If you have a holster that just feels right for your autoloader let us know. I'm having a time finding the right belt or hip holster for my S&W40VE. I'd like to have a Serpa carbon fiber plastic holster but Blackhawk does not make one for my S&W40VE. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/SERPA-CQC-wCarbon-Fiber-Finish,1144,1410.htm...So let us know how it feels.......
Happy with your holster?
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I have a 1911, but I'm happy with all of these.
Raven Concealment Phantom
http://www.ravenconcealmentsystems.com/product_info.php?cPath=82_85_92&products_id=1567
Garrett Industries "Silent Thunder". I have the basic OWB model. Very nice leather lined kydex.
http://www.gimagclip.com/
High Noon "Slide Guard"
http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Slide_Guard/_slide_guard.html
Raven Concealment Phantom
http://www.ravenconcealmentsystems.com/product_info.php?cPath=82_85_92&products_id=1567
Garrett Industries "Silent Thunder". I have the basic OWB model. Very nice leather lined kydex.
http://www.gimagclip.com/
High Noon "Slide Guard"
http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Slide_Guard/_slide_guard.html
I'm not a fan of the SERPA holsters.
Certainly, some users need the retention device offered by the SERPA, but I tend to think most don't.
I believe half the cost of a SERPA is tied up in the retention device, either in R&D or production costs. If you don't need that device, then you've paid $60 for what is essentially a $30 holster.
If you are looking for a range holster you don't need a retention device and I don't think most concealed carry users need a retention device either. The SERPA sticks out from the body quite a bit and doesn't conceal very well anyway.
Open carry users probably could use the SERPA's features to ensure the security of their pistols. If that is what you are looking for it would probably be a good option.
If you're looking for a range holster, in addition to the ones already listed you may want to try
Comp-Tac
http://www.comp-tac.com/
Blade-Tech
http://www.blade-tech.com/home.php
Certainly, some users need the retention device offered by the SERPA, but I tend to think most don't.
I believe half the cost of a SERPA is tied up in the retention device, either in R&D or production costs. If you don't need that device, then you've paid $60 for what is essentially a $30 holster.
If you are looking for a range holster you don't need a retention device and I don't think most concealed carry users need a retention device either. The SERPA sticks out from the body quite a bit and doesn't conceal very well anyway.
Open carry users probably could use the SERPA's features to ensure the security of their pistols. If that is what you are looking for it would probably be a good option.
If you're looking for a range holster, in addition to the ones already listed you may want to try
Comp-Tac
http://www.comp-tac.com/
Blade-Tech
http://www.blade-tech.com/home.php
I am a Serpa Fan, and I agree with your post 100%
For CCW a serpa is not a great choice. Comp-Tac is a good holster, I have not tried a blade-tech.
Crossbreed-like holster from Tommy, a member here.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=583039&p=7388271#post7388271
OWB from a member named possum here:
Both are very comfortable and concealable. Granted, the OWB holster requires a cover shirt or a tshirt larger than I like to wear. I still wear it during the summer but with shorts, a wicking (or a regular t shirt)t-shirt and a button down over shirt like all of my past girlfriends like me to wear anyway.
I won't wear it OWB for open carry since it doesn't have a retention device.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=583039&p=7388271#post7388271
OWB from a member named possum here:
Both are very comfortable and concealable. Granted, the OWB holster requires a cover shirt or a tshirt larger than I like to wear. I still wear it during the summer but with shorts, a wicking (or a regular t shirt)t-shirt and a button down over shirt like all of my past girlfriends like me to wear anyway.
I won't wear it OWB for open carry since it doesn't have a retention device.
I really like the Don Hume J.I.T. series of holsters. They hold very tight to the body, and keep the gun high on the beltline.
How does that work out for you when wearing the compact glock? Does it conceal well and does it keep it tight even when being physically active (running across the yard with the kids or playing with them...not running a marathon or circuit training)? I hate resorting to my 26 just for concealment when I feel much more comfortable shooting my 19.
Works great with my 19, never owned any of the smaller Glocks. Key is to thread the belt through the back loop, pants loop, then the front loop...this keeps ot from trying to migrate. As with any holster the better quality the belt is the better the holster will perform.
I recently ordered my third SuperTuck from CrossBreed, I've been wearing two cowhide ones for quite a while and one horsehide just arrived ... that's three carry guns in three SuperTucks, plus MrsBFD's carry gun in a CB "Ohai", making four. Plus the two different magazine carriers I've ordered from CB, one single-mag in the old design (meh, the redesign was a good idea) and a new horsehide dual IWB magazine carrier for XD45c magazines.
So lately I've been wearing an XD45c and two magazines for it in nothing but slacks and a camp shirt, no super-duper cover garment, no photographer's vest of denial, and even the wife can't tell me if I'm carrying unless I pull the shirt tight over the gun.
