The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: JdePietro on December 15, 2009, 01:10:59 PM
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I am sure this has been brought up a time or two, I know for a fact that I have been involved in this discussion more than once, but this is such a unique and fun group to be a part of that I thought it would be worth revisiting. ;D
Holsters can make or break the allure of carrying a firearm. More often than not they are the deciding factor for why some firearms are left home or never put down. I think we live in a decent time for holster production, with an endless supply of money you can buy a holster purpose made for every situation we can think of. Since like any other forum we have an ever growing crop of newbies so why don't we discuss which holsters we use and for what.
Presently my sidearm of choice is a S&W1911PD 5". I own three holsters for this firearm and two different platforms.
85% of the time I carry it in a Blackhawk Serpa Sportster Paddle holster. http://www.blackhawk.com/
The serpa paddle provides an easy on easy off platform with what they call a level II retention device. This is the only holster I will use for Open Carry. I find that it fits in my life well because I am a volly FF/EMT-B and cannot provide treatment while armed in my state. This makes it very easy for me to quickly take off my holster and secure my sidearm before responding to a call. This holster does require a good cover garment, my choice is an open buttoned down shirt. Even still it does not hug in very close to the body. The draw is lightening fast and the retention device is very easy to learn. They make this holster for a large variety of platforms I highly recomend this holster.
In addition to the Serpa paddle platform I have a shoulder harness for the Serpa. With three simple screws I can remove the paddle attachement and transfer the holster to the harness. I must admit I rarely carry in this fashion. The retention button makes this holster difficult to use in a cross draw application. It does not sit close to the body at all in this mode and in my opinion plastic is very unyielding to the contours of the human body. This holster makes a fine setup for long periods of driving but I have yet to find another use. If a shoulder holster is what you would like to try I would not recomend this particular setup.
My second most used option is my newly aquired Desantis Speed Scabbored. This holster is essentially a pancake holster design without a thumb flap to get in the way of the hammer or safety. This holster takes some time to work in but once it is adapted to your body it wears like a glove. I can conceal with this holster in just a baggy shirt with very minimal printing. The holster comes in two colors and many platforms. There is really not too much to say about this design, its pretty tried and true and certainly has its nitche for me when it comes to deep concealment. If there is one con it would be the draw speed. The longer you wear it and move around the stronger the grip it gets on your sidearm. I am sure with wear that this will eventually die down a little but it is a part of the design. I would highly recomend this holster, in fact I did! This holster happens to be the only holster I have for my Beretta 92FS. Even a wide slided gun like the 92 hugs nice and close to the body with this holster. So large frame owners fear not you can absolotely carry strong side, you just need a good piece of leather and this is it.
Lastly I own a Cow Town three position holster. It sucks, plain and simple it is the most uncomfrotable holster I have ever owned. None of the position snug it in tight, the gun flops around in it and I just can't stand the cheap fiber board material it is made of. Nothing more need be said, but keep in mind that his is my opinion and your results may differ.
So what do you carry in and what is your opinion?
Bonus points will be awarded to anyone who gives a review of the Lawman Dirty Harry Holster. My S&W 327 R8 has been whispering in my ear, she wants to gor for walks too!
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My primary opinion is that the more you spend on a holster the happier you will be.... Yes there is an inflection point where it just becomes ridiculous, but the pricier ones usually are more comfortable for all day carry.
I carry a Glock 26 in a Galco IWB holster just like this one:
(http://www.usgalco.com/Catalog/large/STOWNGO1.jpg)
I also have a Uncle Mike's Paddle Holster for the 26 -- Which is an el cheapo, but it gets the job done just fine.
(http://www.uncle-mikes.com/images/kydex_paddle_holsters.jpg)
I also carry my Kel-Tec P32 in a Desantis Nemisis Holster
(http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/armalaser/desantis3web.jpg)
*Yes, this thread is useless without pics!
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Pics are nice, but what makes those holster work for you? Specifically what do you like or dislike?
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First off, let me ask what type of belt you are using? A quality (spelled expensive most of the time!) belt is a must! I am a semi big guy having just dropped 90+ pounds. I don't like/can't wear any IWB holster cause it digs. I like the Askins Avenger type OWB holster from any number of makers. I have also used a kydex straight drop. In hot weather I use a Roma (I believe) leather fanny pack. I will soon be trying a Wilderness Safepacker. For pocket carry I prefer the De Santis Nemesis.
I currently carry a Colt LW Officers ACP, a S&W 642 and or a Ruger LCP.
FWIW
Richard
PS: If/when I find a special need I will contact Fist Holsters to make me up something my way.
PPS: I know pictures are nice but I do not know how to add them and probably will never have the patience to learn!!!!!
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I carry a kimber full size 1911. I started with a Milt Sparks summer special iwb. I have a belt by the belt man 1.5 wide. With this combination I would forget I had it on! This worked so well and my wife need a holster to carry sometimes so I gave her the summer special and got me a Milt Sparks VM2 for my full time carry. I can't imagine any thing working any better. I think most of the time you get what you pay for.
