If we don’t make an Enigma Express for your gun (and you’re not using a light or laser), then you’ll need to use the Standard Enigma OS. This Enigma model comes disassembled, and you’ll need to supply your own compatible holster to use with it.
The easiest way to find a compatible holster shell for the Standard Enigma OS is to check with each of the recommended brands linked below, in order. Our recommended brands have a wide variety of gun choices, and are known to work with the Enigma, as long as you’re not using a light or laser on your gun.
If none of the recommended brands cover your gun model, you’ll need to invest some time into learning the compatibility requirements and searching for a holster shell. This is not an easy process, and sometimes there are no Enigma compatible holster shells, especially for less common carry guns. If you can’t find a shell, you may want to consider switching to a compatible gun, or simply holding off on your Enigma purchase for now.
Please note: make sure to have a compatible holster shell in hand before ordering the Enigma. The Enigma return window is 30 days, while some other manufacturers have lead times much longer than that. If you don' t have your holster ready to go when your Enigma arrives, you could run out of time to try the Enigma within your return window.
My gun has a light or a laser attached. Will it fit?
No, guns with lights or lasers will not work with the standard Enigma OS. You need the Light Bearing Enigma OS instead.
Light-bearing holsters use different construction that is not compatible with the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to mount a light bearing holster to the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to modify your holster or Enigma. Using the wrong holster on your Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
If you're carrying a gun with a light or laser attached, that's cool! Just make sure to use the Light Bearing Enigma instead!
What if I have a sidecar style holster with an attached magazine holder?
Sidecar holsters will not work with the Enigma system. Even if your sidecar holster has a compatible concealment wing, it will not work with the Enigma due to the balance point of the wing mount. Do not attempt to use a sidecar holster with the Enigma. Do not attempt to modify your holster, or your Enigma, to fit a sidecar holster. Using a sidecar holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
If you're looking for a way to carry a spare magazine with the Enigma, that's cool! Check out some safe ways to carry your spare magazine in this video.
What if I have a hybrid style holster with a backer?
Hybrid holsters will not work with the Enigma system. To use a holster with the Enigma, it must have a full kydex shell, and must not have a flat backer. Hybrid holsters are not safe to use with the Enigma due to the severe stress put on the holster shell. Using a hybrid holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
WARNING: There are holsters on the market that are advertised as being Enigma compatible when they are not. These are UNSAFE to use with the Enigma. In the event of a conflict between another manufacturer's advertising and this compatibility guide, THE PHLSTER COMPATIBILITY GUIDE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY.
Just because it's for sale doesn't mean it's safe! Be cautious. If you have any doubts about holster compatibility, please contact us for help.
My holster uses a different style wing - will it work?
Probably not, but check the fit guide to be sure. You can also contact us with a picture of your holster, and we can help you determine if it will work.
There are three concealment wings that are compatible with the Standard Enigma OS, WHEN ALL OTHER COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. These are the Ravenwing, the Darkwing, and the Modwing. You can learn more in the compatibility section below.
Can I modify my holster to make it fit?
No. DO NOT attempt to modify your holster shell to fit the Enigma. DO NOT attempt to modify the Enigma faceplate to fit your holster shell. This voids the warranty, weakens the materials, and could lead to a dangerous failure. DO NOT drill through the Enigma faceplate. DO NOT drill extra holes in your holster shell. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Read the Enigma safety information for more details.
Please don’t take any chances with your safety. If your holster shell is not Enigma compatible, get a new shell. Check out our recommended brands in the Fit Guide above.
Can I use a holster with an open sight channel, or a trigger-guard-only minimalist holster?
You must use a holster which fully encloses the slide of the gun. A holster which does not fully capture the slide of the gun can allow the gun to be dislodged from the trigger guard/trigger clip style holster when used with the Enigma. This can cause the trigger to become exposed, leading to severe injury or death.
Do not use a minimalist trigger guard style holster with the Enigma.
