CR WSM II Speed Holsters

[alfsauve]

Since I got the 929, I've needed an appropriate holster.  The idea is to use it for USPSA competition.  (Did I tell anybody I'm signed up for the GA State Championship?)

I've been using a Safriland 002 for my 686 which is an open front holster.  Kydex exterior, soft leather interior.   It is supposedly adjustable for both L and N frames.  While they do work well and are reasonably priced, I've had some issues with Safriland and wanted to try something else.   My current 002 is showing wear and probably has only had ~250 draws out of it.

So all the speed holsters seems intimidating, so many options and configurations.  That the manufacturers weren't clear if it would fit the 929.   I know, any N frame holster would work, but it bothered me they didn't list the 929 specifically.  I finally decided to go with the the CR Speed.  Their latest model is the WSM II.   I ordered the Revolver, 4"-6" model.  (Yes, the 929 is 6.5", but mine just got a nip/tuck back to 6") 

Came fairly quickly ($175) and since the 929 was in the shop, I decided to use it from my 5" 686 in the ICORE match this weekend. 

FIRST THING:  READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

No, I didn't screw anything up.  No funny stories to tell.  It's just that to use this holster correctly the first thing you do is take it apart and build it back up to match the specific gun being used.   

My package had no model number on it.  No designation.  I think what happens at the factory is they put together the kit of parts depending on what you order.  This thing is fairly universal and comes with all sorts of plates, spacers and things so that you can customize it for your gun.  With some gun models, XD, HK USP, etc, they must throw in some slightly different parts.   

After spending 20 minutes carefully re-assembling it for my 686, and clamping it to my competition belt   (Yes, it's clamped to the belt.  Not something you just slide on and off.  Clamped on tight.  Real tight.) I've been practicing drawing, re-holstering and locking the gun.   It works very well and I've gotten comfortable with the configuration.  If you adjust the gun as per the instructions it is held in real tight.

Today I took it to the range and practiced the upcoming classifier 10 times as well as plates about 15 times.   Felt very comfortable and safe.  Does help the draw be quicker and smoother.   For close up targets <10yds, my goal is 1.5 seconds.  Not quite there yet.

Will if make a difference in my scores?   Probably not much over the 002, not at my level.     I don't know when I'm going to change it over to the 929.   I won't have time to be ready for the USPSA state match, 8/26, so I'll just shoot a bottom feeder.   And I'm definitely going to shoot Classic at the IRC, so it's going to stay configured for the 5" 686.  Maybe after November's IRC I'll start shooting the 929 in USPSA matches.  Maybe I'll try Limited ICORE too.

[Bidah]

I must say shooting a revo has always looked like fun. Up until a couple of years ago I had never even shot one. I can now say I have shot a box.. although I do not own one.  I think a modern one that takes .45ACP in moon clips would be nice... or maybe 9mm.

We have a guy that shows up to our 3Gun matches using a revolver and speed loaders. Seems to be having a grand time too!

[alfsauve]

It is fun Bidah.   With the lower capacity, accuracy become paramount.  Reloads steal valuable time so makeup shots, especially on steel are to be avoided.