What Does the Concealed IWB Holster for Glock 23 Look Like?

The Glock 23 delivers the power of the .40 S&W cartridge in a relatively lightweight, compact package. Introduced in 1990 along with the full-size Glock 22, the G23 became a popular choice among law-enforcement officers and private citizens due to its reliability, concealability, and caliber.

Find out what the ideal gun holster for the G23 looks like and what features it should have for the best combination of durability, safety, adjustability, and concealability.

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Glock 23 

The Glock 23 pistol is dimensionally identical to Glock 19 and has a 4.02” barrel, an overall length of 7.36”, a width of 1.26”, and a height of 5.04”. The unloaded weight (i.e., with empty magazine) is also the same at 23.63 oz.

The primary physical difference between the two weapons is the loaded weight: The G23 weighs 1.06 oz. more than its 9mm counterpart (31.22 oz. vs. 30.16 oz.). As a result, a G19 holster fits the G23, increasing the number of options available.

The Glock 23 has a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds and can accept magazines holding 14, 15, and 16 rounds.

When combined with a high-quality concealment holster, this weapon balances power, capacity, weight, bulk, and concealability for a highly effective self-defense weapon.

The Best IWB Glock 23 Concealed Carry Holster

When you’re searching for a self-defense holster, there are a variety of carry options available. Law enforcement officers typically carry OWB (outside the waistband) because this method is highly accessible. However, OWB holsters with active-retention systems are also slow to draw from and exposed to criminals.

IWB holsters are designed for concealed carry. You attach the IWB holster using belt clips, which evenly distribute the weight and ensure reliable function.  The best IWB holster for the Glock 23 should have the following features:

Kydex construction

An IWB Kydex holster is more durable than a leather IWB holster, as it’s resistant to water, chemical solvents, and lubricating oils. In addition, Kydex is rigid, retains its shape under heavy use, and requires little maintenance. It’s also easy to clean.

Passive retention

If you carry an OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster openly, a holster with one or more levels of active retention is ideal because it protects your weapon against an attempt to disarm you during a struggle.

In an active-retention holster, you need to deactivate or unsnap one or more locking systems or fasteners before you can complete your draw stroke, which both slows and complicates the process of drawing your weapon.

Active retention is less critical for concealed carry, whether OWB or IWB, as you are not disclosing your weapon to bystanders.

In IWB (inside-the-waistband) carry, the weapon is both concealed and held close to your body; therefore, passive retention is usually sufficient.

Passive retention only uses a tight fit between the gun and the holster to keep the weapon in place. To draw your gun, all you need to do is grip it tightly and pull upward.

Fully covered trigger guard

When you draw, your index finger should not contact the trigger or enter the trigger guard until the pistol is clear of the holster and the muzzle is facing the target.

Should an unintentional discharge occur, the bullet should not strike near your feet or knees.

Regardless of the type, a practical holster should cover the trigger guard, protecting the trigger against unintentional activation.

Sweat guard

A full or partial sweat shield exists when the rear panel of a holster extends upward to act as a barrier between you and the pistol slide. To reduce exposure to corrosive perspiration, a sweat shield is useful for protecting steel firearm parts.

Adjustability

You should be able to adjust the ride height, cant, and retention to suit your preferences. By adjusting these values, you can customize your draw stroke and ensure that your holster is concealed to the fullest extent possible for your preferred carry position and manner of dress.

You’ll normally adjust the retention by tightening or loosening one or more screws using a Phillips-head screwdriver. A tighter fit requires more force to break the gun free and secures it more positively during periods of vigorous physical activity.

Weapon light compatibility

If you attach a weapon-mounted light (WML) to your pistol, you’ll need to select a holster that can accommodate the increased bulk of the light (and/or laser) housing.

At Incognito Concealment, we offer variants of our Incognito T3 IWB holster that you can use with several lights, including those manufactured by SureFire and Olight.

Accessories

A good IWB holster should also be compatible with various concealment accessories to maximize discretion. One of the best examples is the wing or claw, which reduces the tendency of some gun holsters to cant outward from the body, printing through clothing.

Find the Best Glock 23 Holster

At Incognito Concealment, we offer the best holsters on the market for a wide variety of Glock handguns, including the popular G23. Our IWB Kydex holsters are durable, rigidly constructed, and concealable. We believe so strongly in our products that we guarantee their quality with our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Give us a call at  (586) 333-4240, and we’ll help you choose the best holster for your Glock firearm.

ncealability for a highly effective self-defense weapon.