Why a good holster is necessary for concealed carry

[bdickens]

I apologize for the misunderstanding, then.

[Excaliber]

The reason we don't see these efficiencies of scale in the holster business, on the whole, is due to the fractionalizing of the market on the part of suppliers. For example, a MTAC and a Crossbreed Supertuck are substantially similar products, enough that there is probably not room for both on the market in the long term. Eventually one or the other will likely be marginalized while the other manufacturer will grow and recognize the improved efficiency due to taking over market share from their former competitor. Likewise there are a bunch of non-unique products being offered and over time, these manufacturers will consolidate, weaker competitors will drop off and the stronger ones will grow and we will see a gradual reduction in the price, increase in quantity, and a dramatic reduction in the number of different vendors. Eventually I would expect there to be three to five major manufacturers for "normal" stuff, and a few dozen "boutique" manufacturers. The current pricing will likely remain for the boutique guys, and the normal stuff is going to go way down in cost. If I had to project, I would think Comp-Tac, Don Hume, Galco, maybe Uncle Mike's are likely to emerge as the long-term contenders, while Milt Sparks, DM Bullard, High Noon, et. al. are going to remain as boutique makers.

IMHO. But this is common economic/emerging-market growth.

This economic theory applies to things that are mass produced and become commodities that anyone can make to an acceptable level of quality, so price becomes the competitive differentiator. I've been carrying concealed handguns and, after one foolish initial buy of a cheap holster, buying the highest quality I could find for the last 36 years because I learned pretty quickly that it doesn't pay to buy cheap when it comes to systems you may need to save your life. The market shakeout not only hasn't happened, but the diversity of manufacturers and designs has proliferated far beyond what was available even 10 years ago. I personally don't expect to see this trend change much in the holster market (unless Obama is elected and there's nothing available to put in them).

[CompVest]

The other issue with the price of holsters whether Kydex or leather is that they are gun specific. On size does NOT fit all well at all and leads to issues with carry and draw. Each holster needs to be made to each gun. So for a holster manufacturer to automate the process that would mean a great deal of inventory on the shelf. I have seen a few holster manufacturers try to go this route and their quality has suffered greatly. I believe that holsters will remain in large part a craft industry. I sincerely hope itt stays that way as I have been able to get holster modifications that I need for me personally. I would never be able to get this from a large automated maunfacturer.

[MyNameIsPaul]

We're talking about tools. a wrench is a tool. a handgun is a tool.
I used to think along the same lines. carried a S&W Sigma 9VE in an Uncle Mike's nylon IWB holster.
then I bought a real gun, a real holster, and a real belt.
difference is night and day.

you'll try it all one day, and you'll see.

I guess my MY Sigma isn't a real gun!? I'm new to this site and about to take my CHL class next month. All I have heard is negative opinions about the Sigma. I'll agree... I wouldn't carry it. But I'm pretty sure it goes boom when I pull the trigger (albeit it takes 50 pounds of pressure to do so!)

I'll be purchasing the new Beretta PX4Storm Subcompact soon.. BudsGunsShop has them in stock for $518 Delivered right now.

Not to derail, sorry about that... is there a good holster for the Px4 Subcompact yet?

[agbullet2k1]

We're talking about tools. a wrench is a tool. a handgun is a tool.
I used to think along the same lines. carried a S&W Sigma 9VE in an Uncle Mike's nylon IWB holster.
then I bought a real gun, a real holster, and a real belt.
difference is night and day.

you'll try it all one day, and you'll see.

I guess my MY Sigma isn't a real gun!? I'm new to this site and about to take my CHL class next month. All I have heard is negative opinions about the Sigma. I'll agree... I wouldn't carry it. But I'm pretty sure it goes boom when I pull the trigger (albeit it takes 50 pounds of pressure to do so!)

I'll be purchasing the new Beretta PX4Storm Subcompact soon.. BudsGunsShop has them in stock for $518 Delivered right now.

Not to derail, sorry about that... is there a good holster for the Px4 Subcompact yet?

Where are you located? Carter's Country in Houston has been getting regular shipments of them for about $560. If you check the Beretta forums, you'll see that some PX4sc's are experiencing problems with the finish rubbing off. I'd suggest finding one in a store and inspecting it if at all possible, just to avoid the possibility of getting it in the mail and having to send it right back for warranty work.

Right now for holsters, your best bet is going to be something generic and small, but some holster makers are starting to take special orders (I believe Southern Holsters is doing this). It might be several months before any makers list it as a regular option.

