This photo from 2002 shows the original Comp-Tac Paddle Slide holster on a trip to Gunsite. The Comp-Tac single magazine pouch is also in the shot. This holster was in regular use up to 2014.

One of the first Kydex holsters I ever owned came from a maker in the Houston, Tex. area – his name was Greg Garrett. His company, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, kicked off over sixteen years ago. I stumbled across the product shortly thereafter and began using the Comp-Tac Paddle Slide - FBI (15-degree forward cant) for a Glock 19. As recently as two years ago, I still regularly used the holster. Being the "slide" version meant it was configured to take any Glock standard frame gun from the Glock 34 (long slide) to the Glock 26 – and everything in-between. I took his holster and the Comp-Tac single magazine pouch on my first trip to Gunsite and to a few IALEFI Annual Training Conferences. I used that rig in taking classes and in teaching classes. I regularly wore it to carry an early 3rd Generation Glock 19 on the job and off. I'd discussed this holster with Greg a few years ago at an NRA Annual Meeting. He seemed surprised I still had it – and used it. Earlier this summer, I discussed the design with Randi Rogers, a pro shooter on the Comp-Tac staff. She commented that they want the holster back as it's needed at the Smithsonian for a display.

The current Comp-Tac Paddle shows the advances in finish and molding that's occurred over the years.

Later in the week, a mailer arrived with the current iteration of the Comp-Tac Paddle Holster. The difference in exterior finish and markings is remarkable when compared to the original effort from the early part of the century. This sample wasn't a slide and is meant for the Glock 19. More practical than the original, this doesn't leave the gun protruding and subject to getting pushed out just from sitting in an arm chair. The paddle is formed as part of the holster body and has protruding 'horns' at the base to stick under the waistband and belt. A 'hook-and-loop' type material appears on the top 'horns' – it helps cling to the fabric of the trousers. It fits close but leaves the gun butt out enough for a quick grasp. Like the original, it was secure in the waist. Taking it on a range outing, I found that drawing the gun didn't cause the holster to climb out with it. Randi also sent along their International Holster. This outside the waist rig has three mounting options: belt mount, paddle mount and drop offset. I quickly configured the rig as a paddle to compare to the original design.

The Comp-Tac International is shipped as a 'belt mount' holster. Attachments for drop-offset and paddle are also shipped. This holster is configured with the paddle mount.

Using a bolt-pattern design, the holster can be set to ride vertical or forward cant. You could make it a 'forward rake' and wear it cross-draw. The paddle mount is ventilated and has just a bit of flexibility built in. It can "bend" a little without breaking. A version of the conventional Paddle, the International has upper tabs, fore-and-aft, and lower tabs that protrude to the outside, allowing a 'catch' point on the belt. Like that original Comp-Tac holster – and the others that have been here in-between – these are quality rigs destined to give years of service. I've still not sent that original holster back to them. That rig has ridden a lot of miles with me. -- Rich Grassi