For practical shooting
competitors, the ideal holster is one that holds the handgun
perfectly positioned so that the shooting grip can be
immediately acquired; holds the gun securely even during
strenuous movement; and permits a smooth, resistance-free
draw. That seems simple enough, but since every shooter is
built differently, in practice that means the holster must
have a wide range of adjustments. It also needs a retention
system that will hold a heavy competition gun and still
release instantly on demand.
The Ghost Holster
meets these difficult challenges very well and is rapidly
gaining acceptance among IPSC competitors. The body of the
holster is made from anodized aluminum, fitted to a
synthetic belt loop. It is infinitely adjustable over a wide
range for height, cant and rake so that the shooter can
position the gun butt precisely as desired.
There are two
retention devices. A pin in the holster engages a small hole
in the front of the trigger guard of the pistol, which must
be drilled by the owner. Currently, the Ghost Holster is
offered only for pistols with synthetic frames so the job is
easy enough, providing the owner doesn't mind a hole in the
guard.
The second device is a
trigger-guard lock that is activated by rotating a lever on
the back side of the holster so it points backward, parallel
to the gun butt. This positively locks the pistol in place.
The position of the lever protects it against being
accidentally released by bumping into things. During the
draw as the fingers begin to close around the gun butt, they
engage this lever quite naturally and flip it to the
upright, released position.
A nice feature is that
the same holster can be used for both Open and Limited class
IPSC competition. Holsters are available for STI and SVI
pistols, the Bul M-5 and several Glock models. The holster
shown, for STI pistols, performed perfectly.
Adjustments for
position were straightforward and the range of adjustment
more than adequate. Draws proved smooth and effortless. The
holster was loaned to a shooter who had been knocking on the
door at several matches but never quite won. After a couple
of practice sessions, he won his first match the following
week with the Ghost Holster.
Quality of materials
and workmanship is first rate, and the holster is
lightweight and comfortable.
