Equipment Review- Minuteman Defense Kydex

These days, there are probably more than a hundred different sources for Kydex firearms accessories, from the little guy working out of his garage part time, to big operations with full time manufacturing. Most of the time you are paying a pretty similar price across the board no matter where you order from. So what makes one holster company better than another? Options? Lead time? Innovation?

Dragoon Solutions is proud to carry our handguns and magazines in Minuteman Defense holsters. When we were looking around for holsters, we were looking for a company that was local and that would work on meeting our specific needs. Minuteman Defense fit the bill exactly. Minuteman Defense is a small operation south of Kansas City, Missouri. Their prices are pretty close to what I consider industry standard, and they use thick kydex on all of their builds. The mounting system that Minuteman Defense uses allows for multiple options, such as their own belt loops, Blackhawk mounting systems, MALICE clips, and Blade Tech MOLLE and Tek Loks.

 Skyler, the owner, is always easy to reach and willing to take on new projects. When I decided I wanted a low ride panel for my holster to more easily clear my plate carrier, he was willing to give it a shot. I couldn't be happier.  The holster fit my Glock 17 perfectly, and the retention was easy to adjust using two bolts that "squeeze" the folded kydex together. I can easily loosen the holster up for competition shooting, or tighten it down a bit more for field training, while still leaving me with a smooth draw. 

Other items from Minuteman Defense that I have used are the magazine carriers. The AR mag carriers are a unique design. They are made to carry almost any AR magazine (We have tried USGI, PMAGs, and Troy BattleMags), with the bullets facing to the front or rear. The mag carriers can be stacked with either pistol magazine carriers or other rifle magazine carriers. The retention is easily adjustable in the same manner as the holster. The pistol mag carriers are very similar, but are made for each individual type of pistol magazine.

In the months that I have owned my equipment from Minuteman Defense, I have shot competitive pistol matches, done ruck marches, wilderness survival training, and field exercises with my HSGI Suregrip war belt, carrying my holster, two rifle magazines and two pistol magazines, all in Minuteman Defense Kydex. I have no complaints, whatsoever. Even with my considerable mass, rolling over my holster had no adverse effects. When my ruck would get caught on the magazine carriers as I offloaded it, the magazines and carriers held well, even with 50 plus pounds of gear catching on it. No matter how thick of vegetation I was rolling through, I never felt like my pistol would be unexpectedly leaving my side.

Mike's MDOW light bearing holster

The only issue I have had with any of the gear was with the magazine carrier, when I was being dragged backwards during a "man down" drill.  The way I was being dragged pushed the magazine down through the carrier. Even with that extra stress on the carrier though, it did not break, and shows no sign of abuse.

If you are looking for kydex equipment for concealed carry or tactical use, I strongly suggest you look into Minuteman Defense. Go to  www.minutemandefense.com, and let them know the Dragoons sent you.