Help me pick a good holster

[ectoplasm]

I've been thinking about finding a good holster for CCW. I got my CCW permit recently, and I'd like:

1. Something comfortable
2. Something that hides well
3. Something that will last me a long time

What are my best options? I've seen some of the clip-on holsters, and OWB (Outside Waist Band) models. What about IWB (Inside Waist Band)?

[baccusboy]

I have a Milt Sparks VM2 on order. I hear they are the best out there. There is actually a 6-month waiting-list to get one because they are made by hand and perfectly match the gun model you specify. They cost over $100 to make, but are supposed to be well worth every penny. They are so popular that E-bay sellers have tried to buy them up and resell them for more than $50 over original price, asking sometimes as high as $250! People pay that much because they hate to wait.

The VM2 is really popular for a 1911 (they make it for many guns) because it hugs the gun so close to the body. I've seen photos of VM2's that were over 10 years old, carried often, and they are still in excellent condition.

Here is their site: www.miltsparks.com/

It's kind of an ancient site, although they also have a Facebook page with a lot more updated photos:

www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Milt-Sparks-Holsters/104191299618510

They also have a few in stock for some guns, but tend not to be many of the VM2 style. Their Summer Special is nice, too.

I attached a pic of what the VM2's look like. Nice thing about them is, if you decide you don't like them, you can turn around and sell the for more than you paid! Only bad thing is the wait (although they sell a few through Brownell's, and a few other retailers listed on their site).

Attachments:

[baccusboy]

Oh, and I should add that it's JUST as important to get a decent GUN belt. No Wal-mart belt will do. Milt Sparks makes those, too. You can also get nice belts from:

thebeltman.net/


Other decent but lower-priced options:
www.looperlawenforcement.com/looper-reinforced-holster-belt.html

FYI, that same looper site has a cheaper rip-off of the VM2 (many makers copy it) that you can get much sooner, as well.

[JD]

Jan 12, 2012 5:29:04 GMT -6 ectoplasm said:

I've been thinking about finding a good holster for CCW. I got my CCW permit recently, and I'd like:

1. Something comfortable
2. Something that hides well
3. Something that will last me a long time

What are my best options? I've seen some of the clip-on holsters, and OWB (Outside Waist Band) models. What about IWB (Inside Waist Band)?

A lot depends on the gun that the holster is going to carry.

Lighter guns be used with single mounting points while heavier guns are probably going to need to have two mounting points to better distribute the weight.

IWB will be easier to conceal, but OWN tends to be more comfortable.

I do love me some Milt Sparks and have several Versa Max IIs, but as mentioned above the wait time is long.

Check out www.ubgholsters.com/, their Canute is very similar to a VMII, but half the price and you can get one typically less than 4 weeks.

I know Nate personally and the wife and I have several of his products. What I typically advise is to order a UBG now, as well as a VMII and use the UBG while waiting for the Sparks holster. If you end up liking the UBG you can either cancel your order or sell the VMII (they command a premium on eBay) on a gun forum etc. but please, no price scalping.

[ectoplasm]

Appreciate the comments.

What do you think about this holster from Tucker Gun Leather?

tuckergunleather.com/teheiwb.html

The only concern I'd have is with re-holstering, but I don't think it'd be a big deal.

[shrpshooter223]

I am a fan of whitehatholsters.com I have one of their holsters and love it. they are cheap in price (60 bucks) and built well. You can also change the kydex part for another gun instead of buying a new holster. it is alot like the crossbreed. Just better options.

[shrpshooter223]

Forgot to say that you can wear it in shorts and a t-sshirt and it hides well. very little printing and smooth draw. agree with baccusboy as well, a good belt is needed

[baccusboy]

Wow... had never heard of whitehatholsters before. Interesting. They allow some funky designs, too.

[JD]

Jan 13, 2012 4:29:28 GMT -6 ectoplasm said:

Appreciate the comments.

What do you think about this holster from Tucker Gun Leather?

tuckergunleather.com/teheiwb.html

The only concern I'd have is with re-holstering, but I don't think it'd be a big deal.

Tucker makes a good holster, personally I a more secure mounting option than clips of any sort but that should be an easy fix if you find you don't like them.

Re-holstering can be an issue if you ever do decide to participate in IDPA etc. or take any more advanced pistol training that entails multiple strings of fire while working from the holster.

The WhiteHat rigs are the latest (or at least newer) trend in "hybrid" holsters using what was first made popular by Crossbreed holsters, and that's the scrap of leather and a piece of Kydex.

If you're liking the idea of that, there's a ton of makers out there offering that basic design but I think Crossbreed is probably one of the best, with the Comp-Tac Minotaur being of overall better quality:


Stock photo from Comp-Tac's website

The trend in design has picked up enough that even Galco has entered the hyprid market with the "King Tuck" which is a little cheaper than the Comp-Tac, but still a nice holster with a better piece of leather.

I know that Crossbreed has a two week try it guarantee and that if you don't like it you can return it. All I have to say is that in two weeks you should know if you like it or not, but be sure to try it on in the car.

Personally I find the Crossbreed and other thin backed holsters to pinch me but tons of others seem to like them.

As for durability, I've seen the kydex shells come of the leather backings and tear them.

For durability, it's hard to beat just a standard leather IWB with snap loops. I've yet to destroy one.

[ramman911]

I would recommend www.crossbreedholsters.com I use the super tuck deluxe

(picture from their website)



I have this but in black leather vs. brown.

I agree 100% with the above references to having a GOOD gun belt. It makes a world of difference in your carry experience. Have a bad belt and CCW sucks. All the constant adjusting becomes a severe pain in the butt, and pretty much advertises to the world you are packing.

[throddleman]

ceossbreed holster and a good gun belt , most people spend alot of your hard earned money on a quallity weapon Buy a good holster and belt. I carry a sig P226 all the time .

[tacticool88]

I also highly reccomend the cross breed super tuck. Right now I am using my shitty brand x holster (actually its awesome...lol) but I am waiting on the funds for a super tuck

[rtemp]

Well, here's my 2 cents worth. My vote is for for my ol' standby, Uncle Mikes. No leather, just plastic. Don't know if that's good or not. Adaptable to either left hand, or right hand. Just 2 screws to make the adaptation. Have used this for 8 or 9 years and the only complaint is that it sometimes is hard to get off your pants when it's time to take it off. Single point and works as well with a belt as no belt. I carry a SIG 226, which is fairly heavy, with no problem. Stays snug to the body, hides fairly well under a "T" shirt, but prefer an unbuttoned short sleeve shirt. Then, it hides real well. Secures the weapon quite well(I've never had it fall out). Not sure, but think it was in the $35 range when I bought it.