Gear Review: T.Rex Arms Titan Retention Holster

I guess you could say I’m a holster enthusiast. I enjoy having different options for different purposes, and I’m always interested in trying something new. T.Rex Arms offers a variety of holster designs, and after spending some time with the Titan — my first T.Rex rig — I may have to explore a few more of their offerings.

I’m not here to stir up any drama or get into the politics surrounding the firearms industry. I simply want to take a look at the product and share my experience with it. The holster we’re looking at is the T.Rex Arms Titan, a Level 2 retention OWB holster designed with duty use in mind. It combines a traditional Kydex fit with an active mechanical retention system, offering additional security without making the pistol difficult to access.

The Titan uses familiar folded Kydex construction, essentially a polymer taco secured with hardware along one side. What makes it different is the integrated locking mechanism, which engages the ejection port area of the pistol to secure it inside the holster. A locking bar moves within the holster and is released using a thumb lever positioned conveniently alongside the pistol grip.

The Titan is available for a variety of different handguns and can be ordered with different configurations, including an optics hood to protect mounted red dot sights. The hood itself is removable, which is a nice feature for those who prefer a more open holster setup. T.Rex Arms also uses a modular mounting pattern that allows compatibility with popular mounting systems, including the Safariland QLS fork. This is particularly handy if, like me, you already have a belt configured with your preferred ride height and positioning.

The included hardware also allows you to adjust the angle and positioning of the holster on your belt. There are different color and pattern options available, along with customization for specific pistol and weapon light combinations. The Titan is constructed from .125-inch Kydex and includes Level 2 active retention, an adjustable fit, and a lifetime warranty. T.Rex Arms also offers a 60-day return policy.

I ordered my Titan to fit a Shadow Systems DR920 equipped with a SureFire X300 weapon light. The DR920 is similar in size and general configuration to a Glock 17, making it a useful platform for evaluating the holster. After installing the Safariland QLS fork, the Titan snapped right onto my belt without any complications. Having the ability to move the holster between different setups is something I appreciate, and the QLS system makes that particularly convenient.

The first time I dropped the DR920 into the Titan, it slid into place smoothly and the retention mechanism snapped shut. The holster appears to be entirely polymer construction aside from its fasteners, including the spring used in the retention mechanism. The optics hood also provides generous clearance for larger red dots. My Gideon Optics Storm fit comfortably underneath it, with plenty of room around the sight window.

Drawing from the Titan was a pleasant experience. The release button is one of the things I particularly liked about this design. It has a broader, flatter surface than many other retention releases I’ve used, making it easy to locate and comfortable to operate. Despite its size, the button doesn’t compromise the protection offered around the rear of the slide when the pistol is holstered.

Once the retention mechanism is released, the pistol comes out smoothly thanks to the slick Kydex interior. You can also adjust the amount of friction by tightening or loosening the screws that hold the holster together. This allows you to find a balance between a secure fit and a smooth draw.

Reholstering was equally straightforward. The DR920 drops into place without much effort, and the retention mechanism locks automatically. I also appreciated that there was very little rattling or unnecessary movement once the pistol was secured.

I was curious whether the Titan would accommodate other similar-sized pistols, so I also tried it with my Ruger RXM. The RXM is another Glock-pattern pistol, and it fit surprisingly well. Both pistols were retained securely with the X300 installed, which was a nice bonus.

There are a couple of things worth mentioning regarding reliability and long-term use. T.Rex Arms includes blue threadlocker with the holster, and after some time using it, I understand why. The mounting screws can work loose, so applying threadlocker is something I would recommend doing during initial setup. Having hardware back out of a holster is an inconvenience nobody needs.

I also found that the detent holding the optics hood in place wasn’t quite as secure as I would prefer. On several occasions, simply brushing my arm against the holster was enough to open it. This isn’t necessarily a major problem, but I would like to see a little more resistance in that mechanism.

Aside from those minor complaints, the Titan has been a solid holster. I particularly like the open-ended design, which allows debris, lint, and other unwanted material to fall free rather than collecting inside. It also provides enough coverage to protect the pistol without leaving the muzzle or weapon light unnecessarily exposed.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Titan is designed around the exact pistol and accessory configuration you order. Since mine was fitted for the DR920 with a SureFire X300, I wouldn’t expect the retention system to work properly without that light installed. The light is part of the holster’s fitment, and removing it can change how the pistol is retained. Both the DR920 and Ruger RXM worked well with the X300 attached.

As far as Kydex holsters go, I consider the Titan to be well made. The construction and overall fit are right in line with what I would expect from other established holster manufacturers. One thing I sometimes prefer about competing designs is a Cordura exterior wrap. It can make a holster quieter and a little friendlier when rubbing against vehicle interiors, seats, and other equipment. On the other hand, the smooth polymer exterior of the Titan has its own advantages, particularly when it comes to avoiding snags against clothing and other materials.

At an asking price of approximately $135, the Titan also offers a pretty good value. There are other Level 2 retention holsters available, but many cost $20 to $30 more, while some competing options can cost considerably more. Considering the available customization, mounting compatibility, and overall construction, I think T.Rex Arms has put together a competitive package.

After carrying the Titan daily for a couple of months, I’ve come away pretty impressed. It offers comfortable carry, secure retention, and an easy draw without adding unnecessary complexity. I particularly like the large release button and the compatibility with the Safariland QLS mounting system.

It isn’t perfect. I’d like to see a more secure detent for the optics hood, and I would definitely recommend using the included threadlocker during installation. But those are relatively minor complaints when considering the overall package.

If you’re looking for a duty-oriented OWB holster with active retention, the T.Rex Arms Titan is worth considering. With its broad selection of pistol configurations, optics compatibility, and mounting options, there should be a setup available for just about anyone looking for this type of holster. I’m glad I  gave T.Rex Arms a try, and I suspect to see more from them.

 

• Level 2 active retention
• Large release button
• Bind-resistant locking mechanism
• Removable optic hood
• Optic compatible
• Modular mounting hole pattern
• Heavy-duty .125″ Kydex construction
• Lifetime Warranty
• 60-day free returns
• Price: $135.00