The conventional wisdom about universal holsters is that they suck. In the modern era, though, we’ve seen a few examples of modern quasi-universal holsters that defy that wisdom. I use the term quasi-universal to describe these holsters because they aren’t truly universal. Then again, even the crap-tier nylon universal holsters aren’t truly universal. The holsters I’ve chosen here might not be truly universal, but they are as close as it gets.
Most folks probably don’t need a universal holster and are better served with a purpose-built standard holster that’s been molded for their particular gun. For some, however, that might not be an option. As a fan of lots of old and weird guns, finding holsters for them is a real hassle. Also, as a guy who reviews guns fairly frequently, I like having holsters that fit multiple guns. If you have a variety of guns and don’t want to spend 50 to 100 bucks on a holster for each, then these holsters might work.
Before we get into the holsters, let’s clarify that they don’t work well with most small guns. The smallest guns they work with are guns like the Glock 26. They are not going to work with pocket pistols or most micro-compact weapons.
The Best Universal Holsters
The factors that make a good universal holster are the same factors that make a good holster in general. With universal holsters, you’ll need to focus on ensuring the trigger is adequately covered and the retention of the holster doesn’t suck.
It should not move around inside the holster and should be locked into place. The main problem with crap-tier universal holsters is they don’t fit any gun very well.
We also want easy access. Holsters like the classic Bianchi UM92 and M12 holsters are fairly safe, rugged, and have great retention but are slow to draw. Why the military ever adopted them is well beyond me. (They aren’t terrible, to be fair, they just aren’t great.)
The Safariland 576/578 GLS Pro-Fit
In the interest of full transparency, I write for Safariland. They pay me, but they aren’t paying me for this article. I purchased the 576 GLS Pro-Fit with my own money. The 576 GLS is a traditional strong-side OWB holster. The 576 seems to be out of production but is still for sale at various outlets. Safariland appears to haveto condense its GLS (Grip Lock System) line and still produces the 578 model. The differences between the two are minor. The 576 has a belt loop, and the 578 has a paddle.
The GLS Pro-Fit active retention design might be one of the more ingenious systems even devised. The user is tasked with making slight adjustments to the holster to allow it to fit various pistols. Safariland claims it can fit over 225 different gun models. The open bottom allows for XL guns like the GLOCK 34, and I’ve been able to fit guns as small as an M&P Shield. The adjustments include adding a shim to the portion that engages the trigger guard. The shim is necessary if the trigger guard is less than half an inch wide.
The other adjustment uses an Allen key to adjust the portion of the holster that sits against the dust cover. When tightened properly, you can fit a CZ 75, a GLOCK 20, a 1911, and beyond. Outside of ultra-small guns, the Pro-Fit series fits them all.
The GLS active retention system has a deactivation lever that’s pressed when the user grips the gun. That frees the pistol with a natural grip and makes draws quick and easy. Depending on the user, the GLS Pro Fit series could be an option for concealed carry. It’s an OWB rig, but the 576 belt loop models sit fairly tightly to the body.
The Phalanx Defense Stealth Operator Series
The Phalanx Defense Stealth Operator series was the first universal holster that changed my mind about universal holsters. These rigs use a specially molded design that places the retention point on the trigger guard. It ‘clicks’ over your trigger guard and holds most weapons quite tightly.
It works with the Walther PPS, the GLOCK 17, and many more. It doesn’t, however, work with guns with thin trigger guards. Pistols like the 1911 and CZ 75 won’t fit. This is passive retention. It tends to fit guns based more on width than length.
The Stealth Operator works well with most modern handguns. The few I ever found too big were the Walther PPX, and the Hi-Point series. Other than that you can shove just about anything into it, including subcompact GLOCKs. The Stealth Operator holsters come in both compact and full sizes. The compact is shorter with an open bottom and the full size model encloses the end of the barrel.
There are also IWB options with metal clips for enhanced concealment. The OWB option clings tight to the body and makes concealment easy with nothing more than a slightly baggy shirt. These rigs are very well made. I paid $30 for one almost a decade ago and it still works just fine.
The Blackhawk Omnivore
The Blackhawk Omnivore takes a different approach to fitting a multitude of guns. Instead of locking around the trigger guard, the Omnivore uses an accessory mounted to your rail. There are two types, one for pistols with a light and one for those without. With a light, the Omnivore fits the Surefire X300 and the Streamlight TLR-1 or 2. Without a light, you can use a small locking block that attaches to a rail. Either way, your pistol needs a rail to make this work.
This also makes the holster fairly gun sensitive. Anything smaller than a GLOCK 19 isn’t likely to fit, but this is the only universal option I know of that allows you to carry a light on your gun. The Omnivore series also uses active retention. It’s a thumb driven design that makes it easy to free the holster and also ensures proper retention.
The Omnivore is too big to conceal and the instructions make it clear this isn’t mean to be a duty holster. You also need to pay attention to the height at which your weapon sits. Some guns will sit too high and expose the trigger a bit too much for safety. If you’re willing to be observant the Omnivore series works well for range, hunting, and similar use.
Blackhawk has a pretty big ecosystem for their guns. The Omnivore can use Blackhawk’s SERPA accessories, so belt loops, paddles, thigh rigs and more are readily available for end user. The Omnivore is also pretty affordable, and who doesn’t like saving money?
Not All Universal Holsters Suck
The moral of this little story is that while most universal holsters suck, not all of them do. There are a few that are well designed and have proven themselves successful. The three listed above are my personal favorites, and I’ve used the all fairly extensively throughout the years. They aren’t perfect for everyone — nothing is — but in many cases a universal holster might be a great option for you. While a dedicated holster is usually better, sometimes that’s just not an option.
I wish Safariland had an OWB version of their ‘Species’ line with GLS.
I like the species IWB for my Sig P365 X-Macro, its the first IWB Safariland I’ve liked and I’ve been through most of theirs and tried them. It just seems to fit just right in my carry position. But I also like the styling and size too which I wish Safariland had in an OWB with GLS.
Just NO! For $20-30 more you can get a Vedder that is made to fit your gun. Just like you need a good gunbelt, you need a good holster. I’m sure there are other makes and models of similar cost that are better than some ‘universal’ POS.
I would object strenuously to the inclusion of anyone using a ‘universal’ holster in any training in which I was a participant.
Many of the non-custom holster companies often make one holster that will fit multiple models. You can get a list of every model that holster fits from companies like DeSantis, Safariland, and Galco. That isn’t the same as a universal holster though. I don’t like that idea either.
I’ve had decent luck with several VersaCarry models, fwiw.