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My current go-to pistol is a S&W 457, .45acp. A compact, stainless .45. I have a few holsters for it, leather (3), Kydex (2), paddle and belt slide and one Uncle Mike's nylon belt slide. By far, the nylon rig is THE most comfortable and easily concealable among the whole bunch. But, that's just me, your mileage may vary.
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First off, let me ask what type of belt you are using?
That is an excellent question and observation! I use a 511 leather belt. http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/All-Products/Accessories/Belts/175-Plain-Leather-Belt/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50800:50806/I/59418
It is stiff and kinda unweildy for the first couple of weaks but once you work it in it is very comfortable.
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I prefer a holster with a body side that extends the full length of the slide/grip. You will get poked by the back of the slide/grip and that piece of material helps soften the gouge.
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Winter carry, High Noon Slide Guard....
(http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tsbevins/HighNoon.jpg)
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The newest player with a significant following:
http://www.ravenconcealment.com/products.html
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+1 on the Raven and adding Blade Tech to the mix and do NOT forget Milt Sparks, good stuff that works from good companies.
Offer: If anyone wants to try my 1911 holsters, tell me. We can start a demo list, I ship to address #1, it then gets fwd'd to the next guy, so on and so forth.
Just ask!
Andy
www.shottist.com
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I own a Tarus 1911 AR (w/rail) and as you Taurus guys know that finding a holster that will fit with that rail is a real problem. I "lucked" out this weekend and stuck my 1911 into my leather SigSauer P-220 (45 ACP) holster and it FITS perfectly :>) The ony difference is the 1911 sticks out the bottom of the hoster about a 1/2 inch where the Sig Sauer does not.
So if you are having problems finding a hoster for your Taurus 1911 AR then look for holsters that will fit the SigSauer P-220. There is a lot more of them around.
Jim
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I have put my .02 in here before. But here it is. My carry gun is an M&P 40c and I carry it in a COMPTAC MTAC IWB holster. It is super comfortable and actually fits nicely in my regular sized pants with the belt let out one notch. I have gotten so used to it I done even realize i am still carrying sometimes. I am just a fan of IWB year round though some will complain that i use it wrong. I dont wear a tactical vest or cover garment. I simply wear all my shirts untucked (yes I am the younger generation that dresses like bums... i know i know.. so no comments from the geritol gallery)... and being a larger guy, it is easier to do it this way without printing. paddle holster just dont do it for me.
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Due to severe spinal injuries I cannot carry IWB nor is it comfortable to carry on my strong side,and forget about any cheap holster! I learned fast to buy a quality leather belt and holster.........PERIOD! I found carrying crossdraw was my best option due to my circumstances.My 2 main carry pistols a Government model 1911 and a Sig 225. The 1911 I purchased my belt,Vert. mag holder and crossdraw holster on a sale all for roughly $160.00 from Blackhillls Leather.My Sig I got an outstanding beltand Horz. mag hlder from little bear custom leather and a speed draw cross draw from Mernickle Custom Holster's.both being excellentholsters that conceal well and are comfortable. I will say the workmanship on Mernickle is a step above blkhills and the draw on his holster's is unbelievably FAST! after carrying crossdraw for over a yr it's unreal the speed in which one can develop in your draw and driving is very comfortable.I can conceal with a loose shirt buttoning the last two buttons enables me to do a very clean draw with out having to lift my garment up.
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I carry a Kimber Pro Raptor commander size 1911 in a Tucker Gun Leather HF-1. It is the most comfortable way for me to carry, I could never get used to IWB. The HF-1 is a work of art with superb craftsmanship that you must see and handle to fully appreciate. There is no break in to go through, the gun fits perfectly the first time you use it and retains it well. I also use a gun belt and mag carrier from Tucker that matches the holster perfectly. I have used these for close to four years and couldn't be happier.
http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/hf1.html
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First post and I love the site. I've been watching for about a year now and love it. My holster is a supertuck deluxe from crossbreed holsters. I'm carrying a hk usp 40. I'm trying to read and learn before I open my mouth too much.
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Welcome sting...why be any different than everyone else? Learn on the fly. Lot of good info here and most of us don't get angry when you say something a little bit off (like some other places!).
Richard
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Yes, we only really brawl in the politics thread ;D
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again another newbe. I carry an XDM 40. My first holster was a IWB Bare Asset by Highnoon Holsters. I liked the holster, but I had to change how I wore everything to keep it covered up. Also I had to really tighten down the belt to keep it from a 45% cant forward. I have a kydex that came with the Springfield, but when I wear it I am constintly hitting the wall, doors, or scratching up the firniture in the house.
Now I have purchased the Crossbreed Super Tuck and really like it a lot. At 5'11" and 285 I find that the holster stays in close and I am able to tuck in the shirt with no problem. Most of the time I wear it out and a small simple jacket keeps it covered. I had a little problem with the clips at first but the people at Crossbreed have been great to work with, and now everything is working well. It is the most comfortable holster I have ever worn. It rides on the belt and dosn't pull on the pants. Old as I am I have lost my ass and keeping my pants up is important. I am able to wear it all day and no problems with my back or hips.
Thanks for the great site I have really enjoyed it so far.
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First post and I love the site. I've been watching for about a year now and love it. My holster is a supertuck deluxe from crossbreed holsters. I'm carrying a hk usp 40. I'm trying to read and learn before I open my mouth too much.
You're doing the right thing. This is an equal opportunity, lwymo website (Learn While You Mouth Off). Just jump right in and have at it.
Nice holster choice, btw.
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New Guy on this wonderful forum here! I'm not really all that swift about IWB holsters....Just never found one I liked and I tried them all. The OWB holster I use now-a-days is a "Street Combat" from EL Paso Saddlery. GREAT holster! Keeps the Colt Defender up high and tucked in tight. If this one ever wears out, (used daily for the last six years) I'll get another one. While I'm in the truck, I use an old "Uncle Mike" nylon clip on cross draw that I keep in the truck.
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New Guy on this wonderful forum here! I'm not really all that swift about IWB holsters....Just never found one I liked and I tried them all. The OWB holster I use now-a-days is a "Street Combat" from EL Paso Saddlery. GREAT holster! Keeps the Colt Defender up high and tucked in tight. If this one ever wears out, (used daily for the last six years) I'll get another one. While I'm in the truck, I use an old "Uncle Mike" nylon clip on cross draw that I keep in the truck.
Welcome. Go to the new member thread and tell us a little about you.
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As time passes you will become a member of the 'holster club' like most of us who have boxes full of them. I personally don't like the dirty harry rig, but, I used the Miami vice by safariland for many years-very comfortable and hides well. Now retired i usually carry IWB using Kirpartick leather with a renforced opening for easier draw and reholstering, after too many years I tried but don't really like "plastic" holsters.
As a reply to your FF, I was also a volunteer FF and full time sheriff's sgt. On one call [accident] one of the drivers was very DUI and trying to leave the scene, so I formally arrested him-handcuffed him to a non moving object, then as a FF I worked on the injuried until a on duty sheriif arrived to take the "detainee" to jail". Boy did I get flack from the other vol FF. are you a cop or a FF? What was I to do? I couldn't let the DUI leave the scene. Anyway after 13years as a vol FF, I retired. and continued my regular job until I retired from that 9 years later. I will admit I was Pi sed, at the FF attitude, espically since I allways considered us as equals, working for the public. FF structures was fun, wood fires I hated. Cop work was great [except for court].
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Fnp-40 crossbreed supertuck. So far so good but still trying to get used to it. Would like to find a good high ride belt holster but am having a hard time finding for fnp there are some
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Any good recommendations for good easy ways to carry a "j Frame" (acutally it's a Taurus 605 but I figure I'll lie and say it's a J Frame to avoid the inevitable Taurus bashing). I'm thinking pocket since I'm usually wearing Khakis with decent pockets. I tries a Galco this morning and DID NOT like it at all. The gun was extremely difficult to get in and out of the holster. I know breakin but this holster doesn't seem to have anything to break in. I am also thinking IWB but I am really wanting this to backup my normal carry M&P full size. This is a 2" steel frame.
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Any good recommendations for good easy ways to carry a "j Frame" (acutally it's a Taurus 605 but I figure I'll lie and say it's a J Frame to avoid the inevitable Taurus bashing). I'm thinking pocket since I'm usually wearing Khakis with decent pockets. I tries a Galco this morning and DID NOT like it at all. The gun was extremely difficult to get in and out of the holster. I know breakin but this holster doesn't seem to have anything to break in. I am also thinking IWB but I am really wanting this to backup my normal carry M&P full size. This is a 2" steel frame.
Try this guy down in TN. Makes Kydex pockets for a bunch of guns. Mine works great, reasonable prices and delivery.
www.aholster.com
On the hip, I just use an inexpensive Don Hume slide, about 25 bucks. Get a decent belt regardless.
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I had a real hard time finding a good quality, comfortable holster for my Charter Arms Bulldog. I heard MB talking about Rob Leahy and Simply Rugged on Downrange Radio and after checking out their website I ordered the Silver Dollar Pancake holster and wow! This is a great holster, solid, well made, and very comfortable. It looks pretty good too. Funny thing though, I'm wearing a leather holster now, but switched to a nylon belt, an Instructor's Belt from The Wilderness (great belt).
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My advice? Don't be a holster snob. There is no "best" one, just what's best for you. I've got a custom leather pocket holster on order for my G-26. But, day in day out IWB? An El Cheapo Galco soft, inside out, leather model ($34) is what I carry and love. Reholstering takes two hands (the down side), but it is so comfortable I don't know its there. Better holsters out there, maybe, but for me? Not so much, because the gun is almost always with me. Your mileage may vary. Just get something that works for your situation. Me? I figure a tactical draw is key. A tactical holstering, not so much, so I go with light and comfy.
FQ13
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And secure.
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And secure.
Hence the thumb snap. Otherwise it will hit the tile if I take a dump. Again, not the best holster going. I won't pretend it is, but with the snap in place, it does the job. YMMV.
FQ13
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I carry my Smith & Wesson 442 in a Desantis Nemisis holster all day every day! When I'm walking my dog in the neighborhood I carry a Glock 21 in a Don Hume P.C.C.H. & I love both.