[MyNameIsPaul]

We're talking about tools. a wrench is a tool. a handgun is a tool.
I used to think along the same lines. carried a S&W Sigma 9VE in an Uncle Mike's nylon IWB holster.
then I bought a real gun, a real holster, and a real belt.
difference is night and day.

you'll try it all one day, and you'll see.

I guess my MY Sigma isn't a real gun!? I'm new to this site and about to take my CHL class next month. All I have heard is negative opinions about the Sigma. I'll agree... I wouldn't carry it. But I'm pretty sure it goes boom when I pull the trigger (albeit it takes 50 pounds of pressure to do so!)

I'll be purchasing the new Beretta PX4Storm Subcompact soon.. BudsGunsShop has them in stock for $518 Delivered right now.

Not to derail, sorry about that... is there a good holster for the Px4 Subcompact yet?

Where are you located? Carter's Country in Houston has been getting regular shipments of them for about $560. If you check the Beretta forums, you'll see that some PX4sc's are experiencing problems with the finish rubbing off. I'd suggest finding one in a store and inspecting it if at all possible, just to avoid the possibility of getting it in the mail and having to send it right back for warranty work.

Right now for holsters, your best bet is going to be something generic and small, but some holster makers are starting to take special orders (I believe Southern Holsters is doing this). It might be several months before any makers list it as a regular option.

I live in Downtown Houston (Hence the desire to carry) I def. don't want the finish rubbing off! I was thinking of using the PagerPal, since I need deep concealment around work. It's either the Beretta or a baby Glock for the new carry gun, the Sigma is just too big and the trigger pull is embarassing, ha ha

[mr.72]

A "baby glock" such as a G26 is not much smaller than the Sigma. Mostly the grip is shorter, and the entire gun is a little shorter but the thickness is almost identical.

Pagerpal? ugh. If deep concealment is necessary I would suggest a Smartcarry. I can carry my Sigma in a Smartcarry but the Kahr is much more doable and comfortable.

[DoubleJ]

We're talking about tools. a wrench is a tool. a handgun is a tool.
I used to think along the same lines. carried a S&W Sigma 9VE in an Uncle Mike's nylon IWB holster.
then I bought a real gun, a real holster, and a real belt.
difference is night and day.

you'll try it all one day, and you'll see.

I guess my MY Sigma isn't a real gun!? I'm new to this site and about to take my CHL class next month. All I have heard is negative opinions about the Sigma.

naw, it's just fun to have a gun to clown on.
I have one, so obviously I know all about it. so do a bunch of folks. I think it makes a great "cheap" Glock-type gun.
but it ain't no glock, and it ain't no .45.

[agbullet2k1]

We're talking about tools. a wrench is a tool. a handgun is a tool.
I used to think along the same lines. carried a S&W Sigma 9VE in an Uncle Mike's nylon IWB holster.
then I bought a real gun, a real holster, and a real belt.
difference is night and day.

you'll try it all one day, and you'll see.

I guess my MY Sigma isn't a real gun!? I'm new to this site and about to take my CHL class next month. All I have heard is negative opinions about the Sigma.

naw, it's just fun to have a gun to clown on.
I have one, so obviously I know all about it. so do a bunch of folks. I think it makes a great "cheap" Glock-type gun.
but it ain't no glock, and it ain't no .45.

Yeah, those are different guns to clown on.

[DoubleJ]

we all have our preferences...

[CodeJockey]

I never claimed that $75 was not the current market value for a quality holster. But I do claim that the current market value is inflated dramatically due to the niche market and lack of consolidation amongst suppliers.

FWIW, I disagree with this. I mean no doubt CCW products are a niche market, but the prices do not at all seem to be out of whack compared to more mainline markets. I mean compare the leather in a custom holster to a pair of boots. If you look at say a VM2, that holster will cost you between 130 and 175 depending upon where you order it from. If you go to a western store to buy a pair of boots, you will have a hard time coming in under that for even a plane jane pair. The boots I'm wearing right now are plain jane cowboy boots that I use for every day wear, and they were around $220.00. Also, the quality that goes into these boots is not near the leather work involved in making the VM2 holster (or similar brands). Just my $.02.

Now, on that same topic. I can understand buying a cheaper holster when you're first starting out carrying b/c everyone is different and will have different needs based on body types, guns, style of dress, etc. Opinions / recommendations can only take you so far, and if you buy a holster and find it uncomfortable then you aren't going to wear the gun. I have 4 holsters in my closet for one gun. I stopped when I found one that worked really well for me. Based on that, i can certainly understand spending less to find something that works, and then spending more for a higher quality holster in the same style.