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How To Find an Enigma Compatible Holster – Standard Enigma OS

How To Find an Enigma Compatible Holster – Enigma OS - Standard

If we don’t make an Enigma Express for your gun (and you’re not using a light or laser), then you’ll need to use the Enigma OS - Standard. This Enigma model comes disassembled, and you’ll need to supply your own compatible holster to use with it.

The easiest way to find a compatible holster shell for the Enigma OS - Standard is to check with each of the recommended brands linked below, in order. Our recommended brands have a wide variety of gun choices, and are known to work with the Enigma, as long as you’re not using a light or laser on your gun.

If none of the recommended brands cover your gun model, you’ll need to invest some time into learning the compatibility requirements and searching for a holster shell. This is not an easy process, and sometimes there are no Enigma compatible holster shells, especially for less common carry guns. If you can’t find a shell, you may want to consider switching to a compatible gun, or simply holding off on your Enigma purchase for now.

Please note: make sure to have a compatible holster shell in hand before ordering the Enigma. The Enigma return window is 30 days, while some other manufacturers have lead times much longer than that. If you don't have your holster ready to go when your Enigma arrives, you could run out of time to try the Enigma within your return window.

Frequently Asked Questions

My gun has a light or a laser attached. Will it fit?

No, guns with lights or lasers will not work with the Enigma OS - Standard. You need the Enigma OS - Light Bearing instead.

Light-bearing holsters use different construction that is not compatible with the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to mount a light bearing holster to the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to modify your holster or Enigma. Using the wrong holster on your Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.

If you're carrying a gun with a light or laser attached, that's cool! Just make sure to use the Enigma OS - Light Bearing instead!

Photo of Glock with weapon-mounted light attached.
What if I have a sidecar style holster with an attached magazine holder?

Sidecar holsters will not work with the Enigma system. Even if your sidecar holster has a compatible concealment wing, it will not work with the Enigma due to the balance point of the wing mount. Do not attempt to use a sidecar holster with the Enigma. Do not attempt to modify your holster, or your Enigma, to fit a sidecar holster. Using a sidecar holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.

If you're looking for a way to carry a spare magazine with the Enigma, that's cool! Check out some safe ways to carry your spare magazine in this video.

Photo of sidecar holster with line through it, indicating it is not Enigma compatible.
What if I have a hybrid style holster with a backer?

Hybrid holsters will not work with the Enigma system. To use a holster with the Enigma, it must have a full kydex shell, and must not have a flat backer. Hybrid holsters are not safe to use with the Enigma due to the severe stress put on the holster shell. Using a hybrid holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.

WARNING: There are holsters on the market that are advertised as being Enigma compatible when they are not. These are UNSAFE to use with the Enigma. In the event of a conflict between another manufacturer's advertising and this compatibility guide, THE PHLSTER COMPATIBILITY GUIDE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY.

Just because it's for sale doesn't mean it's safe! Be cautious. If you have any doubts about holster compatibility, please contact us for help.

Photo of hybrid holster from Celtic Holsters, with line through it, indicating it is not Enigma compatible.
My holster uses a different style wing - will it work?

Probably not, but check the fit guide to be sure. You can also contact us with a picture of your holster, and we can help you determine if it will work.

There are three concealment wings that are compatible with the Enigma OS - Standard, WHEN ALL OTHER COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. These are the Ravenwing, the Darkwing, and the Modwing. You can learn more in the compatibility section below.

Photo comparison of holster wings.
Can I modify my holster to make it fit?

No. DO NOT attempt to modify your holster shell to fit the Enigma. DO NOT attempt to modify the Enigma faceplate to fit your holster shell. This voids the warranty, weakens the materials, and could lead to a dangerous failure. DO NOT drill through the Enigma faceplate. DO NOT drill extra holes in your holster shell. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Read the Enigma safety information for more details.

Please don’t take any chances with your safety. If your holster shell is not Enigma compatible, get a new shell. Check out our recommended brands in the Fit Guide above.

Can I use a holster with an open sight channel, or a trigger-guard-only minimalist holster?

You must use a holster which fully encloses the slide of the gun. A holster which does not fully capture the slide of the gun can allow the gun to be dislodged from the trigger guard/trigger clip style holster when used with the Enigma. This can cause the trigger to become exposed, leading to severe injury or death.

Do not use a minimalist trigger guard style holster with the Enigma.

Photo of trigger guard holster with line through it, indicating it is not Enigma compatible.
Photo of person holding a holster in their hand.