How to pick a holster?

[Matt1911]

I've never "carried" before, but plan to now.Every holster i have is exposed,so i need a new holster.
As a general rule of thumb,what style is least obtrusive for a large frame?(both mine and the weapon)
How do you pick a style that fits,without buying several and wearing to see?
Matt

 

[priv8ter]

Bad news

Actually, I'm not trying to br negstive or anything, but I have been looking for a year now, and I am still doing the 'buy and try' thing.

You can ask for reccomendations, and take advise, but something that feels good for 10 minutes might not feel good after 10 HOURS.

My advise is go to a shoot near you. Most folks carry, and can show you what works for them.

 

[Scott Evans]

My opinion … High and close to the body is best for comfortable concealed carry. IWB adds additional concealment but is not comfortable for everyone. Last carrying a weapon is always LESS comfortable then not having one. There is no magic holster that hides your weapon completely from view, makes soft all the hard spots, or that eliminates the weight of the weapon while still allowing for lightning quick draws. Selection of concealed carry weapons and gear is always a series of trade offs. Body type and training along with your desired level of preparedness all factor in with your selection.

 

[Walosi]

C.A.C. - Concealment, Access, Comfort. Concealment is primary, but the other two are necessary, and can impact of the first. They interact. If you can't hide it, it is worthless. If you hide it so well you can't get to it...same. If it is so uncomfortable that you don't put it on...etc., etc.

If you have enough confidence in the gun, and want THAT one particularly, your considerations will allow for some discomfort in carrying. Then consider your own body and try to isolate a carry mode that applies (IWB, OWB) and what changes in your dress style may be required to use it. A lot of thought goes into your own situation, and the makers have had a lot of input from people in the same situation as your own (whatever it may be), so even though it sounds complicated, some forethought will narrow it down. Then, just pick out the one you like best out of the 20 or 30 you've bought to try out, and your problem is solved :banghead:

 

[Blackhawk]

Scott Evans said almost everything except that any rig has to be "broken in" just like a pair of boots or shoes. It has to adapt to you and you to it.

And that's the rub. You never know how something's going to work until you've tried it for a while.

 

[dairycreek]

Don't forget the belt!

So very much of the sucess in carrying concealed is related to the belt. Don't buy a million dollar holster and a two bit belt. You will regret that. Good shooting

 

[oldpaladin]

Matt1911,
Scott, Blackhawk, and dairycreek have got it right... Take care of your holster, if leather, keep it clean and supple... Leather lotion, never neatsfoot (Spelling?) oil, as it is not a good choice... Care of your holster nearly as important as taking care of your handgun...

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

 

[10-Ring]

Some really good advice has been given. I started my "buy & try" period a little over a year ago. What have I learned? Well, I like some kydex holsters. Really easy to use, quick to draw & reholster. The problem is that it will show wear on your gun faster. Leather is now my 1st option, but it can get pricey esp. w/ the nicer designs & the exotic leathers. As for mode of carry, I like OWB & IWB. The trick now is to find the one that works best for me & my gun.

 

[oldpaladin]

10-Ring ,
Try Don Hume Leathergoods Company:

http://www.donhume.com/

A while back, I owned three Taurus Raging Bulls, model 444, in .44mag. At the time, I wanted some CCW holsters. They'd never made anything that big before. So, they made 'em for me- only $50 apiece! They were great, but had to use suspenders, when carrying... Was a time when we were very worried about security, and the boss wouldn't let us carry shotguns... Thankfully, nothing happened... Anyhow, Hume also made my IWB holsters for my GLOCK 21 and GLOCK 30. I think they were about $30 each... Great holsters...

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

 

[El Tejon]

Howdy, nieghbor. Get a cardboard box and fill.

Lots of good makers out there now. You've gotten some excellent advice. Talk to your buddies see what they like. Hit cyberspace, see what's out there.

I recommend buying the holster and belt together from the same maker. I like Milt Sparks, Executive Companion--brings the weapon up tight and molds to the body like Blackhawk was talking about. Others are good as well.

 

[Glock_PhD]

oldpaladin I was looking at the don hume IWB and I realy like them and thinking about getting one. But I was curious about how the retention is. I am thinking about it for a glock 23.

 

[sm]

Cheat !!

Adding to the already good advise and info...

I talked my gunsmith, and some instructor friends into using theirs for a bit...They had others to choose from...that cardboard box referenced earlier...