Recommended Brands
These brands are in order based on Enigma-friendly features and ease of use. The further down this page you go, the more complicated and difficult the process becomes. Start at the top and work down as far as you need to find the fit and features you need.
NOTE: We are not affiliated with any other manufacturers, so if you have questions about their ordering process, you need to contact them, not us. Not all holsters are created equal, and we don’t guarantee your experience with any non-PHLster product. These brands are a good place to start, but you must always try other brands at your own risk.
PHLster
It’s obvious, but our shells are made for the Enigma.
- PHLster Skeleton – ultra minimalist pistol holster with no added muzzle length.
- NOTE: We recommend purchasing the Enigma Express rather than buying the standard Enigma and Skeleton shell separately. The Express comes as a complete, pre-assembled package including the faceplate, shell, wing, and everything you need.
- PHLster Pro Holster – Extra muzzle length (why?) and a molded in wedge help prevent top-heavy guns from tipping out and printing. Pair with the standard Enigma.
- PHLster City Special revolver holster – if you’re looking for a J-Frame or LCR holster, we recommend purchasing the Enigma Express rather than buying the City Special and standard Enigma separately.
Not sure which PHLster holster to choose? Watch this comparison video.
Henry Holsters
Henry Holsters assemble easily and pair perfectly with the standard Enigma OS. Note that some Henry shells have a molded-in wedge, and may have extra muzzle length (why?). These concealment features help increase grip tuck, but can also increase muzzle printing in leggings or yoga pants. They have clip blocking (raised bumps for belt hardware, which add slightly to the profile). Make sure you understand what you need before ordering.
- Henry Flint – for full size guns.
- Henry Flint Compact – for compact guns.
Want to make this really easy? Buy a pre-assembled Enigma OS, complete with a holster from Henry Holsters. Click through to the Henry website to see what models and options they offer.
JM Custom Kydex
The JM Custom Kydex Enigma shell is designed for the Enigma and has a minimalist profile. They have a wide fit selection, including some unusual gun models. Note that some models may have extra muzzle length (why?), so read their page carefully and make sure you understand what you’re getting before ordering.
- Quick Ship Enigma Shell – faster option for the most common guns.
- Custom Enigma Shell – longer lead times, but greater variety of gun fits.
KSG Holsters
KSG holsters have adjustable retention, but the manufacturer can convert them to fixed retention upon request. They have been redesigned to work well with the Enigma. The “Declaration” model is optimized for the Enigma, with no extra no extra clip blocking (raised bumps for belt hardware, which add slightly to the profile). Several other models are Enigma compatible, but may have clip blocking.
KSG holsters can be ordered with different sweat guard heights. You can also request extra muzzle length or a flush fit muzzle.
- KSG Declaration
- In the “Belt attachments” menu, choose “none, Enigma compatible.”
- In the “Claw style” menu, choose “Modwing.”
- You can contact KSG and ask for fixed retention, or you can order the Fixed Retention Kit from PHLster when you order your Enigma.
Holsterco
Note: these are adjustable retention shells, which are more difficult to install. You will need to add the Fixed Retention Kit accessory to your Enigma purchase.
- Holsterco Stealth – To get this shell without clip blocking (raised bumps for belt hardware, which you don’t need and will add slightly to the profile), choose the “RCS Overhook” option from the “Attachments” section. Choose the “Add Modwing” option from the “Concealment Claw” section. Put in the notes that it’s for the Enigma.
Dark Star Gear
Dark Star Gear has two standard Enigma compatible models – the Hitchhiker and the Orion. Choose your gun make first, then scroll down to see if either the Hitchhiker or Orion are available for your gun model. Note that some models have extra muzzle length (why?), so make sure you understand what you’re ordering, and ask any questions before placing an order.
Note: these are adjustable retention shells, which are more difficult to install. You will need to add the Fixed Retention Kit accessory to your Enigma purchase.
