belt loops on iwb holsters

[Revolver Ocelot]

I have a question about the pros and cons of 3 different designs of securing a iwb holster.

1 being an iwb holster with a belt loop to the rear such as the andrew's custom leather "mcdaniel II" http://www.andrewsleather.com/macdaniel2.htm

2 being an iwb holster with belt loops to the front and back of it such as the tt gunleather "mikes special" http://www.ttgunleather.com/catalog/i65.html

3 being an iwb holster with the loop or loops on top of the gun itself like the milt sparks "sumer special 2" http://www.miltsparks.com/SS-2.htm

These are just 3 holsters I'm looking at right now for concealing a sp101 3" (though some of the above makers do not have an offering for such a gun). I am more or less looking at the style of holster so if you have one in mind that is one of the above styles let me know.

 

[Sam1911]

1: Nice minimal design, but requires a lot from the belt in order to stay stable as all the gun weight is forward of the attachment point.

2: VERY good design. Very stable, and the wider back of the holster is likely to be the most comfortable design available as it spreads the pressure on your body out a bit. Also, the best of these designs feature a vertical slash between the holster pouch and the attachment "wing" both front and rear to make the holster "tuck-able". Before you cinch up your belt, just slip the shirt down between the waistband of your pants and the pouch of the holster. Then all that shows is the beltloops and no one ever notices those.

Like this one member Joel here made for me:


Since getting that holster I wear a lot of tucked-in polo shirts instead of the obligatory un-tucked camp shirt that doesn't look quite as presentable.

3: I've owned a SSII for years and it is a very nice holster. Not as stealthy, as it isn't tuckable, and having the belt loops right on top of the gun make it a little thicker and "lumpier" than the others which smooth the profile out and make the gun more streamlined. However, like the name implies, if you are in a hot humid climate, having a big patch of leather against your hip (like No. 2, mine from Joel, or the Sparks Versa Max) gets a little hot and sticky. The Summer Special is perfect for your "Magnum P.I." attire!

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

sam as always you have answered my question completely, now lets see if anyone chimes in with some good holster ideas

 

[Sam1911]

Hmmm... well, there is another option I see sometimes. Imagine No. 1, but instead of only having the one attachment point, there's also a belt loop mounted directly on the holster pouch -- but at the leading edge, right on top of the sights channel, like 90 degrees perpendicular to the other belt loop.

I honestly don't quite understand the theory behind it, except that cinching up your belt would tend to pull the gun very tight in against (or INTO, really) your body.

I think Joel's made some of those as well. Let me see if I can get him to explain it...

EDIT: Well, there's one on his front page! http://www.jrcustomleather.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/KimberUltraIWB.JPG

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I have seen a similar holster like that before, I believe it was the akj concealco. seems to work better for strong side carry, not a bad option. I think the idea behind the loop you being that way is that it pulls it tightly into the belt and prevents it from shifting but I could be mistaken on this.

 

[45crittergitter]

I've used all 3 types, and in order of preference, from best/most comfortable (for me) they are:

1
3
2

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

#1 pro: theoretically greater comfort because it bends and flexes with body movement. Con: possible for the front to slip down inside. (I've never personally tried one of this type, the latter being a big reason.)

#2 pro: thinner/flatter outer profile for a little better concealment, gives a little greater support for the weight of heavier guns. Con: more difficult to put on and take off, especially the rear strap which requires that you reach around behind you.

#3 pro: easier to fasten the straps, usually accompanies a reinforced holster mouth for easier reholstering. Con: adds thickness/bulk to the outside of the holster.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

45crittergitter, in my searching I see you had a mcdaniel II at some point, dit you ever have problems with the gun sliping up or down on account of the single belt loop?

 

[BADUNAME37]

I have an IWB that is similar to the one pictured, i.e., two belt loops.

I got mine, along with an extremely-thick (over 1/4" thick) belt to match and a double magazine carrier and single magazine carrier.

I got mine through "Big-Jim" at C5 Leather in Kansas City, Kansas. I had a bit of a problem with my gut pushing the top of the mag carriers out so they would kind of flip down. I mentioned to him that, should the mag carriers be made to be deeper in my pants, below the top of the belt, I was sure that would solve my problem.

He had me send the two mag carriers back and he made up two to my spec's which ended up working perfectly!

The guy will do what he must to make it right, and in my opinion, his work is top-notch!

http://www.c5leather.com/

This is the holster & belt I got:
http://www.c5leather.com/images/albums/NewAlbum_c4de4/tn_1200_1DSCN0282.jpeg.jpg

 

[MyGreenGuns]

#1 - Had a kydex one of these, gun tipped when I walked and I had to re-adjust a few times a day. I dont recomend, personally.

#2 - Never used one. Didnt like the idea of a huge holster. But seems very stable. (EDIT: the one I looked at didnt have the "wings" and was not tuckable. I might have to go shopping again.)

#3 - This is what I use. It sucks into my body pretty well when I tighten my belt. Using Galco summer carry. I like this one. Usually concealed with T-shirt untucked, which is my usual attire.

(My .02 ~ YMMV)

 

[45crittergitter]

Ocelot, I have a couple of McDaniel II holsters, and they give me no problems at all. That would still be my first choice today.