As a neophyte to the CC topic, digging for information on which holsters do what better, I'm finding that people have closets full of holsters they have tried and no longer use.
As a one-time bike shop guy, I note the comparison for "roadies" who have a dozen or so saddles purchased in the pursuit of finding one that feels best.
So far, I have some OWB pieces from Bulldog, and AIWB holsters from Muddy River Tactical and 4/4:30 pieces from AlienGear. So far, the AlienGear Cloak Mod 3.5 is the most comfortable.--for my wife and for me. I haven't sprung for their Shape Shifter stuff, but it looks pretty nifty.
How does one find a comfortable holster without buying sixty others first?
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
2Personally, I just buy where research leads me and just be content with what I got. The bike analogy is apt, you can tinker and modify and swap out ad infinitum. It certainly is fun, but there will never be a “perfect” which will inevitably lead to more changing. Buy a few, try a few, just pick one.
I actually have the shape shift. I really like everything...except the AIWB. It prints to an almost comical degree, but I also don’t appendix carry. The rest are great though, and because I use a drop leg for hiking/hunting I have that as well and the interchangeably is pretty slick.
I actually have the shape shift. I really like everything...except the AIWB. It prints to an almost comical degree, but I also don’t appendix carry. The rest are great though, and because I use a drop leg for hiking/hunting I have that as well and the interchangeably is pretty slick.
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
3I go with AIWB and have found JM Custom Kydex with a wing the best for concealment. Cooks Holster is also good for less money. Kydex is superior for retention and is thiner. Leather is a hell of a lot classier but adds bulk (thickness) and retention isn't as good. If I was going for comfort first, I'd probably go leather OWB. But I'm in California where guns is da debil, so concealment is top priority.
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
4While on the topic of holsters:
Much of the time, I prefer kilts (see utilikilts.com or similar) to p@nt$ (a kilt forum I used to frequent had the software tweaked so that any time a person typed "pants" it would show on the forum as "p@nt$."). Most of my kilts are more modern in style, although I do have some more traditional kilts (i.e. no pockets, worn with a sporran).
While my Alien Gear Cloak Mod 3.5 holster is fairly comfortable at the 4/4:30 position, concealment almost requires that the shirt not be tucked, and I don't care for how that looks. It's one thing in colder weather when an outer garment like a vest or coat can be the concealment, but in summer? I might as well carry OWB.
I have a Smart Carry holster that I'm experimenting with, based on suggestions I've gleaned from other forums. It sort-of sits like a behind-the-kilt codpiece. I suppose I could go to carrying a mouse gun and create a holster that attaches to the back of my Stillwater "Nightstalker" sporran, but my P10S will NOT hide there.
Any other ideas I'm not seeing so far?
Much of the time, I prefer kilts (see utilikilts.com or similar) to p@nt$ (a kilt forum I used to frequent had the software tweaked so that any time a person typed "pants" it would show on the forum as "p@nt$."). Most of my kilts are more modern in style, although I do have some more traditional kilts (i.e. no pockets, worn with a sporran).
While my Alien Gear Cloak Mod 3.5 holster is fairly comfortable at the 4/4:30 position, concealment almost requires that the shirt not be tucked, and I don't care for how that looks. It's one thing in colder weather when an outer garment like a vest or coat can be the concealment, but in summer? I might as well carry OWB.
I have a Smart Carry holster that I'm experimenting with, based on suggestions I've gleaned from other forums. It sort-of sits like a behind-the-kilt codpiece. I suppose I could go to carrying a mouse gun and create a holster that attaches to the back of my Stillwater "Nightstalker" sporran, but my P10S will NOT hide there.
Any other ideas I'm not seeing so far?
Eventually I'll figure out this signature thing and decide what I want to put here.
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
5In my opinion BearPaw it is the leather, a lot of guys want hard sided holsters, i find them to be uncomfortable when you bend down over or sit. the below is my preference. In actuality buying a holster is like buying a good pair of boots, To get a good fit you need to try them on.BearPaws wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:04 pm
How does one find a comfortable holster without buying sixty others first?
- Attachments
-
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
6My approach is going to the other extreme: have as little holster as possible. Most of my pistols today are carried in an RCS Vanguard 2 “holster”. It is basically an injection molded polymer trigger guard with a belt hook. It adds virtually nothing to the thickness of the gun, making it that much more comfortable to carry. The average holster adds at least a quarter of an inch thickness, that’s the difference between a full-size double stack pistol and a conventional single-stack. Imagine that, people created an entire line of pistols just to shave a quarter inch of thickness.
