The Glock 21 is one of the longest standing semi-automatic weapons in continuous production for the proven Glock line.
It offers a significant caliber, legendary reliability, and plenty of firepower. But it is a bit hefty, with the beefed-up slide and a thick grip profile. This is an article that addresses finding a perfect Glock 21 holster for your carry needs.
The best Glock 21 Holsters are going to be more versatile because the shooter that chooses a .45 ACP Glock 21 over other guns probably has multiple uses and needs in mind. This means you will either be looking for multiple holsters or for one that can handle multiple situations without skipping a beat.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Glock 21 Holsters
- BEST GLOCK 21 HOLSTER WITH LIGHT: R&R Holsters OWB Kydex Holster
- BEST GLOCK 21 CONCEALMENT HOLSTER: Galco International - Concealable Holsters
- BEST GLOCK 21 IWB HOLSTER: Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
Comparison of the Best Glock 21 Holsters
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What Makes a Top of the Line Glock 21 Holster?
Build quality, brand name (because of credibility and history), versatility, and material type are all important factors in determining the right holster.
Just like the Glock, a holster that will do it justice will be well-built from a material befitting of the task, by a company that knows how to deliver quality.
Innovation can also be incredibly important. But not just for the sake of innovation; the innovations should make sense for a majority of shooters.
Glock 21 used in competition (Source)
Here is where the rubber meets the road for holsters.
Mostly, holsters are a traditional, old-school offering, but Kydex, from a material perspective, and forward-thinking companies, from a design perspective, have reinvigorated this market into something that has gotten an incredible amount of attention in the last few years.
These aren’t the only innovation in the holster space either. “New takes” on old-time carry methodologies have given a platform for consumer interaction that has bred conditions that help all consumers find more of what they are looking for.
A note on materials, because they play such an important role in picking a holster style:
Materials
Kydex and leather are the ruling elite as of right now, but polymers are also a popular choice.
Some of the favorite fabric choices of years past have taken a back seat to these other materials, but still offer certain benefits the others cannot, like soft, easy to wear characteristics that only fabric can provide.
Kydex gives you the custom, form fitted, thin profile that has retention and lightweight at the forefront of its design theory.
Leather gives you the natural, time-tested proven results that only leather can provide, including great fit to your body and good wear characteristics.
Polymer is more well-suited to the fast and secure crowd, like competition shooters (which the Glock 21 is no stranger to) but may not be a perfect choice for most concealment conditions because they are not the top choice for rigidity or for lean profiles, so pick a better choice.
That doesn’t discount polymer choices at all, they are excellent for duty, competition, and open carry where security and consistency in drawing is very high demand.
Review of the Best Glock 21 Holsters
The following reviews represent the finest available options with specific details about why they are such a good fit for your Glock 21 and your needs.
Best Glock 21 Holster with Light:
R&R Holsters OWB Kydex Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New Glock 21 users that belonged in either one of two categories: those who conceal carry and those who open carry (where legal). Either way, they were in agreement that the pistol was quick to draw and easy to access with the use of this holster. The overall fit was perfect for most users and it was really comfortable to wear for most.
Why it Stands Out to Us
An OWB holster will definitely be useful to civilian concealed carry users and even those who are tasked with tactical applications on a regular basis like law enforcement or military personnel. Since the Glock pistols are relied on by law enforcement and military members around the world, it won’t be a surprise if this holster is one of the models they end up using. Since it’s made from high-quality Kydex, it’s built to last a long time and won’t take any abuse at all. That’s just a small sample of what a Kydex holster can do.
This Kydex holster features a build that incorporates the use of a top-quality light into the design, and still maintains a good, consistent, small footprint and lightweight profile at the same time.
It’s an outside the waistband holster that wears like an IWB because of the curvature and the positioning of the gun. It helps to ensure a quick draw, with little to no downside and a safer re-holstering effort.
Who Will Use This Most
If you plan on open carrying as a civilian or if you are using it for concealed carry with the intent to use it in tactical or self-defense situations, then this is the holster you’re going to end up using. This is the holster that you want on hand if you want something that will be built to last you a lifetime. It won’t lose its quality, nor will it fall apart on you. And for you the owner, that’s a win.
Bottom Line
The R&R Holsters OWB Kydex Holster is the perfect holster for users who are putting their lives on the line regularly and for those who are prepared for the situations where danger can threaten them at any given time. No matter what, this holster is tough, reliable, and makes quick and easy access possible.
This is a perfect choice for such a big gun, without having to move to a different holster position. This is a well-built, highly durable holster that utilizes one of the most innovative holster materials ever conceived.
