The best Glock 43x MOS Holster fits the MOS slide and optic, conceals reliably, and preserves draw and reholstering safety. Prioritize three measurable attributes: optic clearance, adjustable retention/ride height, and clip/attachment security. If a holster fails on any one of those, swap it—continuing to carry with a compromised rig degrades readiness.
QUICK VERDICT
Choose an IWB MOS-cut holster for the best balance of concealment and day-long wear. Choose an AIWB MOS-cut holster only if deeper concealment and faster access are higher priorities than seated comfort; verify cant and ride-height adjustments before committing.
Why MOS changes holster choice
A Glock 43X MOS holster must account for the optic-ready slide and any mounted red dot. Standard 43X holsters often lack the clearance required for an optic, which prevents proper seating and compromises retention. MOS-compatible holsters use a raised or cut channel that accommodates the optic body while maintaining structural support around the slide.
Ride height matters more with the MOS variant. Adding an optic increases bulk above the slide, which can shift grip angle and printing. Holsters designed specifically for MOS allow small adjustments in height and cant so the pistol clears clothing without forcing an awkward draw stroke.
Retention is also affected. A holster cut for a bare slide will grip differently once an optic is added. True MOS holsters adjust tension around the trigger guard and slide to maintain secure retention while still allowing a consistent draw under pressure.
What Glock 43X MOS owners say
Owners highlight recurring issues when selecting a holster for the MOS model:
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Optic clearance: many report standard 43X holsters blocking or pinching mounted optics.
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Printing: the longer 43X grip combined with an optic tends to push against clothing, making appendix adjustments critical.
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Reholster safety: some note that leather or hybrid rigs collapse slightly, raising concern about safe reholstering.
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Light compatibility: weapon-mounted lights narrow holster options and increase bulk.
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Clip reliability: weak clips or single-clip systems allow the holster to shift during draw.
Paraphrased owner remarks:
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“Once I added a 507K, my old IWB wouldn’t seat the slide fully.”
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“The grip edge printed through every t-shirt until I adjusted ride height.”
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“Single-clip holsters twisted on my belt—dual clips fixed it.”
Each of these reinforces the need for a dedicated MOS-cut holster rather than reusing a standard 43X rig.
Glock 43x Mos Holster features that matter + decision checklist
Fit & optic cut
Confirm the exact optic model fits before buying. Verify clearance for common micro-dots (RMRcc, Holosun 507K) and any mounting plate or spacer you use. Measure the optic footprint against the holster’s cut or channel; if the sight contact point rests on the holster’s edge the pistol will not seat correctly and retention will be inconsistent. For Kydex options, ensure the holster’s molding supports the slide around the optic while leaving a clean channel above it — this is the primary functional difference between a standard 43X holster and a glock 43x mos kydex holster.
Checklist:
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Confirm optic model and plate fit.
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Verify holster channel depth ≥ optic height + 1–2 mm.
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Inspect molding for solid slide support around the optic.
Retention, ride height, and cant
Adjustable retention, ride height, and cant change concealment and draw mechanics more than brand names do. Increasing ride height reduces printing but can make reholstering awkward; lowering ride height improves reholster speed but can expose the grip. Cant affects how the muzzle tucks into clothing and the naturality of your draw stroke. Test minimal adjustments at home and lock settings that produce a smooth, repeatable draw with no rubbing on the optic or slide.
Recommended minimal adjustments to test at home (pass/fail style):
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Retention: set to allow a quick two-finger draw with no wobble (pass) / noticeable play (fail).
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Ride height: raise until concealment improves (pass) / causes reach strain reholstering (fail).
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Cant: adjust 5–15° increments until draw aligns with your wrist (pass) / requires repositioning (fail).
Clip system & attachment security
Clip choice determines concealment stability. Single clips are lower-profile and more tuckable but risk rotation under stress; dual clips or belt loops add stability at the cost of speed and tuckability. Check clip material, spring tension, and whether the clip rides over the belt or clips inside — all affect retention on the belt and the likelihood of holster shift during draw. Match clip style to your typical belt (dress vs duty) and choose attachment hardware rated for repeated use.
