Raven concealment
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JTQ
Member
I have a Raven Concealment Phantom that I've had for nearly four years.
As far as kydex OWB holsters go, the Raven Phantom (and all the copies) is one of the most concealable kydex holsters available. It is the most versatile holster I own. I have the standard OWB mounts (the current ones are slightly different than the ones I have, the new ones look like a slight improvement). I also have the IWB tuckable offset hooks, and the IWB soft loops.
The tuckable offset hooks never worked very well for me. They are spread so far apart it was tough for me to find a flat spot on my body wide enough for the holster to sit. Additionally, even at their highest setting the holster rides deeper than I care for. The IWB soft loops work better for me allowing the holster to ride at a height I prefer, though with this mount, the lowest possible height is relatively high. The Phantom is still a pretty wide holster, front to back (not thick, though), so you need some flat spot on your body to accommodate the holster since it will not bend and wrap around your body.
Retention is good and yet the draw is very fast. The holster does loosen up a little from the first time you use it, as it was very tight from the factory. After about a week, the retention got to the point where it is still the same after nearly four years. Just right.
It uses relatively thin kydex (at least when I bought mine), and some have complained about lack of durability, but mine has held up great. Don't step on it without a pistol inserted and you should be fine.
EDIT to add: I overlooked the "LC" part. Are you saying you have a light compatable holster coming? If so, they are a probably a good option for carrying OWB, but I would never consider that a viable option for IWB use, though many do consider it. It is just too much holster with the light to wear IWB.
As far as kydex OWB holsters go, the Raven Phantom (and all the copies) is one of the most concealable kydex holsters available. It is the most versatile holster I own. I have the standard OWB mounts (the current ones are slightly different than the ones I have, the new ones look like a slight improvement). I also have the IWB tuckable offset hooks, and the IWB soft loops.
The tuckable offset hooks never worked very well for me. They are spread so far apart it was tough for me to find a flat spot on my body wide enough for the holster to sit. Additionally, even at their highest setting the holster rides deeper than I care for. The IWB soft loops work better for me allowing the holster to ride at a height I prefer, though with this mount, the lowest possible height is relatively high. The Phantom is still a pretty wide holster, front to back (not thick, though), so you need some flat spot on your body to accommodate the holster since it will not bend and wrap around your body.
Retention is good and yet the draw is very fast. The holster does loosen up a little from the first time you use it, as it was very tight from the factory. After about a week, the retention got to the point where it is still the same after nearly four years. Just right.
It uses relatively thin kydex (at least when I bought mine), and some have complained about lack of durability, but mine has held up great. Don't step on it without a pistol inserted and you should be fine.
EDIT to add: I overlooked the "LC" part. Are you saying you have a light compatable holster coming? If so, they are a probably a good option for carrying OWB, but I would never consider that a viable option for IWB use, though many do consider it. It is just too much holster with the light to wear IWB.
Correct I will be using it with an SD40 VE (shares holsters with the M&P) wearing a StreamlightTLR4 laser light combo. This holster will be for the times when I may get stuck out after dark. For during the day carry I have been using the Galco double time or just packing the PT111pro in a Don Hume IWB.
I am 5'10" and hover around 200lbs while not a "big fellow" im not exactly small either. The Galco double time I am currently using fits okay IWB and it has nearly no curve to the holster and this one seems to have a bit more curve to it so i think it will fit a bit better. I ordered the tuckable c hooks and I carry in about the 3:30 or 4 o clock position.
Which hooks was it you had trouble with the C hooks or the J hooks?
txgunsuscg
Member
They definitely have a bit more curve than most kydex holsters their size. I carry OWB, and I like it. Haven't had any durability issues yet, and I've had it for 6+ months...
Raven by downrange08, on Flickr
Raven by downrange08, on Flickr
JTQ
Member
You won't be able to share a Raven made for an SD40 with an M&P if that was your intention. The Raven is designed for a specific pistol. It won't fit different guns. Be advised the light will be a retention point, so the holster will not provide proper retention if you choose to leave the light off your pistol.
Neither. I have the over hooks on offset wings, they don't show them among their current offerings. It isn't a problem with the hooks, but distance between the offset wings and their lack of flexibility. The new design looks like the offset wings are flexible which should be an improvement. The older design was made of kydex and not flexible.
They do have plenty of curve for an OWB holster, but I do think you will have trouble trying to wear a light capable holster IWB.
Byrd666
Member
As a matter of fact, I just returned a RCS OWB. The fit, finish and construction were absolutely fantastic, as well as retention. The fact that it felt like an oversized brick on my hip with absolutely No concealment under any of my shirts was my reason for returning it. I stuck out well past the body and was not the snug and body hugging holster they, and all the other reviews I read had advertised. And yes, I did try it in more than just the 3 o'clock position.
The SD was designed to share holsters with the M&P series of guns. The Galco double time holster I am currently using is made for the M&P so I do not forsee any issues there. (remember the SD is NOT a sigma).
As for retention without a light. I got other holsters for that.
Okay good to know
Only time will tell thanks for sharing your input.
Thanks for the input.
JTQ
Member
I'd be willing to bet you won't be able to get a Raven Concealment Phantom holster to fit both an S&W SD40VE and an S&W M&P 40. While the SD40VE may not be a Sigma, it certainly is not the same as an M&P 40. The Raven Phantom is made too well for one holster to be able to fit both pistols.