Its positive retention, easy draw with an accessory light, and very simple design means you are getting a very well-rounded holster that offers a ton of versatility for the money with safe re-holstering capability.
Best Glock 21 Concealment Holster:
Galco International - Concealable Holsters
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users of this holster said that they were able to get a great amount of concealability. Not only that, they said when it’s placed inside the waistband, it felt really comfortable and there were no bulges whatsoever. This was perfect for those intending to carry a Glock 21 for EDC purposes and so far, they have had no complaints with the quality and their draw times were consistently fast.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is about what you can expect from something made from high-quality materials. The quality is the main reason why it’s so dang reliable. The pistol retention is great to the point where it doesn’t wiggle around or slip out of your holster. You have good secure retention that also won’t jeopardize your drawing (and re-holstering). If you want something that will stand out as the go-to holster for those who want to keep it on the down-low while you’re out and about, you can count on this holster to be your sidekick.
The fixed design features a leather build and is a classically positioned holster that works well for bigger, heavier guns, like the Glock 21 in relation to other pistols in the personal defense market segment.
The Galco brand name is synonymous with uncompromising standards and top-tier production quality, as well as significant heritage and holster reliability.
If you want an OWB hip holster in leather, there are very few that can compete with the solid styling and safe retention of this holster.
Who Will Use This Most
The holster will be best used by those looking for something that is durable and really simple in design. In other words, it’s a holster that doesn’t have a lot of bells, whistles, and extras to boot. All you need to do is just slip your Glock 21 in the holster and keep it there until you need it. It’s super tough and will give you a long shelf life in the process. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain anyways so you have nothing to worry about when it comes to small parts and the like.
Bottom Line
The Galco International Concealable holster is as simple as you are going to get when it comes to the design aspect of a Glock 21 holster. You can securely put your pistol in the holster itself without compromising the concealability. For clean, under the radar concealability that won’t make it look like you are obviously carrying something, this holster will do the trick.
Rest assured you are getting industry best practices in production and design that has superseded innovation and has become the standard.
This, in a holster that is traditional, relatively lightweight, and still offering a good amount of rigidity without sacrificing much-needed carry flexibility from a torsional perspective.
The proven design offers optimum angle for draw from a seated to standing position and sure retention and trigger coverage.
Best Glock 21 IWB Holster:
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were pretty happy with the overall quality and performance. About half of the new buyers purchased this with prior knowledge about Kydex. So they knew what kind of benefits they were looking for when purchasing it. They said it worked as advertised by providing a quick and easy drawing and allowing for consistent retention that didn’t hurt their draws or re-holster abilities.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster has a few great things going for it. For one, it’s got longevity. After all, Kydex is built to last a lot longer than materials like nylon, leather, and even polymer. This holster won’t lose its retention nor change in shape. You’ll be able to use this for years on down the road and still get the same quick drawing times you did the day you first used it. No interior roughing like you see in leather holsters or any wear or tear. This holster might as well stick with you until the day you die.
All the best of the Kydex revolution in a single holster. This type of holster design is the reason that Kydex has taken off. It has all the features you need, without any of the extras that won’t make sense for 99% of all concealed carriers.
Minimalist in design and big on actual functionality, the intuitive design of the Concealment Express IWB holster gives you a legitimately safe, easy-to-use holster for a big gun. This holster has a sight channel to protect your draw from snagging and a small form-fitting footprint holster that covers the trigger guard fully. It’s features like these that make this holster a rock-star.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent holster for those looking for a holster on a budget. You get excellent quality and a consistently fast draw (among so many other benefits). And best of all, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it. If you truly want a holster that your Glock 21 can handle for all kinds of every day carry applications, this is the one you want to invest in.
Bottom Line
The Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster is probably one of the most popular and most prolific holsters that you can find on the market. Not only is it great for all kinds of pistols, but it’s also perfect for those who place high importance on quality. This is the holster that we recommend if you want something that is the closest thing to lasting a lifetime. And we’re not joking about that. All the benefits you get out of this will likely be the same (fast drawing, no snags, etc.).
A beautiful design that transcends functionality and is also stunning in form. The simple, minimalist design is a trademark of the company, but this particular holster wins the user over immediately because of how versatile this “minimalist” holster actually is.
It offers a simple, easy adjustment, with an excellent close molded fit, smooth draw capabilities, and a seriously lightweight design that feels effortless inside your waistband.
