OWB Leather Holster Help

I suggest the Hume open top. On a concealed holster (or open carry at a safe range) there is no real need (IMO) for retention devices, as the standard H721 or FLETCH have. I don't care for three-slot holsters, either.

I have 2 of the Hume 721 open tops. one for my XD-40 one for my P-944 they are well made holsters. I have regretted at times I didn't get one with retention because is better if you want to open carry. I usually don't but it would be nice to have.

I carry my 1911 and S&W 620 OWB; the L-frame has a retention strap, but that's primary due to the balance/draw properties of a full-size revolver, IMO. The 1911 does not have a retention strap. But Galco has some decent product for relatively cheap.

I haven't used any of those, but if you don't need a 3-slot you could look at the Galco Cop Slide. I have one for a Glock 27 that I will use if I have a coat or large outer shirt. Otherwise I go with an IWB holster. The thumb break is secure without slowing the draw IMO once you're used to it. Just cock your thumb out a bit with pushing down to get your grip and the thumb break will release.

This one is an Ed Rodek pancake. It's been carried a lot and shows hardly any wear. Conceals very well. Very heavy leather. He makes them in black, tan, brown, or mahogony which is what mine is in. He'll also do them plain or a border print. Ed's a perfectionist. If it's not right he won't ship it. I don't know his current prices as I don't know what leather prices have done. Turnaround time is about a week. Cost was about $40.
If you're interested drop me a PM and I'll put you in touch. Include your first name and I'll also contact Ed to let him know someone might be contacting him.

The Fletch is a very comfortable holster to wear, however I agree on not needing the retention. Galco makes a similar open holster in style, the Concealable, that I recommend.

In winter I use a Galco SOB, or Galco shoulder rig. When it warms up I switch to the Blade Tech.

I think the material in the Bullard holster is a bit above the Don Hume for about the same money. Just a thought.
I have one of his "Bodyguard" holsters and it is very nice.

usp9 said:

The Fletch is a very comfortable holster to wear, however I agree on not needing the retention. Galco makes a similar open holster in style, the Concealable, that I recommend.

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A point I had overlooked. The FLETCH and Concealable have all the molding to the shape of the gun on the outside and a contoured surface on the inside that makes them fit more comfortably against your hip. The draw angle is somewhat steeper. A more conventional open topped holster from Galco is the Combat Master.

The El Paso Saddlery #88 "Street Combat" is a nice holster and costs about the same, but will take longer to get, being custom made.

Of the three you mention, the Don Hume 721 OT is the only one I have used. I have three of them, two for my XDs and one for a Ruger SP 101. The one I carry my XD SC in is the most comfortable holster I have. I've tried a number of others, some as recent as today, and many that cost a lot more, and keep coming back to the Don Hume. I've been carrying the XD in one for a few years now and it holds up well. If money is tight, Don Hume is a great value.

I know you have narrowed your choices, and you said "money is tight"; but
may I suggest a "Compact Undercover Rig" [all real leather], from the fine folks
at Kirkpatrick Leather in Laredo, Texas~! Good stuff, hand fiited too make
and model of your weapon.