Forget that serpa or blackhawk, get something that is designed to hold the gun close to the body and hang it off of a quality belt. Kholster, Tucker gunleather, Comp-Tac, and Garret make crossbreed-like holsters, if the CBST is more than you're willing to spend.
A good belt can be ordered from many places, I like BeltMan, but there are plenty of others.
So lately I've been wearing an XD45c and two magazines for it in nothing but slacks and a camp shirt, no super-duper cover garment, no photographer's vest of denial, and even the wife can't tell me if I'm carrying unless I pull the shirt tight over the gun.
Forget that serpa or blackhawk, get something that is designed to hold the gun close to the body and hang it off of a quality belt. Kholster, Tucker gunleather, Comp-Tac, and Garret make crossbreed-like holsters, if the CBST is more than you're willing to spend.
A good belt can be ordered from many places, I like BeltMan, but there are plenty of others.
Garrett Industries' Silent Thunder (I have the IWB version) is my EDC holster. Incredibly simple, effective, and comfortable. I've tried and am not a fan of the crossbreed/minotaur style holsters. Overkill, even for a full-sized 1911.
Am considering the Silent Thunder "Slim" for S&W M&P 9mm full size. This holster has a Kydex exterior and is permanently lined with leather. The "Slim" has a single semi-wide-ish clip off-set to the rear, so it's not sitting right on the side. That makes it slimmer. My reasoning is that if it's less obtrusive and easier to put on the belt and remove from the belt, it will make life a lot easier. Right now, I'm just carrying in my pants pocket - not such a comfortable or useful way to carry a full size M&P! Compared to that, almost anything will be an improvement. But my concern is - just how easy/difficult is it to put that holster with gun onto the belt, and how easy is it to remove it? I can tolerate some small deviation from perfect stability, but only if it means easier mounting and removing from the belt.
Any thoughts on/ experience with this?
Any thoughts on/ experience with this?
My most comfortable CCW holster is a 3-slot pancake OWB from Gould and Goodrich. I wear my Glock 30 at 3:30ish when I can wear an appropriate cover garment.
http://www.gouldusa.com/products/pr...ncake+Holster&line=Other+Concealment+Holsters
For hotter weather I wear a compact 1911 in an Eric T. Whisnant "Mr. Jones" tuckable IWB. It's also very comfortable and conceals well even under a tucked in shirt.
http://www.hyattgunstore.com/etw-holsters/
http://www.gouldusa.com/products/pr...ncake+Holster&line=Other+Concealment+Holsters
For hotter weather I wear a compact 1911 in an Eric T. Whisnant "Mr. Jones" tuckable IWB. It's also very comfortable and conceals well even under a tucked in shirt.
http://www.hyattgunstore.com/etw-holsters/
From Garrett's FAQ section on his site.
I have a double outboard clips for my Raven Phantom and I've got to believe the single attachment point of the Garrett is going to be easier than the wide spaced double attachment set up.
Garrett has a variety of clips available. I think the "C-clip" would be rather difficult to use, but the others would be just fine.
Holy cow your pockets are bigger than mine!
On a side note...what is the benefit to the leather lined kydex?
I carry a 9mm Hi-Power in a Galco N3. It's a 1911 holster but IWB 1911 holsters have worked well for me with Hi-Powers.
It conceals very well with an un-tucked golf shirt and is very comfortable. With a good belt, the weight isn't a problem.
It conceals very well with an un-tucked golf shirt and is very comfortable. With a good belt, the weight isn't a problem.
Forum surfer, the pockets on my shorts are quite large, but they're just average size on my chino semi-dress slacks. It's not the most comfortable way to carry and leaves a lot to be desired in ease of presentation - but at this time, it's what I have.
The leather lining inside the Kydex serves two functions for me: (1) It makes for a silent draw with no "Kydex noise" - which is why they call it "SILENT Thunder". (2) It causes slower wear on the gun's finish.
The leather lining inside the Kydex serves two functions for me: (1) It makes for a silent draw with no "Kydex noise" - which is why they call it "SILENT Thunder". (2) It causes slower wear on the gun's finish.
Thanks oboe.
Doesn't bother me, I don't need to draw in ninja stealth mode.
Holster wear is sexy. Although, the kydex holster that I carry in doesn't seem to cause to much wear despite hundreds of draws. Plastic holsters cause wear, but kydex takes a few thousand draws. Keep in mind that leather will, too. It gets humid down here in the south, so any dust and dirt particles tend to stick to the leather. I'm an active guy, so my holsters will get dirty and leather holsters have always caused more wear when I wear them as opposed to regular kydex. I carry IWB in a crossbreed like holster at times, and the "leather side" shows more wear marks on the gun than the kydex side. But like I said, I'm active and I'm playing in the outdoors pretty often. I got to the point to where I started carrying a glock and stopped worrying about wear and finish. I do want to try an m&p next, just can't make up my mind if I want the 9 or the 9c. I won't carry it until I put a 1000 or so rounds through and get accustomed to it, so I'm thinking of going with the full size and picking up a 9c if I decide I like the platform.
