Fobus

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Jim NE

Jim NE

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Okay, I don't know if this is the proper forum, but I thought I might get a good cross section of opinions here.

The Fobus holsters were recommended by several people, so I bought two today, one for my snub nose .38 and one for my P-95 (they were made for these specific gun models.) I understand that they operate on a different principle, they fit snug so the gun won't come out even though the holster doesn't have a strap. I read the instructions that came with the holster, but at this point in time, I hate how they work.

I sometimes have to pull on the .38 two or 3 times to get it out of the holster. I can't seem to get the P-95 out of the holster no matter how hard I pull on it. I know there's a learning curve associated with these things, but I can just see myself not being able to get the gun out of the holster when a bad guy has drawn his own gun.

Any suggestions? Do they loosen up over time? Any better alternatives? Thought I'd ask before I take them back to the store. THANKS.
 
Plastic holsters like that can be unforgiving. One little trick that helps sometimes is to give the gun a little bit of a twist as you're drawing. That helps spread the molded plastic a little out of the profiles of the gun. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not.

Better quality kydex holsters do 'most always feature tension adjustment screws (sometimes at several points) so you can make the draw tension whatever suits you.

They don't tend to break in much though. If it doesn't suit you now, it may not suit you all that well ever.
 
Thanks Sam and GM. I hadn't really thought of an adjustment screw. The instructions mentioned nothing about it. It DID say that the holster was designed so that someone else grabbing for your gun would be less likely to pull it out of your holster. It's supposed to be pulled out at just the right angle. It also says that a slow draw won't get it out of the holster either.

I suspect it's one of those deals if you practice it a hundred times or more you'll get the hang of it. I'm not sure I like that whole concept. Even if you get it down pat in practice, who knows what adrenaline will do to in a rl situation. Probably practical for law enforcement, but not for an occasional conceal carry citizen like myself.

I've been walking around for the last several hours- standing, sitting, walking, making dinner - with my .38 snub in a relatively inexpensive in-the-pants holster that feels great and snug and comfortable, and prints a whole lot less than anything else I have. It just clips on the belt.

It doesn't have a strap, so it doesn't feel quite as secure as the Fobus, but the gun doesn't feel like it's coming out at all and it's a whole lot less bulky, I won't be wearing a holster and gun all or even most of the time. I think the Fobus' are going back tomorrow.
 
Some Fobus holsters do have a tension screw, some do not. I use a Fobus when I have to carry a Glock. It works. You just gotta master the yank.

As far as snubbing goes, I've got a Fobus. I found it rough on the finish of my guns and have found better holsters. If you want a paddle, the Galco Speed Paddle is a better option.
 
I have a few FOBUS holsters, neither of them have a tension screw. They are just riveted together. I initially liked them and they fit my G22 and G27 well. However after some use they the seemed to loosen up significantly. I finally switched to a Blackhawk SERPA CQC for plain clothes wear. I love them, you can change it form paddleback to belt loop, change the cant for a draw that you like. Plus they are a level 2 retention holster. Give one a look over, I think you will like it.
 
I have three and they work well for me. The "trick" is to pull straight up with a quick snap. You will develop a feel for the technique.
 
Somebody should be along shortly to post the vid where the fat guy walks up and rips the Fobus holster off the other guy's belt.
Google vids "fobus fail"

If you're having trouble getting the gun out of the Fobus holster, you just need to pull harder.
They do break in some.

Yes, snatching your gun in and out of a plastic clamshell will wear the finish.
If this gives you heartburn, the gun will stay safer in its foam case in the gunsafe.
 
I found a little silicone spray helps make the gun glide in and out.

As far as holster wear goes, I don't mind it. However, the Fobus I was using for a high polished revolver was leaving straight line scratches on the gun. It gave me heartburn. Swapping to leather was my Rolaid.
 
crankyoldlady said:
I have three and they work well for me. The "trick" is to pull straight up with a quick snap. You will develop a feel for the technique.
Click to expand...

My "trick" is to only use high quality holsters. That doesn't include fobus.

Whenever a student tries to use one in class, they quickly discover the many shortcomings of the holster.
 
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I bought one for my G30 and it worked fine. Bought another one for a G26 and you could barely get it in and it took two people to get it out, every time. Called Fobus and was told to use a heat gun to re-conform the holster. That did not work out well. Still took two hands.

Also got one for a Ruger P90 and it will work but not good enough for me to trust it in a pinch. I'll use the two for range holsters where things don't have to be just right.
Threw the G26 one away.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. It really DOES help. It sounds like the Fobus approach works for some, not for others. I think I prefer a holster that involves a little less mystery in regards to it's function. I'll take them back today.
 
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