Do universal holsters universally suck?
That’s a good question, and the answer is categorically a big no. A lot of them certainly suck, but not all of them.
As a gun writer, I get lots of guns to test and evaluate. These include a variety of handguns, and it’s challenging to test a firearm without a holster. It’s also expensive to buy a new holster for guns I’m sending back to the providing company anyway.
This has led me to find a variety of multi-fit holsters that work. Through experimentation, I’ve found a few that I enjoy. Each has its purpose, and each one is capable of holding a multitude of different guns.
These five holsters most certainly don’t suck.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best OWB Holster
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Best OG Holster
Table of Contents
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Universal Holster Comparison Chart
| Type | Retention Style | Material | Light Bearing Option | Price | |
| Blackhawk Omnivore | OWB | Active Retention, Thumb Release | Polymer | Yes | $45 |
| Phalanx Defense Stealth Operator | OWB | Tightened frame | Polymer | No | $35 |
| Bianchi M12 | OWB | Flap | Cloth | No | $92 |
| LAS Concealment Tanto | AIWB | Retention Adjustment Screw | Polymer | Yes | $87 |
| PHLster Floodlight | IWB & OWB | Shock Cord | Polymer | Yes | $138 |
Best Universal Holsters
1. Blackhawk Omnivore – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Active retention with thumb release
- Works with a variety of pistols
- Durable and reliable thanks to polymer construction
Cons
- Bulky design makes concealed carry tougher
- Active retention has a learning curve to it
Poor Blackhawk has had a helluva time recovering from that time Tex Grebner shot himself in the leg with a 1911.
Besides that, the SERPA holster was mainly declared unsafe and fell out of use quickly after a few more NDs occurred. That didn’t stop Blackhawk from trying to be innovative with the Omnivore.
The Blackhawk Omnivore incorporated several of the good ideas from the SERPA and introduced them to a holster that requires only a rail or light to house your gun.
Blackhawk gave the Omnivore the same mounting system as the SERPA and allows the use of SERPA leg rigs, paddles, belt loops, and more. The Omnivore is also made from polymer.
It comes in two models, a light-bearing model and a standard rail model. This holster can accommodate over 150 guns, provided they are equipped with a rail or a flashlight.
The simpler railed model uses a small block that attaches to the rail and is then the basis for the holster’s retention.
The light-bearing models are made for the Streamlight TLR 1 and 2, and a separate model for the X300 lights from Surefire. The standard model is okay, but the light-bearing model is so much more innovative and useful, in my opinion.
From where I’m standing, the ability to drop a light on nearly any gun and then drop it in my Omnivore is quite valuable.
The Omnivore is a level 2 holster that uses active retention. Instead of the dreaded trigger finger release, the Omnivore uses a thumb release. Press the release down as you grip your gun and draw your weapon.
It’s a bulky holster, so don’t expect to conceal it. For the range, hunting, or open carry of any kind, the Omnivore is a solid choice.
I keep the Omnivore on my Battle Belt, and that’s perfect because one day, I may carry a Polymer 80 Glock 17, or maybe a Magnum Research MR9, or perhaps a railed 1911.
I have all the choices. Also, the Omnivore works with 1911s equipped with Recover Tactical rails, which was a pleasant surprise. All I have to do is move my TLR 1 from gun to gun.
It’s simple, and the holster is effective and customizable, and sturdy enough for daily use.
The Omnivore is also affordable and makes it a solid choice for my line of work.
2. Phalanx Defense Stealth Operator – Best OWB Holster
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- IWB and OWB versions available
- Solid trigger guard with audible retention click
- Low-profile design makes it easy to conceal
Cons
- Open bottom compact models mean barrel is exposed
- Less refined than other models
This was the holster that first made me realize that universal holsters don’t have to suck. The Stealth Operator isn’t my favorite name, but it’s one of my favorite holsters.
This holster is a Kydex rig that comes in both OWB and IWB models, as well as compact and full-size variants.
