919-388-1991
The Glock 22 is a “full size” Glock handgun chambered in .40 S&W that was introduced in 1990. Although S&W was working with the FBI and Winchester to patent the round, Glock was able to beat Smith and Wesson to the market when they introduced the G22 in early 1990.
The success of the Glock 17 led Glock to build the G22 model on the full-size G17 frame. While the frame internals, slide, and barrel are slightly different from the G-17 parts to accommodate the increased power of the .40 S&W caliber, dimensionally the G22 is the same size as the G17. The 22 pistol features operational controls (mag release, slide release, trigger operation, etc.) identical to the G17 series.
The .40 S&W caliber became very popular with law enforcement (although it never caught on the US military), so the Glock model 22 model was widely adopted for use by various US law enforcement agencies. At one point in time, even the FBI issued the 22 as a duty weapon, until they move down the smaller sized Glock 23 later. The G-22 was issued as a duty weapon for several federal law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Typically, handgun manufacturers see a trickle-down effect because when a particular handgun model is adopted by law enforcement, that same model sees a pick-up in civilian sales. This was true for the G-22 and it was very successful in the civilian market as well.
The more powerful .40 S&W cartridges are larger than the 9mm cartridges for the G17, so the Glock 23 standard magazine capacity is reduced to 15 rounds compared to the 17 rounds in the G17. Currently the G22 is available with a magazine capacity of 10 rounds (for magazine restrictive states), 15 rounds (the standard flush mounted magazines), or a 17-round version with an extension on it.
Like most all the Glock handguns, the 22 has been through a number of versions called “Generations”. Currently, the G22 is on its 5th Generation model. Most all the G-22 models feature a picatinny rail (also called an accessory rail or light rail) that will fit most tactical tools such as a light or laser.
Here are some of the more common questions that we see regarding G22 holster models:
While you are correct that the G22 chambered in .40 S&W is a larger caliber than the G17 in 9mm, Glock engineers were smart enough to make the modified frame, slide, and barrel on the G22 the same size as the G17. If Glock engineers had made the G22 larger than the G17, then it would have run into issues with aftermarket products such as triggers, sights, etc. So, as far as holsters go, the G17 and the G22 are basically the same size handgun.
Although each of the different Glock generations on the 22 does involve small changes or upgrades, none of the changes impacts the frame size or dimensions. As a result, the different generations all fit into the same holster. So, a Gen 2 G22 fits in the same holster made for the Gen 4 G22. That’s why we don’t advertise holsters made specifically for each generation of the G-22. To be honest, your Gen 4 G22 doesn't really need a specific G22 gen 4 holster for it.
We can offer holsters through MTR to fit the 22 with a Streamlight TLR 1 mounted. Any of the MTR Custom holster models listed below, are available in a version to fit the G22 in any generation with most of the popular light models (Surefire, Streamlight, etc.) attached. If you want to see what lights or lasers that we can support, go to any MTR holster that we carry, and look at all the options listed under the “Lights or Lasers” drop-down.
Any of the inside the waistband holsters listed on this page below are available in a version to fit the G22 (Regardless of the Glock generation).
So, before we answer that question, it’s important to be clear on the definitions of exactly what the different security levels mean. It’s also important to understand that security levels are normally associated with law enforcement or security holsters and their retention levels.
A level 1 security holster has one (1) retention device built into the holster. Now that retention device can be either a thumb break (retention strap or security strap) or with a push button lock like the Blackhawk Serpa series.
A level 2 security holster has two (2) security devices for retention. Those models are typically law enforcement only models. An example of a level retention would be a holster equipped with a retention strap or hood and an internal lock around the trigger guard (that requires a certain draw method to unlock).
A level 3 security holster has three (3) security devices for retention. Typically, this style of holster is also law enforcement only as well.
We do offer several concealed carry holster options with a level 1 retention device for most any handgun, including the G-22.
As everyone has different holsters needs, it's really hard to identity a "best Glock 22 holster". Ideally, you want to figure out the optimal holster that works for your specific needs and body type as there really isn't a one size fits all best G22 holster.
Any of following MTR IWB holster models listed below are available in a version to fit a G-22 with a Surefire TLR-2 HL mounted to it:
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-slimline-tuckable-iwb-holster/
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-custom-tuckable-adversary-clip-on-iwb-holster-with-a-bodyshield/
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-custom-adversary-clip-on-iwb-holster-with-a-bodyshield/
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-custom-dual-carry-holster/ - This holster works IWB and OWB.
We can support a holster for a G-22 handgun with an red dot sight mounted through MTR Custom. You would need to order the option for an RMR sight cutaway to accommodate the RMR sight you have mounted on the G22.
We do offer a paddle holster for the Model 22 Glock, and it can be seen here: MTR Custom Paddle Holster.
The most popular IWB models that we carry for AIWB are these:
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-custom-adversary-clip-on-iwb-holster-with-a-bodyshield/
https://www.gunnersalley.com/don-hume-h715m-wcs-clip-on-iwb-holster-with-bodyshield/
https://www.gunnersalley.com/mtr-custom-tuckable-adversary-clip-on-iwb-holster-with-a-bodyshield/
To see all the G17 holsters we carry, follow this link: Glock 17 Holsters
Any of the MTR Custom holster models listed below are available in a configuration as a Glock 22 holster with a light. MTR can support a number of the more popular light models, such as the Streamlight series, the Surefire series, and the Glock light series.
Any of the mag carrier or mag pouch listed below are available in a version to fit the G22 magazines. If you don't see any you like below, try visiting our magazine holsters page here: https://www.gunnersalley.com/magazine-carriers/
We certainly understand your concerns. However, the pictures shown for the holsters are just example pictures so you can get an idea of what the holster looks like. If you order a holster for the G22 off this page, it will be made specific to fit the Glock 22.
All the leather holsters listed below are available in a version to fit a Glock G22 in a right hand or left hand configuration.