Please help with IWB holster selection

[matsaleh]

Steyr S40 is like what other gun?

Thanks all for the continued great suggestions!

I've been looking at the various holsters suggested in this thread, and many of them do not offer a version for my Steyr S40 (some do offer for the M40/M9, which will probably work since the S40 is about 0.5" shorter in length and grip length, but otherwise has the same dimensions).

Is there another common handgun model that comes close in form to my Steyr S40 for the purpose of holster fit? I'm thinking Glocks might be the closest because of their squared off cross section, but I don't know - I've never handled a glock in earnest.

I think SIGs are probably too high in the slide area.

S&Ws seem to be a little too irregular in cross-section.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Big Mike]

Another recommendation for Blade-Tech. My IWB for my 6906 and 6946 should be here any day. I carried a Beretta Brigadier in an IWB BT holster and cannot recommend it more. Also, there is always a little bit of compromise when carrying, and I have found that nothing is perfect. Good luck and try Blade-Tech. Mike

 

[Trebor]

There are several things you have to coordinate to find a truly comfortable, secure and discrete method of concealed carry. They are the gun, the holster, the belt, the carry location and the cover garmet. Change one variable and you wind up with a whole new set of options, some better and some worse. The more variables that are "locked in," the fewer choices you have for the remaining variables.

Based on your circumstances, here's my suggestion:

Try carrying the Makarov in a clip-on IWB in the "appendix carry" position , in front of the right hip, at about 2:00.

The Makarov is the smallest and slimmest of the three guns you listed and works extremely well for me in this mode of carry. I used a cheap generic "small frame auto" clip-on IWB holster I bought from www.Makarov.com for about $10-$15. I clip the holster right to my jeans, in front of the rigth front pocket with the barrel running along my right leg and pointed slightly outboard. The gun is very comfortable in this position and conceals very well under a overlarge T-shirt. The butt doesn't stick out when I bend over either.

The holster is cheap enough to buy and try without spending a lot of money. The only disadvantage is that the generic holster isn't as secure as a purpose built Makarov would be, but once you've settled on a carry location and holster, you can save up to invest in a better fitted holster.

If you really have to carry one of the other two guns, I'd reccomend a Milt Sparks VM II. I have one for my CZ 75 and it works well for that heavier gun. It does need a larger cover garmet than a T-shirt though, and the larger gun is more likely to print than the Makarov, which is why I usually carry the Mak and leave the CZ at home. BTW, I'm 6'1", 200 pounds.

Good luck,

Rob

 

[Safety First]

John, Thanks for correcting me on Wild Bills web site, I think I was like in a really big hurry when I did that ...

 

[JCM298]

Safety First,

No problem.

John

 

[CMcDermott]

I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet, but the small of the back is NOT a good place to put a pistol. Put your gun there, then sit on the floor and slowly rock backwards onto your back - feels good doesn't it. Now imagine what would happen if your slipped, were pushed etc and fell backwards onto your gun with all if your weight. Keep your gun somewhere where you have some "internal padding" (muscle or otherwise) to protect yourself if your gun would be driven into your body for some reason.

 

[garrettwc]

I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet, but the small of the back is NOT a good place to put a pistol. Put your gun there, then sit on the floor and slowly rock backwards onto your back - feels good doesn't it. Now imagine what would happen if your slipped, were pushed etc and fell backwards onto your gun with all if your weight. Keep your gun somewhere where you have some "internal padding" (muscle or otherwise) to protect yourself if your gun would be driven into your body for some reason.

CMcDermott is correct on this one. Avoid SOB holsters. If you end up on your back, the gun will be driven into your tailbone with the same force as your weight hits the ground. You will end up with a "stinger" that would make an NFL linebacker proud, and will be out of the game before it starts. Also, it is impossible to draw your gun if you are sitting on it.

I carry a full size 1911 under a t-shirt and jeans all the time. About 3:30 on my belt. It's nearly impossible to get a gun that won't print, unless you carry something very small llike a Glock 26 or a Kahr. What you learn to do is bend at the knees instead of the waist, or face with your gunside away from people when you bend and let your body shield their view.

If you want a top drawer holster with the features of the Sparks VMII, but on a kydex budget. Try Comp-Tac . They make a top notch product and have some IWB holsters with the same features as the leather Sparks model.

 

[hnm201]

Try a smartcarry.

I love mine.

I also own a steyr. Great gun, few accessories. Try www.highnoonholsters.com
for Steyr holsters made of leather. Comp-tac for steyr kydex holsters.

Also consider a Kel-Tec P-11. Pistol is $200 to $250. Belt clip is a $15. I combined with an el cheapo Uncle Mikes sidekick IWB to come up with:

and

The Uncle Mike's holster is less than $10. I removed the clip from the holste and use the clip mounted to the gun because it offers better retention and sits lower in the waistband. It adds almost not thickness to the gun, provides a comfy breathable barrier and most importantly, keeps that trigger guard covered.

check out KTOG for more info on Kel-Tec pistols.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Try a smartcarry. I love mine.

Okay, I will! I just ordered it, since if I don't like it, I am only out shipping since they have a money back guarantee.

I figured, no matter what type of IWB holster I purchase, I almost always going to be expecting it to poke the grip out when I bend over or bend sideways etc.

I'll post a review when I get it and test it out.

If it doesn't work, I'll try the Threat Solutions holster, since that one has a money back guarantee too!

 

[A Johnston]

IMO, the best IWBs on the market are the Sparks Summer Special and the Alessi/BCP GWH. Both are well made, rugged, and concealable rigs that are well worth their cost.

 

[dairycreek]

I have used the FIST #1 a lot!

I have several. Some for revolvers and some for autos. In each case they have performed exceedingly well. I recommend them highly. However, don't forget that you still have to have a good belt for best results. Despite their relatively modest cost they are a high quality holster. Good shooting