The SD40 has a 4" barrel and the M&P 40 has a 4.25" barrel and their slide profiles are different. If you have an SD40, you need to have ordered an SD40 holster from Raven.
SD40 VE
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57962_757752_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
M&P 40
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57781_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
I am aware of the slight differences its kind of a middle road between sigma and M&P. Anyway the problem is Raven Concealment does not make holsters for the SD40 not many makers do, Most makers list the SD series with the M&P series holsters. Every holster for the M&P that I have tried the SD 40 in fits like a glove
Worst case scenario I have a reason to buy a M&P right
Here is the Galco double time it rides in now (sorry for the large pic not sure how to resize)
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JTQ
Member
Maybe the new trigger system in the SD is between the Sigma and M&P, but externally, the SD is 98%+ Sigma. It has very little in common with the M&P.
Raven does offer holsters for the Sigma. You may want to call Raven and ask their recommendation for what you intend.
While I'm a fan of the original, Raven, there are other makers making similar holsters to Raven. You may want to see if they cover the SD. Here are a few I can think of off the top of my head.
Phlster http://www.phlster.com
Atomic Dog http://atomicdogholsters.com/Atomic/Store.html
JM Custom Kydex http://www.jmcustomkydex.com
SD handguns WILL NOT FIT in Sigma holsters. The holster pictured above is for the M&P The Don Hume holster I have is made for an M&P same with the black hawk holster. I tried the sigma holsters in the store not a single one worked.
Regardless this is all moot now. I got an e-mail with a 16-18 week lead time. That is insane. So I canceled my order.
I will have to order a tlr 1 so I can order a quick ship holster from them instead.
ETA: Quick ship holster ordered! 10 bucks less even. 30 days is way better than 18 weeks
Regardless this is all moot now. I got an e-mail with a 16-18 week lead time. That is insane. So I canceled my order.
I will have to order a tlr 1 so I can order a quick ship holster from them instead.
ETA: Quick ship holster ordered! 10 bucks less even. 30 days is way better than 18 weeks
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JTQ
Member
If you're still looking for IWB with a light attached, Pure Kustom may make a leather holster for your combination. They are one of the few making leather light capable holsters.
http://www.purekustomholsters.com
I know we've had a difference of opinion on fitment, but you really should tell the maker what pistol/light combination you have and ask the maker what to order.
http://www.purekustomholsters.com
I know we've had a difference of opinion on fitment, but you really should tell the maker what pistol/light combination you have and ask the maker what to order.
Loc n Load
Member
Raven
Use the Raven for EDC for my Glock 20....I have carried a side arm daily for forty years...either IWB or OWB .... I really like the way the Raven brings the big Glock up, tight to my strong side....also use them for G-17's and 1911A1's...good rig...highly recommend it.
Use the Raven for EDC for my Glock 20....I have carried a side arm daily for forty years...either IWB or OWB .... I really like the way the Raven brings the big Glock up, tight to my strong side....also use them for G-17's and 1911A1's...good rig...highly recommend it.
Deputy25
Member
I use Raven Phantoms for my carry guns (Glock or Sig). They are extremely comfortable, and conceal very well. My most heavily used RCS holster is for my Glock 21SF. The holster is holding up very well. I would recommend RCS without reservation.
Thanks for the input. I will check them out. Never heard of them. There are so many holster makers out there that aside from Blackhawk, Don Hume and Galco I dont know any of them (at least until I have started looking for light bearing holsters).
The raven concealment for TLR-1 is in the finishing process now.
I have given up asking the makers on this subject because like you they seem to think I am talking about a Sigma. S&W themselves told me Sigma night sights were the ones that would fit an SD even after I made sure they knew I was talking about an SD. The SD is cut for M&P sights the rear is even marked M&P. So you will have to forgive me for being stubborn.
But hey like I said before if the SD doesnt fit I have a reason to buy that 9mm M&P fullsize right?
ETA to all: Thanks for the input sounds like I made a good chice with raven concealment.
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I can't say enough good about them.
Raven concealment is my go to for holsters. They are top notch quality. On top of that they are just a great company to deal with.
I hate to admit I've bought a couple holsters that various people reviewed as "just as good as Raven." However, they never were.
These days the only reason I don't buy a RCS holster is if they don't offer it for the gun I have.
Raven concealment is my go to for holsters. They are top notch quality. On top of that they are just a great company to deal with.
I hate to admit I've bought a couple holsters that various people reviewed as "just as good as Raven." However, they never were.
These days the only reason I don't buy a RCS holster is if they don't offer it for the gun I have.
JTQ
Member
If that is the case, Blade-Tech is another option, then. They probably cover more light/pistol combinations than anybody.
http://www.blade-tech.com/home.php
I have not used the Raven Holster, but do use one similar made by warrior concealment. There made with .093 kidex instead of the .060 that most use. I love it! Fits great and has good retention.http://warriorconcealment.weebly.com
I love my Raven's. Fit and finish is a work of art. There polymer belt loops are a nice addition. Customer service is fantastic. In a world kydex holsters, they're one of the better manufacturers out there. I also like Cane & Derby...I have a bunch of their stuff as well. I will say I feel they have a smaller footprint and much more concealable.
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