Lawful Carry: Raven Concealment Systems Phantom Modular Holster

As much as I like leather holsters, ones made from Kydex® are easier to maintain and can be excellent for everyday carry or training.

When it comes to Kydex, one of the most respected names in the industry is Raven Concealment Systems (RCS), which offers a full line of holsters for almost any mission.

One Raven model I have used extensively is the Phantom Modular Holster. Mine is for a Commander-size 1911, but they are also available for CZ, Glock, H&K, S&W, H&K, and SIG pistols.

Front of Raven Phantom Modular Holster. Pistol is encased from the muzzle to the trigger guard, and allows a full firing grip while in the holster.

Made from thin yet strong Kydex-T, the Phantom is a pancake-type holster that hugs the body. The holster encases the pistol from the trigger guard to the muzzle, and has a full-length body shield. This not only provides comfort to the wearer, but also protects the pistol’s controls. The design permits a full firing grip on the pistol while in the holster.

The Phantom ships with your choice of belt mounting options. Phantoms are designed around the Eclipse Modular Mounting System, and are therefore compatible with all Eclipse Modular Accessories, through the use of which the Phantom can be converted to one of over 20 different styles of outside-the-waistband (OWB) or inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry.

My holster has standard OWB belt loops. Each belt loop attaches to the holster with Chicago screws with a rubber “O” ring to retain pressure on the screws and keep them tight. I go one step further and apply blue Loctite® to the threads.

Belt loops on rear of Phantom Holster permit holster to be carried snug to the body. Full-length body shield provides comfort to the wearer and protects the pistol.$$

Due to how the holster hugs the body, I have found it can be worn with almost any type of clothing with minimal printing.

While I believe in concealed carry mostly for tactical reasons, we may take the subject of printing too seriously. I’m of the opinion that folks who spot “photographer vests” and fanny packs as a sign that a gun might be carried, probably carry a gun themselves.

In an admittedly less-than-scientific experiment, my Dad recently walked through the local mall wearing an outside-the-waistband holster with a full-size duty pistol covered only by a light T-shirt. Just one person seemed to notice—a man wearing an unbuttoned shirt who gave my Dad a “thumbs up.” This person was likely a lawful carrier himself. With a heavier cover garment, the Phantom would not likely be noticed by any but the most situationally aware individual.

Getting back on topic, unlike some Kydex holsters, the Phantom is totally bereft of sharp edges. The pistol locks securely into the holster with a positive “click,” while still allowing a smooth, unhindered draw.

I supplemented the Phantom with a Double Modular Pistol Mag Carrier, also made from Kydex. Like the holster, the carrier can be shipped with the belt mounting option of your choice. Since I use the Phantom for range training more than anything else, I specified OWB belt loops.

Between the two pockets on the carrier is a screw to increase or decrease how much tension is used to withdraw the mags. If you are right handed and carry the magazine with the tips of the bullets pointing forward, order a right-hand carrier. If you carry with the bullet tips facing to the rear, order a left-hand carrier.