I owned both the OWB compact and full-sized variants for years and found them through a local gun store. Gainesville is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from me and is where Phalanx Defense is located.
It’s an excellent shop, and they’ve even taken me on a tour of their historic building.
The holster is the star of the show, though. It’s a very low-profile design that’s small enough for concealed carry and sits tight to the body.
The Stealth Operator is a holster system that utilizes a tightened frame with a particular point that locks the gun into the holster by the trigger guard.
You’ll get an excellent loud click when you holster your weapon to let you know it’s retained.
The compact model has an open bottom to accommodate most small-sized guns. It will also fit full-sized firearms, but their barrel will stick out of the holster quite a bit.
If you’re looking for something bigger, the full-sized will accommodate your Glock 17s, CZ P09s, and several more without the barrel poking out.
The holster uses two belt loops for OWB and two metal clips for IWB options. It comes in multiple colors and even a few hydro-dipped special editions. After carrying and using these holsters for years, I’ve become a big fan of them.
They accommodate so many different guns. This includes weapons like the Walther PPS, a subcompact 9mm single-stack, all the way up to a CZ P09 with its 21-round magazine and double-stack design.
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These holsters cling tightly to the body and hold your weapon very securely. I’ve never felt one move or slide out in any way. They are the most modern designs on this list and allow for both concealed carry and tactical use.
I own several for a reason.
I trust them, and when it comes to a lot of different pistols sent for testing and evaluating, I’m often using these holsters to carry, to draw from, and to help me test the weapon.
What’s your take on the Stealth Operators? Rate it below!
3. Bianchi M12 – Best OG Holster
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Pros
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Covers the pistol and prevents dirt/debris contact
- Simple design so less failure points
Cons
- Bulk and flap design make it tough to EDC and access quickly
- Limited to larger framed pistols
When I was first issued an M9, I got a green Bianchi M12 to carry it.
These old holsters have been in use forever and were affectionately known as the Suicide Holster.
If you had to draw from it, you’d be dead before you cleared leather.
This is most certainly an out-of-date holster, and the SERPA quickly became the preferred model for carrying our M9s.
The M12 is an old holster, but it’s a tough old broad. When I was young and obsessed with being a modern warfighter, I overlooked the usefulness of the M12.
Sure, it’s no longer a warfighting holster, but it can certainly be an excellent range, hunting, or hiking holster.
You’d be hard-pressed to fight a holster with such a simple but robust retention system. That big flap will keep your gun in place, rain or shine.
It isn’t coming out till you want it out. The M12 can attach to a belt, be rigged to a tanker-style chest harness, or even to a MOLLE platform. Several military surplus rigs allow you to carry just about any way you want.
The Bianchi M12 doesn’t just keep your gun in the holster, but also protects the firearm from the environment well, too.
This holster almost completely covers the gun, meaning if you fall down a hill, not only will you retain the weapon, but it will be a lot cleaner than you are.
The M12 uses a pull tab that large and easy to reach, pull it down, and the holster flap unlocks and allows you to draw your pistol. It’s not quick or modern, but it’s effective.
The simplicity of the design means it’s hard to break and will work chock full of dirt, mud, or sand. It won’t fail unless you glue it shut. Even though it’s an old holster, it is durable, water-resistant, and I’ve never seen one break.
I’ve had this one for a decade, and it keeps on keeping on. It’s not High Speed, but it is useful in a specific role. It does limit you to Glock 19-sized guns and up. It’s a great companion to a woods gun or a hiking piece.
4. LAS Concealment Tanto – Best AIWB
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Works with weapon mounted lights
- Barrel-length options offer a more tailored fit
- Excellent concealment with grip-tucking
Cons
- AIWB only
The LAS Concealment Tanto was a nice surprise and a holster I’ve been carrying for the last few months. The Tanto is an AIWB holster that indexes on the light, just like the Floodlight. However, it takes steps to differentiate itself and to provide different options for different barrel lengths to provide a better fit overall.
