I was sent this bedside holster for review from BeTacticalgear.com. It is not something I would normally look for nor purchase for myself but I decided to keep an open mind. Upon further research, this holster is made by Explorer. You can check them out at explorerbag.com.

The holster is a reinforced sheet of cordura with some velcro flaps, grommets and some non-skid fabric. The grommets are for anchoring it under a desk or on a wall. The velcro square is odd since it would be sandwiched between the mattress and box spring. I think it is so you can attach velcro under your mattress and this will stick to it. Otherwise I do not see a purpose for it to be there.

There were no instructions other than the vague cardboard card it was attached to.

Here is the holster unfolded.

This velcro flap is goes on the outside of the pistol holster strap thus securing it.

The problem I had with this setup is that I had a hard time covering up the trigger properly. The holster can accommodate a weaponlight. I am not sure about the odd angle that the pistol is positioned. If you are laying down in bed and try to reach for your pistol, it is angled away from your hand.

The holster seems designed for right handed shooters however you could put a pistol in it for a left handed shooter however your spare magazine kind of gets in the way and you need to either tuck it all the way down or position the pistol on the outside of the magazine.

Another problem that I had with the bed holster was when I had it sandwiched between my mattress and box spring. I have a box spring cover which does not help with the friction of the bed holster. So when I try to draw the pistol out or put the pistol back in, the holster has a tendency to slip out a bit.

Now while I was able to get this holster to work I do not think it fits my needs. As you can see in the photo above, the holster positions the pistol low and outside the frame of my box spring. My comforter is not long enough to drape down and conceal the pistol. Another issue is the design of the straps. There are webbing edges that snag on protrusions of the weaponlight, front sight and on my handheld flashlight that it gets in the way of a clear and clean draw.

The bias tape edges snags on gear as you try to draw them from the holster.

For $20 you get what you pay for. It has some uses but I find the execution sub par. It would be better as a modular system like one big molle panel or velcro panel. That you can attach almost any holster you want with better retention and coverage of the trigger. Also molle or velcro would allow for more modularity with accessories rather than relying on an elastic loop for magazines and a nylon strap for a flashlight.

With regards to having a pistol at the ready for home defense, I find a dedicated box like the Gunbox or the Hornady Rapid Safes better for securing the weapon and getting quick access to it. If you do not need security for your bedside gun, then a night stand is more than adequate for storing a pistol when needed.