Newbie holster questions

[tigre]

I should be getting my CCW license in the next few weeks, so I'm getting serious about holster shopping. This will be the first time I've ever carried, so I'm still unsure how to make this hunk of metal concealed and relatively comfortable.

I'm 5'4", 125lb. female, and I'll be carrying a Sig P230. I picked up a Galco Stow-N-Go the other day, just to have something simple while I'm figuring out what I really want, and one major thing I noticed about it is that even when the gun is concealed, I can usually still see the big square clip through my shirt. It's too wide and sticks out too far and is right on top of the gun. What would be better is a similar simple design but with an offset clip (or leather loop(s), preferably, since I almost always wear a brown belt). I haven't seen many like that that also have adjustable cant and ride, though, which I think would be best for me because I may try different carry positions depending on what I'm wearing and what I'm doing on a particular day, or just while I'm getting a feel for what's most comfortable/concealable for me. If I can do that without buying half a dozen different holsters I'd really like to.

I do have my eye on the Fist Adjustable IWB, which seems to have what I want. I've looked at a lot of different holsters over the last week or so and this one seems like the best for what I'm looking for. But I wanted to know if anyone here could clue me in to anything else I may have overlooked that has the features I have in mind, which are leather, adjustable cant and ride, and loops that are offset from the bulk of the gun. It doesn't need to be tuckable (I don't remember the last time I tucked in a shirt) and I'd probably prefer it not to be, since it might be a little thicker if it was.

I'd also really appreciate some suggestions on where to get a good casual-style belt for a female, and where to get decently priced magazine holsters. Fist wants $40 for an IWB mag holster and that seems a little steep to me. Do most people even carry extra magazines? Maybe I don't really need one.

 

[the naked prophet]

I've heard good things about the FIST holster, but those have all been from men (who are the majority of CCWers, honestly - it may work great for you as well). If you have a very womanly figure (wide hips and narrow waist) you may find that some holsters just don't work for you. Cornered Cat has a good article on the subject (as well as many other great articles).

If you do have the "hourglass" shaped body, a holster worn in the appendix position, around 1:00 to 2:00, may be the most comfortable for you. If you have more of a straight hip/waist, then a men's holster will be more likely to be comfortable.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

tigre,
The first thing you are required to do when you start to carry a handgun and try to find the right holster for CCW is to find a big and heavy box. You will need the box to put all the holsters you buy in when you decide you don't really like that holster. Don't feel bad because we all have a box like that... LOL

I've also heard good things about FIST holsters. I mainly carry a J frame revolver in a pocket holster so I can't be much help on IWB holsters but I do like and use DeSantis Speed Scabbard for a few of my larger revolvers. They are comfortable and the price is fair. I buy them locally for $43 instead of the $62 List price you see on the DeSantis site.

From everything I've read a woman should buy a holster designed for a woman. I'm told they are much more comfortable since they are designed specifically for you.

Cunningham Custom has a good article on choosing a holster and also has holsters made for women.

Galco also has many products for women. They are a very good company and they produce a quality product. They deserve a look IMO.

Since you mentioned FIST did you know they have products just for women? Their LadyFist products look like they will do a good job.

There are more choice out there now than there were a few years ago and that's a good thing. I'm sure you could find a lot more sites than I listed but those are the ones I know about. I hope this helps a little...

Good luck finding something you like...

 

[PCRCCW]

Actually you can reduce the amount of holsters you buy by choosing the style you want analytically...much like you are thus far. Look around and find a holster maker that will chat with you about your needs/likes/dislikes etc...and go from there.
The weapon you have is very thin and should carry very very well. With the proper offset loop holster it should dissappear nicely.

Shoot well and good luck..give me a yell if I can help you further.

God bless

 

[dairycreek]

tigre,

Heed what PCRCCW says. I have questioned him about my holster selections a number of times and he will actually listen to you and then give you great advice. Call him and discuss your holster situation. You will be glad you did.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

This jumped out at me:

... I can usually still see the big square clip through my shirt.

Are you saying that the clip makes an impression on the inside of the shirt, causing its outline to be visible? (This is called "printing.") Or you can see the black clip through the material? Your clothing is just as much a part of your "carry system" as any belt or holster. Select a cover garment that does not allow either of these situations. Unfortunately, many women's fashions do not give a lot of flexibility here.

 

[tigre]

Are you saying that the clip makes an impression on the inside of the shirt, causing its outline to be visible? (This is called "printing.") Or you can see the black clip through the material? Your clothing is just as much a part of your "carry system" as any belt or holster. Select a cover garment that does not allow either of these situations. Unfortunately, many women's fashions do not give a lot of flexibility here.

Yes, it's just the outline. I'm not wearing see-through clothes. The clip on this thing just sticks out really far.

