Favorite Holster for CCW

[fastprofessor]

I'm sure everyone has their personal preference, but tell us why you use the holster that you use.

I've been doing leather craft for about 15 years and pretty much make all of my own holsters (as well as holsters for many of my friends). I've tried many different holsters and I've come to the conclusion that a strong side high ride holster is the most comfortable and concealable for me. I can carry all day and not really have much discomfort and I can conceal my Para Ord. CCO under most clothing including a T-shirt. I also use an IWB holster some during the summer if I need a little more concealability.

Another thing I've noticed from making holsters for other people is that a person's body shape will greatly dictate what type of holster they can conceal and can wear comfortably. A buddy of mine can conceal a full size handgun in the small of his back. If I try to put even my PPK back there it looks like I have a tumor.

[Powderfinger]

Galco paddle for the Colt. Comfortable. Easy on, easy off.
New Forums are poppin' up like mushrooms after a rain.:)

[T210driver]

Milt Sparks Summer Special II

[chet]

I know this will be blasphemy, especially coming from a Texan. But, I started using a Serpa CQC several months ago with a Kimber Ultra CDP and to be flat plain, it is the most comfortable I have ever used. Nor has my pistol plopped out of it unexpectedly, ever. Ugly? Check. Plastic? Check. Inexpensive? Check. Lack of panache? Check.
Functional? Heck yeah. Effective? You got it. Light? The lightest. Strong? The strongest.
I may never go back to lever for CCW. I'll use the pretty leather for open carry.
Chet.

[Firestarter]

Mesican carry of course! Who needs a holster?!

I need no stinking holster! Cept if it is a GLOCK! :eek:

[jaykden]

whether i am packing the G20 10MM or my 1911, i prefer to use an IWB holster, feels most comfortable to me and conceals best.

[JeffJ]

blade tech paddle (HK USP .45C)

[dwarmbrodt]

Aker Leather XR-2 Natural. Note the retention release is between the gun and your body to deter "gun grab".

[Firestarter]

Originally posted by dwarmbrodt
Aker Leather XR-2 Natural. Note the retention release is between the gun and your body to deter "gun grab".

Nice Holster! Who distributes them?

[ggiilliiee]

LEVI STRAUSS ...

BERSA .380 BACK POCKET
comes out reaaaaal quick ....most cant get the thumb brake off their rig before its out and poppin ....and use my elbow for "anti grab"...he he
friend makes a money belt clip type ...
L shaped piece of spring steel ...one leg of steel under grip ...other leg along the slide (right bank)...muzz into pants and clip holds on to waist band ....verry slick and verrrrry fast to draw ..

there was a old episode of MIAMI VICE where they had a guest appearence by Rob Latham as a dealer who had a cop holding a gun on him ....tv of course ..but he drew on the cop from the waist band and tagged him from under a baggy shirt .......even for tv IT WAS REEEEEEL QUICK ...dont know as most could react to the draw in time, even with gun in hand .....pretty impressive to say the least :wink:

[dwarmbrodt]

Originally posted by Firestarter


Nice Holster! Who distributes them?

What state are you in? Aker is one of the lines I rep for in NY, PA, NJ, MD and DE. I believe Kroll is a national dist for Aker.

[johnsopi]

I use a Cross breed . You can adjust it in a number of way and you can tuck
your shirt into your pants. I have a lot of holters , but this by far the best for me.

[J. Armstrong]

Mitch Rosen. There is no substitute ;) :)

I appreciate the workmanship, and dealing with Mitch over the years has always been a pleasure. No complaints or issues, so no need to change !
Plus his stuff is so purty :biggrin:

[Jez Cruzen]

I have a tuckable Cross Breed for my Kahr, but frankly I don't use it much because an IWB is too tight unless I wear baggy pants (I mostly wear jeans). I've gravitated to a Smart Carry. With the Smart Carry I can be dressed in shorts, tee, and flip-flops and no one would know I was packing and I don't even have to leave my shirt hanging out.