Quick rules:
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Dress belt → lower-profile single clip that tucks.
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Heavy duty belt → dual clips or loops for zero-rotation.
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Prefer replaceable clips and visible hardware torque points.
Light-bearing compatibility
Weapon lights change geometry at the rail and often require a different holster cut or a dedicated glock 43x mos light bearing holster. Measure light length, width, and how far it extends below the trigger guard. Confirm the holster clears the light housing without forcing the muzzle or rail to sit higher in the rig. Expect fewer off-the-shelf options; if using a light, prioritize holsters that explicitly list your light model.
Measurement checklist:
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Light overall length and height.
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Clearance under trigger guard area ≥ light height + 1–2 mm.
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Holster channel supports rail without binding.
Material tradeoffs: Kydex vs hybrid vs leather
Kydex: predictable retention, fast draw, low maintenance, durable in moisture and heat. Molding can be exact to accommodate optics and lights, which is why many users choose a glock 43x mos kydex holster for MOS setups.
Hybrid / Leather: softer against the body, more comfortable for long wear and sitting. Leather and hybrid designs may compress or form around the slide over time, which can increase friction during reholstering; they often require more careful reholster technique and break-in. For owners prioritizing comfort and concealment under casual clothing, a glock 43x mos leather holster or hybrid can be acceptable if it passes reholster safety and retention checks.
Decision points:
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Need exact optic/light fit + speed → Kydex.
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Need daily comfort + aesthetics → Hybrid/Leather (verify reholster clearance).
Glock 43x Mos Carry positions: AIWB, IWB (3–5 o’clock), OWB, Shoulder
The next sections break down AIWB, IWB (3–5 o’clock), OWB, and Shoulder carry specifically for the Glock 43X MOS. For each position you will get a concise pros/cons statement, the concealment and comfort tradeoffs driven by the 43X’s longer grip and optic, the holster style that best matches that role (practical examples: optics-compatible leather for deep appendix carry, MOS-cut IWB Kydex for repeatable everyday carry, OWB for range/vehicle use, shoulder rigs for jacketed concealment), concrete printing-mitigation steps (ride height, cant, tuck/undershirt, cover garment), reholster-safety and draw-mechanics notes, and a short set of home tests to verify fit, retention, and comfort before relying on the rig.
AIWB (appendix) — glock 43x mos appendix holster
Pros: deepest concealment for the 43X grip, fastest access when seated or standing, natural draw path for many shooters.
Cons: increased risk of printing with small shirts, possible discomfort when seated for long periods, greater attention needed for muzzle discipline during reholstering.
When to pick: Glock 43x MOS AIWB holsters - prioritized concealment and rapid access in everyday clothing; willing to tune cant and ride height.
IWB (3–5 o’clock) — glock 43x mos iwb holster
Pros: balanced concealment and comfort, easier seated carry, wide range of clip options for belt types.
Cons: grip length and optic height can print on lighter clothing; some positions put the optic closer to fabric causing visible outline.
When to pick: Glock 43 MOS IWB Holster - daily carry with varied activity and seating; need stable retention with moderate concealment.
OWB — glock 43x mos owb holster
Pros: fastest draw speed, best for range or vehicle carry, more holster options for lights/optics without compromise.
Cons: poor concealment without a jacket, more prone to snagging and retention loss in close quarters.
When to pick: Glock 43X MOS OWB Holster - primarily range, duty, or when clothing layers allow reliable concealment.
Shoulder (cross-draw / straight-drop) — glock 43x mos shoulder holster
Pros: removes weight from the belt, excellent when jackets/outerwear are routine, hides grip from waistband printing.
Cons: slower access, requires consistent outer garment for concealment, more complex retention fit for optics.
When to pick: Glock 43X MOS Shoulder Holster - frequent jacketed environments, belts intolerant of carry, or niche tactical/vehicle roles where under-outerwear concealment is standard.