- Dark Star Gear – choose your gun make, then see if the Hitchhiker or Orion are available for your gun model. Both have clip blocking (raised bumps for belt hardware, which aren’t needed with the Enigma and will add slightly to the profile).
Concealment Express/Rounded Gear
Concealment Express (renamed to Rounded Gear) is a budget brand, so set your expectations accordingly. That said, they support some harder-to-find guns. Be aware that some models may have lower grip clearance with the Enigma faceplate, which can cause difficulty getting your hand on the grip, or cause you to scrape your knuckles on a fast draw. These shells also have clip blocking (raised bumps for belt hardware, which you don’t need and will add to the profile).
Note: You MUST add the “Claw Kit” option to use these shells with the Enigma. That means your holster will come with a Modwing, which is mandatory for Enigma assembly. If the model you’re considering doesn’t have the “Claw Kit” option listed, then it is not Enigma compatible.
Also note: The standard Enigma is NOT compatible with guns with lights or lasers attached. Do not select a holster model that is made for a light or laser. If it doesn’t have a claw option available, or if it says “WML Claw Kit,” it is NOT compatible.
Note: these are adjustable retention shells, which are more difficult to install. You will need to add the Fixed Retention Kit accessory to your Enigma purchase.
- Concealment Express IWB holsters – make sure to add the “Claw Kit” option.
- Concealment Express Tuckable IWB holsters – make sure to add the “Claw Kit” option.
None of the Recommended Brands have shells for my gun. Now what?
Yikes. Well, if none of the recommended brands cover your gun model, you’ll need to invest some time into learning the Enigma compatibility requirements and searching for a shell on your own. This is not an easy process. It requires a level of holster expertise, which takes time. Sometimes there are no Enigma compatible shells available for certain guns, especially if it’s something less common for concealed carry. If you can’t find a shell from the manufacturers above, you may want to consider switching to a more common gun, or simply holding off on your Enigma purchase for now.
If you choose to continue, here’s what you’ll need to know:
Compatibility Requirements
The standard Enigma faceplate mounts through the concealment wing of your holster. Therefore, your holster shell must have the correct type of wing and the correct mounting points to be compatible, plus a few extra considerations.
- It needs two mounting holes directly below the trigger guard, spaced exactly ⅝” apart from center to center. Holes must be drilled through both sides of the shell. Holes must not be too close to the edge of the shell, or too far lateral.
- It must have enough flat space to mount a Modwing, Dark Wing, or Raven Wing (see pic). If the area around the mounting holes is not flat, it won’t work well.
- It must have enough clearance between the top of the wing and the grip of your gun so you can get your hand on the grip (see pic).
- It can have either fixed or adjustable retention (fixed retention is easier to mount to the Enigma faceplate).
- It cannot be a light-bearing, hybrid, or sidecar style holster.
- It must have a closed sight channel.
Study the pictures to learn what a compatible shell looks like.
To find out if a shell you’re considering is Enigma compatible, check the picture series, and then compare. The more different it looks from the sample pictures, the less likely it is to be compatible.
First, does your holster have one of the three concealment wings shown? Some manufacturers use different names for these wings, but the wings must look EXACTLY like the picture, with the exact hole spacing specified.
If your holster does not already have a wing attached, check to see if it can accept one. Does it have two mounting holes beneath the trigger guard? Are they exactly ⅝” apart? Does it look like there’s enough room to mount one of the wings shown? Make sure the mounting holes aren’t too close to the edge, or crowded too close to the curved part of the shell.
Next, check your grip clearance. The top of the Enigma faceplate comes up to the same level as the top of the concealment wing. That gives you a rough idea of how high the Enigma faceplate will sit on your gun. Do you have enough room to get your fingers on the grip without hitting the wing?
Please note: just because it fits doesn’t mean it works well. There are many shells that will technically line up and fit, but just aren’t that great for Enigma use. We cannot guarantee an optimal product experience with other manufacturers shells, and that’s doubly true if they’re not on the recommended brands list.
If you're not sure if your holster is compatible, please send us a picture and we'll help you.
