine carrier. The sidecar mag carrier can be carried separately or attached to the holster. The Bravo Concealment Torsion is made of injection-molded polymer, unlike the other holsters listed here. This gives the holster an unusually clean, precise look.
It has adjustable retention and ride, a tall sighting channel for suppressor sights and a sweat guard. The 1.5-inch molded loops can be “tucked” and the bottom of holster has been left open to accommodate threaded muzzles.
It is lightweight and can be easily inserted into your beltline. Bravo Concealment has been my go-to concealment product for many years.
Abstinence
The best way to survive is to avoid a gunfight. Avoidance is always the best option. My grandmother always told me that “if you look for trouble, it’s likely you will find it!”
We know that we should avoid certain areas of town and to stay at home when there are troublesome events. We don’t all live in a bubble and some unpleasant situations can happen without our knowledge or ability to avoid them.
In these turbulent times we should be armed and vigilant, and get the best possible training.
For more information, please visit BlackArchHolsters.com, CrossbreedHolsters.com, CandGHolsters.com, and BravoConcealment.com.
This article was originally published by Combat Handguns in issue July/August 2022. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email [email protected].
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Personal Defense World published the article A Sidecar Magazine Hoist Provides Extra Ammo During Tough Times.
