Here Is the Useful Fobus Extraction Series Holster Review

TLG - A holster that carries a lifetime warranty has our attention. Either it’s made by a company that’s impossible to get ahold of, or it’s made by a brand prepared to stand behind the gear. Fobus Holster was founded in 1978 and currently catalogs a wide variety holster types offered at affordable prices, including: Active retention, passive retention, OWB, IWB, ankle and universal holster options. Reviewed in Guns & Ammo’s August 2020 issue, Fobus’ APN Series ($37) expanded its traditional product lines by offering a better ambidextrous holster for concealed carry. Fobus included the optional paddle for OWB use, but the belt clip for IWB was improved for the APN with a pronounced hook. Its adjustable retention also felt better. The new Extraction Series is made in the United States and takes Fobus’ modernization efforts to another level by optimizing form and function. Note, the price of the Extraction Series is still around $40.

The Extraction reminds some of us of other Kydex holsters because this style is trending. Unlike others, however, the Extraction is made of Boltaron thermoplastic sheets from Ohio. According to Fobus, Boltaron is a great material for holster manufacture because it is lighter than Kydex and maintains its precise shape more reliably, while also causing less wear to a firearm’s finish. They certainly aren’t the first holster maker to employ the polymer, and, like Kydex pouches, we appreciate the rigid construction for IWB carry as opposed to soft, flexible shells that may not provide adequate protection during daily use.

The Extraction Series is unique in this segment for including an optional paddle, which is used to set up the holster for OWB use. The same hardware is used to attach the paddle (sans spacers) as is required for the IWB clip. No additional screws or bushings are necessary. The rear of the back of the holster is a pivot point, while the front offers three holes to mount the paddle in one of three cants. A rearward cant allows the user to set it up in a crossdraw orientation, or you can arrange it vertically or at a forward cant for over-the-hip or behind-the-hip position. The front clip, however, is primarily adjustable for height on the holster body, with some adjustment for cant. Be careful not to overtighten the steel Phillips-head screws when mounting the clip! It is possible to damage the components.

45-Day Carry

To evaluate the Extraction Series, I ordered a sample to carry the Taurus GX4. Fobus was one of the first makers to offer a holster for this pistol. As a nice discovery, the Extraction Series features a low-enough cut and a tall-enough sight channel that I was able to continue wearing this holster when the upgraded GX4XL T.O.R.O. ($469, taurususa.com) was introduced. Therefore, in keeping with the budget theme of this “Carry Rig,” I mounted a Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec reflex sight ($170, sightmark.com), which proved to be a worthy combination. Adding the price of the gun, optic, holster and a box of defensive ammo, the entire package retailed for less than $700. I’ve taken this setup to the range at least once a week and on two road trips; it hasn’t failed me yet. It’s comfortable to wear in every configuration, and dependable enough that I would recommend it to my budget-minded friends. My one gripe is the plastic clips, and I would personally like to see some upgraded options be offered. However, it’s my opinion that this is easily Fobus’ best holster.

Fobus Extraction Holster (RH) Specs

• Materials: Boltaron (plastic); steel (hardware)
• Carry Type: Inside the Waistband (IWB) or Outside the Waistband (OWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; friction fit, CNC machined (primary)
• Adjustability: Yes; cant, height
• MSRP: $40
• Handgun Fit: Taurus GX4 (tested); Kimber R7; S&W CSX; Springfield Hellcat; etc.
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: AIWB, IWB or OWB
• Average Time to Attach: 20 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 4.5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked t-shirt (AIWB); loose shirt (IWB); jacket (OWB)
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.34 seconds
• Manufacturer: Fobus Holster, 267-803-1517, fobusholster.com

Note: Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws producing an A-zone hit on a stationary target positioned at 21 feet.