Review: Aker Statesman IWB Holster

by
posted on March 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
aker-state-holster.jpg

As great as leather holsters can be for open carry — classic look, traditional design — and OWB concealed, they are often not the best choice for IWB. Softening over time and continued use can cause the mouth of the holster to weaken under the pressure of a tight belt.

This is fine for holding the gun in and does not interfere with the draw, but it makes reholstering, especially under the pressure following a real-life deadly force encounter, difficult without using two hands, often putting the support hand at risk of being muzzled in the process.

Aker addressed this common issue by adding a double layer of leather around the opening of the Statesman IWB holster. While this solution may not be as rigid as Kydex, the second layer, folded over the first along the rim of the mouth, adds enough stiffness that it takes a pretty good squeeze to close it enough that it would restrict the gun from going back in.

The Statesman, available in black and tan, starts with two thin leather panels stitched together around the edges and then around the contour of the gun, leaving an open bottom for normal or threaded barrels, although it looks too small to accommodate a suppressor.

Belt attachment comes in the form of two snap clip straps held on by Chicago screws at a non-adjustable 15-degree forward cant. This makes for a solid system, if you can snap them closed. I struggled to get them around a 1.5-inch leather gun belt that I wear all the time with other holsters. When I did finally get them snapped, they came undone several times during the day. After considerable break-in, the system got easier to use, although I’d say we never became friends.

My Glock G17 fit well into the holster, keeping it confidently secure despite no adjustable retention (not uncommon on leather holsters). The mouth reinforcement worked as designed, too, staying adequately open during repeated reholstering.

While the Statesman is a solid option if you’re a fan of leather IWB holsters, one word of caution: it’s not optic-compatible. I had to take mine off to use it.

At a retail price of $84.50, the Aker Statesman is a solid option for leather holster lovers. Good retention, great handcrafted look and feel, classic styling, and an opening that stays open under the tight squeeze of a gun belt.

Latest

MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis
MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis

First Look: New LSS Gen3 Chassis Models From MDT

MDT’s modular chassis system expands to include new rifle actions.

IMNHO: An Important Discovery?

Although chilly, it was the first decent day after two weeks of brutal cold. When I arrived at the range in the early afternoon, every bench was occupied. Seeing me, one guy in the middle of the line said he was leaving. Once it was clear, I grabbed the bench and started unloading my gear.

First Look: Rost Martin RM1C Hiviz Upgrade

A new front-sight option for a popular defensive pistol.

Fit to Fight

Putting in the work means more than just on the range.

First Look: Magpul MOE QD M-Lok Bipod

A quick-detach polymer bipod built to use Magpul's M-Lok system.

The Iconic Commander

Even great military service pistols go though a form of evolution.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.