Retention holster review, Serpa vs. Galco M4X vs. Desantis Quik Check
I have all three of these holsters, all of them are inexpensive, and provide an added level of security because a button must be pushed to release the handgun from the holster.
First the Desantis Quik-Chek. Costs about $27. I have had this holster for about three years for my Glock 19. It is a comfortable OWB belt holster. The release button is between the firearm and your body, out of view of anyone should you open carry. My thumb lands naturally on the button when I draw. It locks via a tab that protrudes into the trigger guard and holds the firearm securely in the holster, there are also two adjustable tension screws to assure the trigger guard is secure in the holster. It is only made for the Glock as far as I know. For less than thirty bucks, I really like this holster. The holster has a slight forward cant which seems about right, reholstering is easy.
Next the Galco M4X. I bought this for my 1911 because the the Desantis locking holsters are not made for it. The retention system is also a thumb button between body and firearm, and works by locking a hood into the ejection port of the firearm; when you push the button, the hood cants out of the ejection port, allowing the gun to release from the holster. I really wanted to like this holster, but I don't. There are some major flaws. First, the fit and finish sucks, the pieces don't line up, and it just feels and looks cheap. Second and more important, if you don't line the gun up perfectly, it won't reholster, the gun gets caught halfway in, showstopper for me. Third, the paddle is really uncomfortable, it sits too deep and digs in. Also, with these plastic fantastic holsters, an adjustable cant would be nice, and this does not have that option.
Last the Serpa, I had reservations about buying one because I had heard about the potential for accidental discharge with the release button the way it is set up. Turns out this is complete BS if you use the button the right way. With the Serpa, you don't bend your finger and press the button (I could see that leading to AD), you just lay your finger flat along the holster and press in, works perfect. Fit and finish is excellent for an inexpensive holster. The holster has an adjustable cant, and reholstering is positive and easy. The paddle is also really comfortable. The only wish I would have for this holster would be for the button to be hidden the way it is with the other two, otherwise I really like the Serpa as well.
If Galco were to re-engineer their M4X I might give it another go, but I think I'll be buying something else for the 1911.
