Here Is the Useful Fobus Extraction Series Holster Review

The Fobus Extraction Series is a grab-and-go holster designed for appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry; however, it can also be worn inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB).

November 08, 2022 By Eric R. Poole

TLG - A holster that carries a lifetime warranty has our attention. Either it’s made by a company that’s impossible to get ahold of, or it’s made by a brand prepared to stand behind the gear. Fobus Holster was founded in 1978 and currently catalogs a wide variety holster types offered at affordable prices, including: Active retention, passive retention, OWB, IWB, ankle and universal holster options. Reviewed in Guns & Ammo’s August 2020 issue, Fobus’ APN Series ($37) expanded its traditional product lines by offering a better ambidextrous holster for concealed carry. Fobus included the optional paddle for OWB use, but the belt clip for IWB was improved for the APN with a pronounced hook. Its adjustable retention also felt better. The new Extraction Series is made in the United States and takes Fobus’ modernization efforts to another level by optimizing form and function. Note, the price of the Extraction Series is still around $40.

The Extraction reminds some of us of other Kydex holsters because this style is trending. Unlike others, however, the Extraction is made of Boltaron thermoplastic sheets from Ohio. According to Fobus, Boltaron is a great material for holster manufacture because it is lighter than Kydex and maintains its precise shape more reliably, while also causing less wear to a firearm’s finish. They certainly aren’t the first holster maker to employ the polymer, and, like Kydex pouches, we appreciate the rigid construction for IWB carry as opposed to soft, flexible shells that may not provide adequate protection during daily use.

The Extraction Series is unique in this segment for including an optional paddle, which is used to set up the holster for OWB use. The same hardware is used to attach the paddle (sans spacers) as is required for the IWB clip. No additional screws or bushings are necessary. The rear of the back of the holster is a pivot point, while the front offers three holes to mount the paddle in one of three cants. A rearward cant allows the user to set it up in a crossdraw orientation, or you can arrange it vertically or at a forward cant for over-the-hip or behind-the-hip position. The front clip, however, is primarily adjustable for height on the holster body, with some adjustment for cant. Be careful not to overtighten the steel Phillips-head screws when mounting the clip! It is possible to damage the components.

Fobus Extraction Series holsters — The Extraction Series includes an OWB paddle that can be mounted at the back of the holster in one of three orientations. It can be worn as a crossdraw (left), vertical (center), or with a rearward cant (right).

45-Day Carry

To evaluate the Extraction Series, I ordered a sample to carry the Taurus GX4. Fobus was one of the first makers to offer a holster for this pistol. As a nice discovery, the Extraction Series features a low-enough cut and a tall-enough sight channel that I was able to continue wearing this holster when the upgraded GX4XL T.O.R.O. ($469, taurususa.com) was introduced. Therefore, in keeping with the budget theme of this “Carry Rig,” I mounted a Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec reflex sight ($170, sightmark.com), which proved to be a worthy combination. Adding the price of the gun, optic, holster and a box of defensive ammo, the entire package retailed for less than $700. I’ve taken this setup to the range at least once a week and on two road trips; it hasn’t failed me yet. It’s comfortable to wear in every configuration, and dependable enough that I would recommend it to my budget-minded friends. My one gripe is the plastic clips, and I would personally like to see some upgraded options be offered. However, it’s my opinion that this is easily Fobus’ best holster.

Fobus Extraction Holster (RH) Specs

Materials: Boltaron (plastic); steel (hardware)
Carry Type: Inside the Waistband (IWB) or Outside the Waistband (OWB)
Retention Type: Level 1; friction fit, CNC machined (primary)
Adjustability: Yes; cant, height
MSRP: $40
Handgun Fit: Taurus GX4 (tested); Kimber R7; S&W CSX; Springfield Hellcat; etc.
Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
Positions to Carry: AIWB, IWB or OWB
Average Time to Attach: 20 seconds
Comfort Rating: 4.5/5
Concealment Clothing: Untucked t-shirt (AIWB); loose shirt (IWB); jacket (OWB)
Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.34 seconds
Manufacturer: Fobus Holster, 267-803-1517, fobusholster.com

Note: Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws producing an A-zone hit on a stationary target positioned at 21 feet.