A Glock 19 in a VG2 holster feels like a Glock 48 in a conventional holster. A SIG P365 in a VG2 holster feels like a single stack .380 pistol in a conventional holster. To me it’s a game changer.
A Glock 19 in a VG2 holster feels like a Glock 48 in a conventional holster. A SIG P365 in a VG2 holster feels like a single stack .380 pistol in a conventional holster. To me it’s a game changer.
Glad that federal government is boring again.
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
7https://www.springfieldleather.com/Clip-Holster-Black
I like that, I am a fan of slim and trim holsters. I do see where it might be able to be improved
I could be wrong, Pictures are deceiving . does that have a clip under the belt top clip to hold that holster on your belt when you draw?
the above link clips onto your pants behind your belt. On the bottom, it has a bent piece that catches your belt when you draw. You do not do a barney fife and pull the holster out at the same time
I like that, I am a fan of slim and trim holsters. I do see where it might be able to be improved
I could be wrong, Pictures are deceiving . does that have a clip under the belt top clip to hold that holster on your belt when you draw?
the above link clips onto your pants behind your belt. On the bottom, it has a bent piece that catches your belt when you draw. You do not do a barney fife and pull the holster out at the same time
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
8I also make holsters. I got into making holsters Becuase they are pretty pricey for decent leather or kydex holsters and I wanted to save money. It took me a while but I learned to get into the artistic side of the craft. However anyone that can follow basic directions can make a perfectly serviceable holster with a few basic leather tools like and awl and a cordless drill. But I have found 3 things matter or the holster is almost useless:
1. Comfort. Does the holster hold the firearm tightly and stop it from flopping around. Is it ergonomic to both facilitate a good draw & concealment with out poking into bucket seats, chairs etc. if you have a comfortable holster you can carry even a reasonably heavy pistol all day.
2. Retention. A good holster will not spill out your 1911 on the floor of a Golden Corral when you relax eating a meal. It will securely hold the pistol when running, hiking, cycling etc.
3. Simplicity. Holsters that try and do too much are not good at anything. I have found the basic “pancake” style to be the best. Simple and comfortable.
For contrast let me show you my first one (I’m not including the many total disasters I’ve had in between. Still perfectly serviceable, 14 years later.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1. Comfort. Does the holster hold the firearm tightly and stop it from flopping around. Is it ergonomic to both facilitate a good draw & concealment with out poking into bucket seats, chairs etc. if you have a comfortable holster you can carry even a reasonably heavy pistol all day.
2. Retention. A good holster will not spill out your 1911 on the floor of a Golden Corral when you relax eating a meal. It will securely hold the pistol when running, hiking, cycling etc.
3. Simplicity. Holsters that try and do too much are not good at anything. I have found the basic “pancake” style to be the best. Simple and comfortable.
For contrast let me show you my first one (I’m not including the many total disasters I’ve had in between. Still perfectly serviceable, 14 years later.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
10you favor crossdraw?
i'm retired. what's your excuse?
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
11NICE BULL holster!!
Ya gots skills
I was going to show you my painting . But decided you really do not want to puke.
so here is a wallet instead
Ya gots skills
I was going to show you my painting . But decided you really do not want to puke.
so here is a wallet instead
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
12Definitely not. I only carry cross draw when I carry 2. I need Perry y-back belt suspenders to comfortably carry 2 though.lurker wrote:you favor crossdraw?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
13I love it - I have never made a wallet.halfcockedone wrote:NICE BULL holster!!
Ya gots skills
I was going to show you my painting . But decided you really do not want to puke.
so here is a wallet instead
Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
14Easy to make. You need 3 pcs of leather. 1- 8x8, and 2 - 3x8
anything can be used to make a design, a fork raked across at a 45 degree angle is actually very nice looking
here is one that is a little more complicated [my wifes]
here is a rather interesting butt piece for a smith- corona 0sA3
cheek riser for a guy that needed one. 2.5'' riser. I told him it looks like a kotex but he is happy with it
anything can be used to make a design, a fork raked across at a 45 degree angle is actually very nice looking
here is one that is a little more complicated [my wifes]
- impor5ted pictures 5408.jpg (29.08 KiB) Viewed 9935 times
cheek riser for a guy that needed one. 2.5'' riser. I told him it looks like a kotex but he is happy with it
- impor5ted pictures 5175.jpg (20.73 KiB) Viewed 9933 times
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
15Your holsters are really nice, solid pattern. Have you thought about lining your holsters?INVICTVS138 wrote: Tue Mar 02, 2021 9:29 pmI love it - I have never made a wallet.halfcockedone wrote:NICE BULL holster!!