Printing mitigation tactics by carry position
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AIWB: rotate cant 5–12° forward, drop ride height slightly, tuck shirt front and use an undershirt.
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IWB (3–5): move holster closer to 4:00, lower ride height to tuck the muzzle under the beltline, use a deeper muzzle cant if available.
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OWB: move to strong-side 4:30–5:00 and pair with a cover garment or jacket; use holster with sweatshield and retention hood if needed.
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Universal: replace slim clips with higher-offset clips, test wardrobe with real motions, and photograph concealment under typical lighting.
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Shoulder: ensure jacket covers holster, use retention strap, balance strap tension to prevent sag.
Best 4 Glock 43x MOS Holsters - Owners’ Options
Below are owner-tested holster options for the Glock 43X MOS, each boiled down to the single role it does best, the primary benefit, and the main tradeoff. Read each entry for a clear match to your carry style: leather for comfort and deep concealment, Kydex IWB for exact optic fit and repeatable draw, hybrid for long-wear balance, OWB for range/vehicle use, and shoulder rigs for jacketed concealment. Use the included home tests—fit, retention, concealment, comfort—before relying on any option daily.
#1 Glock 43X MOS Leather Holster
Glock 43x mos leather holster. Appendix-focused leather with an optic-compatible shell; top choice for comfort and concealment under light clothing, breaks in over time and slows reholstering.
#2 Glock 43X MOS KYDEX Holster
MOS-cut IWB Kydex Offers an Exact Fit. Glock 43x mos kydex holster features Low-profile IWB Kydex with a precise optic channel; best for repeatable draw and guaranteed clearance, initially stiff and needs solid belt support.
#3 Glock 43X MOS OWB / Cross Draw Holster
Glock 43x mos owb holster Open-top OWB with MOS channel ideal for range and carry; A Cross Draw Glock 43x MO Optics ready holster grants fastest access and easy light/optic fit but poor concealed carry without cover garme
#4 Glock 43X MOS Shoulder Holster
Cross-draw or straight-drop Glock 43x Mos shoulder rig with an optic-compatible pouch; best when jackets or outer layers are routine, distributes weight off the belt and reduces waistband printing, but slower to access and requires a cover garment to stay concealed.
What to test at home (3-step checklist)
1) Draw and reholster safety (dry-fire, slow deliberate motions)
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Pass: smooth, repeatable draw with no binding; firearm seats fully with light tactile confirmation.
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Fail: binding on optic or slide, inconsistent retention, or requirement to manipulate grip to reholster.
2) Concealment check (sit, bend, walk — photograph under typical clothing)
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Pass: no visible grip or optic silhouette in three photographed positions; clothing returns to natural drape after movement.
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Fail: visible grip line or optic outline in any tested position; clothing shifts expose the grip.
3) Comfort and retention after 1–2 hours of wear
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Pass: no sharp pressure points, no excessive holster rotation, retention unchanged from initial test.
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Fail: significant discomfort requiring repositioning, clip loosening or rotation, or retention loss.
Carry decisions must be validated by these three tests before relying on the holster for daily use.
Conclusion
Carrying the Glock 43X MOS demands a holster that does more than just hold the pistol in place. The optic-ready slide, longer grip, and potential light attachment mean fit and function matter more here than with a standard 43X. Leather designs remain the most comfortable for deep concealment, especially when carried appendix under light clothing. Kydex IWB rigs provide the most precise fit for optics and the fastest, most repeatable draw. Hybrid and OWB setups serve their place, either for long daily wear or for range and vehicle carry where concealment is secondary.
The decision comes down to balancing comfort, concealment, and optic clearance. Test retention, ride height, and cant at home before committing. Photograph your setup in everyday clothing and sit with it for a few hours to confirm comfort. A well-chosen holster makes the 43X MOS a practical daily carry; a poor one leaves it at home.
Choose a holster that fits your optic and carry style, verify adjustments, and expect to invest between $50 and $200 for a dependable MOS-cut rig that will actually get carried.
