OWB Holster for Sig SP2022 suggestions sought.

[Quincy12]

As the title says; I've tried several styles for my Shield and have found OWB works best for me. Any suggestions on a good quality, leather holster for my Sig?

 

[JTQ]

The usual suspects...

In leather...

Milt Sparks http://www.miltsparks.com

Mitch Rosen http://www.mitchrosen.com

Kramer http://www.kramerleather.com

Alessi http://www.alessigunholsters.com

Edit to add: I overlooked the "leather" part in your original post. I'll leave these in the event you may like kydex options.

In kydex...

Blade-Tech http://www.blade-tech.com

Comp-Tac http://www.comp-tac.com

Raven Concealment Systems http://rcsgear.com

JM Custom Kydex http://www.jmcustomkydex.com

There are many, many more. If you could narrow your parameters some, we could get more specific.

 

[Quincy12]

I'll try to narrow my preferences. In the other thread about what we don't like in holsters, I posted my dislikes with my holsters for my Shield. For the Sig, I think I would prefer clips that attach to the belt as the leather portion that goes with my current OWB holster end up digging into my hip. I'd also prefer the option of a snap type retention, but not necessary if the holster has good retention. What other preferences are you referring too?

I would also consider a paddle holster, I've not had one before, so I have no idea how they carry with a mid-size pistol.

 

[JTQ]

I would prefer clips that attach to the belt

You want a leather OWB holster that clips to your belt? I don't know one off the top of my head, but I'm sure I can come up with one. I'll be honest, I don't think that's a good idea. A metal clip is more likely to be uncomfortable than a leather loop and more likely (though not terribly likely) to come off the belt.

...also prefer the option of a snap type retention...

They are available, but not that popular unless you are a law enforcement officer. Most holsters, when new, provide, what I like to call "wedgie level" of retention. Meaning you'll give yourself a "wedgie" drawing the gun from the holster on your belt. They will loosen up with time, but guns are not typically held in open top holsters by gravity alone. For open carry or ATV/dirt bike riding a retention device is probably a good idea.

Let me recommend you read High Noon holster's comments on thumb break vs open top holsters at #25 in their FAQ section.

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/faqs/

...my current OWB holster end up digging into my hip.

This sounds unusual to me. Could you name names, and give us some more details such as what belt are you wearing, where on your body (clock position) you're wearing the holster, etc.

 

[JTQ]

DM Bullard "Dual Use" holster has clips that can be worn OWB. http://dmbullardleather.com/1429711.html

 

[WVsig]

http://rgrizzleleather.com/owb-holsters.html

 

[Quincy12]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't have to have the thumb break, I'm not LEO nor am I riding ATV's! I am (obviously) new the holsters, so, again, maybe as you say, clips aren't a good idea. The holster I currently have for my Shield looks like a Winthrop holster. I carry on my right hip, about 4:00.

 

[JTQ]

I carry on my right hip, about 4:00.

That would be correct for that type of holster.

I don't know what I can tell you about the leather loops digging into your side. I'm not saying it isn't happening, just that I've not heard that complaint before. Leather loops will flex and bend with your belt and body. Metal clips won't. I'd expect more comfort from leather loops than metal clips.

A couple of comments about carrying a gun. Carrying a gun, even a little gun like your Shield, will not be as comfortable as not carrying a gun, regardless of the holster and belt combination you have. Comment two is one of Clint Smith's most famous, and I hope I get it right, "a gun should be comforting, not comfortable." Of course we always try to make things as comfortable as possible with the understanding you can only do so much.

Pancakes are often mentioned as a pretty comfortable carry method. They have wide spaced loops spreading the gun weight, but the design does pull the gun to the body. A Nelson Profession/Avenger style may be worth trying as there is typically less bend involved with the holster and belt due to the flat tunnel loop in the back.

Edit to add: You mentioned being slight of build. The Nelson #1 Professional is often recommended for thin folks as it typically takes up less space on the belt, space on the belt is something slim folks don't have a lot of. A pancake often doesn't work for very slim people because there is not much flat space and the holster tends to wrap around the body sometimes making drawing the gun difficult.

For an easy to get version, the Galco Avenger may be worth trying http://www.galcogunleather.com/avenger-belt-holster_8_4_1023.html

In the R Grizzle link above, the Working Man holster would be of that design and in the Sparks link I gave the 55BN is the classic example of that design (the BN stands for Bruce Nelson).

While at Galco's site you should also look at the Concealable http://www.galcogunleather.com/concealable-belt-holster_8_4_1064.html

It has "offset" construction that may be more comfortable than a typical pancake. The Sparks I-BAK (Improved Baker - Roy Baker invented the pancake style) has similar construction, as does the Mitch Rosen President models, and the Andrews Custom Leather Saddle style that has a good description of the feature.

Andrews Custom Saddle Style http://www.andrewsleather.com/saddle.htm

Note this comment from Lobo Gun Leather http://www.lobogunleathers.com/selecting_a_holster_to_meet_your_needs

THERE IS NO SINGLE DESIGN OR STYLE THAT IS PERFECT FOR EVERY USER OR EVERY APPLICATION. WHAT WORKS WELL FOR ONE USER WILL NOT SERVE EVERYONE EQUALLY.

 

[Quincy12]

Thanks for all the info.

When I say digging into my hip, that's not entirely accurate. The best place for the holster (so far) for me has the front loop right about where my hip bone is. Well, for better or worse, I ain't got much padding there! If I move the holster more toward 5:00, the rear holster loop runs into my belt loop. Exactly as you said, I don't have a lot of flat area around my waist.

In any case, I'll look into all the links provided and thank you again.

BTW, the wooden grips on that Sig look great!