Leather holster q's

[TimeIsRunninOut]

I have a question for anyone here that can help, all the holsters I have owned are either full kydex or hybrid kydex leather. With that said I am looking to buy my first full leather holster, I am looking at leather loops vs metal clips and iwb vs owb for general carry, I wear my shirts loose enough now that I feel confident in concealed carry either way. My biggest concern is easy on easy off, one handed bolstering and longevity of the product in question, this has always lead me to kydex and hybrid types. I however this time have an itch for some leather, it'll be for a CZ 75 compact, I am open to color and type/recommendations are greatly appreciated. I been looking mostly at UBG holsters due to wait time and prices, but I'd like to hear your input too!

Thanks TimeIsRunninOut

 

[JTQ]

I'm not completely clear on what you're looking for, but I'll weigh in as much as I can.

I am looking at leather loops vs metal clips and iwb vs owb for general carry,

Metal clips are rather rare on an OWB holster, probably for a reason. If you really want some examples, I could dig them up, but the main reason they are rare is they probably aren't a good idea. I'd avoid them.

My biggest concern is easy on easy off, one handed bolstering and longevity of the product in question, this has always lead me to kydex and hybrid types.

Kydex can take a lot of presentations, but is not flexible, and can crack. I'd expect leather loops to be significantly more durable than either the metal or kydex clips used on hybrid holsters. I'd be willing to bet a hybrid is actually the least durable of all holster styles as it has to deal with the two different materials and the interface between the two.

For leather easy on/easy off, most use a snap design like the Alessi CQC-S and Sparks Axiom. The snaps will be the weakest link in the equation. I don't know how long to expect them to work, possibly forever though.

Alessi CQC-S http://www.alessigunholsters.com/cqc-s-1/

Sparks Axiom http://www.miltsparks.com/products-axiom.php

There are lots of others of this style.

As a righty, I think it would be easier to undo my belt, and slide it out a loop or two rather than snap/unsnap the holster. It would also probably extend the life of the holster. On the other hand, if I were a lefty and threaded a belt like most men do, I may be more interested in a snap on/snap off holster.

 

[TimeIsRunninOut]

sorry I should have been clearer on my question, I am looking at both iwb and owb design holsters for daily carry. I've owned clip iwb and paddle holsters before and liked the ease of being able to lock the gun in holster up when going to places such as federal buildings and business that don't allow firearms on the premises, due to my previous occupation. I like the Sparks holster shown, and believe something of that design either iwb or owb would work well for my needs.

 

[JTQ]

If you're looking for IWB, nearly every maker produces a snap attachment IWB. Sparks has several models. The Summer Special and Versa Max II (VMII) are long time standards. The Criterion is a newer design and uses magnetic snaps which are apparently pretty good.

If wait time is important, many retailers carry some of these holsters ready for delivery. I'm a 1911 guy, so I don't have to think about it much since everybody usually has a 1911 holster in stock. A compact CZ75 may not be so available. You may need to order from the makers.

Here are some retailers that typically stock some of those holsters.

Top Gun Supply (look for the Sparks and Ritchie (basically the same as the Alessi) holsters) http://www.topgunsupply.com/holsters.html

Brownell's http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/holsters-belt-gear/holsters/index.htm

Lightning Arms Sports https://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm

High Noon is a maker that is pretty popular with the CZ crowd. http://www.highnoonholsters.com

 

[Fla_dogman]

My 2 cents are IWB is less comfortable but more concealable, and loops are more securable but harder to put on. My favorite is the Bianca s3 all leather IWB with leather loop.

 

[Drail]

You want your belt threaded through loops. Clips are for kids. While easy on - easy off sounds good, having your gun hitting the concrete is a terrible thing. I say this only because I have seen clips fail so many times I will never trust one.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

If you are looking for an easy-on, easy-off holster, the snap-ons like the Nightingale Griffon and the R Grizzle Georgia Snap 2 are what you want. Plenty of companies make them.

A GS2:

 

[WYO]

My current IWB gold standard is the Milt Sparks Criterion. But, it isn't made for a CZ75 compact. One possible alternative is the TT Gunleather Reinforced Mikes Special that does appear to be made for that gun. I recently did a comparison of the Criterion against the TT Mikes here:
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/10942712.

R Grizzle also makes the Town and Country 2, but I have no experience with it.