Review: Be Tactical's Bedside Holster
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.
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I own on that I bought about a year ago (I think I paid $12 on Amazon) and here are some things I've noticed:
1. I haven't had a problem getting the holster to cover my trigger guard. If I remember correctly, you have angle the Velcro strap to get it to work right, but once you get it, it holds well. Since I've had it, I've used a Beretta 92, a Sig P226, a CZ 75 compact, and a Browning Hi-Power. They all seem to work fine.
2. Once in position, it's not very noticeable if your comforter goes over the top of it (see attached picture). There have been dozens of people in my bedroom and no one has noticed it.
3. It doesn't move - I haven't had to readjust it since I've had it.
4. Drawing is awkward, but I've never really thought about it. I don't see this as something you would be speed drawing from. If you sit on the edge of the bed (as if you were getting up) it seems easy enough.
5. One problem - it's easily forgettable. I can't count the amount of times I've forgotten to put my handgun back in the safe before leaving my house. While I don't have children, this could be a serious problem if you do.
6. Mine has one elastic strap instead of two. It's not too great for most flashlights. My flashlight snags when you try to remove it.
I've had a variation of this by Explorer for about a year now. I like it. I put it between the mattress and boxspring or I anchor it in a nightstand drawer. The drawer alleviates it from sliding out from between the mattress and box spring but so would velcro or tying it to my bed's frame through the holes.Mine is really customizable and there's no reason for the weird cant to make room for whatever pistol I put in it. It also doesn't move on its own or when I remove objects from it while used with the bed. It's only when I get in and out of the bed that it moves a bit.
After 7-10 times of getting in and out of bed it would be hanging loose if I didn't adjust it. I have a drawer full of flashlights, mags and similar stuff so sliding the end into the top of the drawer and shutting it is what I go with most of the time.
I have a 9mm pistol, a Streamlight ProTac HL 850 lumen in the middle elastic section and another mag in the adjustable last pocket. No stability issues at all. I could put a Pmag in the adjustable section if I wanted to. More than worth the money. My product has no obnoxious label. I like that I could put it at the head of my bed totally concealed and easily accessed. I could fit a kydex holster inside the adjustable holster section but I don't have a reason to. You could mount this behind a cabinet or hang it on a wall in hidden area of a closet. Keeps my pistol more accessible and out of the way. I prefer it to leaving a drawer or small safe open or leaving items on the nightstand.
Paid $17 for it on Amazon.