[goodorbit]

Originally posted by T210driver
Milt Sparks Summer Special II

Same here. Very solid & comfortable.

[hankenglish]

Sam Anderson (high-ride strong-side OWB) for a 1911 or a Dave Workman of the same type for an Astra A-75 .45.

Hank

[hankenglish]

Sorry Sam - it's Sam Andrews, not Anderson.

Hank

[EOD]

Milt Sparks Versa-max II, Summer Special II, and just bought a Sam Andrews IWB for a 642...I haven't found the "sweet spot" of where it feels comfortable yet, although I've only had it 4 days...and the gun is my wife's...so I probably shouldn't get too used to it.

[elbo]

Originally posted by fastprofessor
I've been doing leather craft for about 15 years and pretty much make all of my own holsters (as well as holsters for many of my friends).

Mr. Expert (= knows more than me),
What do you use/recomend to finish the leather.
Years (many) ago when I tried my hand at leather craft I found that the leather dye would bleed on to clothes and skin for months after the application.

[FAL GRUNT]

Right now I use a Milt Sparks Summer Special (may be a II?)

fastprofessor, any chance you would make me a holster for my CZ-82?

The Milt Sparks 1911 works well for it, but the holster sticks down alot further than need be (duh :))

thanks

-myers

[lysander6]

Fobus paddle (G23) all my waking hours...six years running with the same one. Nineteen bucks...go figure.

[fastprofessor]

Originally posted by elbo


Mr. Expert (= knows more than me),
What do you use/recomend to finish the leather.
Years (many) ago when I tried my hand at leather craft I found that the leather dye would bleed on to clothes and skin for months after the application.

HA! Definitely NOT an expert...just a hobbyist. I have used several different finishes on my holsters and there are advantages/disadvantages to all of them, but the easiest is: Fiebings professional leather dye (oil based dye) followed by Fiebings spray on Leather Sheen. Available at a Tandy Leather or Leather Factory near you. Also can be ordered from them online.

[fastprofessor]

Originally posted by FAL GRUNT
Right now I use a Milt Sparks Summer Special (may be a II?)

fastprofessor, any chance you would make me a holster for my CZ-82?

The Milt Sparks 1911 works well for it, but the holster sticks down alot further than need be (duh :))

thanks

-myers

Well, I custom fit the holsters to the gun. Unfortunately I don't have a CZ-82 nor do any of my shootin buddies have a CZ-82 that I could use as the pattern gun. You might try a 1911 officer size holster, or if you don't mind the slide sticking out, you could try one of the minimalist style holsters.

[bigant]

I like the Comp Tac's 10 Degree Paddle...Will get a nice leather some day soon

MY belt is from the Beltman

[Cofaler]

Custom strong-side from Eric at HBE Leatherworks for my G22/G17. He built my holster exactly to my specs, with a mag pouch. Beautiful work, and I can wear it all day without it dragging, and it works well enough that I use it for my weekly practical pistol shoot. Very secure, too.

[FAL GRUNT]

Thanks anyway fastproffesor!

I was planning on getting a comander size holster as soon as I can put aside the $$ for it.

thanks

-myers

[Para Driver]

Galco cross draw in a half shoulder rig.. can't stand the wieght pulling down my pants all the time.. shoulder rig fits easily under a baggy shirt during the summer..

LWT Commander btw :)

[Brush511]

Right now it's an Aker Yanqui Slide. It keeps it high and tight to my body.

[Hot Diggity]

Some local boys over in Roxboro, North Carolina started a company called Grandfather Oak Custom Carry. Their Hidden Companion IWB holster is the only holster I've ever worn where I actually have to feel the grip to be sure the pistol is there. Not that it'd ever fall out, it's got good retension, it's just that I can't feel the gun in my waist band!

