A Holster for Every Handgun?

[SharpsDressedMan]

Being left handed, and appreciative of good handgun holsters, I enjoy the good challenge of finding a worthy holster for each of my guns. Some holsters fit multiple guns, and for some guns I have several holsters, offering different modes of carry. I feel each quality gun deserves a good holster for it, and I have found that it is good not to scrimp on quality, but good deals on good holsters can be had in places like Ebay, gun show boxed/lots of used holsters, flea markets, etc. You never know when you're going to get lucky. I'm picky, and do not want a 7.5 inch holster for a 6.5" barreled gun. Anyone else have prejudices and discriminating tastes regarding having holster(s) for each pistola?

 

[David E]

I agree that each gun, certainly each serious gun, should have it's own specific holster.

As you've noted, the same holster won't work across the board, so more than one holster for some guns is in order.

I've concluded that a good strong-side holster is required, perhaps two. (one IWB, one OWB) If no IWB, then the OWB needs to be capable of concealment. In which case, a secondary strong-side holster could then be a field type holster.

In addition, a cross-draw or shoulder rig is also an option to consider for some uses.

 

[Deanimator]

I have holsters for all of the handguns I carry on a regular basis, which are an M1911, a Browning High Power, a Glock 19, a Glock 22, a S&W Model 65 and a S&W Model 36.

There's no point in holsters for my regular bullseye guns (.45acp and .38 Special M1911s with dot sights and a High Standard .22 with a dot sight). Bullseye neither calls for nor permits holsters, nor would I EVER carry any of them for self-defense.

I have a holster for my 6" N frame Smiths, although I only ever carry any of them for a once a year hunt in Missouri.

It would be amusing to carry my Broomhandle Mauser once in a while, but not worth it to spend money to have a holster custom built. If I ever get REALLY bored and decide to take up leather working, I might make a shoulder holster for it. The only question is why would I carry a 9x19mm gun that big instead of my Browning High Power or Glock 19.

I'm considering a holster for my 4" Model 29, but would probably only carry it in the winter time when I have a reasonable cover garment. It'd probably be impractical IWB under a tucked polo shirt in the summer, and I NEVER wear untucked, or wear other cover garments in the summer.

Nothing else I have I would carry.

 

[David E]

I learned early on the importance of a holster while shooting.

Even at a range that doesn't allow drawing from the holster, it gives you a safe place to put the gun when you're not shooting it.

At the outdoor ranges where you are on a line and have to wait for the "all clear" to go check or change targets, I've never left my handgun back at the line, action open. It was in my holster.

When the gun is in your holster, it's safe. No one can touch it without me knowing it, I won't have my hands full juggling gun/stapler/target/ammo, etc.

This won't apply to everyone, but it would apply to most.

Many holster makers actually offer IWB rigs for the N-frames, so it is possible to carry one that way. It's just a matter of will.

 

[KyJim]

I don't have holsters for guns I don't carry concealed or in the field. I've never seen the need to do so. Also, at my primary range, they now don't want you carrying in a holster. When it goes cold, you have to insert a plastic thingy into the action and then place it on a pegboard while the range is cold.

 

[David E]

That's why I joined a private gun club !

No silly rules there.

.

 

[CWL]

I don't have a holster for every handgun I own because some aren't for carry, and others that are just for my collection and not shooters.

I do own multiple holsters for some pistols, like my 1911s/M1911s in Govt., Commander and Officer. I have IWB, IWB tuckable, OWB, leather, kydex, combo materials, looped, clip, tek-lok, paddle, FBI cant, flap, thumb snap, strap, retention, yaqui, and probably some other styles I've forgotten.

 

[mljdeckard]

I do have one exception. The holster I use for open carry is a army-issued M-12. (Bianchi UM84.) It was designed to fit pretty much every large-framed auto. I have used it for Beretta, Glock, Sig, Sigma, and 1911s. The only problem I had was that the beavertail safety won't let the flap close, so I took the flap off and used the thumb break instead. They retail for $60, the army had them on the property books for $13. I took two.

 

[loop]

If I get a new gun that I like I order a custom holster for it, unless I already have a nice one that fits it properly. A normal 1911 doesn't require a new holster - we're good there.

But, an odd gun needs its own place to nest.

Almost all of my holsters are full hand-tooled, but I spend a fair amount of time setting on the porch with the guy who makes them. Usually, when I get a new gun that has no home he surprises me with a new holster gratis. I send him a lot of business and fix his computer so I guess it evens out.

Still, he's never charged me more than $130 and never made me wait more than three weeks. The guy is 72 and tells me his best holster will be the last one he ever makes, because he hasn't quit learning yet.

I'm about to order another one from him. Check out his Web site. His prices are very good, wait times are always under a month and the holsters always upgrade the look of the gun.

http://www.saguarogunleather.com/

 

[Guy de Loimbard]

I have separate holsters for pretty much every pistol I own, except my P64 and CZ-82 can share the same IWB holster. The only one that doesn't have itsown holster yet is the Pietta 1860, I'm still waffling on what kind of holster I want to get for that.

 

[KyJim]

That's why I joined a private gun club !

No silly rules there.

I was referring to a private gun club. Unfortunately, they apparently had a couple of safety issues and instituted a lot of changes.

 

[ar10]

I lucked out, instead of trying/buying and a drawer full of useless holsters, I have only one that fits my 9mm and 40SW subs (3"), my both my 40's, and .40 Tactical(5") and my .45GAP.

 

[David E]

I was referring to a private gun club. Unfortunately, they apparently had a couple of safety issues and instituted a lot of changes.

The one I belong to has several shooting areas. One has 8 ranges separated by earth berms. There is no "Safety Officer," nor is one needed. This is where I go to do what I want/need to do.

I would not want to put MY gun on a pegboard with everyone else's gun while we all go downrange to check targets.

I've heard of too many cases where a thief was waiting for just that moment to come in and steal the unattended guns while everyone is unarmed 50+ yds downrange and watch helplessly as they speed away.