Blade Tech holsters

[garand4life]

Does anyone have any experience with the various mounting solutions Blade Tech uses. I want to order one of their holsters for my M&P45 with my WX150 (M3 compatible) for CC but don't know if the paddle is going to be the best way or to go belt. I looked at the photos of their various belt attachments and they look cheaply built. Anyone have any experience with these? I'm looking for durability but conceal-ability is priority.

[GUNS-R-US]

I have a couple of Blade Tech's holsters and my preference is for the QD Tek-Loc mount. I don't much like paddle mounts as they tend to dig in to my side when sitting and bending. The Tek-loc don't sit real snug to the the body, but It's real easy to take on and off. I prefer it for open carry though. If you have good winter clothing for cover it would be good. I purchased mine to open carry in Oregon as my permit isn't any good their, and to use in IDPA and for other range work/training. I Definitely wouldn't get the plain belt mount as it fits the same at the teak-loc witch is a good sold mount. I also have a mag carrier for for my 1911 and a double mag carrier for the M&P. In addition to a holder for my gerber multi-tool. all using the Tech-Loc mount. They make a very affordable holster for the M&P series in 9 & 40.http://www.blade-tech.com/M-P-9-40-4-1-4-Series-Holster-w-Tek-Lok-pr-1172.html That's what I bought, as it happens they are made just about 5 miles from my house. I just tried my holster with the 45 and of course it doesn't fit, the barrel on the 45 is 1/4 in longer. The 9c does fit though. Overall though I think Blade Tech makes a very good holster!

[ellis4538]

I have 2 and they are a bit bulky for CC but OK for USPSA and IDPA.  I prefer something a bit more low profile for CC.  Belt carry is better for me as the clip digs into my hip also (it's a bit big).  Both methods are secure IMO.

FWIW

Richard

[scottr]

I have about 8 or 10 Blade-Tech holsters, mostly IWB and OWB Belt Loop, but have tried the Tek-Lok, Stingray, Paddle and MOB/SOB also. I still have the first IWB that I got so long ago I don't remember (maybe 12 years or so?).

The IWB will be the most concealable by far. My favorite holster. Or maybe second favorite after my Mika and Safariland pocket holsters, because I carry a J just about any time I am not at work. The next one I get will be the Nano IWB, as that looks even better.

The most concealable OWB by Blade-Tech is was the standard belt loop model where the belt loops were one piece with the holster body. It was extraordinarily strong, rode the closest to the body, and didn't rock or tilt as the paddle does (on me). They no longer list that model OWB on their website.

The Tek-Lok, Sting Ray and Paddle allow them to produce one holster body and attach any of the belt attachments. It also allows cant adjustments at any time. All 3 types stick farther out from your body, and are relatively less concealable. The paddle is too curved for my fatness, and so the front and back edges dig in uncomfortably.

If I was buying a B-T OWB now I would try the Eclipse.

Have I mentioned how concealable their IWB is?

[scottr]

And I just realized I'm not happy about their not making the Belt Loop model. I am going to need a OWB for a class this summer, and I don't have one for the G17. Time to start checking gun shops for NOS.

[Sponsor]

[garand4life]

I am getting this to carry a full size 45 with light attached so IWB would just be a pain to deal with considering how thick that would get.

[scottr]

I don't even know if Blade-Tech makes (or would make) an IWB with a light. But I have read of quite a number of people who have Raven Concealment holsters, with lights, and they are quite happy with them (including IWB use). I haven't seen a WX150, but the M&P is already a fairly wide slide; how much wider is the WX150? Just a thought.

If I get an X300 this year I'll try a Raven and post back here.

[garand4life]

Blade Tech does make one. And the light is a good bit wider due to the positioning of the 2 CR123 batteries.