Is there any reason not to use a bb gun holster?

[hometheaterman]

Any reason not to carry a gun in a bb gun holster? The reason I ask is a buddy just bought a Smith and Wesson .40 Caliber. I can't remember the model. Is it like 40GLE or something like that? Anyway, he had a holster from an old gun but I guess couldn't find it or this one didn't fit in it properly or something. He told me he bought a holster from Wal-Mart for $7 or so that was for a BB gun but it fit his gun perfectly. Almost like it was made for it. So sure enough I had to see this. When he showed it to me it sure enough was like a perfect fit for this gun. It also held the extra magazine for it which I really liked. Had the strap to hold it in and all. On the back it had the thing where you can run a belt through it. Only had one not 2 belt loops like my more expensive holster had. I'm not sure how it would do on a belt but it looked like it would do fine. The belt look you could un hook so you could take it off of your belt without taking your belt off. Then it had velcro that strapped over the belt loop to keep it on at the bottom.

Anyone else see these things? Is there any reason not to use on of these things? Seemed like a really nice holster for $7.

I have a leather holster that I like okay but it's thinks I don't like about it. It fits the gun snug but it does not have a strap to hold it in which I don't like. It also wont let you carry an extra magazine. Plus it was $40-50.

 

[John E.]

Is there any reason not to use on of these things? Seemed like a really nice holster for $7.

If it fits the gun and keeps it secure, I don't see why not use it.

What is the stitching, etc., like? Would it stand up to heavy use? That would be the only thing that would concern me - how the material, construction and such compared to the more expensive holster.

 

[hometheaterman]

Well, the material is of course not nearly as nice as my leather holster but you can't expect that. It seemed like it had a hard plastic inside and then just material around it. I didn't look super close but that's what it seemed like. It seemed fine now but I guess only time will tell how it holds up for him. I'm curious to see how long it holds up actually.

 

[American_Pit_Bull]

You get what you pay for.

A holster is an integral part in your system of self protection... He just spent several hundred dollars on a firearm, but he doesn't want to spend $50 on a holster...

 

[ThomasT]

Be careful, you might shoot your eye out.

 

[Mal H]

There are three things I can think of to check on the holster to see if it is a good idea.

Does the holster retain the pistol well - can you turn the holster with the pistol in it upside down and still have it remain in the holster?

Is there sufficient trigger coverage? You don't want a holster that exposes the trigger. Murphy's Law demands it!

Is the inside of the holster made well enough that it won't cause undue wear on the muzzle and slide?

 

[pmeisel]

A good leather holster will last a long time, maybe longer that the original owner if it is not an everyday wear item.

On the other hand, I have a cheap belt slide that I use occasionally and it does just fine for what it is intended to do.

 

[basicblur]

Not as cheap as his WalMart holster (but I'd wager built a lot better), but I've had good luck with Bagmaster stuff. 'Course, shipping for one holster kinda kills the price-I've never seen 'em in shops, but mine have held up well, and I often find myself forgoing some of my fancier leather stuff and just slapping ye olde Bagmaster on.
http://www.bagmaster.com/website/cart/shopexd.asp?id=243

I've got a number of the ones pictured at the link above, but also have 'em sans extra magazine pouch. All of mine have the retaining straps, but you can remove it if you don't want it (or order one made without).
The Bagmasters have the nicest retention snap of all my holsters-breaks just right with the thumb when drawing-some of my holsters seem to need some break-in for the snap, or it's just a bit tight for me.

 

[Clifford]

As Mal H said if the holster holds the gun properly and covers the trigger, go for it. That said if you own a corvette do you put the cheapest, discount tires you can find on it? I would guess not, you would probably buy a better performance tire to match the performance of the vehicle.

I find it funny how many people will go out and spend $300-$1500 on a handgun, then buy the cheapest holster possible if they even buy one at all. The firearm is an investment, you may even have to use it to defend your life or the lives of your loved ones. A good holster, mag pouch and belt can run as little as $100-$150. Seems cheap to me when you consider what could happen if you need to draw the weapon an the cheap holster comes off the belt with the gun.

A good leather or kydex holster can last a lifetime if you take care of it. I dont think a nylon holster will last more that a couple of years of regular use. Save some cash and buy a quality set-up. You wont regret it. Remember not only do you need a holster and mag pouch, get a GOOD belt as well.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I have a crossman air gun holster I use when I work out in the yard. I have used it for 3 years it sure not a fast draw one for sure but the gun don't comes out unless you want it too.

 

[David E]

I find it funny how many people will go out and spend $300-$1500 on a handgun, then buy the cheapest holster possible

THEN have the audacity to be insulted when you tell them exactly that!

.

 

[straightShot]

but I've had good luck with Bagmaster stuff. 'Course, shipping for one holster kinda kills the price-I've never seen 'em in shops, but mine have held up well, and I often find myself forgoing some of my fancier leather stuff and just slapping ye olde Bagmaster on.

basicblur:
Shipping for one Bagmaster holster from me at http://www.StraightShotShooting.com is $4.80 via USPS Priority Mail. I only charge the actual shipping charge, and I have quite a few holsters in stock.

Take care,

straightShot

 

[basicblur]

Not in the market at the moment, but maybe others in here will take you up on 'em-Bagmaster seems to be good stuff. I've got quite a few miles on some of mine and they've held up well, and aren't as fussy as leather AFA perspiration etc.

 

[John Wayne]

I would not use a holster of that type for anything other than blocking the trigger guard if my gun were in a glove box or bedside drawer.

If $7 holsters worked well, no one would buy $150 holsters.

 

[danbrew]

As someone else said, it's surprising that folks would spend hundreds to thousands on a handgun, plan on carrying in for self defense, and would not make a suitable investment in a holster. I don't feel comfortable unless I have a nice holster for each pistol I own. While very true that I can't carry/wear them all at the same time, there's absolutely something to be said in having a holster designed for the specific gun in question. I am a HUGE Kramer Leather fan and have many of their holsters. Just recently placed an order with Milt Sparks and am eager to see how those products stand up - I expect nothing but the best from them based upon their reputation.