One of the more peculiar looking holsters I stumbled across at the Shot Show was the Phalanx Smart Holster. It looks a bit clunky, but it is highly effective. Phalanx Smart Holsters are custom made for specific makes and models of pistols.

The Phalanx Smart Holster system was engineered to focus on three primary considerations: safe carry, speed of draw, and secure storage. For safe carry, the Phalanx Smart Holster automatically locks the pistol into the holster with the pistol’s action locked partially open, which disengages the trigger. Any pulling motion other than a firm straight down movement cannot remove the pistol.

In addition to being safe to carry, the Phalanx Smart Holster also allows the pistol to be drawn in 1/2 a second. Now it will take some practice, because it requires the opposite motion of any other holster. Also by inserting the lockable barrel-blocking rod through the muzzle end of the Phalanx Holster, the Holster prevents the removal of the pistol until the rod is removed. Creating in essence, a portable gun safe.

The Phalanx Smart Holster will also protect any optics on the pistol as an added benefit. However, for pistols with suppressors a unique holster is required.