Guide to AAP-01 Holsters

The Action Army AAP-01 is a favorite among Airsoft players due to its modular design, lightweight build, and ability to handle both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. However, finding the right holster for this versatile pistol can be tricky, especially if you’ve added accessories like suppressors, red dot sights, or folding stocks.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of holsters available for the AAP-01 and provide an in-depth comparison of some of the best options on the market.

Why Choosing the Right Holster Matters

A good holster does more than just hold your pistol—it ensures quick access during gameplay, protects your weapon from damage, and provides secure retention even in dynamic scenarios. For the AAP-01, which is often modified with attachments, compatibility and adaptability are key factors when selecting a holster.

Types of Holsters for the AAP-01

Before diving into specific models, let’s look at the main types of holsters available for the AAP-01:

1. Universal Holsters

These are designed to fit a wide range of pistols but may lack a tailored fit for the AAP-01. They’re great for versatility but might struggle with securing heavily modified setups.

2. Custom-Molded Holsters

Designed specifically for the AAP-01, these offer a snug fit and better retention. They are ideal for players who prioritize stability and compatibility with accessories.

3. Trigger Guard Retention Holsters

These hold the pistol by its trigger guard, providing quick access and compatibility with accessories like suppressors or stocks.

4. Holster Mounting Types

When selecting a holster for the AAP-01, understanding the mounting options is crucial for optimizing accessibility, comfort, and versatility. Here are two popular mounting systems:

• Amomax Style Mounting

Most common mounting system between Airsoft players and manufacturers. It supports multiple mounting platforms, including belt paddles, MOLLE adapters, and drop-leg platforms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of gear configurations. A key feature of the system is its 360-degree rotation capability, allowing users to adjust the draw angle to suit their preferences and operational needs.

• 3-screw mounting pattern (typically referred as Safariland)

Another standard that is more commonly found in real steel and Kydex holsters is the Safariland 3-screw pattern. It’s more rigid but requires different mounts like Safariland Quick Locking System or less common belt clips, MOLLE mounts, etc. This is a great choice for those that already have Safariland style holsters and want to keep their gear streamlined but for a casual airsoft player it’s generally harder to find and buy Safariland style holsters and accessories.

Holsters and Accessories: What to Consider

When selecting a holster for your AAP-01, there are several factors you need to take into account. It mostly comes down to your preferences and upgrade parts you have installed or you’re planning to install on your AAP-01.

Accessory compatibility 

Compatibility with different accessories like tracer units, red dots, flashlights, etc. is what will primarily determine which holster makes the most sense for you. Picking a holster that supports a wide range of upgrade parts will ensure future proofing but is less important of a factor if you’re planning to keep the pistol mostly stock.

Retention system

Should offer reliable locking mechanisms to prevent accidental drops while allowing for a smooth and efficient draw.

Mounting options 

Your holster should align with your tactical setup and personal preferences. Whether you favor belt-mounted systems for simplicity, thigh-mounted holsters for rapid access, or MOLLE-compatible designs for integration with plate carriers or tactical vests, choosing the right mounting solution can significantly enhance your efficiency on the field.

Material durability

Opting for holsters made from premium materials like Kydex or reinforced nylon ensures long-term reliability and protection for your AAP-01, even under the demands of intense gameplay. That said, for casual airsoft players, most holsters will have good enough quality these days to take a proper beating. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a holster break in recent years. 

Top Holsters for the AAP-01: Detailed Comparison

There are now multiple different brands and options on the market but here's our personal favorite suggestions based on our personal testing and experience depending on what you're looking for:

Best when Starting Out: AAP-01 Holster by Nimrod Tactical

A custom-molded polymer holster designed specifically for the AAP-01, providing secure retention but lacks compatibility with many external accessories. But as soon as you throw on a tracer unit, a suppressor or even a top rail, it’s not going to cut it. If you’re planning to keep your AAP-01 mostly stock, this is all you realistically need.

Mounting - comes with included belt clip mount and uses Ammomax type mounting so compatible with a wide range of other mounts (molle, paddle, etc.)

