J-Frame Pocket Holster suggestions.

[texcaliber]

That was the intelligent way of saying my criticism. Thank you RP.

[callithump]

already mentioned

[CDR]

Bob Mika pocket holsters work the best for me by far.  I have three of them for my J frames and PPK and couldn't be happier. 

I had tried a Pocket Concealment Systems (PCS) and DeSantis Nemesis holster for my PPK and liked the slimness and light weight elements of the Nemesis holster better.  Further, I really preferred the far less stiff feel that the Nemesis offered over the PCS where it easily molded to the contour of my leg, not to mention it could be drawn sans "bump", which I consider a real pain and one extra thing I'd rather not have to do when the fecal matter drives against the oscillating blade.  The Nemesis did present a serious problem for me, however...after about a month of summer carry I noticed some slight pitting on the left side of the frame of my stainless Interarms .380 PPK.  I couldn't figure out why this would be occurring given the rubber like material DeSantis uses for this holster.  It should act as a barrier to moisture right?  Well, after a particularly hot and humid day commuting to work, I removed the gun and holster from my right suit pants and closely examined the rig and saw water droplets exactly where the pitting had begun appearing.  Upon closer examination I found the source of the problem.  Although the Nemesis is waterproof, the trim that surrounds the entire rubberized holster material is made of fabric...fabric which was saturated from perspiration and resting directly on the frame.  The Nemesis, reluctantly, was relegated to my holster box from that day and the PPK now resides in a Mika the same as my J frames.  DeSantis needs to figure out how to remove the fabric trim from this holster IMHO.

After this occurred I contacted Bob Mika to explain the problem I had encountered and he assured me that his holsters form a 100% waterproof barrier between your leg and the gun it holsters.  I have used his holsters for about 4 years now and not only are the guns totally rust free, but the holsters break in beautifully and flatten over time eliminating the initial bulkiness that some people mention.  They are shaped and sewn to each gun's specifications and are meant to create a perfect draw with no bumping required....I have never performed a practice draw where the holster did not remain in the pocket.  Further, reholstering is as simple as just dropping the gun into your pocket.  The fact that they are sewn in the open position allows for a really great pocket holster.  The fact that it is made from the hide of the rare and elusive Nauga assures it's 100% water/perspiration characteristic.  The material used places this holster ahead of my previous favorite, a leather Chick Gaylord 8 Ball pocket holster from the 60's......the progenitor of today's pocket holsters.

Lastly, Bob has made holsters for tons of LAPD and NYPD detectives who swear by them.  An NYPD detective I work with saw my J frame Mika several months back so I let him borrow it for a week to try it out on his J frame.  He said it was the best holster he had ever tried so I gave him Bob's contact information.  He called him that afternoon and after he heard he was an active NYPD detective, he sent him out a special blue version that he had just made and had it in his hands 2 days later, despite his 4 month backlog at the time.  He's a tremendous individual who really isn't interested in making a fortune, he is interested in getting a fabulous holster out to those who realize its rather unique advantages...especially when it comes to his friends in law enforcement.

By the way, my 4 year old Mika for my S&W Model 60 looks as new as the day it was made and I carry one of the three I have 365 days a year.  Bob's a retired LAPD officer and now a Chief of Police for a town in Wisconsin......I used to be able to get one of his holsters in a week...now it takes a couple of months or more......but boy are they great holsters and for about $20 bucks are WAY too inexpensive for a hand sewn and personally signed holster.  He could charge 5 times that price if he wanted given the hand craftsmanship.  But he won't....at least I hope not.  Perhaps I'd better stop typing     

Lastly, I have found that using a Mika J frame holster works beautifully tucked into your waistband in a cross draw manner while driving.  A really great draw and it stays put.  When you get out of the car, just drop the rig back into your pocket.

Here's Bob's link for those interested.......

http://frontiernet.net/~akim/

P.S.  Anyone looking for a virtually new PCS or Nemesis holster for a Walther PPK...just contact me for a good deal as they are residing in my holster box.