Milt Sparks VM-2 vs. Watch Six

[gbelleh]

For those of you with experience with these holsters:

I know the VM-2 can be converted to tuckable, and it has a reinforced mouth.

The Watch Six seems like it would be slightly slimmer due to the lack of a reinforced mouth.

Are there any other benefits to the VM-2 that justify the almost $40 price difference that may not be as apparent?

I'm considering one of these models for a micro compact 1911 or P7M8 or both. Thanks.

 

[jimmyjoebob]

yes I own both, and depending on the gun you plan to use there might be some differences.

On the watch six, I use it with a Kimber compact 1911. It works well, however if Sparks will warn you that, if you take the gun out of the holster, to remove the holster as well, since it is not reinforced it will collapse and make reholstering difficult. And yes it is slimmer. I would not use the watch six for a butt heavy gun like the P7M8, I highly suggest the VM-2

I own 3 VM-2s and they are excellent, I like the option of being able to switch to the kydex clips if deep carry is needed. I use this model for my P7m8, my USPf 9/40 and my Beretta 92/96.

I think for your first sparks holster get the VM-2, since it does give more options.

 

[Brass Balls]

Both are good but I like the VM2 better. The WS is slimmer but both holsters are slim compared to other holsters due to their design. What really sells causes me to favor the VM2 is reinforced mouth. I regularly practice presentations from the holster and have used the VM2 for pistol classes where we performed hundreds of draws over the course of two days. The VM2 works admirably for this type of practice. It stays open and has the extra strip of leather on the inside to guide the muzzle in while reholstering.

It is expensive but it's also a great value if you use it everyday and keep it for a lifetime.

 

[PCRCCW]

The VM2 is a better holster for 24/7 carry and for heavier larger guns. The wide spaced loops make it spread the weight out more.

The W6 is a more compact design for smaller guns.....I know they make them for the larger ones...but IMO the VM2 is a better choice for this one.

Shoot well...............both are first class holsters.

 

[JNewell]

The ability to reholster one-handed is very important IMO. I own four or five different VM-2s (and the usual boxes of others). It's a truly superior holster.

 

[FJC]

I've owned and used many VM2's and have been very happy with them.

Recently, I bought a SIG P239. I decided to try a Watch-Six for this pistol, to give that slimmer holster a try. Try as I might, I could not get it to be comfortable for me with that pistol. I'm sure it was just how it fit my physique, and not indicative of a holster design flaw (after all, the Watch-Six is a popular holster), but it just wouldn't work for me.

I exchanged it (Lightning Arms has fantastic customer service) for a VM2, and it's as comfortable as possible.

 

[gbelleh]

Those of you who use a VM-2 for a P7M8. Is the magazine release covered adequately to avoid accidental magazine release?

The pic on the web site of the PSP seems to have the mag release area exposed.

 

[HankB]

I have a VM2 made for a 1911 that I usually carry my BHP in. It's very nice, it's comfortable, conceals well, and I'm happy with it.

I have an Alessi Watch Six Dual Talon (Alessi and Sparks both sell the Watch Six) for a G26. It's OK, but not as comfortable as the VM2, and even after some stretching, is still so tight I almost give myself a wedgie when I draw. It's also too short, and tends not to keep the pistol's butt as close to my side as I'd like. I believe if it were longer, the added length would keep the rig from pivoting around my waistband and keep the gun butt closer to my side.

 

[emc]

The VM-2 is my standard IWB concealed carry holster. I have several.

FWIW

emc

 

[Alvin Hammer]

The Sparks HR-LTD is the new and improved version of the VM-2. Thinner, more comfortable.

 

[Series 70]

I have a Watch-Six for my 1911. I've had it for a couple years now, using it for IDPA matches and daily carry. I practice with it in the basement semi-regularly.

I've never had the mouth of the holster collapse to the point that I could not reholster one-handed with ease. There is a technique for using the muzzle to spread the holster mouth, if necessary. It is safe and works.

Don't wear the holster around without a firearm in it, and it will give good service.

 

[YammyMonkey]

I have a Sparks Watch-6 for my Compact Kimber and am very happy with it. It's slim, comfortable and even though I (against MS's reccomendation) do occasionally move around w/o the gun in the holster and have had no problems with it collapsing on me. Haven't tried a VM-2 but I'm so satisfied with the W-6 that it'll likely be my holster of choice from now on.

 

[Rock]

The Sparks HR-LTD is the new and improved version of the VM-2. Thinner, more comfortable.

That is actually a improved version of the Heritage, not the VM-2. Which by the way I have a few VM2's and don't think there is anything that compares to.