Holsters

[Bill]

After reading about them I am more confused than ever. I do not want to end up with tons of gear that does not work. I have a SW642, Baby Eagle, XD sub compact, and Norinco 1911. My wife will at times carry the XD and the 642 as well. How do you sort all of this out? Any suggestion will be greatfull.
Bill

[Charles L. Cotton]

Bill:
You reminded me of something I read on another board that I thought was a great idea. Most of us who have been carrying for a while have a rather significant "dead holster drawer." The post I read suggested starting a "holster library" so people could check out a holster to try before buying one. They could keep it for a certain period of time to see if it works and then send it back to the owner. The person borrowing it paid the postage both ways.

If there is any interest in this, I'll set up a list of what's available and who has it. (But that won't happen until after the Texas Legislative Session is over.)

Chas.

[GlockenHammer]

Bill,

Any holster will hold a gun (mostly). What makes the difference are things like comfort, concealability and maybe speed.

There are several ways to carry--inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), shoulder holsters, fanny packs, and sort of in special underwear. For concealed carry, I recommend IWB because it gives you some freedom in the cover garments you choose. The advantage of OWB is that it will likely be more comfortable for you. Where you wear the holster makes a difference. I recommend somewhere from right on the strong hip to around the back, but not over the spine. Avoid "small of the back" holsters as you'll be sorry if you ever fall on it. If you wear the holster on the weak side, it is called "cross-draw" and is used mostly for car riding, but women and others prefer this style. Shoulder holsters are for special cases like traveling in a car a lot, and maybe if you always wear a suit. Fanny packs are another special purpose form of carry that many claim appears obvious you have a gun. Still, it can be useful when your clothing won't allow concealing anything else.

There are several types of materials for holsters with leather and kydex (fancy plastic) being the most common with nylon leading the low cost arena. Kydex lasts a long time, is fast to access and holster and does not degrade. Leather is prettier and some say more comfortable. I happen to like kydex holsters made by Gregg Garret at Comp-Tac, but there are many other manufacturers that make quality kydex.

One other option is "off body carry". This includes things like purses/handbags, things that look like planners, etc. These are also special need items.

With your relatively large number of guns, you need to decide why you want a holster and for each gun. Is it for carry? Is it for competition? Is it for convenience at the range? Answers to these questions will guide you to the type of holster and the level of quality you need. A cheapo holster is fine for the range, but for everyday carry, you should get a high quality holster.

Lastly, if you are going to carry, please do yourself a favor and get a good belt. The belt is what carries the weight of the gun and is every bit as important as a good holster.

Once you've got these questions answered, post another question here and you'll get some more specific recommendations from others.

Good luck,
GH

[jdowdle]

I like the idea of a holster library.

[Venus Pax]

Try on everyone else's holsters. See what works for you.

[fm2]

I think some folks have an unreasonable expectation when they get a holster, that it will be the last one they will buy. A backup holster is a good thing to have.

A good time to try out different gear is at the range, like the GTG @ PSC, IDPA match, training day, etc...

Most folks will tell you what works well for them. I suggest you ask them why they like it, and what they demand from their gear.

So, you have to decide on your criteria, then how closely their criteria matches up. If its a close match up, then you might try it or buy it as a next step.

Buying used is an affordable option. I have never been sorry for buying quality gear.

[longtooth]

FM2,
You are so right about the backup holster. I got caught in a tight on that in November of this yr.
I had only 2 holsters for my primary carry. My primary holster was a Comp-Tac Gurkha, old style. I sold a gun & let the holster go too. Only had the one I put on every morning. Put it on one morning & broke the belt clip. I was in trouble til I got another. Rumaged in the box & did find an old belt slide that I wore for a couple of days.
Dont get down to one holster.

[Venus Pax]

I'm learning the hard way that you indeed shouldn't get down to one holster. (LT, you're so right on this one!)
I broke my shirt-tucker holster at the range yesterday. I went to remove it from my belt, and it broke off right in my hand. GRRRRRRR!
I have a C.TAC for that particular gun, but I don't like it. Right now, I'm carrying a different gun or using a flimsy holster.


Aside from that, one holster won't always work in every situation. Sometimes, different types of clothing call for different holsters. I think of it as accessorizing, only no one else sees it.

[flintknapper]

FM2,
You are so right about the backup holster. I got caught in a tight on that in November of this yr.
I had only 2 holsters for my primary carry. My primary holster was a Comp-Tac Gurkha, old style. I sold a gun & let the holster go too. Only had the one I put on every morning. Put it on one morning & broke the belt clip. I was in trouble til I got another. Rumaged in the box & did find an old belt slide that I wore for a couple of days.
Dont get down to one holster.

LT,

If you ever find yourself in need of a holster/weapon again, just let me know. I'll have one in your hand within the hour.

[Jeremae]

Hey Venus...

I had some trouble with my C-TAC rubbing me the wrong way a little and my wife came up with a solution that is the bees knees. If you're gonna be at Thunder on Saturday remind me to show it to you.

Jeremae

[Jacob Staff]

For my XD9 SC I have a CompTac CTAC. It is the first and only belt holster I have for it but I never saw a need to look for anything else. I use it for carry and compatition. It took a few adjustments to get in right but now I love it.

For my S&W 642, I use a Mika pocket holster. http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/
It has been a great holster, I now carry it 95% of the time. It fits well in jeans and slacks.

I would like to get a belt holster the 642 for use at the range to have more options but use the pocket holster most of the time.

I also use the SmartCarry holster for social occations when I need deep concealment and will be in a crowd.
http://www.smartcarry.com/

I try to find what will work and only buy once. Good luck on your search.

[Venus Pax]

Jeremae, I liked your wife's idea.
My only problem with the CTAC is how it sits on my hip-- the gun's grip sticks out.
I'll try her idea on my shirt tucker. It looks like it would be comfortable and would keep the holster in my pants better during a draw.
Thanks for sharing!

[longtooth]

FM2,
You are so right about the backup holster. I got caught in a tight on that in November of this yr.
I had only 2 holsters for my primary carry. My primary holster was a Comp-Tac Gurkha, old style. I sold a gun & let the holster go too. Only had the one I put on every morning. Put it on one morning & broke the belt clip. I was in trouble til I got another. Rumaged in the box & did find an old belt slide that I wore for a couple of days.
Dont get down to one holster.

LT,

If you ever find yourself in need of a holster/weapon again, just let me know. I'll have one in your hand within the hour.

You are always watching out for me & I thank you. I will file this in my memory & use it if the need arises.
Shold not take but about 20 minutes if we meet half way my FRIEND.

[Skiprr]

You are always watching out for me & I thank you. I will file this in my memory & use it if the need arises.

Thanks to LT and a Milt Sparks holster he sent me, today was the most comfortable and concealable IWB carry of a full-sized 1911 I ever experienced. Kydex is quicker, and I admit I can't easily one-hand reholster with the Sparks (yet), but boy does it just snug-up the pistol into my body.

Thanks, LT.

[longtooth]

You are welcome sir & I hope you get great use & pleasure from it. May your path be so smooth & peaceful through your whole life that it remains unseen until you get to the range.