Glock 20 and Glock 20SF Holsters - Secure Carry for Full-Power 10mm
The Glock 20 is a full-size 10mm Auto pistol with a 4.61" barrel, 8.07" overall length, and approximately 39 oz loaded weight with a 15-round magazine.
Available across Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 variants, the Glock 20 delivers substantial stopping power in a large-frame package designed for hunting, backcountry defense, and duty applications where maximum power is required.
The Glock 20SF (Short Frame) shares identical slide dimensions but features a reduced grip circumference and shorter trigger reach, making the pistol more manageable for shooters with smaller hands while maintaining the same capacity and ballistic performance.
Glock 20 and Glock 20SF Holster Compatibility Overview
This collection supports three configurations:
- Glock 20 (Gen 1-5) - Standard full-size grip frame across all generations
- Glock 20 (Gen 1-5) with Streamlight TLR-1 - Light-bearing configuration with duty-grade weapon light
- Glock 20SF - Short Frame variant with reduced grip circumference
Each holster is precision-molded to the Glock 20's large-frame slide profile, dust cover dimensions, and trigger guard geometry. While the G20 and G20SF share slide dimensions, the SF variant's slimmer grip changes how the frame contacts the body during carry—though both variants typically fit the same holster shells, since retention and fit are primarily indexed to the slide rather than grip circumference.
Critical compatibility note:
The Glock 20 is a large-frame 10mm pistol with distinct dimensions from 9mm/.40 S&W Glock models. Generic "full-size Glock" holsters may not fully support the slide or may leave portions of the trigger guard exposed. Only holsters specifically molded for the G20/G21 large-frame series provide proper fit, retention, and trigger coverage.
Light-bearing holsters are molded around the exact light body dimensions. Using a light-bearing holster without the specified light installed will result in loose fit and inadequate retention. Similarly, attempting to use non-light-bearing holsters with weapon lights attached will cause binding, incomplete seating, or retention failure.
How to Choose the Right Alien Gear Holster for Glock 20 and 20SF
Selection depends on primary use case—field/hunting carry, concealed carry, or duty applications—and how the pistol's 39 oz loaded weight affects carry comfort and concealment.
IWB Holsters serve inside-the-waistband concealed carry. The Glock 20's size and weight make IWB carry more challenging than with compact pistols, requiring careful attention to cant, ride height, and belt quality. The full-size grip and slide can create pressure points and printing, particularly when sitting or bending.
Adjustable cant and ride height are essential to manage the pistol's bulk without excessive tipping or printing. The G20SF's slimmer grip may provide marginal concealment improvement for IWB carry, though both variants remain large-frame pistols requiring substantial holster and clothing adjustments.
Appendix Holsters position the Glock 20 at the front of the waistline. Given the pistol's length and weight, appendix carry with the G20 is highly body-type and clothing dependent. Users typically need significant cant and ride height adjustment to prevent the long slide and grip from digging into the abdomen or creating excessive printing. This carry method is possible but generally less comfortable with the G20 than with compact or mid-size pistols.
OWB Holsters provide outside-the-waistband carry for open carry, range training, or field use. OWB configurations offer excellent access and distribute the G20's weight more comfortably than IWB for extended wear. Concealment becomes clothing-dependent and requires longer, looser cover garments. OWB is frequently used for hunting, hiking, and outdoor applications where concealment is secondary to accessibility and comfort.
Chest Holsters serve hunting and backcountry applications where the Glock 20 is carried as a defensive sidearm against dangerous game. Chest mounting keeps the pistol accessible while wearing backpack hip belts or binocular harnesses and prevents interference with vehicle seats or climbing movements. This is a common carry method for G20 users in bear country or remote wilderness environments.
Paddle Holsters offer tool-free attachment through paddle-style mounting, allowing quick on/off cycles for range sessions or situations requiring frequent holster removal without belt threading.
Drop Leg Holsters position the Glock 20 lower on the thigh for tactical applications or scenarios where belt-line carry interferes with gear or body armor.
Hook & Loop Holsters enable mounting to soft surfaces, pack straps, or vehicle interiors through hook-and-loop attachment, addressing off-body carry scenarios or integration with field gear.
Belly Band Holsters provide elastic mounting around the torso without requiring a traditional belt, serving users whose clothing choices or activity level make belt-line carry impractical.
Carry Styles Supported by This Collection
This collection covers IWB, appendix, OWB, chest, paddle, drop leg, hook-and-loop, and belly band carry methods. All rigid holsters use advanced polymer construction engineered for heat resistance and dimensional stability under field conditions.