Where do I look?
If you can’t find a holster in the links above, try Google. Sometimes searching for your gun model + “modwing” will turn up useful results. You can also join the PHLster Concealment Workshop facebook group and do a group search for your gun model (for example, “G48”).
If you can’t turn up anything with a search, then a good option for your gun might not exist. Consider switching to a better supported gun, or try a different holster system.
Can I contact you for help finding a shell?
If you contact us for help, the first thing we’ll do is refer you to this guide and have you check the recommended brands. While we genuinely want to help you, we’re a very small company, and we don’t have the resources to keep track of other businesses' inventory.
If you have found a shell you think is compatible, but you're not sure, please feel free to send us a picture, and we'd be happy to confirm whether it's compatible!
If you have a rare gun that isn't covered by a recommended brand, there may not be a compatible shell, and you should not buy the Enigma at this time. You may want to join the PHLster Concealment Workshop community and search to see if someone else has found a solution.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
My gun has a light or a laser attached. Will it fit?
No, guns with lights or lasers will not work with the standard Enigma OS. You need the Light Bearing Enigma OS instead.
Light-bearing holsters use different construction that is not compatible with the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to mount a light bearing holster to the standard Enigma faceplate. Do not attempt to modify your holster or Enigma. Using the wrong holster on your Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
If you're carrying a gun with a light or laser attached, that's cool! Just make sure to use the Light Bearing Enigma instead!
What if I have a sidecar style holster with an attached magazine holder?
Sidecar holsters will not work with the Enigma system. Even if your sidecar holster has a compatible concealment wing, it will not work with the Enigma due to the balance point of the wing mount. Do not attempt to use a sidecar holster with the Enigma. Do not attempt to modify your holster, or your Enigma, to fit a sidecar holster. Using a sidecar holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
If you're looking for a way to carry a spare magazine with the Enigma, that's cool! Check out some safe ways to carry your spare magazine in this video.
What if I have a hybrid style holster with a backer?
Hybrid holsters will not work with the Enigma system. To use a holster with the Enigma, it must have a full kydex shell, and must not have a flat backer. Hybrid holsters are not safe to use with the Enigma due to the severe stress put on the holster shell. Using a hybrid holster on the Enigma can lead to failure, severe injury, or death.
WARNING: There are holsters on the market that are advertised as being Enigma compatible when they are not. These are UNSAFE to use with the Enigma. In the event of a conflict between another manufacturer's advertising and this compatibility guide, THE PHLSTER COMPATIBILITY GUIDE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY.
Just because it's for sale doesn't mean it's safe! Be cautious. If you have any doubts about holster compatibility, please contact us for help.
My holster uses a different style wing - will it work?
Probably not, but check the fit guide to be sure. You can also contact us with a picture of your holster, and we can help you determine if it will work.
There are three concealment wings that are compatible with the Standard Enigma OS, WHEN ALL OTHER COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. These are the Modwing, the Ravenwing, and the Darkwing. You can learn more in the compatibility section below.
Can I modify my holster to make it fit?
No. DO NOT attempt to modify your holster shell to fit the Enigma. DO NOT attempt to modify the Enigma faceplate to fit your holster shell. This voids the warranty, weakens the materials, and could lead to a dangerous failure. DO NOT drill through the Enigma faceplate. DO NOT drill extra holes in your holster shell. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. Read the Enigma safety information for more details.
Please don’t take any chances with your safety. If your holster shell is not Enigma compatible, get a new shell. Check out our recommended brands in the Fit Guide above.
Can I use a holster with an open sight channel, or a trigger-guard-only minimalist holster?
You must use a holster which fully encloses the slide of the gun. A holster which does not fully capture the slide of the gun can allow the gun to be dislodged from the trigger guard/trigger clip style holster when used with the Enigma. This can cause the trigger to become exposed, leading to severe injury or death.
Do not use a minimalist trigger guard style holster with the Enigma.