Thanks for all the opinions, guys. I'm not yet convinced of the need to limit myself to female-specific holsters. I'm relatively long-waisted and athletic, not exactly Anna Nicole Smith or anything. Even in this sort of rudimentary holster I can hide it under a normal t-shirt (not one of the tiny, girly t-shirts of course) or a sweater pretty well at about 4:00 with a forward cant, but it'd be a lot better with offset belt clips. And I tend to wear button-down shirts anyways, which do a pretty good job as well. I'm thinking I may actually go with the Crossbreed Supertuck, because it is adjustable for ride and cant, and the part that touches you is leather, but the outside is kydex, which is actually thinner than I had realized. And they seem to really stand behind their products and can get it to me a lot faster than anyone else. All points in their favor. I'm not sure about the velcro attachment option they offer, but it's something to look into since it would make the clip part really thin and practically invisible.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Because of its design and material, the clip on the Stow & Go is a lot bulkier than it needs to be.

Offset clips? Take a look at the UBG Striker 1 (dual clips, one forward and one aft) or the Comp-Tac Two O'clock (single offset clip). Both clips appear slim and streamlined and should not impress themselves on clothing.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Tigre, take a look at these sites, they have some very good IWB holsters.

Here is Comp-Tac;
http://is.gd/2iZN

RMholsters makes custom kydex holsters give Jeff a call and speak to him about your needs he's a great guy to deal with and a very straight shooter;
http://www.rmholsters.com/

Here is Jeff's wifes site;
http://www.falgal.com/

As for the IWB mag holder, IMHO; You'll find it uncomfortable after awhile, get a outside the waistband mag holder......
In fact I'll send you a IWB mag holder if you had a GLOCK and you could see for yourself....

 

[tigre]

Hey guys, thanks for all the info. I went ahead and ordered a Crossbreed Supertuck, and it got here yesterday. At first I was a little worried that it was too stiff and wouldn't fit me well, but I've been wearing it around the house since I got up (even wore it - without the gun - while walking my dogs), and it seems to be getting more comfortable. I've got it at about 5:00 with as much cant as it will allow, and it conceals really well and seems really secure. Sitting in front of the computer I can hardly tell it's there. One thing I'm annoyed about is that the sharp corner at the muzzle of the P230 scratches the leather when I holster it, but that's Sig's fault and I'll just have to live with it.

I am thinking about whether I could attach a piece of leather or even thick elastic to hold a spare mag in the space below the grip. It would be on the wrong side of course, but probably more convenient than carrying a separate spare mag holster. There is room for it, but I'll have to see if it would get in the way of tucking in a shirt. That's another thing I discovered when I was shopping for concealment clothes. I like to wear button down shirts over a cami or tank top, and I don't usually think about tucking them in, but it helps with concealment quite a bit if I do. So I'm glad I did go ahead and get a tuckable holster.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Tigre, get a separate mag holder, and use the weak hand to reload, practice practice and practice your reloads.....you don't want to have to fumble with the mag.....also want to be able to do it in the dark.....
Also you don't want to change hands that your holding your pistol in to do a reload, there are several video's out there that will show you how to do a speed reload.

Here are several that I watch to get pointers from;

http://is.gd/2CJP

http://is.gd/2CKS

This guy is incredible it's fun to watch him reload;

http://is.gd/2CKX

Hope this helps out.

 

[tigre]

Tigre, get a separate mag holder, and use the weak hand to reload, practice practice and practice your reloads.....you don't want to have to fumble with the mag.....also want to be able to do it in the dark.....
Also you don't want to change hands that your holding your pistol in to do a reload, there are several video's out there that will show you how to do a speed reload.

You're probably right. I just don't want to feel like I've got the batbelt on when I leave the house. Crossbreed does have tuckable mag holsters, so maybe I should grab one of those.

One thing I don't like about the mag release being on the bottom of the grip on my Sig is that the opening of the mag well is kind of small. You've got to tilt the mag a bit to get it past the release. Definitely something I need to practice.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Not trying to be a Smart butt, but do you know the term; Indexing a mag?
It's when you pull your reload mag and the index finger is along the front of mag, this helps in "pointing" the mag in the right direction to reload it.
Also another thing; if at all possiable take some training classes......

Why did you choose the SIG P232? Have you looked at others maybe a GLOCK 26 or anther SIG where the mag release is up on the frame, don't get me wrong the 230/232 is a great little pistol and wish I kept mine:banghead:, but the heel release is a PITA!

 

[tigre]

I know about indexing, I just haven't had a chance to practice much. I haven't had it long and just got a second magazine last week.

Why did you choose the SIG P232? Have you looked at others maybe a GLOCK 26 or anther SIG where the mag release is up on the frame, don't get me wrong the 230/232 is a great little pistol and wish I kept mine, but the heel release is a PITA!

The funny thing is, I got used to the mag release really quickly and have to remind myself that my CZ is different now. I don't think inserting the magazine is all that arduous, but it's not as easy as the CZ is, for sure.

I got a good deal on the Sig from my ex-boyfriend, because he always hated the snappy recoil (which I don't mind a bit). It's small enough and light enough for me to carry, but isn't so small that it would be uncomfortable to shoot a lot at the range. And I think it's pretty, though mine needs to be refinished. I thought about the Kel Tec or Ruger .380s, but it seemed like I'd probably hate shooting them. I have thought about getting a compact 1911 style at some point because they're not much bigger than the P230 (though the ones I've handled are heavier), but it won't fit into my budget for quite a while.