Ya gots skills
I was going to show you my painting . But decided you really do not want to puke.
so here is a wallet instead
035.jpg
034.jpg
Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You know about burnishing right? The gun rubs the veg tan then it gets hard at that spot. It will then rub the blue off of the gun
to combat that line the holster with a thinner leather
I am not going to lie. I am always looking to save a dime. I use whatever is on sale Here is an elk lined holster
I use contact cement over the entire liner, turn the top down like a pant hymn and sew
A 380 pocket holster. right or left handed. with sticky tape.
Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
16I don’t line my holsters as some lining materials (suede etc) contain moisture & or chemicals (chrome tanned.) I have done a lot of research oLiners and for me, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze (the time of swing the liner In.) maybe if I get a machine I’ll change my tune?
I’m not worried about a bit of “honest” holster wear. I have a couple of nice old, blued revolvers and they came to me with wear already.
I have thought about getting some gum Trang to smooth the inside down a bit... have you ever tried that?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’m not worried about a bit of “honest” holster wear. I have a couple of nice old, blued revolvers and they came to me with wear already.
I have thought about getting some gum Trang to smooth the inside down a bit... have you ever tried that?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
17YES. I use tokonole
research a chinese patcher. Some people like them and some do not. I have one and it is a useful hand crank machine
i motorized mine. but use the hand crank 90% of the time
research a chinese patcher. Some people like them and some do not. I have one and it is a useful hand crank machine
i motorized mine. but use the hand crank 90% of the time
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
18So does the Raven solution mandate an undershirt? You don’t have the gun in contact with skin correct?Stiff wrote:My approach is going to the other extreme: have as little holster as possible. Most of my pistols today are carried in an RCS Vanguard 2 “holster”. It is basically an injection molded polymer trigger guard with a belt hook. It adds virtually nothing to the thickness of the gun, making it that much more comfortable to carry. The average holster adds at least a quarter of an inch thickness, that’s the difference between a full-size double stack pistol and a conventional single-stack. Imagine that, people created an entire line of pistols just to shave a quarter inch of thickness.
A Glock 19 in a VG2 holster feels like a Glock 48 in a conventional holster. A SIG P365 in a VG2 holster feels like a single stack .380 pistol in a conventional holster. To me it’s a game changer.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
19No, the gun touches my skin directly. I can tolerate hard IWB kydex holsters, so steel and polymer pose no issue. Some people complain that the grip texture rubs their skin raw, but I don’t have that problem with my pistols. Maybe my belly skin is kinda thick, your miles may vary.DamnYankee wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 9:09 amSo does the Raven solution mandate an undershirt? You don’t have the gun in contact with skin correct?Stiff wrote:My approach is going to the other extreme: have as little holster as possible. Most of my pistols today are carried in an RCS Vanguard 2 “holster”. It is basically an injection molded polymer trigger guard with a belt hook. It adds virtually nothing to the thickness of the gun, making it that much more comfortable to carry. The average holster adds at least a quarter of an inch thickness, that’s the difference between a full-size double stack pistol and a conventional single-stack. Imagine that, people created an entire line of pistols just to shave a quarter inch of thickness.
A Glock 19 in a VG2 holster feels like a Glock 48 in a conventional holster. A SIG P365 in a VG2 holster feels like a single stack .380 pistol in a conventional holster. To me it’s a game changer.
AD2F0564-D9C1-4023-9FA4-1087008041FB.jpeg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glad that federal government is boring again.
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
20I’m interested in this approach for the p365.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Holsters, holsters, and yet more holsters
21I use the Vanguard 2 with my Glock 19, S&W M&P9c, and the Sig P365. Sometimes I switch into a kydex IWB holster if I want a firmer positioning on my G19, but I never need to switch out with the smaller pistols. I’m so confident that the VG2 is the only holster I have for the P365, and I haven’t regretted it yet since 2019.DamnYankee wrote: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:40 pm I’m interested in this approach for the p365.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glad that federal government is boring again.
