Leather Holster and Gun Belt

[USMCGRUNT_0341]

Hello,

I am in the market for a new holster for my duty Glock 22. I am getting away from my lousy leather belt and rig (that pulls my pants away from shirt) and going with putting a OWB and single mag pouch right on a sturdy 1.5" belt. I am not the least bit concerned with price, but concerned with the fit.

I wear a dress shirt and polyester pants and want something that will stay extremely tight to my side and also a holster that rides fairly high.

I have used James Nelson before and he does great work. Some of the others I am looking for personal recommendations on are:

• Milt Sparks 55BN: Very nice, but does not appear to sit very high

• Mitch Rosen 5JR: Very nice, has thumb break (Not a necessity), but has a cant

• Adams Leather Works: All custom, looks like some nice work

All of these companies also offer gun belts. Some of the belts I was looking at were:

• Milt Sparks belt
• Mitch Rosen belt
• Adams Leather belt
• Big foot

My only thought on this is, I like the idea of getting the belt where the holster is made. Any recommendations or opinions would be appreciated!

 

[JTQ]

While I don't own either, I suspect the Sparks 55BN rides higher than the Rosen 5JR. Note where the trigger guard and ejection port are in relation to the belt line. The 55BN is a fairly high rider. The 55BN is available in straight drop or canted, if that makes a difference. The Sparks 60TK is a higher rider if that's what you want.

I'd expect a pancake, like the Rosen 5JR to ride closer to the body than a Nelson #1 Professional style like the Sparks 55BN, though reholstering is often easier with a Nelson Professional.

All have fine reputations.

Tucker's HF1 may be something you may be interested in if you haven't seen it. It kind of splits the difference between the pancake and Nelson Professional.

https://tuckergunleather.com/hf1-belt-holster/

There are a lot of quality makers out there, I can come up with other suggestions if there is something specific you're looking for.

 

[herrwalther]

Any preference on belt attachment for the duty holster and mag pouch? With leather, most of your options will be belt slide slits and less paddle options. Take a look at Gould and Goodrich Gold line. They may have the holster and belt combinations you are looking for.

 

[USMCGRUNT_0341]

Thank you very much for the insight. I keep reading different forums and coming across Tucker, but I have yet to check them out. As far as the the belt attachment, the standard slits is good for me. I feel like that will keep everything tighter as opposed to having a loop. I have seen some of the GG line and own some Galco as well. I wanted to get a higher end custom with a perfect fit this time around. Thanks!

 

[Zerodefect]

I've never seen owb leather pull a pistol in tighter than Kydex. Like Ravens, Kt, Bravo.

I'm all ears though.

 

[Rudolph31]

I’ve got two Mitch Rosen belts and holsters. I’ve been happy with all of the gear. Three of the four items (1.25” and 1.5” belts and 5jrdl holster) came from Dillon Precision. The Hi-Power holster I had to order directly from Mitch Rosen. You save a little buying from Dillon.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/holsters-belts-pouches_8_22.html

The 1.5” belt makes carrying a full size 1911 comfortable.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

I will only suggest on the belt that you get something with a inner stiffening liner, such as the Bigfoot you mentioned.

Reinforced holes are also nice.

You're barking up the right trees with the holsters. It will come down to simple personal preference.

 

[JTQ]

I've never seen owb leather pull a pistol in tighter than Kydex. Like Ravens, Kt, Bravo.

I'm all ears though.

I have a Raven Phantom for a 1911. It's a fine holster, but it doesn't pull the gun closer to the body than my High Noon Slide Guard. My money is most leather pancakes will carry closer than a kydex pancake because the leather will bend to match your body and the kydex won't.

The Phantom is a thin holster, but one description I've read that has stuck with me is it is like a dinner plate. While thin, it doesn't flex (good or bad depending on how you're looking at it). If it perfectly matches your body contours fine, but chances are good it won't and you'll have some point sticking out that a leather pancake won't have.

Note Raven has dropped the Phantom from their line-up. While the replacement holster, the Perun, is probably cheaper and easier to make, the owner claims the new holster conceals better.

The other leather advantage, especially for a law enforcement officer, is retention.

 

[JTQ]

I’ve got two Mitch Rosen belts and holsters. I’ve been happy with all of the gear. Three of the four items (1.25” and 1.5” belts and 5jrdl holster) came from Dillon Precision. The Hi-Power holster I had to order directly from Mitch Rosen. You save a little buying from Dillon.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/holsters-belts-pouches_8_22.html

The 1.5” belt makes carrying a full size 1911 comfortable.

View attachment 819329

Rosen shows the same prices, for the same items, as Dillon, unless you're saving on shipping.

https://mitchrosen.com/products/express-line/

 

[Zerodefect]

I'll check out the high noon. Thanks.

 

[JTQ]

I'll check out the high noon. Thanks.

It doesn't have to be High Noon, it's just an example I have. I suspect all leather pancakes will carry closer than a kydex pancake.

 

[Milt1]

Mernickle Holster may have exactly what you need. Look at their PS6 hi-ride holster.Also look at this holster on YouTube.

 

[Rudolph31]

Rosen shows the same prices, for the same items, as Dillon, unless you're saving on shipping.

You’re right. I think Dillon raised prices $20.

 

[USMCGRUNT_0341]

Thank you all for the responses. I really liked the Mernickle that was stated above, but after looking and talking to Tucker I may move with that. I received immediate responses with photos and all. To me, having such a good customer service like that speaks volumes. I am looking at their HF1 and Pancake with a 1.75" belt.

 

[JTQ]

...with a 1.75" belt.

Make sure your pants will accommodate the 1.75" belt. The 1.5" belt works with most pants loops from chino's to jeans, but not with some dress pants loops. The 1.75" will work with most jeans, but may be iffy with even some chinos, and dress pants are typically not going to work with a 1.75".

 

[USMCGRUNT_0341]

Absolutely. First thing I did was measure my current belt and duty pants. They are made for the 1.75”. My current belt is 1.75” also. I will only being wearing it with these pants. Thank you for looking out!