Best Glock 21 Leather Holster:
Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the major things that users have pointed out was the holster’s ability to feel nice and comfortable on the skin. This was one holster that worked with a whole lot of users who have dealt with chaffing and irritation in the past from their old holsters. One user even said that on a hot day, he can sweat without dealing with the irritation that occurs where he fits his holster. And that alone was enough for him to say that it was worth every penny buying this holster.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The holster is made from suede leather. Not only is the quality very good, but it makes it really comfortable to wear compared to some holsters. We know what it’s like dealing with irritation when wearing an IWB holster (and so does Relentless Tactical). On top of it all, this holster is a universal holster that will handle all kinds of pistols including the Glock 21. If you want a holster that is simple to use and very comfortable to carry, this holster might just take the cake -- icing and all.
A sleeve styled fit that hugs the gun in the correct position and offers a bit of “friction” by way of the surface texture of the interior leather material. This is simple but still offers just about everything you might need from an inside the waistband holster without the high price of competitor products.
While the Glock 21 may not be an ideal IWB candidate for every concealed carrier, this would be a top candidate if you can do it, because of the relative comfort, high retention design (while under pressure), and the smooth draw functionality that the semi-rigid leather design offers.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a good choice among users with known sensitive skin issues. Yes, it’s a material that will least likely trigger any kind of irritation. Plus, it’s small enough to handle all kinds of compact pistols. So it won’t feel like you’re carrying something that feels oversized all day long. This holster was made for all-day carry and it shows.
Bottom Line
The Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster can be the holster you go with if you want something that gives you excellent concealability while being able to make all-day carrying very comfortable. As for what pistols can fit with this holster, it can fit a Glock 21 and so many others. So it takes out of the equation of just having to guess what fits and what doesn’t.
Serious craftsmanship for the price point, legendary customer service, and reliability of the Relentless brand. This is a premium version of a versatile multi-gun holster that can retain a firearm without difficulty while under pressure, but also doesn’t have the stabbing, biting rigidity of some other IWB competitors.
Best Glock 21 Kydex Holster:
Fixxxer Custom F.I.X. Holster by Components Fits
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was super tough and made concealed carry a heck of a lot simpler according to one user. He also added that drawing it was a lot quicker than compared to his last holster. But what made him buy this over any other holster on the market? Fewer materials, believe it or not. Overall, this holster was a hit for those looking for a minimalist design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What really makes this holster stand out is the minimal design. On top of that, it does a good job of covering the trigger as well. This is the perfect holster that will not only make concealed carry easy and bulge-free, but it stands out as a holster with a security feature that will make your pistol more safe to draw and re-holster. And it will prevent misfirings from occurring while you draw it.
The simplest holster you will ever work with is essentially not a holster at all, but may offer some of the best universality and versatility of any holster-like accessory. For pocket carry (which we feel is a hard proposition with the Glock 21) or use in a fanny pack, backpack, or other bag, this is a safety implement that cannot be overlooked and whose viability should not be understated.
This tool will render trigger-safety-based firearms without a manual exterior safety and are safe and fast to draw if you understand the nuances of the piece. It is a simple Kydex based option that fully covers the trigger, where many other holsters do not. It offers the type of situational carry that otherwise would be extremely unsafe and could lead to a negligent discharge or worse.
Who Will Use This Most
This holster will be perfect for a minimalist. If you want to keep it simple and keep it light, this is the best option for you. Not to mention, it’s made from Kydex. So it’s high in quality and gives your quick drawing all while not allowing a single instance of bulging. This is the best holster you can find if you want concealed carry to be totally bulge-free guaranteed.
Bottom Line
The Fixxxer Custom F.I.X holster might not look like any of the other holsters on our list. But it stands out in a few ways that left our jaws dropping. With great protection of the trigger and allowing for a concealed carry that is discreet, you just can’t lose with a holster like this.
Worth the money and especially for the peace of mind it can give for IWB or bag/alternate carry positions, including in-car mounting of soft holsters. The cord can be secured to anchor points to ensure single stage draws that are ready for action immediately without two hands.
The main draw here is the low price point to render your trigger-safety-based pistol much safer than it previously was. Simple, small, and not particularly impressive in looks, this is a tool that can help many draw styles and firearm types to be safer and offers a smart option to pistols of all types. Snug fitting and positive in its engagement, this is a tool that is built to perform reliably without hiccups.
