[rock jock]

When I bought my Kimber Compact last year, I had my local dealer (who is also a fairly accomplished leathermaker) make me a IWB holster. Unfortunately, it is too short and does not provide enough support, i.e., the center of gravity of the holstered gun is too high and it will kind of flop forward a little. I use a very stiff and thick belt, so that is not the problem. What can you recommend for a IWB holster, typically carried behind the hip, strong-side?Money is not an obkect, comfort and support is.

Thanks,
rock

[.45TCB]

Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 (www.miltsparks.com)

I just got mine last week and love it. The wide spacing between the belt loops makes it very stable and comfortable. Tony K and the guys at Sparks are top notch. Do a search for VM2 here, at the TFL archives, or over on the 1911 forum and you'll see lots of positive feedback.

Other VM2 owners, can I get an amen?

[IRock]

Amen and a hallelujah on the Sparks Vm-2. Almost like it's not there. I have a few.

[rock jock]

You guys have convinced me on the VM2. Horsehide or cowhide? Should I get the kydex clips for covered shirt carry?

[critter]

I carry the same gun you have and in a Milt Sparks Summer Special. I like it really well. MS makes some GOOD leather. Mine is in horsehide. Good luck with yours.

[Penman]

Carry my OM in a Sparks Executive companion. With the shorter guns, it's a good idea to sink them a little deeper into the holster and to extend the bottom of the holster a little extra past the end of the slide. This helps to counterbalance the top heavy nature of the short pistols. Some holster makers just figure short gun-short holster. With an IWB, that can cause problems.

[IRock]

Rock jock, I have one in horsehide and a couple in leather for different guns. As far as the clips go I never tried mine. I see you have to buy them seperately now. I like the horse hide. If you go here (http://www.lightningarms.com/) you can probably get one right away rather than waitng two months. They are more exspensive but you won't have to wait in line at Sparks.

[Richard]

I like Alessi's CQCI and I enjoy dealing with Mr. Louis F. Alessi. He is a man that will talk things out with you. Alessi offers a lot of holster for the price. Regards, Richard:D

[Alerion]

Other VM2 owners, can I get an amen?

Amen here brothers and sisters!


Horsehide or cowhide? Should I get the kydex clips for covered shirt carry?

The Sparks site has some pretty good information on horsehide v. cowhide in the FAQ.

I have both the kydex clips (standard when I bought my holsters) and the belt loops. The kydex clips work well for complete concealment but the tradeoff is that they require more messing around to tuck in the shirt properly and the (tucked in) shirt makes the gun a little more difficult to get to since the clips hold the shirt tail fairly well. I've found that I usually use the belt loops with a jacket or sweatshirt over the gun butt. Since Indiana doesn't require concealed carry, I don't sweat the gun being seen once in a while. Even when I don't try to conceal the grips I've never had anyone comment on my carrying. With all the cell phones in the world and most of the gun IWB I suspect that most people don't even look close enough to notice what it is. However, in a state that required "concealment," I'd probably use the clips on a regular basis.

Tom

[TheEgg]

Sparks VM2 very good. Also use a Sparks Watch Six Dual Talon, which is a little thinner, as it does not have the reinforced mouth. I have both horsehide and cowhide, do not really notice much difference.

[David S]

wow , that versa max 2 is exactly what i have been looking for, good price, and if they can make it to fit a walther p99 ill get one with the kydex clips.........awesome stuff.......and because the straps are widely placed i can put my cell phone holder between then to help conceal the bulk of the gun.

[MitchSchaft]

I'm getting a VMII soon as well. Do they custom fit them to a particular gun model or is it a one size fits all deal? I have a Colt Defender.

[El Tejon]

Rock, Milt Sparks Executive Companion in horse (have Tony dye it black for tacticalness).

Carry my bug in a VMII. Both are excellent holsters. I do not think you will be disappointed in anything from those hairy-chested Westerners.

[TheEgg]

They are custom molded to the specific gun -- that is why if you order from Sparks it can take 2 - 3 months to get -- but the wait is worth it!

Try Lightning Arms Sports -- they have a lot of Sparks stuff in stock.