Collection: Glock 23 Holsters | IWB and OWB Holsters for Glock 23

What holsters are specifically designed for the Glock 23?

Holsters made for the Glock 23 are custom-molded to fit its .40 S&W frame, including IWB, OWB, appendix carry, light-bearing, and retention holsters. Precision-matched models ensure trigger guard coverage and secure retention.

Do Glock 23 holsters fit all generations from Gen 1 to Gen 5?

Glock 23 holsters from Alien Gear are molded to fit specific generation profiles. Gen 1–4 and Gen 5 models share similar external dimensions, but Gen 5 slide and frame cuts can affect fit in older holsters. It’s important to select a holster listed for your exact generation to ensure proper retention and slide clearance.

Can I get a Glock 23 MOS holster that supports a red dot and light?

Yes, there are holsters designed specifically for Glock 23 MOS models equipped with both an optic and a weapon light. Compatible setups include Glock 23 MOS with a Streamlight TLR-7A or Nightstick TCM-550XL and MRDS optics. These holsters include optic-ready cuts and light-molded shells to ensure proper fit and retention.

What is the best IWB holster for Glock 23 Gen 5 with a TLR-7A?

For concealed carry, an IWB holster from the Cloak or Low-Pro line molded for Glock 23 Gen 5 with TLR-7A offers excellent concealment, retention, and comfort. Look for adjustable ride height and cant features to fine-tune the setup to your carry position and body type.

Are there appendix holsters available for Glock 23 with a laser attachment?

Yes, appendix carry holsters for the Glock 23 with Crimson Trace LG-436 or Defender Laser DS-121 are available. These models are molded around both the pistol and the attached laser to ensure safe trigger coverage, draw consistency, and minimal printing under a shirt.

Can I carry a Glock 23 with a Viridian Reactor R5 in a compatible holster?

Glock 23 holsters are available for configurations with the Viridian Reactor R5 Green or Red Laser ECR. These holsters maintain retention off the frame and are designed to allow the ECR system to activate on draw if desired.

Will a Glock 19 holster fit a Glock 23?

Although Glock 19 and Glock 23 share similar dimensions, holsters should be molded specifically for the Glock 23. Slide width, internal contours, and certain external components can vary slightly, especially across generations and with mounted accessories.

What’s the best OWB holster for Glock 23 duty or range use?

An OWB holster from the ShapeShift or Rapid Force line is ideal for Glock 23 users needing duty-grade retention and accessibility. These holsters support Level II or Level III retention and are available for standard and light-bearing configurations.

Are there chest holsters available for Glock 23 Gen 5 with lights or optics?

Yes, chest holsters designed for Glock 23 Gen 5 with TLR-7A or MRDS optics are available and ideal for outdoor, tactical, or off-body carry. They provide secure retention and fast access when waistband holsters are impractical.

Do Glock 23 paddle holsters support light and laser attachments?

Paddle holsters are available for Glock 23 setups with lights like the Nightstick TCM-550XL or lasers like the Crimson Trace LG-436. These OWB-style holsters offer quick on/off utility while maintaining reliable retention and full accessory clearance.

What retention levels are supported for Glock 23 holsters?

Glock 23 holsters from Alien Gear are available with Level I, Level II, and Level III retention. Level I includes passive retention only, while Level II and III models add active mechanisms like thumb release or secondary locking levers for added security in professional environments.

Why Glock 23 Carriers Choose Model-Specific Holsters?

Carrying a Glock 23—especially across multiple generations or with mounted accessories—requires more than just a generic fit. Each generation introduces minor but important variations in frame geometry, slide beveling, and component tolerances. A properly designed holster must account for these distinctions to ensure secure retention, safe reholstering, and consistent draw angles under stress.

Alien Gear’s holsters for the Glock 23 are molded for exact firearm configurations, including Gen 1–5, MOS models, and setups with Streamlight TLR-7A, Nightstick TCM-550XL, and Crimson Trace attachments. This specificity eliminates issues like unwanted drag on the slide, light misalignment, or excess movement during carry—factors that compromise both safety and performance.

For concealed carriers, the Glock 23’s compact frame balances capacity with portability, but it still demands precise ride height, cant, and shell rigidity to minimize printing.

Appendix and IWB holsters in the Low-Pro and Cloak lines address these requirements with customizable retention and positioning, allowing users to tailor concealment without sacrificing access.

In uniformed or open carry environments, Level II and III retention systems—available through ShapeShift and Rapid Force platforms—provide additional security. These holsters incorporate active retention mechanisms without slowing draw stroke or compromising trigger guard coverage, supporting officers, armed professionals, and security personnel operating in high-interaction spaces.

Each carry type—whether OWB, chest, paddle, or drop leg—is developed to support the Glock 23’s duty-grade performance while accounting for its compact-but-substantial footprint. Carriers benefit from holsters that remain stable during movement, maintain positive retention across attachment types, and allow for efficient presentation under pressure.

By matching each holster to the exact model and configuration of your Glock 23, you’re not just improving comfort—you’re reinforcing consistency, safety, and operational reliability. This is what responsible carry demands, and what professional users expect.