Red Dots for Rimfires

Optics

Red Dots for Rimfires

Whether you're hunting or plinking, nothing beats a red dot optic on a .22 pistol for accuracy and ease of use.

Optics

Setting Scope Eye Relief

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: IWB & Closed-Front Garments

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: IWB & Closed-Front Garments

Demonstrating with a C&G Holsters GEN6 IWB inside-the-waistband holster, Joe Kurtenbach discusses how to draw with a closed front garment. Whether carrying in the appendix position or behind the hip, the key is to fully clear the cover garment to provide unobstructed access to the grip of the gun.

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: AIWB Accuracy

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: AIWB Accuracy

When shooters struggle to clear the garment for an appendix-inside-the-waistband (AIWB) draw, it's usually because they can't get the right grip. Using a GEN6 IWB Alpha rig from C&G Holsters to demonstrate, Joe Kurtenbach suggests using a natural reference point like the navel for gripping the cover garment.

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: One-Hand Operations

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: One-Hand Operations

For any number of reasons, an armed defender may not be able to use both hands for drawing the gun or performing a reload. Appendix-carry IWB holsters like the GEN6 MOD1 from C&G Holsters help simplify these operations by positioning both the gun and extra ammo in a central, front-of-the-body location that is accessible by either hand. Here, Joe Kurtenbach offers considerations for one-handed performance.

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: Holster Placement

Personal Defense

Improving The Draw: Holster Placement

Everyone's body is different, and so are the guns and gear they carry. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for siting a holster along the beltline. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to holster placement, follow along as Joe Kurtenbach uses a C&G Holsters GEN6 OWB rig to illustrate how to find the perfect carry position.

Accessories

Learn About Handgun Retention with New Safariland Holsters

Accessories

Learn About Handgun Retention with New Safariland Holsters

What retention level is right for your holster needs? Law enforcement, concealed carry and anywhere in between, the right holster can make all the difference in comfort and security. Join us with Safariland to walk through the different retention levels of holsters, and check out some of Safariland's latest holster offerings.

Rimfire

CCI Uppercut .22 LR Ammunition for Self-Defense

Rimfire

CCI Uppercut .22 LR Ammunition for Self-Defense

In response to the demand for defensive-use rimfires, CCI developed the Uppercut for .22 Long Rifle (LR). The projectiles feature nose skiving and weigh 32 grains and are optimized for dependable use in semiautomatic pistol barrels measuring between 2½ and 4 inches. Unlike typical .22 ammunition, Uppercut has been tested in 10-percent ballistic gel, producing 8- to 10-inches of penetration with controlled expansion. Some shooters depend on .22-caliber pistols for defense for various reasons, including increased capacity, hand strength, recoil sensitivity, and dexterity challenges. When paired with CCI Uppercut, the .22 LR offers the potential to deliver a knockout against a violent threat.

Accessories

Caldwell VelociRadar Chronograph

Accessories

Caldwell VelociRadar Chronograph

The Caldwell VelociRadar provides accurate velocity information of projectiles downrange with Chirp radar technology that detects a bullet and provides a complete assessment of its performance. In addition to true velocity, VelociRadar calculates ballistic coefficient (BC) and energy. VelociRadar is not affected by poor light conditions as chronographs with light sensors, and users on a public range don't have to wait for a cease fire to setup and use VelociRadar. A ball-head tripod is included, which makes it convenient for use on a shooting bench. Controls are intuitive, as is the compatible, free Caldwell app that can be downloaded to remotely control and manage data from the chronograph.

Handguns

Canik TTI Combat: Full Review

Handguns

Canik TTI Combat: Full Review

Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) and Turkish firearm maker Canik have joined forces to produce a fully-featured, competition-ready 9mm pistol. The compensated handgun shoots flat and will accommodate a variety of popular slide-mounted red dots thanks to its deep optic cut. The controls are all ambidextrous, and the sub-4-pound trigger is one of the best in the industry. Even with all its bells and whistles, the most surprising aspect of the Canik TTI Combat may be its price. Guns & Ammo's Joe Kurtenbach has the full review.