A few months back, I worked a trade with a friend of mine and wound up with a brand new Glock 21, and it needed a home. I wanted to start carrying it, even though its size isn’t to be desired inside the waistband. Knowing this, Brandon, el Patron de Monderno, set me up with some fellows out in the great state of Georgia that were kind enough to send me one of their holsters to check out. A few days later, the box had arrived from Blue Ridge Holsters containing one of their CAMO Hybrid holsters.
First Impression and Anatomy Breakdown
Right out of the box, I was initially impressed with the holster.
The leather is dyed to a deep, rich brown for a nice, classic look. Some of the edges are a bit blocky in places, but overall very smooth and finished with care. The backside of the holster is unfinished like most traditional leather is offered. The exterior or “visible†portion of the leather backing of the holster is smooth, devoid of any marks or abrasions and nicely appointed with a Blue Ridge Holsters logo stamped in the upper portion of the body shield. The custom-molded, black kydex contrasted nicely against the brown leather and was also finished with attention to detail.
The holster willingly accepted my Glock 21 with no issues, but I had to remind myself that there is no audible “click†or “snap†that is commonly associated with modern kydex holsters. I’ve only carried full kydex holsters up to this point and have obviously been spoiled by their holster retention. That being said, however, the CAMO Hybrid does hold the pistol in place quite well as the grained leather provides a great deal of friction for the frame and slide to grab onto.
Lastly, the holster is finished off with steel belt clips that are adjustable to preset holes in the leather. The clips also have a good bit of swivel to accommodate different body types, shapes and slants.
Carrying the CAMO
Unless you’re Steve Fisher or Goliath (not sure there’s much of a difference), carrying a Glock 21 is a full-size job. It ain’t easy. I’m 6’1″ and 240 lbs, and it’s hard for me to hide the frame at any sensible clocked position. That being said, the holster was extremely comfortable when I did get the gun settled inside my beltline.
The leather had very little break-in time and seemed to conform almost immediately. For the first few days to assist in the long-term break-in, I wore the CAMO Hybrid with the pistol in town, during my daily routine and then at home while watching TV, taking out the trash, eating dinner, etc. – which probably isn’t a stretch since most of us wear our gun until we go to bed anyway. Besides the occasional mental reminder that a full-size .45 was still strapped to your waist, the physical feeling of the holster virtually faded away and just became a part of my daily dress.
Brad’s wife was kind enough to model the CAMO Hybrid
Over the next 30+ days, the holster performed well. I had no manufacturing issues, physical deterioration or defects of any kind and have had zero issues to date. Though the time I’ve spent with the holster has been somewhat limited, I will report back in the coming months with updates on its wear and continued operation.
If I could make one suggestion or request to the crew at Blue Ridge, I’d ask that a felt backing or equivalent be added to the interior of the holster – maybe as an option to the customer.
Closing Thoughts
While Blue Ridge Holsters may not have been a holster company on your radar before now, it should definitely be on your short list if you’re considering a leather and kydex hybrid holster. Blue Ridge offers their CAMO hybrid in six different kydex color selections and two colors of leather, so you can truly make it your own. The price for the holster is a bargain for the quality and offerings you get in the package and ranges from $59 (pictured) to $69, depending on your kydex color selection.
Check out Blue Ridge Holsters’ full line of holsters at blueridgeholsters.com or on their Facebook page here.
My glock 21 is my favorite handgun. It has a large magazine capacity for a 45. It’s very accurate and easy to use. Unlike some, I like the fact that glocks don’t have a safety. With a glock you cock and you rock. I have an inforce apl attaced to mine, on advice from Brandon. Once on the glock 21 the inforce apl had found a home. So I’m wondering if there is a holster made by blue ridge in the camo line that is able to accept a glock 21 with a inforce on it? I’ll go to the site and see if I can find one.
I’d be surprised. There are a few companies out there who do it, can’t remember which, but its pretty hard to find a hybrid holster that allows for a weapon mounted light.
Thanks Al, go have the next one on me.
No problem brother. I remembered one company who does it, Hidden Hybrid Holsters. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like they support the Inforce light, only smaller lights. Like I said, not many do it. I think getting a proper fit and retention on a weapon mounted light with only a half kydex holster is pretty tricky.
I don’t see one on their website – I’m with Al, you’ll probably have to get a full Kydex holster.