Best Concealed Holster?

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XDM1390

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Hey, im looking for a concealed carry holster for my XD9 and havent the slightest idea whats good and whats bad; ive never carried concealed before... What are some good brands? What type of holster; waist, ankle, what? What works for you? Any info is great, thanks!
 
I prefer IWB holsters in shaped leather, Galco and Ross both make fine holsters of this type and don't require that you take a second mortgage to buy one. Check to see what is available for your XD and of those options see what feels best for you. I would not recommend an ankle holster for anything but a backup. As a rule they are more difficult to use and only work with long pants.
 
IWB holsters can be uncomfortable and in a hot climate you are bound to sweat on your gun to some degree. I like the De Santis Speed Scabbard. I prefer the one without the thumb break and have used them for alsmost 25 years. They hold the gun tight to your body and are very secure even without the thumb break.
 
+1 on the Crossbreed, I've got the Supertuck (their standard IWB model). My first, and so far only holster, for a full-size CZ75B in .40. I haven't carried in warm weather yet, so I can't speak to that, but I find I can forget I have it on.

This site gives a great overview of many of the issues pertinent to CCW, including holster selection and concealment (the server is down right now though)
 
Google JSholsters and look at their's . I know they aren't well known but they are great holsters and really tuck the gun in nice and tight. The paddle curves away from the body instead of to the body and pulls the holster tight.
 
griz22
IWB holsters can be uncomfortable and in a hot climate you are bound to sweat on your gun to some degree.

I live in Atlanta Ga. and we have hot and humid summers. It just means that the glock gets cleaned a little more often. I have several holsters so if I get home from a long day and the leather is soaked I let it sit and use another holster the following day. Again the Ross and Galco are both fairly inexpensive. I wear tuckable IWB with my shirt tucked in to conceal a full frame G22. I do have an advantage over some in that I am over 6 feet tall and weigh 240 lbs. If I planned my wardrobe I think I could conceal a S&W X-Frame with a 10 inch barrel and maybe a Mossberg 500 for back up.
 
I prefer thin sheet kydex holsters like the Raven Phantom Holster. They don't have the look of a fine leather holster but the hold the weapon securely, the draw is quick and secure, they are thin, and they protect the weapon from sweat and the elements better than leather. I've tried a lot of holsters and I have settled on this type as being best for me.
 
I've got quite a collection - most rigs have their positive and negative features. Also depends on weather (hot/cold) and activity. Generally I like something that allows the gun to ride high and out of the way (OWB). A larger outer garment (shirt) works well with this set up. If your in a in a suit or dress attire, a small gun in a pocket holster works well. Inside the waist band holsters are good if you wear your pants kind of loose, tight jeans are not the most comfortable with this outfit. Ankle holsters are great for jeans and t-shirts, but slow to get into action.

You will get a lot of feedback on this one - but in the end, it's what works best for you, everything is a trade off.
 
I think IWB's do the best all around job of concealment. And the best I've seen so far is the Milt Sparks VM II. It is not cheap (around 130$ if I recall correctly), but very well made with a great fit. Don't forget to get a good belt, a great holster that is lose due to a weak belt will not offer you a fast presentation.
 
I carry my Glock 19 in an MTAC from Comp-tac.com. Love the holster, it was originally for an XD45c, then a PT-145, now the Glock. Worked great for all 3. Now my SmartCarry works great too, but that's getting into pretty deep concealment.

On the other hand, I did just order a CrossBreed Supertuck and a belt. Make sure you have a good gun belt also.
 
PRM
I've got quite a collection - most rigs have their positive and negative features. Also depends on weather (hot/cold) and activity. Generally I like something that allows the gun to ride high and out of the way (OWB). A larger outer garment (shirt) works well with this set up. If your in a in a suit or dress attire, a small gun in a pocket holster works well. Inside the waist band holsters are good if you wear your pants kind of loose, tight jeans are not the most comfortable with this outfit. Ankle holsters are great for jeans and t-shirts, but slow to get into action.