I've got one for the Kahr PM9 and one for the J-frames now. With a smooth wood grip J frame I can wear this holster all day while driving. Their kydex holsters are extremely slim. This slimness made the hammer guard a bit sharp against my skin, but a piece of mole skin took care of that and it hasn't been a problem since.

For pocket carry I haven't found any need to try anything besides the Desantis Nemisis, and its' companion mag-packer. On the mag-packer I added a Chicago screw to add tension on the slim Kahr mags, but otherwise they've been perfect.

Gotto stick with what works.... and hopefully find what works for you before your "holsters-that-didn't-work) box gets too big.

HD

[Cava3r4]

I carry a full sized 1911 Kimber Polymer target that holds 14 + 1 of .45 ACP in a Comp-Tac IWB holster on a IHL gun belt. I carry full time and all seasons of the year in Phoenix.
The IHL belt really stabilized everything and I don't even know I have it on.
HTH
Bob

[ironman0311]

Usually a Strong side IWB Blade-Tech ... but this one is surprisingly concealable and comfortable. I was skeptical of it at first, but it is a really good set up.

I can carry my full size 1911 w/2 spare mags and tactical flashlight wearing a pair of jeans with a button-down safari or Levi shirt tucked IN.

You would be amazed how well the gun hides with this holster. (Have not yet tried it in hot weather.)

The pocket mag carrier is pretty good too. (worn flat side out)

Concealment Shirt Holster ™

The Concealment Shirt Holster is an innovative and unique solution to your deep concealment needs. It starts with a moisture wicking compression shirt that pulls the sweat away from your skin and moves it to the surface to evaporate. It features a custom designed holster, which will accommodate most small to large frame handguns and a triple magazine carrier. It is available for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.

Designed and rigorously tested by members of Law Enforcement and Military Spec OPS, our reasonably priced concealment products are made with the finest materials available.

http://www.abetterholster.com/products.htm

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7403/gat20pacez1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7687/magazine20walletlx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[skwang]

Tuckable IWB from Galco. Spare mag in the off hand pocket. I don't always use the tuckable feature but it is nice if I am dressing up for something.

[shootist87122]

Originally posted by T210driver
Milt Sparks Summer Special II

The SSII is my fav as well, at least for a full size or Commander length 1911 or BHP for IWB carry. The gun butt does not catch me in the kidney, due to the cant, like some others and when in the car it will allow you to move the gun around a smidge to get comfortable under a seatbelt.

[T210driver]

Originally posted by shootist87122


The SSII is my fav as well, at least for a full size or Commander length 1911 or BHP for IWB carry. The gun butt does not catch me in the kidney, due to the cant, like some others and when in the car it will allow you to move the gun around a smidge to get comfortable under a seatbelt.

Stop touting the Milt Sparks! I should have kept my mouth shut. Their lead time is 26 weeks as it is. If everyone orders from them, I'll never get my new holster!!!!!!:rofl:

later,
Derace

[shootist87122]

Originally posted by T210driver


Stop touting the Milt Sparks! I should have kept my mouth shut. Their lead time is 26 weeks as it is. If everyone orders from them, I'll never get my new holster!!!!!!:rofl:

later,
Derace

Derace,

A good secret to keep: Brownells also carries the SSII - one of mine came that way with no wait. IIRC they only stock the brown leather in cowhide with 1.25" loops, but I had extra 1.5" belt loops in hand.

Joe

[T210driver]

Originally posted by shootist87122


Derace,

A good secret to keep: Brownells also carries the SSII - one of mine came that way with no wait. IIRC they only stock the brown leather in cowhide with 1.25" loops, but I had extra 1.5" belt loops in hand.

Joe

Mum's the word!:tongue:
Derace

[S. Fisher]

I use the Safariland model 4106, very comfortable, good retention, and easy accessibility.

