Holster recommendation

[moto_stevo]

I am new to competitive shooting. I've got a third generation S&W auto. The holster i am currently using is an older Bianchi with a thumb retention strap. I am shooting Idpa and have learned that I don't particularly care for my holster and am open to suggestions. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Holsters are kinda like underwear
everybody has a preference, and a reason for it
but in the end, you will only like what 'fits' YOU

So, make friends, and do it the CHEAP and effective way, get a coach and a few buds, have them all bring out their BOX-O-HOLSTERS and find out what works for you.

 

[moto_stevo]

I appreciate the advice, but all
My friends have m&p's and glocks. Not even a BHP in the group.

 

[waktasz]

Your friends sound smart.

I have always used Comp-tac for my IDPA and USPSA Production holster.

 

[mgmorden]

I personally like Blade-Tech's holster line. I'm not sure they make them for the S&W 3rd gens, but for guns that they do offer it for, the Blade-Tech "Revolution" injection molded holsters are a great value. Less than $20 from Brownells and from what I've seen they're every bit as good as their more expensive kydex offerings (just not available for as many models).

For my M&P, with a dealer (C&R) discount I got the holster for $15 from there, and added the DOH offset attachment (which unfortunately isn't IDPA legal, but I shoot USPSA with it) for $8, so my total holster cost on the DOH rig was $23 compared to $70+ for their regular DOH holster from most places.

 

[Gabes220]

a little pricey but the Safariland Holsters are great. They have one specifically for idpa with just a thumb retention system. Smooth coming out and i'm confident the gun wouldn't fall out while running.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Took me half a dozen tries to get one I liked for IDPA, and I had the benefit of BHP fitting into most 1911 holsters.

CDNN often has discounts on holsters for older SW autos mde by G&G or others. You might check Optics Planet too.

There are so many ex police SW's on the market now that you might find a good selection of holsters on the cheap.

 

[moto_stevo]

All I have been able to find are galco at $87, don Hume at $65, fobus, or uncle mikes. Right now I'm leaning toward the don hume 720ot. Of anyone has experience with any of these I'd really love to buy just one and be happy.

 

[jim243]

I have to agree with Shadow 7D, it is a lot like underwear. What fits one body shape does not allways work for another.

I like the Uncle Mikes and Blackhawk for IWB size 6 works well for most 4 inch pistols. And I found that the Bianchi belt slide size 15A works extreemly well for most of my pistols, 1911, PT-92, FNP-40, CZ 75 P-01 just be sure to get a stiff belt to use with it. I use all these for IDPA and they work well, remember it is the belt that will make the difference.

Jim

 

[chrome_austex]

I love my Raven Concealment Systems kydex holster. Very high quality and works OWB and IWB by changing the mounts. They're very affordable for the quality you get.

The only downside is the 16 week production backlog on most holsters (the do keep good production updates on their website tho, and they're predictable). I'd do it again.

 

[moto_stevo]

Thanks for the replies. I am currently using a Galco 1 3/4" belt, and agree it does help. I will also look into the Raven system.
Most newer manufacturers don't list my model gun as it is older. I know it was a more popular gun before the xd's and m&p's were around.

 

[btg3]

Steer toward kydex. Eschew leather or nylon for IDPA. A $20 Fobus has served well for my M&P. If that's just too bougeois, then sure, spend what you got. FWIW, I do have a Box-O-Holsters, but the Fobus goes to IDPA.

 

[dprice3844444]

try safariland 6280

 

[WoodyTX]

Try your friends' pistols from their holsters. The 'feel' of a holster shouldn't change too drastically from model to model. I would definitely advise getting away from the the retention holsters; too many 'oopses' from them in the heat of the moment.

As unsolicited advice from someone who stopped carrying a compact 1911 and went to an XDm, look into the modern pistols, if you can afford one. They are extremely reliable, easy to use, and durable. I took a class on very close encounters, and realized that my hip-mounted compact 1911 wasn't going to cut it for concealed carry any more. I love shooting my 1911s, but for concealment and OMG moments, I'll go with something easier to use.

 

[Tim the student]

What do you guys think about paddle vs belt holster? Sorry to hijack a little, but it seems relevant enough.

 

[mgmorden]

What do you guys think about paddle vs belt holster? Sorry to hijack a little, but it seems relevant enough.

I've used both, but strongly prefer belt. Just more secure IMHO.

Also, though they're not legal in IDPA, for USPSA they work much better with "speed belts" where the holster pretty much always stays on your belt and you just velcro the outer-belt on each time.

 

[atomd]

Also, though they're not legal in IDPA, for USPSA they work much better with "speed belts" where the holster pretty much always stays on your belt and you just velcro the outer-belt on each time.

Yeah, those belts are where it's at (like CR Speed and Double Alpha). For IDPA you could get a wilderness belt with the insert and that's legal and would work ok too. For a holster you could go with a bladetech black ice (the doh version isn't legal but you can take off the attachment and make it legal if you want) or a comptac belt holster. I believe those are most likely the more popular ones out there. It's a personal preference but there's a reason a ton of people like those.

 

[gunsablazin]

I do just fine with an el cheapo Fobus paddle. It works fine and for $18.00 is a bargain.