The Glock 20 and 20SF are frequently treated as field or hunting sidearms rather than primary concealed carry pistols. Chest rigs, OWB field holsters, and pack-compatible setups are widely regarded as more practical than deep-concealment configurations for typical G20 use cases—backcountry defense, hunting, or situations requiring maximum stopping power.
Weight management: A loaded Glock 20 weighs approximately 39 oz, significantly more than compact 9mm carry pistols. This weight challenges comfort during all-day carry and requires holsters designed to distribute load evenly, reduce belt-line hot spots, and maintain stability during vigorous movement. Adjustable retention features allow users to tune hold strength—tight enough to prevent the heavy slide from bouncing during hiking or running, but not so restrictive that draws become jerky or inconsistent.
Field integration: For backcountry users, holster setups must integrate with other gear—backpack hip belts, binocular harnesses, chest rigs, or climbing equipment. Chest holsters and hook-and-loop mounting systems address these requirements by keeping the G20 accessible without conflicting with straps, waist belts, or layers of outdoor clothing.
Common Fit or Selection Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming any "Glock 20/21" holster performs identically:
While G20 and G20SF technically fit the same holster shells (retention is indexed to the slide), the SF's slimmer grip changes how the frame contacts the body. Some users report perceived differences in comfort and stability between the two variants in the same holster, particularly in IWB configurations where grip thickness affects how the pistol rides against the torso.
Attempting concealed carry without proper adjustments:
Many G20 owners initially experience printing and discomfort when trying to carry the pistol like a compact gun. The G20's size demands adjustments to wardrobe (longer cover garments), belt quality (rigid, supportive belts rated for heavy loads), and holster setup (cant and ride height tuned to body type and clothing). Expecting immediate concealment success without these adjustments leads to frustration.
Using generic or universal holsters:
Generic "full-size Glock" holsters may not properly support the G20's large-frame slide or may leave portions of the trigger guard exposed. Purpose-built G20/G21 holsters provide the trigger coverage and retention necessary for safe carry of the heavier 10mm pistol.
Choosing overly tight retention without break-in:
Some field users select very tight retention settings or military-style holsters for security, then find the draw overly stiff or slow—particularly problematic with the G20's heavier 10mm slide. Proper retention should hold the pistol securely during vigorous activity without requiring excessive force or altered draw angle to extract it. If retention feels too aggressive, calibration or holster break-in may be required.
Reusing old holsters after adding accessories:
Owners who add weapon lights to the Glock 20 sometimes attempt to use non-light-bearing holsters, resulting in drag on the draw, incomplete seating, or the pistol binding halfway into the holster. Light-bearing holsters must be used with the specified light installed, and standard holsters cannot accommodate lights without modification.
Neglecting holster orientation in chest and field rigs:
For chest holsters and unconventional mounting positions, users must verify that holster orientation keeps the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and prevents the grip from rotating into awkward angles during crawling, climbing, or vehicle seating. Improper orientation can create unsafe muzzle direction or difficulty accessing the pistol when needed.
When This Collection May Not Be the Right Fit
This collection does not include:
- Glock 20 MOS holsters specifically molded for optics-ready configurations with red dot sights and suppressor-height backup sights
- Light-bearing holsters for lights beyond the Streamlight TLR-1 (other Streamlight models, Surefire, or third-party lights are not listed in available compatibility)
- Shoulder holsters for cross-draw carry or torso-mounted carry without waistline attachment
- Ankle holsters (impractical given the G20's size and weight)
- Active retention holsters with Level II or Level III security mechanisms for law enforcement duty applications
If your Glock 20 or 20SF uses aftermarket controls (extended slide stop, magazine release, trigger guard modifications, or aggressive grip texturing), verify clearance before ordering, as these can interfere with holster insertion or create pressure points during carry.
Users seeking holsters for the G20 with mounted accessories beyond the Streamlight TLR-1 (other weapon lights, lasers, or optics) should verify that compatible configurations are available before ordering.
Safety reminder: All holsters for the Glock 20 and 20SF must fully cover the trigger guard and maintain rigid structure that prevents trigger contact during insertion or normal wear. Given the pistol's weight and recoil energy, secure retention and snug fit are essential to minimize weapon movement during hiking, running, or off-road activity.
A correct fit improves safety by supporting consistent, straight-up draws and smooth reholstering without forcing the user to twist or angle the gun to clear the holster mouth. Slow, deliberate reholstering with visual confirmation of the holster mouth is recommended for all carry methods.