Best Glock 21 Holster Runner-up:
DeSantis Mini Slide Holster fits Glock 21
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers of this holster were mostly owners of various Glock models (including the 21). The holster was really comfortable to wear and benefited a lot of users that were usually straight drawing their pistols as opposed to cross drawing them. One user said that it was a great fit on his waistband and holstering the pistol was smooth and had no snags to speak of.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The holster is yet another one of the minimalistic holsters that requires some material but doesn’t take up a whole lot of room (or will cause any bulging when you are trying to conceal it inside the waistband). Odds are, this holster will definitely last you quite a while since the quality is pretty good and won’t rip and tear on you in the process.
This is a great OWB (outside the waistband) holster that has been proven for decades as a perfect choice for larger, harder to conceal firearms that are hard to fit on the interior side of your belt. The Glock 21 is a perfect mate for this style of holster, which gives a lot of positional flexibility because of the slide style design.
It’s available in left or right side configuration, offers a couple of different leather colors, and the angled draw and the away from the hip placement of the firearm makes it easy to draw. Don’t mistake this for a hard to conceal firearm holster though, it is form fitting and built to fall on the hipline well, making it easy to carry big guns without a lot of printing. Paired with the right wardrobe, this is a masterful holster choice and can easily disguise a big gun like the Glock 21.
Who Will Use This Most
This holster will be great for those looking for a minimalist holster that will fit all kinds of Glock pistols. Whether it’s a 21 or any other model, this holster will allow for a concealed carry that is built to last and won’t expose your carry position no matter where you place it. Appendix carry or hip carry, it’s your call. But you’ll carry without any concerns about drawing any undue attention in the process.
Bottom Line
The Desantis Mini Slide holster will be perfect for a Glock 21 if you want excellent concealability without having to rely on too many materials. Even with little material to work with, it still gives you a quick, snag-free draw that would probably put some of the other holsters to shame. Maybe the answer to competition holsters is fewer materials? Perhaps.
Desantis is very good at producing winners in its staple of offerings. This is a proven design that has received a lot of praise over the years because it does exactly what it says it will do, and there are no shortcomings from a build quality perspective.
The leather work is top notch and the holster, while not particularly adjustable, is 100% reliable and consistent on the draw, which means you won’t struggle with draw missteps or snags once you practice with it.
The near-perfect rigidity of leather in this style and of this quality means you get the reflex that you need to ensure performance in a life or death scenario. There are no compromises here.
Best Glock 21 Holster Second Runner-up:
Concealed Carrier Universal IWB Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was a perfect fit for most pistols. This was the general consensus of most new users. Meanwhile, they said that they were able to strap this onto their pistols for not only maximum concealability but also for the purpose of making it as comfortable as possible while tacked on inside the waistband. This made cross-drawing a lot faster than expected for most users as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is made from high-quality neoprene. It’s probably a lot better of a soft material compared to nylon. In fact, it’s a lot more comfortable so you won’t have to deal with any skin irritation that may arise in various situations (for example, when it’s hot enough outside that you can sweat). Plus, this holster can handle so many pistols from various brands. You can carry your Glock 21 one day and carry a Glock 19 the next. It’s entirely up to you.
A soft-sided, high end carry solution that lends itself well to a couple of different scenarios, including IWB, in-bag, or other situational carries, as well as fanny pack or alternate waistband solutions. This holster is also very good for appendix and back carry, with the caveat that it is not a very rigid device and the re-holstering/draw can be a bit more complex as a result.
If you prefer a softer holster, this is a very good choice, and the drawbacks are known up-front and aren’t as numerous as many other soft holsters on the market in the same segment.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for the perfect holster that will eliminate all kinds of guesswork (like “will this holster be a good fit for my pistol”), then your search will end here. Plus, with maximum concealability and comfort to boot, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this pistol a closer look.
Bottom Line
The Concealed Carrier Universal IWB holster for concealed carry is probably a step up from the flimsy nylon holsters. But if you cannot live without soft materials because of the comfort you get out of it, this might just be the perfect holster you can carry all day long. Find a pistol that you own and put this holster to the test.
The Concealed Carrier brand IWB soft-sided holster is a versatile holster that can offer a lot of options if you need a secondary holster, or for those that do not carry full-time. It’s recommended that you utilize a more rigid holster if you routinely carry next to the body and want draw consistency.
The comfort of the holster and the universality it offers means you get a lot for your money, even if it’s not a perfect fit for all draw styles. It is a very nice addition to any shooter’s collection and will give you unmatched bag or pocket carry versatility for the money.
