What style holster for a service sized gun

[akanotken]

All, I'm interested in how we typically carry our firearms. I'm not talking bug guns or pocket guns.

The question is, for your 4-5 inch (some would say full sized carry) handgun, what style belt holster do you typically use.

The options come from the descriptions in the IDPA rule book (2005 version)

IWB - This design carries the handgun inside the pants and belt and typically has a hook or loop that attaches to the belt on the outside of the holster. This design carries the handgun the closest to the body of all designs and is ideal for wear with a short tail jacket or vest. It usually carries the handgun with the muzzle rearward (rearward cant). The tension on the handgun is regulated by belt tightness.

OWB (Pancake) - This design is made from two separate flat pieces of leather stitched together with belt slots on either side of the “pouch” that holds the handgun. This style pulls the handgun close into the body as the belt is tightened and is very concealable and secure. Pancake-style holsters are normally the most comfortable and concealable holsters. They are worn on the outside of the belt and usually carry the handgun muzzle rearward (rearward cant). The Galco Combat Master, Dillon Master and De Santis Speed Scabbard typify this design.

OWB (Bruce Nelson/Askins Style) - This design has a belt tunnel on the back nd a belt slot at the rear to pull the butt of the handgun into the body for better concealment. Tension on the handgun is usually created by a tight molded fit and/or tension adjustment. Most Bruce Nelson style holsters feature a re-enforced band around the top which facilitates easy one handed holstering and they usually carry the handgun vertically (neutral cant). The Sparks BN, Bianchi Askins Avenger and Dillon LTD. typify this design.

OWB (Pouch Style) - This design features a “pouch” that holds the handgun nd usually has a separate backpiece attached to the back of the “pouch” hich attaches the holster to the belt. This “backpiece” can either be a belt tunnel, belt slots on either side of the “pouch” or a paddle that slides inside he pants. This design is often manufactured of synthetic materials and is ormally the least concealable of the four styles listed here. Tension on the handgun is almost always created with a tension adjustment screw. Most ouch style holsters carry the handgun vertically (neutral cant).

 

[David E]

For all around concealment, nothing beats a good IWB rig.

I prefer the BraveHeart by www.kytac.com

.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i wore a IWB holster for years until lower back problems became an issue.

i found that the Bruce Nelson design to gave me the best combination of tight ride on the belt, good retention and speed of draw.

i highly recomend the Milt Sparks 55BN, Lou Alessi ACP and the Ken Null Speed Scabbard

 

[RippinSVT]

Whatever you do, don't buy a Fobus. My Sig clicks in easily, but requires the jaws-of-life for the draw, and just ends up giving me a wedgy. I'd go Serpa for OWB.

 

[9mmepiphany]

My Sig clicks in easily, but requires the jaws-of-life for the draw

if it's really that hard to get out you might re-check your draw angle. when your hand first takes it's "master grip", don't pull outward on the gun.

you need to put a little inward pressure on it before drawing...the retension molding is on the outside surface

 

[ACBMWM3]

if it's really that hard to get out you might re-check your draw angle. when your hand first takes it's "master grip", don't pull outward on the gun.

you need to put a little inward pressure on it before drawing...the retension molding is on the outside surface

Trust me its not the draw angle. I have owned a few Fobus holsters and had to sand the tabs that hold in the trigger guard for it to be able to slide out without me holding the holster in one hand and pulling with all strength on the gun. Worked well after a little sanding though.

I prefer paddle holsers all around.

 

[KC0QGL]

For all around concealment, nothing beats a good IWB rig.

No doubt, I carry a 5" 1911 IWB. With a good cover shirt no one can see it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Trust me its not the draw angle. I have owned a few Fobus holsters and had to sand the tabs that hold in the trigger guard for it to be able to slide out without me holding the holster in one hand and pulling with all strength on the gun. Worked well after a little sanding though.

I prefer paddle holsers all around.

i believe you, i've heard of similar experiences from others. i guess i've just been lucky, i have a fobus paddle for just about every pistol i own. there must have been variations in the different runs.

i also prefer paddle holsters for everyday carry and even teaching. when i need to be more circumspect, the ACP really does carry higher and tighter...i carry a Beretta 92/96 in mine

 

[ZO6Vettever]

http://www.kholster.com/
Very comfortable, reasonable and quick service and NO, I have no connection to Kholster other than being a very satisfied customer.
335061- 10% discount code if you're interested.

 

[loneviking]

Rob Leahy of Simply Rugged makes pancake holsters that can be used either OWB or IWB. I have three of 'em, and change the method depending on clothing and/or the gun I'm carrying at the time.

 

[akanotken]

I didn't post to start with, as I didn't want to affect the poll

But I always carry IWB.

I love my comptac c-tac.

I have other holsters I use for gun games, but rarely ever carry concealed with them.

I have to be wearing a long coat with no anticipation of going inside to a warm "take off your coat" spot.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

IWB is my first choice, but as long as you have a cover garment long enough to cover the entire holster (or muzzle, on those designs that leave it exposed), there is nothing at all wrong with OWB. The "pancake" designs hold the gun butt tighter against your side - or at least my side - than Askins/Avenger styles, but the A/A is a little more comfortable.

 

[dairycreek]

I really like this FIST #43 holster for carrying my XD45 Service. Works equally well for IWB or OWB carry and lets me choose to meet my current carry situation. As always, this holster works best when on a good gun belt.

 

[bradvanhorn]

I only wear OWB/pancake leather holsters for concealed carry. I prefer to carry a full-size 1911, and I do dislike the fact I have to thread the holster (currently a Milt Sparks 60TK) onto a belt, but I am solving this by purchasing a Del Fatti LPS. I already have an Alessi CQC/S for my Colt Defender, which is quite comfortable and conceals very well.

While I'm not surprised to see many prefer IWB, the clear margin (basically 75%) was a bit unexpected. Frankly, I have never found an IWB holster I did not immediately hate wearing. I've tried the less expensive Uncle Mikes plastic and on up to the more expensive Milt Sparks leather (including such popular holsters as the Versa Max II, Watch Six, and Summer Special II), and I found IWB carry was so constantly uncomfortable I could not make it work.

 

[1911shooter]

IWB they are way comfortable and they make a 1911 dissapear. i use only Kramer handgun leather you can try the rest but Kramer will always be better fit construction, and quality.
i use no other and neither do the people who work for me. we depend on our firearms everyday, and cant be bothered with inferior products. i have boxes of holsters that i have tried, and all are in the same place a box in the gun room.

 

[bradvanhorn]

i use only Kramer handgun leather you can try the rest but Kramer will always be better fit construction, and quality. i use no other and neither do the people who work for me. we depend on our firearms everyday, and cant be bothered with inferior products.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but this statement reminds me of a cut and paste job from a sales ad. Having owned two Kramer holsters, I know firsthand Kramer makes a great product, but products from manufacturers such as Mitch Rosen, Lou Alessi, Matt Del Fatti, and Milt Sparks, to name a few, are all easily comparable to Kramer at a minimum, and some I suggest are even superior quality. Saying good things about a particular company is fine and well, but to say one company will 'always be better' than the others is disingenuous in the least.

 

[Choclabman]

A 5" 1911 or P220 are a breeze to carry in an IWB holster, such as the Mitch Rosen ARG-DL.