The Parts and Accessories Encyclopedia
HOLSTER
​Whether the MK23 is used as a primary weapon in true "Offensive Handgun" nature, or as a secondary to another platform such as a sniper rifle; the ability to holster the pistol is considered a necessity by many users regardless the role the MK23 plays. Much like a sling for a rifle, a holster allows the user to stow their pistol away whilst operating another weapon or performing another action that requires their hands to be free, such as traversing terrain.
Holsters are available in all manner of shapes, materials and designs and cater to various accessories used by the MK23 platform, but generally share the common attribute of being quite large in size (due to the pistol they secure).
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Finding the correct holster for your needs can be a difficult process, but rest assured there is something on the market for you. You can find compatible holsters that support the use of a suppressor and / or a weapon light in the style of Nylon Universal Holsters, Kydex Plastic Holsters and 3D Printed Holsters.
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Please find below a list of the communities most recommended holsters. Holsters on this list have been tried and tested in Airsoft skirmishes over periods of many months to years and have proven to be durable with reliable retention.
| PARTS |
3 BB RATING
WHERE TO BUY?
The DTD Pistol Locking Retention holster is available from the following retailer in both left and right handed models:
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socomtactical.net
COMMUNITY REVIEWS:
"The thumb “release button” allows a very smooth, safe draw with or without a silencer, the pistol is released to the side rather than having to lift the whole thing up and out like with a conventional holster." - Jungles Airsoft Blog (Link)
"The release version is water cut nylon and very durable, I've tried breaking it but the amount of abuse I put it through is ridiculous... It'll hold." - Ludwig Öst
"I really dig this holster! It's easy to attach, once you get the feel for it and easy to pull." - Cleanshot (Link)
DTD are a couple of professional engineers based in Hampshire. After discovering airsoft they realised the potential for creating custom and hard-to-source parts with a 3D printer. They first entered the MK23 community offering adapters for optics and tactical lights, however, not long after went on to revolutionize holster options for one of the industries largest pistol that was notoriously difficult to cater to. Enter the Pistol Locking Retention Holster.
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"This 3D printed locking holster is perfect for intense fire fights, house to house engagements and even keeps your sidearm safe in a belly crawl. The MK23 holster allows for a quick draw with or without a silencer. You can release your sidearm using a simple thumb button that disengages the self locking system. This ensures you keep one hand free during both holstering and upholstering of your ASG MK23.
The holster has also been designed to eliminate rattle so that your enemy only knows your there when you want them to. The sturdy built in ratchet system also means you can fit this holster to MOLLE webbing loops and belts.
The holster is made from sturdy plastic to ensure it can stand up to any abuse you throw at it. That way you do not have to worry about your holster when you are diving for cover.
Finally, the holster is designed for a smooth draw even when you have multiple attachments like a suppressor or red dot sight. The gun is held through the trigger guard and on the front of the top slide so your gun can be used in any configuration without fear of being snagged as you draw." - Socom Tactical.
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| DTD Pistol Locking Retention Holster |
DTD Latest Version Overview
Holster Belt Mounted
Holster MOLLE Mounted
Holster MOLLE Mounted 2
Holster MOLLE Mounted 3
Holster Adapter and Plate
Holster Adapter and Plate
Holster Adapter and Plate Render
Holster Adapter and Plate Render
FEATURES:
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Retains the MK23 through the trigger guard and on the front of the top slide
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Accepts the MK23 with the following attachments equipped:
- Suppressor / Extended Outer Barrel
- LAM
- Slide-mounted reflex sights
- Tactical light
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Economical and ergonomic draw
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Thumb-release button for secure retention and release
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Strong self-locking mechanism for easy re-holstering
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Holster frame blocks the magazine release to help prevent lost magazines
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Snug form-fitting profile
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Available in right-handed and left-handed versions
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Strong mounting system allows convenient fitting to belts or MOLLE webbing loops
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Integrated spine fitting allows for 360° angle adjustment in 30° increments
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Compatible with community based aftermarket parts (Such as the Hadron Airsoft Designs)
Lightweight and Modular
Durable
Easy to spray paint
Nearly silent
Incredibly Fast Draw
PROS
CONS
COMMUNITY OPINION
Small learning curve
Shipping Cost
Exposed pistol
Non-traditional design
3D printed texutre
Best on the market
Expensive
Hard to obtain
Excellent Service
| Warrior Assault Systems Universal Holster |
WAS Holster 1
WAS Holster 2
WAS Holster MK23 1
WAS Holster MK23 3
WAS Holster MK23 Mounted 1
WAS Holster MK23 Mounted 2
WAS Holster MK23 Mounted 3
FEATURES:
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Retains the MK23 through the trigger guard and Cordura wrap around material
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Accepts the MK23 with the following attachments equipped:
- Suppressor / Extended Outer Barrel
- Slide-mounted reflex sights​
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Thumb-release button for secure retention and release
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Self-locking mechanism for easy re-holstering
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Form-fitting profile
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Available in right-handed and left-handed versions
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Available in various patterns and colour schemes.