Best Glock 21 Holster Third Runner-up:
Aker Leather 101 Comfort-Flex Shoulder Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were members of law enforcement and security officers. They got a good amount of adjustable comfort with this holster. Not to mention, they said that the leather was not too firm or too saggy. About one-third of the users were concealed carry users that relied on Glock pistols as their backup. Overall, they said that it was the perfect fit for their pistols and they stayed right in place when strapped.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is not really a universal holster. But it does have the ability to fit all kinds of Glock pistols. So whether you own a 17 or a 21, this is the holster that is guaranteed to fit them perfectly. Also, with adjustable straps, you can make the easy changes so it can fit your frame size perfectly. Whether you are average frame or just a bit on the tall and beefy side, this holster is no slouch when it comes to giving you and your pistol the best support.
Weight distribution, running comfort and seated or driving comfort for those who must carry a larger firearm (like the Glock 21 .45 ACP) all day. The innovative design and materials of this shoulder carry rig are made for intermediate concealment needs where comfort and functionality take precedence over the full concealability potential.
This Aker shoulder rig is a beautiful reminder of the reasons someone courts a relationship with a shoulder holster in the first place: comfort. The holster implements even more comfort driven design innovations than most competing shoulder holsters on the market. The wide straps and great adjustability, as well as the slightly curved holster pieces, make this a true pleasure to wear under a jacket.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for most law enforcement officers and security forces. But it can still be useful for civilian gun owners that are looking for a good primary or secondary carry holster. No matter how long you intend to carry on a regular basis, this holster might just be enough to get you through the day.
Bottom Line
The Aker Leather 101 Comfort-Flex Shoulder Holster is a holster that just might be too hard to pass up. Especially when you want to carry a Glock 21 in the most subtle way possible. If you are using it as a discreet way to carry or using it for backup, this holster won’t steer you wrong.
You are getting a top-quality piece of equipment for your concealed carry needs, that exceeds most open market alternatives at the price point, and is made to a high standard of quality.
The market for heavy-gun shoulder holsters only has a few ready-made offerings; this is among the best that won’t require waiting months for a custom variant.
This is also exceptionally comfortable, and while it lacks a tiny bit of the durability of some of the custom options, it is also ½ to ⅓ of the price of a true custom made product.
Situational Holsters – Which is Ideal for Your Glock 21?
We have added a section called “What it’s best for” under each of the reviews for this article. This will help to explain the situational values for some of these holsters. They might fit your needs.
For a primer, before you read the reviews, you might consider our brief overview of the different scenarios/holster types that will make sense for the large framed Glock 21.
Carrying a Glock 21 With a Fixed Light or External Laser Device
You will want something that does not interfere with the draw of the weapon, and which will be protective of the light or laser device.
This is a good fit for duty weapons or those who must carry on larger, darker properties or at home and want to add light or laser capabilities to their carry rig.
Carrying a Glock 21 IWB
IWB can be very uncomfortable for some carriers, especially those who sit a lot. It is even more uncomfortable for a Glock 21 owner who carries this firearm.
For standing use, an IWB holster can be ideal for most people, but If you are carrying in an office work environment, you might consider opting for a different style.
If you have a big belly or are super skinny and don’t want a gun riding hard against your hip bone, similarly, you should look elsewhere for a holster style, with the exception of the holsters we list in our article below (there are a few IWB’s on this list that are amazing).
Carrying a Glock 21 in a Pocket
The point of inclusion in this section for this holster style is to unequivocally rule it out for the Glock 21 for most people.
It simply doesn’t make sense to try to pocket carry a G21 as the size and weight fully loaded would be ridiculously prohibitive and could cause safety and movement concerns (see the exceptions below in the review section).
Maximizing Comfort for Those Who Must Carry a Glock 21 While Sitting Down
A shoulder holster rig can help to maximize comfort by distributing weight and carrying the bulk of the Glock 21 against the widest part of your body for decent concealment and better running ability.
Conclusion
Whether you need a first holster or an additional holster for your Glock 21, you can consult this list without any worry that you will be steered wrong.
The individual and cumulative quality and value on this list of reviewed holsters for the Glock 21 (and other similarly sized firearms – for example, the Glock 20) are unmatched.
Knowing these guns represent a traditionally difficult-to-buy-for footprint and profile size, this is a list of special offerings that will give you exactly what you need, based on your unique use cases.
The Glock 21 represents something of a special category on the market as a high capacity, high-reliability, “big bore” pistol that is still applicable to many carry situations.
Similarly, these holsters offer a good mix of pertinent features, design implementation, and innovation that make them stand out in a saturated market full of holsters that are just OK. These also represent a special market segment: they are the best Glock 21 Holsters available on the broader market.