Pros:
+ Secure retention
+ Tailored fit
+ Fully enclosed

Cons:
- Only available in right-hand configuration
- Not compatible with most external upgrades or attachments

Price: ~ 30€ / $35

Link to buy:  

EU & US → TRIDOS DESIGN AAP-01 Holster by Nimrod Tactical

Best Lightweight Option: CTM Side Holster for AAP01/C

A lightweight, trigger guard retention holster designed for the AAP-01, offering compatibility with most attachments and upgrades on the market (except nearly the only compatible trigger is TRIDOS DESIGN’s Adjustable Trigger). This is probably the most popular AAP-01 holster right now but it has two main pitfalls - it uses the 3-screw pattern which makes finding mounting accessories much harder and it is not compatible with most adjustable triggers on the market which is an essential upgrade for improving your AAP-01 trigger response. 

Mounting - comes with belt clip included but has the less popular mounting pattern in airsoft meaning it’s not compatible out of box with Ammomax style mounts. It’s possible to buy an adapter kit to convert it but it adds extra cost and bulk .

Pros:
+ High compatibility with accessories
+ Quick access

Cons:
- Not compatible with most adjustable triggers
- Harder to find the right mount
- Can be finicky to holster it

Price: ~ 25€ / $30

Links to buy:  

EU → Anareus CTM Side Holster for AAP01/C

US → Take One Airst CTM Side Holster for AAP01/C

Most Feature-Packed: Open Universal Holster by Novritsch with TRIDOS.DESIGN Holster adapter

A versatile, lightweight option designed for pistols with nearly any accessory, offering secure retention and compatibility with MOLLE and drop-leg mounts. The Novritsch holster enables you to have just one holster for all your sidearms with the only downside having an exposed trigger which is fine for airsoft players but something to keep in mind.

Mounting - does not come with any mounts but is compatible with Ammomax type mounts (molle, paddle, belt, etc.)

Pros:
+ Active retention system
+ Can be used with multiple sidearms
+ Compatible with pretty much any accessory
+ Built in hex key holder for TDC adjustment

Cons:
- Exposed trigger
- Less robust as enclosed holsters

Price: ~ 45€ / $50

Link to buy:

EU & US → Open Universal Holster by Novritsch with TRIDOS.DESIGN AAP-01 Open Universal Holster Mount

Tried and True: Universal Pistol Holster by Warrior Assault Systems

A durable, adjustable holster that fits various pistols, offering reliable retention and versatility for different setups. This holster is a proven workhorse and can be adjusted to most pistols but the process of getting the fit right can be finicky and it never feels as smooth as a tailor made holster. The one downside is that it comes with sewn-on molle straps which means limited mounting options.

Mounting - comes with fixed fabric molle mounting style so usability limited to molle belts or fabric droplegs.

Pros:
+ Durable construction
+ Adaptable design

Cons:
- Adjusting the fit is tricky
- Limited mounting options

Price: ~ 60€ / $65

Links to buy:  

EU → ARMED Universal Pistol Holster by Warrior Assault Systems 

US → EOD Gear Universal Pistol Holster by Warrior Assault Systems

Most Premium Option: Pro Series AAP-01 Holster by Kydex Customs

A premium, custom-molded holster made from durable Kydex, offering excellent retention and can be ordered in many different colors and camo options to fit your gear perfectly. That said, compatibility with external accessories can be limited and you might need to order specific variants for specific setup, if you’re running the AAP-01 with a flashlight, for example.

Mounting - does not include any mount but compatible with real steel mounting options like Safariland QLS and others but is not compatible with commonly found Airsoft mounting hardware like Amomax type.

Pros:
+ Premium build quality
+ Comes in many colors and patterns

Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited accessory compatibility

Price: ~ 60€ / $70

Link to buy:  

EU & US → Kydex Customs Pro Series AAP-01 Holster by Kydex Customs

Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

The best holster for your AAP-01 ultimately depends on your playstyle and setup. For players who frequently modify their pistols or switch between different sidearms, the Open Universal Holster by Novritsch offers unmatched versatility at an affordable price point. If you prefer a tailored fit and premium quality, consider the AAP-01 Holster by Nimrod Tactical or the high-end option from Kydex Customs.

Whether you’re gearing up for CQB skirmishes or outdoor battles, investing in a reliable holster will enhance your gameplay experience and keep your prized AAP-01 secure. 

If you’re considering buying a holster, make sure to check out holsters listed on our website!