The Tanto can also use a variety of Streamlight designs, the Surefire X300, and the ModLite pistol series. Users can pick from three different clip designs and a variety of attachments, including a spare magazine pouch.
The Tanto takes steps to reduce the holster’s size and increase comfort overall. For example, the “shark fin” cut, as LAS Concealment calls it, eliminates excess material around the weapon light. The corners are melted and sanded down to prevent pinching and rubbing.
This is another reason why you choose your barrel length. Instead of just embracing one long length, you can choose a shorter length to better fit your gun and make it easier to carry the holster.
The Tanto tucks the grip of the pistol inward, more toward the body. This helps with concealment and makes carrying something like a CZ P09 full-sized gun easy to conceal with minimal printing.
Like any modern concealed carry holster, the Tanto is designed to work with red dots. It has an open cut and can also accommodate suppressor-height sights.
The Tanto provides a comfortable, easy-to-conceal universal holster that allows for the fast draw of appendix carry with a variety of customization options and smart design cues. It’s comfortable, easy to conceal, and can fit a wide variety of different firearms fitted with modern accessories.
5. PHLster Floodlight2 – Best High-End Holster
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Adjustable retention using a shock cord
- Supports accessories like optics, threaded barrels, and suppressor height sights
- ComfortScape tech is comfortable and ventilates
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited to specific weapon lights
The PHLster Floodlight is now in its Gen 2 model, but I’m still rocking and rolling with my OG PHLster Floodlight. If you’re buying one now, the Gen 2 will serve you extremely well. This holster uses your light as its index point, so it can function with a ton of different guns. The holsters are light-dependent, and you have to match your holster with your chosen light.
PHLster produces the Floodlight for the Surefire X300 and Streamlight TLR-1 series of lights. If your handgun can attach these lights, it can be carried by the PHLster Floodlight. The Floodlight allows you to carry Glocks, CZs, Walthers, Caniks, Berettas, and so many more.
You can also adjust the retention with ease. The holster indexes on the light, and an easily adjustable shock cord makes it easy to fine-tune the holster’s fit on your weapon’s slide.
Slides aren’t built the same and can be radically different, so it’s nice to adjust the holster to fit your gun. The Floodlight series can accommodate optics, suppressor-height sights, threaded barrels, and most compensators.
The holster is a two-piece frame that’s modular and allows for a variety of different belt clip options. The holster is completely ambidextrous and easy to swap from right- to left-handed design.
The holster’s cut allows for a fast grip and effortless draw. I’ve used both the AIWB (Appendix IWB) and the traditional OWB (Outside the Waistband) versions, and getting the gun up and into action is always quick and seamless.
The PHLster Floodlight Gen 2 comes with PHLster’s new ComfortScape technology. It makes the holster’s surface feel smooth, but also improves concealment and ventilation around the holster. This improves comfort and makes it easy to carry a large gun with a large weapon light.
The PHLster Floodlight is from one of the best concealed carry holster brands available. Universal holsters can be challenging, but PHLster produces exceptional holsters with a proven track record of success.
How We Tested: Universal Holsters
For this round-up, most of the holsters recommended were hands-on tested by Review Analyst Travis Pike.
Holsters were evaluated based on retention, universal compatibility, comfort, adjustability, draw stroke, and reholstering.
Holsters are worn for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours at a time for several weeks. During this testing, reviewers sit, drive, stand, walk/jog/run, bend, and climb stairs. Our reviewers note any hot spots, digging edges, holster shifts, or retention issues.
After several weeks of wear, reviewers reassess clip tension, hardware, sag, comfort, and materials, looking for degradation, color transfer, sweat issues, or any other indications of quality issues.
From there, holsters are taken to the range where they are tested against live fire drills that involve drawing and presenting the firearm and re-holstering. Holsters are assessed for draw efficiency, retention during movement, and reholstering.