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Simple MOLLE straps for securing to belts and webbing loops
COMMUNITY OPINION
CONS
PROS
WHERE TO BUY?
The Warrior Universal holster is available from the following retailer in both left and right handed models:
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uktactical.com
COMMUNITY REVIEWS:
"It's very very sturdy, the trigger lock and in conjuction with the nylon flaps work very well together to keep the gun nice and tight and stable inside the holster if you're a dynamic kind of guy moving around a lot" - Robo-Airsoft (Link)
"Let me ask you this.... Do you like swords? Because it's like drawing a katana!" - Rob Kelly
2 BB RATING
Warrior Assault Systems are a UK provider of tactical gear and load bearing equipment, from pouches to plate carriers and a rather unique pistol holster system. Design for real steal usage, the Warrior Universal Pistol holster features a modular design that permits the use of larger framed pistols, and most notably the MK23 itself.
The holster allows the installation of a rear mounted optic and the holstering of the pistol with or without the suppressor attached. Unfortunately due to the design of the retention system, the holster does not support the use of a weapon light.
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"The Universal Pistol Holster is a versatile adaptable holster that fully adjusts to accomodate a wide variety of large and small frame pistols.
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Adjustment is simple and quick by way of velcro closure. Sidearms are secured firmly by way of a moulded composite internal housing. The weapon is released by means of a push down thumb release.
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The rear of the holster has 3 rows of MOLLE webbing with 2 MOLLE arms allows it to be attached to plate armour carriers and chest rigs." - Warrior Assault Systems
Tried and Tested
Hard to obtain
Excellent Service
Traditional design
No weapon light support
Long suppressor draw
No rotational adjustment
Lightweight and Modular
Durable
US Mil. Spec materials
| H W Holsters Kydex Holster |
1 BB RATING
FEATURES:
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CNC cut kydex plastic shell.
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Perfectly form fitting for the MK23 shape.
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Supports both clone and Marui models.
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Accommodates multiple popular mounting solutions (G-Code, Blackhawk, etc).
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Allows for passive and active retention with the addition of a retention strap.
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Includes a range of popular camouflage outer shell skins.
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Accepts the MK23 with the following attachments equipped:
- Suppressor / Extended Outer Barrel​
- Slide-mounted reflex sights
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Adjustable screws for retention tightness.
COMMUNITY OPINION
CONS
PROS
WHERE TO BUY?
The Warrior Universal holster is available from the following retailer in both left and right handed models:
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uktactical.com
Left and Right Handed - Link
COMMUNITY REVIEWS:
No weapon light support
Long suppressor draw
No rotational adjustment
Loud to draw
"HW Holsters for the win, just awesome and amazing piece of kydex with custom featurea you want. Doesn't look silly and allows holstering with silencer (max. outer diameter 35mm)." - Tuomas Rantanen
"Really can't say enough about the great customer service from HW, Great product, fast turn around time and also got something completely custom."
- RandomTrashy
Lightweight
Precise Fit
Durable
Full Pistol Coverage
Customizable
Tried and Tested
Excellent Service
Traditional design
Reliable
Robust
HW Holsters was founded in late 2013 and claim to have been the UK's first choice for Kydex since then!
Their origins have come from a one person, garden shed setup processing 5-10 orders a week, into their very own workshop in Tonbridge Kent custom making 250+ products a month, all in three short years!
As they have grown so has their passion to keep on top of the new product releases and processing techniques. They have invested in their own in house CNC cutter and laser engraver to speed up production times and improve standards on their product lines. Not only does this save time from outsourcing such work but also aids in prototyping for new lines keeping costs down too, which in-turn they can pass on to the end user..
Although still a small team, they have made massive leaps in terms of quality and product reliability in the past few years and have got to know Kydex inside out (the hard way!). HW Holsters are so confident in their products they can now offer a lifetime warranty against product failure.
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Their most popular and supported MK23 model comes in the form of their "Fold Over" holster.
| PART SUBMISSION |
If you know of or have used an aftermarket part that you believe should be listed here, please feel free to submit a recommendation for review.