I'm going to get a Mika pocket holster for my j-frame. I see that he sells a round-ended version and a square-ended version. What is the advantage of each? It seems to me that it just depends on what sort of clothes you wear (i.e. clothes with square or non-square pocket bottoms), but maybe I'm missing something.
Mika holster question
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The Lone Haranguer
Member
It depends on the shape of your pockets. I mostly wear jeans and cargo pants which have more square-bottomed pockets, therefore purchased a square cut as I felt a round would be more likely to tip or tilt, but some slacks have more tapered/rounded ones.
rdrancher
Member
What Iggy said.
Mo matter which one you choose, the spongee stuff that Robert uses on the outside keeps the holster in place ALWAYS. I've found the round-cut to be very versatile. YMMV
rd
Mo matter which one you choose, the spongee stuff that Robert uses on the outside keeps the holster in place ALWAYS. I've found the round-cut to be very versatile. YMMV
rd
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I also bought the round cut bottom pocket holster (and an IWB holster too! lol) I have had no problems with it tilting in my jeans ever. It's a good product that works...
I have to take some new pictures since I now have wooden grips on my M638.
I have to take some new pictures since I now have wooden grips on my M638.
jfh
Member.
FWIW--after seven months of daily use (front pocket carry), I have found the 'grabby' material on the outside to be noticably less grabby / sticky.
Anyone else seeing this? Any ideas on how to revive it?
Jim H.
Anyone else seeing this? Any ideas on how to revive it?
Jim H.
SAWBONES
Member
I have several of Mr. Mika's holsters.
I've found the round-bottom type to feel significantly less bulky than the square bottom type, and to work well even when carried in square-bottom pockets.
I've found the round-bottom type to feel significantly less bulky than the square bottom type, and to work well even when carried in square-bottom pockets.
fiVe
Member
I've had my round cut for several months. It works in any type of pocket, and the more I use it the more I like it.
rdrancher
Member
Interesting Jim. I don't pocket carry every day so I guess that's not something that I've noticed yet. How about giving Robert a call and asking for us? That would be great info to know.
rd
ronto
Member
Get the round-cut.
Down South
Member
This is an interesting topic. I just ordered a Mika round cut a couple weeks ago. I suppose due to the type of material the holsters are made of the life expectancy would be shorter than a leather holster. Even leather wears out if you use it and has to be replaced. I would like to know myself just how long the rest of our Mika users have been using their holsters.
Back to the topic: From the research that I've done, it seems that most folks prefer the round cut. The round cut seems to do well in either a square or round cut pocket. I've heard of a few problems with the gun riding high in the square cut holster in round cut pockets.
Back to the topic: From the research that I've done, it seems that most folks prefer the round cut. The round cut seems to do well in either a square or round cut pocket. I've heard of a few problems with the gun riding high in the square cut holster in round cut pockets.
field70
Member
Mr. Mika himself has been packing a jframe for a backup in the same holster for 12 years.....IF the "sticky" should wear down some, I don't think these holsters would stay on the weapon when drawing...They are not made to "fit like a glove....If there is a problem with any of his work, and he is contacted directly, he will do his best to resolve it..The holster may wear down a little, but they don't wear out for years....
I have a rounded holster for my 642 and it is great. Shorts, dockers, jeans (dungarees if you are as old as I am) you name it. Some jeans pockets are not as deep and have to "slightly rearrange" when sitting. This would be a problem with any pocket carry.
I have a neighbor that is 75 yrs old who has been a gun guy for decades and I demonstrated the concealment of the pocket holster (he couldn't tell which pocket it was in) then drawing of the gun and he was literally amazed how easily it withdrew.
I have a neighbor that is 75 yrs old who has been a gun guy for decades and I demonstrated the concealment of the pocket holster (he couldn't tell which pocket it was in) then drawing of the gun and he was literally amazed how easily it withdrew.
Robert Hairless
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I've been using the same one almost daily for about five or so years. No problems. I've used it so long that it has actually taken a "set" and cups inwards around the edges. Ugliest holster I own. Most useful too.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Definitely a case of function over form.Robert Hairless said:
I've had mine (square-cut, for a Kahr PM9) for about a year and haven't noticed any wear on the "rub strip," as I like to call it. There is also no evidence of material or stitching fraying. Even if it did, for a Jackson you can afford to replace it every few years.
Robert Hairless
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Yep. Starts out looking ugly enough so that it's hard to tell if it's getting uglier with use and time. Like me.
Bob Mika also makes a pocket magazine holder and a back pocket knife holder. I've found them both useful too on occasion. The magazine holder keeps pocket varmints out and works with various magazines.
A close second to Mika's pocket holsters are the DeSantis Nemesis holsters, I think.
jack the toad
Member
I use and like the square bottom but I have pockets to match on most pants.
I'd like to try a round model to see if it rides any lower.
For no more than they cost, why not buy both? That's what I wished I'd done.
I'd like to try a round model to see if it rides any lower.
