If you've been hunting for a solid glock 48 mos owb holster, you already know that finding the right balance between comfort and concealability is half the battle. The Glock 48 MOS is a bit of a special beast because it combines that slimline feel we love with the versatility of a mounting rail and an optic cut. While many people gravitate toward inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry for a gun this thin, there is a massive case to be made for carrying outside-the-waistband (OWB), especially if you value your skin and your sanity during long days.
Let's be real for a second—carrying a hunk of plastic and metal against your hip all day can get old fast. That's where a good OWB setup comes in. Because the G48 is so slim, it actually hides incredibly well under a light jacket or even a slightly oversized flannel. But you can't just grab any generic holster and hope for the best. You need something that respects the MOS features, specifically that red dot sitting on top.
Why OWB Makes Sense for the Slimline G48 MOS
Most people think OWB is only for "duty" use or for guys who don't mind open carrying. But the Glock 48 is uniquely suited for OWB concealment. It's significantly thinner than a Glock 19, which means it doesn't poke out nearly as much from your side. When you pair it with a high-quality glock 48 mos owb holster, the profile stays remarkably tight to your body.
The comfort factor is the real winner here. You don't have to worry about buying pants two sizes too big just to fit your gear inside your waistband. Plus, drawing from an OWB holster is generally faster and more consistent for most shooters. You don't have to fight with your belt or clear as much clothing to get a solid purchase on the grip. If you have back issues or just a sensitive waistline, moving that weight to the outside of your belt can be a total game-changer.
The Optic Cut is Non-Negotiable
The "MOS" in Glock 48 MOS stands for Modular Optic System, and if you're not using that feature, you're missing out on one of the gun's best traits. However, that red dot changes the geometry of your holster needs. A standard G48 holster might not have the clearance for a Holosun 507K or a Shield RMSc.
When you're shopping for a glock 48 mos owb holster, the first thing you should check is whether the sweat guard or the top of the holster is cut low enough to accommodate your glass. You'd be surprised how many "universal" holsters claim to fit but end up putting pressure right on your optic lens. A purpose-built MOS holster will have a specific "optic cut" that allows the slide to seat fully without the red dot getting in the way. It's also worth looking for "suppressor height sight" channels just in case you decided to co-witness your irons.
Choosing the Right Material: Kydex vs. Leather
This is the age-old debate, isn't it? For an OWB setup, both have their merits, but they offer very different experiences.
Kydex is probably the most popular choice for a glock 48 mos owb holster today. It's rugged, it doesn't hold onto moisture, and it gives you that satisfying "click" when the gun is holstered. It's also generally thinner than leather, which helps with concealment. The downside? It's hard plastic. If it rubs against you, it's going to let you know. But for most, the consistency of the draw and the fact that the holster won't collapse when the gun is out makes it the top pick.
Leather, on the other hand, is all about comfort and class. A well-molded leather holster for a G48 MOS feels great and breaks in over time to fit your body's curves. However, leather can be a bit bulkier. If you go the leather route, make sure it's high-quality steerhide or horsehide that won't lose its shape. The last thing you want is the leather softening so much that it starts to fold into the trigger guard. For an MOS model, you also have to ensure the leather worker specifically accounted for the optic, as leather holsters often wrap higher around the slide.
Retention and Security
Since you're carrying outside the waistband, retention is a bigger deal. With IWB, your belt and your body pressure help keep the gun in place. With an OWB holster, the holster has to do all the heavy lifting.
Most Kydex glock 48 mos owb holster options use passive retention. This means you can adjust a couple of screws to tighten or loosen how hard the holster "grips" the trigger guard. For daily carry, this is usually plenty. You want to be able to jump, run, or bend over without the gun sliding out, but you also don't want to be fighting the holster when you need to draw.
If you're using this setup for woods carry or if you're in a crowded environment where you're worried about someone grabbing your firearm, you might look into Level 2 retention. This usually involves a thumb break or a hood that you have to physically move before the gun comes out. It's a bit overkill for a concealed carry G48, but it's an option if you prefer that extra peace of mind.
Belt Loops and Attachment Styles
How the holster attaches to your belt is just as important as the holster itself. If the loops are flimsy, the holster will "flop" away from your body, ruining your concealment and making the gun feel heavier than it is.
- Pancake Style: These holsters have loops on either side of the gun. This design pulls the holster tight against your hip, spreading the weight across a larger section of your belt. This is arguably the best style for a glock 48 mos owb holster intended for concealment.
- Paddle Holsters: These are great for convenience because you can slip them on and off without unbuckling your belt. The trade-off is that they usually stick out further and can be less secure if you don't have a high-quality paddle design.
- Speed Clips: These are a middle ground, allowing for easy removal while still keeping the holster relatively tight.
Whatever you choose, make sure your belt is actually a gun belt. A flimsy department store belt will sag under the weight of even a slim G48 MOS, making your OWB holster uncomfortable and obvious to everyone around you.
Don't Forget the Light
A lot of G48 MOS owners take advantage of that accessory rail to mount a light, like the Streamlight TLR-7 sub. If you've added a light, your search for a glock 48 mos owb holster just got a little more specific. You can't fit a light-bearing gun into a non-light-bearing holster.
When a holster is made for a light, the retention usually shifts from the trigger guard to the light body itself. This results in a slightly different "feel" during the draw. It also usually adds a bit of width to the holster. Since the G48 is so narrow, adding a light doesn't make it as bulky as a full-sized duty gun, but it's something to keep in mind when you're thinking about how you'll dress around it.
Final Thoughts on Carrying OWB
At the end of the day, your glock 48 mos owb holster needs to work for your life. If you spend most of your day driving, an OWB holster at the 3 o'clock or 4 o'clock position is usually much more comfortable than having an IWB rig digging into your gut. If you work in an office and need to tuck in your shirt, OWB might not be the move unless you're wearing a jacket over it.
The Glock 48 MOS is one of the most versatile carry guns on the market right now. It's big enough to shoot well at the range but small enough to forget you're wearing it. By choosing a high-quality OWB holster that accounts for your optic and fits your belt properly, you're setting yourself up for a much more pleasant carrying experience. Don't be afraid to try a few different styles; sometimes you have to wear a holster for a full day to realize if it's the right one for you. Just make sure it covers the trigger completely, holds the gun securely, and lets you get a full firing grip right from the start. Happy carrying!