You will get a lot of feedback on this one - but in the end, it's what works best for you, everything is a trade off.

AMEN BROTHER, I prefer IWB for concealed, Kydex paddles in the woods and mowing the lawn, and shoulder rigs in the winter when I'm wearing dress clothes. Everyone is different and sometimes even I'm different from myself.
 
CrossBreed makes great IWB holsters.

IMHO, these are the most comfortable holsters on the market. I have one for my 1911's, one for my Glocks, one for XD's and one for my M&P's. These are great holsters you will not be disappointed.
 
Wow, I just haven't warmed up to the Crossbreeds. I have two of them. I do really like Fist's ultrathin kydex IWB rigs. They are about as thick as posterboard and I easily forget I'm wearing the things.
 
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I've been wanting to make a holster upgrade, and since my full-size range mule is also my CCW mule (G17) I've decided on the MTAC- if I can pry some cash away from the Misses.
 
I second the vote for the "clipdraw". I have one for a glock 27, and glock 30, and for a Colt Mk4 1911. I would recommend though, that if you use one on a glock, get the trigger blocks if you carry one chambered. Nothing there to protect the trigger if you don't. If you like ankle holsters, try the Blackhawk inverted style. Super comfy and stays on even when I run. I also have the Fobus which are fast and comfortable, but don't conceal as well as the clipdraw.
 
comp-tac "mtac"

IMHO the "mtac" from comp-tac is the best holster for concealment. i base this opinion on several factors:

1) inside the waistband (IWB): this method of holster carry is by far gives the user the best option of concealment while maintaining a quick & safe draw of the firearm. the gun is held close to the body and with practice, in many cases the draw is identical to carrying OWB.

2) tuckable: being hidden, yet accessible is one of the primary factors that a good concealment holster should have. the fact that a shirt can be tucked in the holster and "bloused", makes this holster useful in nearly all forms of dress (casual, dress, jeans, formal, etc). IWB holsters that are not tuckable are basically very similar to OWB holsters in that you must have a shirt or item of clothing that hangs loosely over it to maintain concealment. with an IWB/tuckable holster you can increase clothing options tremendously.

4) custom fit: comp-tac does an excellent drop with molding the kydex to fit your gun. the only problem here is that they don't have molds for EVERY gun. i wish they had them for my FNP's i would not hesitate to place an order. nevertheless, you want your gun to fit properly/snug and not have a lot of play within the holster. the mtac does just that.

5) interchangeable kydex molds: basically i have the ability to have 2 or more holsters in one. how??? with the mtac i can buy additional available molds for my other handguns, take the original off, install a different one, and have a holster for another gun...using the same leather holster base. i do this with my XD45c and my M&P-9. same leather, different kydex mold....sweet.

6) look & feel: the mtac is the most comfortable holster i have ever put on, hands down. i was a skeptic until my supervisor should me hers, i tried it on and wow...nuff said. also, the holster just looks REALLY nice and is aesthetically pleasing. it feels as good or better than it looks. you will likely forget you have a firearm on.

7) quality construction: the mtac is just better constructed than its competitors. and this isn't to knock anyone's product at all. i believe that there are LOTS of great holsters out there that will serve the user just fine with minimal to no complaints. but the truth is that i have handled and a LOT of holsters and the comptac mtac is just on another level. the leather used is of good quality as well and it seems to mold right to your body shape after a short time of regular use.

sorry to sound like a promo commercial, but im a person that when a product is good and customer service is stellar, i have absolutely no problem telling it like it is and spreading the word. would be nice of comp-tac to ship me a complimentary holster or mold though...lol :D

they aren't cheap ($80)...but then again, you wont find yourself having to replace it either.
 
the people at glock make holsters also, they make a simple glock like belt holster for $5 i have one that i have carried in for years--- those germantic tribes know what they are doing
 
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