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.
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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