T.REX Arms Raptor: Full Review

T.REX Arms is a digital media brand founded by Lucas Botkin in 2013, a 20-­year-­old volunteer fire fighter at the time. The brand manufactures equipment and develops training to support firearms enthusiasts. Many became familiar with the team through its YouTube videos. The channel was started in 2014 and currently has more than 1.69 million followers.

The Raptor was among the first products, offered from 2015 to 2021. It was replaced by an updated Sidecar with the Raptor Wing Attachment. The Raptor was a smaller holster, though, so it was reconsidered and revived for production. Though the new-­for-­2024 Raptor holster is different than the original, T.REX Arms chose not to add a “Gen 2” suffix or change the name. However, it’s a more versatile inside-­the-­waistband (IWB) solution, featuring cant for positioning the grip angle. It’s also tuckable due to the new two-­clip design. It can be worn under a tucked-­in button-­down shirt or concealed by loose-­fit garments.

An optional Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) Monoblock clip can be attached to the Raptor, which is adjustable for cant using the two holes at the top-­center of the holster. Made of a steel alloy, its clamping force is incredible. T.REX Arms indicates that it can be worn with or without a belt, in fact. It can be comfortably set up with 1½-­inch holsters for carry positions between 4 o’clock behind the hip and appendix inside-­the-­waistband (AIWB).

The T.REX Raptor holster is formed using .093-inch-thick Kydex, which is available in several colors. Guns & Ammo evaluated a sample in Ranger Green, though a spectrum of the tactical rainbow, as well as carbon fiber and three multicam patterns, are available for an upcharge. Kydex is the standard polymer for hard-­sided durability, and T.REX Arms vacuum forms it to a precise fit for several popular models from CZ, Glock, Palmetto State Armory, Shadow Systems, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory and Walther. Guns & Ammo received its sample for the G19 Gen5 without a light attached. If you carry one of these pistols with a SureFire X300, Streamlight TLR-­1 or TLR-­7 series, the Raptor can be ordered to support most of those light families. Of course, light-­model holsters will not support a pistol without a light attached due to retention issues. The end of the holster is open to allow longer slides or extended barrels to pass through, but the holster may also be configured during the online ordering process to cover a threaded barrel as well.

The Raptor is standard with two T.REX IWB tuckable clips, which increases stability. The original Raptor featured a single clip that could allow the holster to rotate or shift inside the pant while the user was moving. The new polymer clips will support belts from 1½-­ to 1¾-­inches wide and .31-­inch thick. The tuckable clips are adjustable for ride height and plus-­or-­minus 15 degrees of cant. Retention is also screw adjustable.

The T.REX Raptor Backer ($35) can be attached to the holster. An optional accessory, T.REX Arms accurately describes it as “a soft, breathable pad made of closed-­cell PE foam and Alcantara, a synthetic suede-­like material that is water and stain resistant.” The backer is comfortable to wear in hot or cold environments, and it’s easy to attach with the included hardware. The Raptor Backer only works with the Raptor holster. For this review, a backer was not worn during G&A’s everyday carry evaluation.

60-­Day Carry

The skeletal T-Rex skull logo on the clips, and the iconography of a crouching Tyrannosaurus Rex on the wing are distinctive touches to affirm that each component was designed with thoughtful purpose. Referencing the T.REX Training channel on YouTube, I evaluated the holster while performing a few of its drills. The holster is equally suited for appendix carry or behind the hip. The Raptor Wing Attachment presses against the inside of the beltline and kept the pistol grip tight against the waist for improved concealment. The holster and wing were designed to not interfere with a full-firing grip, while also protecting the trigger. One could argue that this is the best wing design on the market.

The Raptor was also designed to accommodate any optic-­mounted setup, and the sight channel will accept suppressor-­height front sights measuring up to .54 inch. The sweatguard covers the slide-­release lever and stops at the point where I noticed that I intuitively pressed against it with my thumb to assist with overcoming retention for a faster draw. My draw-­to-­fire times were on par with similar Kydex holsters worn either AIWB or IWB at 4-­o’clock, which was only slowed due to the need to untuck my shirt with my support hand before establishing a grip and drawing.

The online growth and influence of T.REX Arms has been impressive, and I am equally impressed with the design and quality of the Raptor holster. For a tuckable solution, the Raptor is one that I recommend without hesitation. 

T.Rex Arms Raptor

• Materials: Kydex (shell), polymer (clips/wing), steel (fasteners), rubber (bushings)
• Carry Type: Inside the waistband (IWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; adjustable tension
• Adjustability: Yes; cant, ride height, retention
• MSRP: $80
• Handgun Fit: Glock 19 Gen 5 (tested)
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No (Streamlight TLR-1/7 and SureFire X300, available)
• Positions to Carry: AIWB or IWB; 4 o’clock (right hand)
• Average Time to Attach: 40 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 4.5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Tucked, button-down shirt or untucked overgarment
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.47 seconds **
• Manufacturer: T.REX Arms, 931-716-9707, trex-arms.com

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

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