For no more than they cost, why not buy both? That's what I wished I'd done.
westhope
Member
I have both the Mika square and round cut pocket holsters. For me, the square cut fits better in the jeans I usually wear. The pockets are cut flat on the bottom. With the pants that do not have the flat bottom, the round cut definetly works better. The grip stays positioned better in the pocket. For me, a round bottom holster in a flat pocket, tips so the grip is not in a good position.
Also shown is a DeSantis and leather Bianchi pocket holster. The Bianchi works the best for me in a large cargo or Docker style pant.
I holster I use the most is the DeSantis. It fits my jeans as well as the square cut Mika, the the complete outside of the holster is the non-slip material and, the main reason I prefer it, it does not have the stiffener that the Mika holster uses to hold the mouth open. It prints slightly less than the Mika.
With the DeSantis holster, you must remove the holster from the pocket to re-holster. With the Mika holster's that have the stiffener, it is possible to re-holster with the holster remaining in the pocket.
One nice touch to the Mika, your name is on the inside and the holster is signed by him.
I wear these with no cover garment. Never been asked if I carried, even by friends who would if they noticed.
Also shown is a DeSantis and leather Bianchi pocket holster. The Bianchi works the best for me in a large cargo or Docker style pant.
I holster I use the most is the DeSantis. It fits my jeans as well as the square cut Mika, the the complete outside of the holster is the non-slip material and, the main reason I prefer it, it does not have the stiffener that the Mika holster uses to hold the mouth open. It prints slightly less than the Mika.
With the DeSantis holster, you must remove the holster from the pocket to re-holster. With the Mika holster's that have the stiffener, it is possible to re-holster with the holster remaining in the pocket.
One nice touch to the Mika, your name is on the inside and the holster is signed by him.
I wear these with no cover garment. Never been asked if I carried, even by friends who would if they noticed.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
(getting out penlight)westhope said:
I'll be darned. Never noticed. I also noticed for the first time that although the outside of the holster is smooth and flat, the inside is form-fitted around the trigger guard.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I've had my Mika pocket holster since 03/07 and have used it almost every day since. I know that's not a long time but it seems to get better with use. I like it so much I've hardly used the Mika IWB holster I bought at the same time.
I have several Mika square cut holsters. I've not tried the round cut to find out if there is any difference, but I've not had a problem with the square cut in any of my pockets. The material seems durable, and the cut of the holster helps hide the shape of the gun. If anyone did notice something in my pocket, it would look square like a wallet. Also, Mr. Mika is more than accomodating. If you have some issue, or would like a holster tailored to your specific needs, he is more than willing. His customer service is excellent. Pictured below are two square cut Mika holsters that I use for my 642. The one on the right is Mr. Mika's standard 642, square cut holster. The one on the left is a 642 holster that Mr. Mika cut higher specifically to my specifications, so that all metal would be covered by the holster. He did this for me, for free. He sent me the first one, and when I sent him an email inquiring about a second one, cut as described, he did it for me at no cost. He is currently working on one for my SP101. He actually completed the one for the SP, and I received it last week. I had a question for him concerning the cut of the holster, and he said that he would make me a second, cut slightly different. Again free of charge. You can't beat his service, as far as I'm concerned.
I've also tried the Uncle Mikes, and I use a Galco Horshide Pocket Holster for my G26. The Mika is superior to both of them. Of the three the Mika prints less, allows me to draw the gun the easiest without any manipulation of the holster, holds the gun stationary, doesn't shift in the pocket, and allows me to reholster the gun without pulling the holster out of my pocket. The Mika will also protect your gun from sweat very well, and shouldn't retain moisture.
I've also tried the Uncle Mikes, and I use a Galco Horshide Pocket Holster for my G26. The Mika is superior to both of them. Of the three the Mika prints less, allows me to draw the gun the easiest without any manipulation of the holster, holds the gun stationary, doesn't shift in the pocket, and allows me to reholster the gun without pulling the holster out of my pocket. The Mika will also protect your gun from sweat very well, and shouldn't retain moisture.
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rainbowbob
Member
Oh man, I love this thread! I should receive my first round-cut in the mail on Monday - and I can't wait. Just about everyone here seems to think it is the only way to carry their snub - and I'm convinced.
I asked Chief Mika if he was planning to ramp up production considering the overwhelming response his products are getting. He replied that he personally has constructed every holster he has shipped, and his personal attention to each one is his primary concern. He also has a full time job as Police Chief of Viola, WI. Fortunately, there are local folks who can use the work, and he is going to hire a few to increase his out-put while continuing to personally finish each one.
I think he's got a winner!
I asked Chief Mika if he was planning to ramp up production considering the overwhelming response his products are getting. He replied that he personally has constructed every holster he has shipped, and his personal attention to each one is his primary concern. He also has a full time job as Police Chief of Viola, WI. Fortunately, there are local folks who can use the work, and he is going to hire a few to increase his out-put while continuing to personally finish each one.
I think he's got a winner!
Glock Holiday
Member
Get both. They are priced so you can easily afford the pair.That's the great thing about them.
jgorniak
Member
I've got a round-cut ordered for my M&P 340. Between that and the Desantis Nemesis, I should have all of my pocket styles covered.
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