Retention is an important part of carrying concealed. A gun that falls out while a peson is performing normal duties is embarrassing and could have legal implications. Having your handgun pulled from its holster by an unauthorized user could get you killed.

Uncle Mike’s recently developed a concealable holster with a very simple retention system that should prevent both scenarios. It’s called the Reflex holster, and it’s a Kydex outside-the-waistband, strong-side holster with a spring-style knob that holds a gun securely until needed, whether for training or a real-life situation.

The Reflex can be attached by belt loops or via an adjustable paddle. Drawing from the Reflex is simple with only a minute adjustment in the draw as there is no button to push or cover to move. To draw, all one has to do is twist the butt of the handgun toward the rear of the body. This releases the tension on the knob, allowing the gun to be drawn.

Early testing reveals the Reflex to be almost instinctive, which is probably from where the name Reflex came. The draw is quite smooth with almost no change to my technique, but I haven’t tried the holster under pressure, which will be its real test. Can a person remember to slightly twist the hand during the draw while under the pressure of self-defense? I personally think yes, but we’ll find out soon as I'm going to testing the Reflex once I dearl with some logistical issues.

So far, the only thing I don’t like about the Reflex is that it is an OWB holster. Even though the belt loop pulls the gun close to the body, I still believe my IWB CrossBreed SuperTuck better conceals under the light shirts I prefer in the summer. I would love to see an IWB leather/Kydex hybrid version that provides the concealment I prefer with a real retention option.