To each his own...but at least I get it now, thanks.
Doesn't bother me, I don't need to draw in ninja stealth mode.
Holster wear is sexy.
Although, the kydex holster that I carry in doesn't seem to cause to much wear despite hundreds of draws. Plastic holsters cause wear, but kydex takes a few thousand draws. Keep in mind that leather will, too. It gets humid down here in the south, so any dust and dirt particles tend to stick to the leather. I'm an active guy, so my holsters will get dirty and leather holsters have always caused more wear when I wear them as opposed to regular kydex. I carry IWB in a crossbreed like holster at times, and the "leather side" shows more wear marks on the gun than the kydex side. But like I said, I'm active and I'm playing in the outdoors pretty often. I got to the point to where I started carrying a glock and stopped worrying about wear and finish. I do want to try an m&p next, just can't make up my mind if I want the 9 or the 9c. I won't carry it until I put a 1000 or so rounds through and get accustomed to it, so I'm thinking of going with the full size and picking up a 9c if I decide I like the platform. To each his own...but at least I get it now, thanks.
I really like Tucker gunleather's stuff, but ... ...
1 - who cares?
and
2 - unless you get grit embedded in the leather, the "kydex wears finishes more than neather" myth is getting tedious. I have two guns I've been packing regularly in CrossBreed holsters ... want to guess which side shows more wear? Leather side or Kydex side?
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That's right, the LEATHER side shows more wear! (both sides are minimal, but the leather side is showing more for sure)
bigfatdave, we each are entitled to our desires and theories. My theory about the wear you experience is that the flat side is leather, and since it isn't fitted to the gun, it is more likely to cause wear . . . BUT
Even if the leather causes more wear, (a) I like the holster anyway because its on-and-off the belt function is easier for me with just one clip, and there are times when there must some removal of the holster/gun [on school grounds, and I frequently am there as a part time employee], inside police stations and other public buildings [including courts], and (b) I really DO care about the "Silent" part of the "Silent Thunder" for reasons of my own.
It's not a Tucker Product at this point. It's a Garrett Industries product.
Anyway, I've kicked the holster thing around for long enough, and I want to settle on one and not have to carry in my pocket.
Agree or disagree, it's great to get the points of view and experiences of other people.
Even if the leather causes more wear, (a) I like the holster anyway because its on-and-off the belt function is easier for me with just one clip, and there are times when there must some removal of the holster/gun [on school grounds, and I frequently am there as a part time employee], inside police stations and other public buildings [including courts], and (b) I really DO care about the "Silent" part of the "Silent Thunder" for reasons of my own.
It's not a Tucker Product at this point. It's a Garrett Industries product.
Anyway, I've kicked the holster thing around for long enough, and I want to settle on one and not have to carry in my pocket.
Agree or disagree, it's great to get the points of view and experiences of other people.
oboe, we are all entitled to our opinions like you say.
You mentioned frequent removal. I live in NC and he have horrible laws. My business takes me to many places that legally require me to disarm. I can lock it in my truck temporarily or just not carry. It stinks but it is what it is. I mention this because I like to keep my holster in my pants when I disarm because there is less adjusting involved with my belt and pants. Just thought I'd throw that out there since I can relate to frequent disarming.
You mentioned frequent removal. I live in NC and he have horrible laws. My business takes me to many places that legally require me to disarm. I can lock it in my truck temporarily or just not carry. It stinks but it is what it is. I mention this because I like to keep my holster in my pants when I disarm because there is less adjusting involved with my belt and pants. Just thought I'd throw that out there since I can relate to frequent disarming.
I'm still buying the kydex is harder on the finish than leather "myth". Though I'll grant you it may certainly vary from maker to maker.
My kydex Raven quickly (as within the first week, quickly) wore through long strips of blueing off the top of my slide.
My High Noon "Slide Guard" will no doubt wear the finish, but it's going to take some time.
The leather lining of the Garrett "Silent Thunder" is so smooth, it seems like it will take forever to put some "character" on the finish.
My kydex Raven quickly (as within the first week, quickly) wore through long strips of blueing off the top of my slide.
My High Noon "Slide Guard" will no doubt wear the finish, but it's going to take some time.
The leather lining of the Garrett "Silent Thunder" is so smooth, it seems like it will take forever to put some "character" on the finish.
forumsurfer, I did give that method some thought. I like the protection the holster provides to the gun when I stash it in the car. Also, I don't want even a hint of gun on me in those places where it's prohibited. If you live in New Jersey, it's a lovely state with the most unintelligent and bigoted attitude regarding RKBA of almost anyplace, except, of course, the City of Chicago. You have my sympathy.
Simply because your gun follows the path of least resistance. It can't push on the kydex, so it pushes on the leather. An all Kydex will show more wear at certain points whereas a leather will pretty evenly wear over the entire gun.
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