Looking for nice leather OWB holster

[Aahzz]

As the title states, I want something nice, for OWB carry. Pistol is an M&P 9c. I have a solid gun belt already, so I know I need one . I do IWB carry with an Aliengear, but do occasionally dress for OWB, and also tend to open carry when I teach the KY CCDW Permit class. I'm looking for something leather, with good detailing - essentially, something classy when teaching with out going into overboard mongolian lizard skin with bull moose trim covered in sparkles.

Candidates at the moment include the Mitch Rosen 5JR or President (maybe the Premier, not sure if I like the idea of snaps or not), Milt Sparks I-BAK or 55BN (the 55BN I might go for the shark trim for a teeny visual upgrade without being flashy), or something else along those line. I know 3 of the 4 are pancake designs, and I suppose I am leaning towards pancake. I don't like a super high ride, as I have love handles and if it gets too high it makes the gun less concealable on me as I push it outwards.

Thoughts on makers and models in a similar quality/price range? Thoughts on current candidates?

Thanks!

 

[JTQ]

Rosen and Sparks are both top notch makers, you won't go wrong with either.

A couple of other options if you're looking for fancy…

Tucker HF1 http://www.tuckergunleather.com/the-hf1-belt-holster

Davis Leather has some options http://davisleathercompany.com/concealedcarry/

 

[nettlle]

I have Tucker HF1. It's a lot of holster for the money.

 

[jeepnik]

Simply Rugged. http://www.simplyrugged.com/

 

[PakWaan]

Tucker HF1 is the best OWB I've found over the years. I have one for each of my guns and wear them daily.

 

[Mainsail]

Tucker HF1 is the best OWB I've found over the years. I have one for each of my guns and wear them daily.

+1

I love mine!

 

[Sabongero]

I use a high ride snap OWB from TT Gunleather. Excellent quality, I forget my P30 is on my hip most of the time.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have a few holsters from http://www.epsaddlery.com/default.aspx very well made

 

[EMT40SW]

Fist #9 in leather has served me well for 8 years and is a steal for $65. It puts all those Galco holsters to shame.

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/9.htm

 

[TarDevil]

I don't know why, but Zlogonje Gun Leathers rarely gets a mention here. I bought an OWB for my SR9c and was very pleased. It's beautiful yet moderately priced.

 

[barnett]

I like my Bodyguard by D M Bullard.

 

[JTQ]

If you're looking at Sparks, don't overlook the CC-AT http://www.miltsparks.com/CC-AT.htm

and the 1AT, which while not listed on their web page, is still available.

 

[Old Dog]

My favorite OWBs are the Kramer Belt Scabbards. High-rise pancakes in horsehide. The most durable, best lookin' leather holsters I've ever found. Yep, they're a bit spendy ....

www.kramerleather.com

 

[Aahzz]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, I've got a few ideas. Am definitely open to more suggestions, with the reminder that I am NOT looking for a high ride.

 

[AKElroy]

I have the handles as well, and I love my High-Noon open top pancake. Pricey, but it looks great and is exceptionally comfortable, even with a full-sized P226.

 

[JTQ]

I am NOT looking for a high ride.

I suppose I overlooked that in your original post. The Sparks 55BN and Tucker HF1 are both relatively high riders as is the aforementioned High Noon pancake, whether it is a Slide Guard or Topless.

The Alessi CQC-S and Ritchie CQ-QR are relatively low riders (at least as far as concealment holsters go).

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

Ritchie CQ-QR http://www.ritchieholsters.com/catalog/p-100009/close-quarter-quick-release-cq-qr

You can also find the Alessi at Brownell's http://www.brownells.com/shooting-a...t-gear/holsters/cqc-s-holsters-prod40313.aspx

and the Ritchie at Top Gun Supply http://www.topgunsupply.com/holsters/ritchie-gun-leather/close-quarter-quick-release.html

though I don't really know if they have them for your M&P at those retailers.

 

[AKElroy]

Your stated reason for not considering a "high-ride" is due to carrying a little extra padding, correct? If so, then you may be making the assumption that it will be uncomfortable, Or that it will push-away from your body or both. I am carrying 30 extra lbs, and the High-noon Slide-Guard is very comfortable, and keeps my 226 close to the body despite my spare tire. I have found that lower-carry creates a lot of discomfort with the muzzle digging into my hip when sitting. Just a thought.....

 

[Aahzz]

I'm not making an assumption, I've tried high ride holsters before, they really don't work for me.

 

[judgedelta]

You might look at clarkforkleather.com. Their stuff is reasonable, quick and they are really nice to work with. You can email Chris for questions or suggestions.

 

[Edcnh]

I just received my Mitch Rosen 5JR Express for my M&P 9mm. It is a quality well made holster that should last for years. Also I have an El Passo Saddelry holster for a revolver, but they make OWB holsters as well. I went with the Mitch Rosen as I am a NH resident.