I tried, I liked, I bought. Even got a good deal on one that fit me...didn't the owner...we both happy now...

"ain't cheatin' if it works-- then it's ingenuity"

 

[oldpaladin]

Glock; PhD,
Retention on the belt itself, is with two "keepers" integral to the holster. They have good, durable, heavy duty snaps. The holsters are canted butt forward. Retention of weapon is outstanding, as the Hume folks pattern their holsters on actual pistols by model. Not generic. My G30 on my left side, and my G21 on my right side. Spare mags in back pockets... Do I feel comfortable and confident with my Hume PCCH IWB holsters? Yep, no question. Some may want a strap over the back of their holsters, I guess if they want to hang upside-down like a bat. Wouldn't know. Don't think I was ever a bat... Maybe a few in the belfrey, but... Anyway, retention of weapon is mainly by superb fit of holster, and tension of holster/belt against body... Hope this helps...

Carter, oldpaladin, out...

 

[billcameron]

As someone else said get a good wide stiff belt. Forget shoulder holster at least initially; I think they work only for a few people and then for special applications. Most people will find that a strong side holster works best. I like IWB, but pancake/scabbard style is fine. For belt I like 1.5 inch wide. Currently wearing Kramer IWB holster, 1.5 inch wide double thick belt - both in horsehide. Works well for me with glock 27. I sometimes use his belt scabbard when wearing jacket, but mainly IWB under polo shirt. Good luck. Kramer link below if you are interest.

http://www.kramerleather.com/

 

[LiquidTension]

IWB will probably be your best bet for concealing a large frame. MOB would also work. I carry a commander frame 1911 IWB. I wear my IWB in the Middle Of Back position, more comfortable that way. As for manufacturers, you can't go wrong with Milt Sparks. Long wait, but well worth it.

 

[Sven]

Check out Tucker's IWB:



More Tucker Photos

TuckerGunLeather.com

 

[pogo2]

Second Don Hume vote

I have also tried a variety of holsters, and settled on strong side OWB pancake as my favorite. IWB just isn't comfortable for me, and I prefer leather over kydex.

I like the holster to ride as high as practical, and for the gun to be in close contact with my body at three points - the front and rear of the slide, and the end of the grip. If it sticks out away from the body at any of these three points it will tend to print on the cover garment.

The best holster I have found for this is the Don Hume Open Top Double Nine, and I have several of these. They are also reasonably priced, costing about $35 plus shipping from Gunners' Alley, a Don Hume distributor:
Gunners' Alley

This holster has belt "tunnels" on either side of the gun, instead of the more common belt loops. The tunnels seem to lie flatter on the body, and deform the belt less as it passes through them than loops do. The cant angle of this holster is also just about perfect for concealment on the strong side.

 

[Matt1911]

Thanks for all the advice.I went to my gun shop yesterday,and the owner,whom i've known since high school,was busy unpacking from this weekends gunshow.After he finished chewing me out for not having got my permit,and started carrying years ago,he sat me down in front of 6 large tupperware containers full of holsters,and went back to unpacking..After a couple hours i found 3 i thought would work.He tossed 2 of them back in the containers,("you won't like those".)and pulled out 2 others.Ended up with 3 Bianchi's for 10 bucks!(2 used).I thanked him for the great deal,and he laughed,saying"you'll be back for more...."

 

[braindead0]

You might want to try kydex/plastic/nylon as well. My suggestion would be to narrow the search down by figuring out what material you prefer (inflexible but easy to maintain vs. flexible and a little more work).

I've got a high-rise nylon paddle holster for my EAA windicator that is absolutely awesome, tucks right in above my spare tire and chest ;-)

 

[txgolfer45]

I recommend Comp-Tac

Lots of different models and styles in kydex. www.comp-tac.com

I use the Ghurka model with my G26.

 

[Mannlicher]

Matt,

I like a pancake style outside the waistband best. I prefer cross draw to strong side carry. There are some guns, and some dress modes that favor IWB carry, again I like cross draw, but have strong side holsters also.

Quality, that is well made from good materials is very important. Good design is important too. using a top quality belt is VERY important in allowing you to tote that darn thing all day long.

I like holsters from Sam Andrews. They fill all my requirments. I can carry a full size 1911 all day long in one of his McDaniels II IWB rigs, with no discomfort.