Meet the Experts
Freelance writer Travis Pike led the research and evaluation for this article. Travis is an NRA-certified Basic Pistol instructor as well as a concealed carry instructor. He is a USMC veteran and lifelong shooter who brings his knowledge of gear and movement to the testing of holsters.
Final Thoughts
Multi-fit, universal holsters often suck. They typically offer poor retention, poor attachment options, and are generally junk. That’s just a fact in the gun world.
But the holsters listed above most certainly confirm that universal holsters don’t have to suck.
What’s your favorite universal holster? Have any that you love or hate? Want something specific…check out our Best Concealed Carry Holsters. Looking for something to put in your new holster? Then bop on over and read all about the Best Handguns for Beginners!
17 Leave a Reply
The most comfortable holster I have ever used is the Eco Leather holster from Houston Gun Holsters. It doesn't have good retention, so you wouldn't want to use it if you will be physically active, such as when you jog. But for simple walking, they are super comfortable.
Best profiled leather holster,from KAJMAN,Warsaw,Poland
I have 4 different Versa carry leather holsters, 2 IWB and 2 OWD. Also Versa Carry belt. The fit and feel are great for me. Heavy duty and non problematic. My favorites.
You forgot G-Code
With respect, I just can’t make myself use a “universal” holster. I like securing the pistol in either a holster sold specifically for the weapon or having one made for it, leather or kydex. That’s just me though. I do get annoyed at Uncle Mikes Walmart junk being used for EDC.
Surprised to not see anything from Tier 1 concealment here. Their holsters are top-notch, especially the MSP/ modern Samurai project line. Comfortable, great retention, and easy to use and adjust. A little pricey, but aren't all of our accessories and holsters?
Nice thing about the M12 is finding the thumbstrap conversion - remove flap, install strap, its now an open top with retention. The metal clip is also a great innovation, it fits almost any belt regardless. I bolted that clip onto a 2 screw safariland kydex retention duty holster and it works great on a pistol belt now.
These tips were all done in the day, now its pulling hens teeth to find any of it but when you stumble onto one at a surplus store or flea market for $20 you won't find a better field holster for working thru harsh scrub or blackberry thickets.
There being paid to promote Holster's, Simple Marketing 101.....
We actually don't do sponsored posts or receive any money to review products. Our lists are based on what our writers feel like is the best after testing and evaluating different products.
Your Company obviously Don't like any type of Serpa's. Is it because you don't make them??
We don't make any holsters...We're a publication. We simply write about what we like and don't like. That's it.
How'd you manage to make this list and not once mention the PHLster Floodlight? The inclusion of fudd trash like AlienGear and DeSantis tells me pretty much everything I need to know.
Thanks for another great article!
Believe it or not, I have taken to using a pancake universal IWB holster to switch between a compact and subcompact Glock 26 pistol, both with and without lights. In winter it's often dark when walking the dog and my Ruger SR9 and the Glock will both have a streamlight on it. In summer not as often. Still searching for a not too expensive holder that works for the weapon lights on the Ruger as it isn't supported by many holster mfgs...
I disagree, the omnivore is a pretty solid choice if you want to avoid the “drawer full of holsters” for a gun collection. The argument is that the trigger can be reached (on some models) and possible AD can occur while holstered. My question to counter is “who in the hell taught you to draw with your finger in the trigger well?”
Omnivore? No. Just... NO. Trashed, didn't sell off.
I can fire the HOLSTERED weapon with no problem. Check John/ASP's requirements for holster requirements.
The Safariland 578 GLS fits everything full-sized that I own, and I only need to physically change a retainer piece when switching from 1911s to anything with a more squarish frame.
I don’t understand the hate for the Serpa. I still see them getting issued for duty use. I’ve never had my finger come close to entering the trigger guard on the draw, just keep your finger pointed straight and not hooked through the draw.