[gds]

Fobus paddle holster for a 1911/hi power. Been using it for over 8 years

[MD3C]

Versa Max ll for five different pistols.
I'm shopping for a good leather cross holster for a BHP, and one for a 1911 with a rail. For use while driving.
M

[StarPD]

I'm with Firestarter.
I've carried Mexican carry for more years than I can count. Carried S&W Model 39, 469, cut down Walther PPK, SIG P220, Star PD, and Colt Commander. Never dropped one or had it slip out of place. Note however that I've ALWAYS used a correct heavy gun belt. Still do, even for dress up. The belt must be adjusted as tight as possible and still be relatively comfortable. After a while, when you get used to it, you'll forget you even have it until you need it.

Gun is always positioned just behind right hip over buttock, in an FBI tilt orientation. May not work for fatties. Effective enough that I've been jailed twice with my gun like this without it being noticed. Keeps gun instantly available but nearly impossible to spot, and retained well enough for getting into and out of vehicles, running, and even fighting. No holster makes the gun profile a LOT slimmer and keeps it a lot closer to your body.

I suggest that if you try this though, that you do so in places where it won't matter if you learn that it's not for you. One good way is to try it while hunting, where you'll be doing all sorts of contortions while carrying it. Your body shape may preclude you from this method of concealed carry, so do try it before you do it on a regular basis.

[Blaster]

Kel-Tek .380 in a wallet holster. Hey, it works for me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/bobjan/CCW1006.jpg

[SgtRock2]

Galco High Ride (G26)

[Tsm002]

Smartcarry for summer and spring weather, don hume or glock sport/combat holster for jacket wear.

Smartcarry design is the hands down easiest to conceal thing ever. Give it a shot someday, there are some good youtube videos demonstrating its effectiveness.

[MyTFAL]

Blaster, who makes that wallet holster, I need one of those

[Blaster]

Originally posted by MyTFAL
Blaster, who makes that wallet holster, I need one of those

Wish I could tell you who makes them but I just bought it at the last Wannenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa and of course the vendor did not furnish a receipt of any type. If I can locate a card that I may have picked up from that vendor, I'll gladly furnish the information for you. There are absolutely NO markings of any type on this holster. I am thinking that this holster would perhaps also fit the new Ruger .380 auto but that new model may be just a little wider at the grips. This holster provides the Kel-Tek .380 with a nice snug fit.
Blaster (Bob in So. CO)

[Kyrottimus]

Active Pro Gear Model 16-194 for a Kahr CW9.

Fairly inexpensive, rugged and comfortable. Simple and effective, nothing fancy. Practical to the nth degree. I wear it just under my right kidney.

http://www.activeprogear.com/model16.html

[Blaster]

Originally posted by MyTFAL
Blaster, who makes that wallet holster, I need one of those

O.K. there MyTFAL, check out this website:
www.KansasCCW.COM and their phone number is: 785-554-6633.
Check the "Pocket Holsters" section on their home page.
They have indicated that the new Ruger .380 will not fit one of these holsters for the Kel-Tek 380.

Good luck to ya.
Blaster (Bob in So. CO)

[Blaster]

Originally posted by Lewis Wetzel
I have a wallet holster for a Beretta .22...Galco made, only to find out that the BatMen describe it as some 'other kind of weapon'...or something of the kind...'king's men' only or special license....it does allow it to be fired from inside the holster.

Land of the free...yeah....sure....

On the web site I referred to above, www.KansasCCW.com, it is explained why this little pocket holster for the Kel-Tec is NOT considered to be illegal as the old wallet holsters for the High Standard derringers were. I understand a copy of the BATF letter is available, which indicates these (pocket holsters for the Kel-Tec ONLY) are legal and not considered "any other weapon".

[Blaster]

Originally posted by Lewis Wetzel
Interesting....functionally, there seems to be no different than the AOW one from Galco, with the exception of it exposing the slide significantly more.

And I guess that's the whole idea, to expose more gun so is easily recognized as a gun and does NOT appear to look just like a plain/regular old wallet.
Hey, whatever works reliably and still keeps our wonderful, easy to please BATF people placated.:mad: