Best holster for concealed carry

docprc2 · April 20, 2009, 09:25 PM

Expecting my license any day now. Looking into holster options, IWB or OWB, not sure which to consider or the issues in each. Any assistance would be helpful.

hoytinak · April 20, 2009, 09:28 PM

You're gonna have to try different types and find out what works best for you. My perfect conceal carry holster is the Milt Sparks VMII for IWB or a basic leather holster for pocket carry...I tried OWB and it wasn't for me.

Chuckusaret · April 20, 2009, 10:38 PM

Bought many holsters and settled with a cheap in price Uncle Mike's IWB. It fits me better than any of my holsters that cost up to $150. If you need a list of holster companies I have a listing of about a 100 dealers.

ComradeBurg · April 20, 2009, 11:13 PM

As stated already different people will find different holsters more comfortable then others. For me I use a Crossbreed Holsters Super Tuck IWB and it works great, for me.

Rinspeed · April 21, 2009, 05:10 AM

The Sparks Summer Special is one of my favorites.

txstang84 · April 21, 2009, 05:27 AM

I'm pretty fond of my Bianchi 6D ATB IWB...but that's what works for me. If you've got a big sporting good store, go try a few out.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=965936

P97 · April 21, 2009, 06:19 AM

I've tried a lot over the years, and the best that I've found for me is the Milt Sparks VM2HS.

Kreyzhorse · April 21, 2009, 06:40 AM

What gun are you planning on carrying?

Overall, I prefer OWB carry regardless of gun, but for me at least, a smaller gun works better IWB than would a larger gun.

I don't know that either IWB or OWB is better than the other and it's really a personal preference. I started carrying IWB but really found it uncomfortable and now carry OWB 99% of the time. I'd suggest buying a couple of different types of moderately priced holsters till you find a style you like and are comfortable with.

ATW525 · April 21, 2009, 07:34 AM

The best holster is very much a personal thing. Both your body type and the the gun you want to carry will factor into it.

So, I can't tell you what's best for you, but I can tell you what works for me:

A Ross Leather M17 IWB

It's by far the most comfortable holster I've found to carry a big autoloader IWB. I'm particularly fond of the single offset belt attachment. I find it's less bulky feeling than holsters that have the belt attachment directly over the gun and more comfortable than holsters that use dual offset belt attachments with one positioned on each side of the gun.

chris in va · April 21, 2009, 08:52 AM

Don't worry, you'll end up with a box full of holsters before you find one that works the best for you.

One thing though, I see you live in TX. I'd highly recommend you get something in IWB as you can't have it print and don't have an open carry allowance yet.

Brian Pfleuger · April 21, 2009, 09:04 AM

I like my Crossbreed Supertuck. It is admittedly the only one I've ever tried but I don't see the need for a whole box of others either, so I guess I got lucky the first time.... or I'm just not picky enough. Either way, it works for me, it's comfortable and it's not too expensive ($65 iirc).

hawkeb · April 21, 2009, 01:42 PM

Raven Concealment is my favorite. Good price and worth every penny.
I have carried an all steel full size 1911 with a TLR-1 light IWB with a Raven and it is very comfortable for me. There are also different attachments to carry it any way you would like. I am in the process of getting a few more for some of my other handguns. You should give them a look.

http://www.themalabarfront.com

PhoenixConflagration · April 21, 2009, 02:23 PM

+1 for the Crossbreed SuperTuck. Once I played with the the different clip heights, it conceals extremely well and is comfy, too.

SigfanTN · April 21, 2009, 10:13 PM

Agreed with the Crossbreed Supertuck. Like Peetza it is the first holster I tried (excepting a really cheap Uncle Mike's nylon), and it's the only one for my P239 that I need. It is perfect for concealment and comfortable carry.

It's not much for looks, but who cares for an IWB holster?

DarthTedd · April 22, 2009, 12:36 AM

This thread reminded me ... we definitely need more "rig" photos in real world use.

MBRinTN · April 22, 2009, 08:16 AM

I like Blade Tech holsters. It seems the latest trend, (No, I didn't say "Fad."), is the wide offset belt loops like on the Sparks VMII, etc. I carry on my side, about 3:30-4:00, and these holsters are big. The front loop is almost over my front pants pocket. For my style, I prefer the BT Nano, which does offset the loops, but keeps them on the holster body. In my mind the Nano, (about $55), is good balance of cost, comfort, and quality.

terrysc106 · April 22, 2009, 06:26 PM

Another +1 for the Crossbreed Super Tuck Deluxe, it was amazingly comfortable after about 10 minutes. It works well for me and my G23.

Moe Howard · April 22, 2009, 07:31 PM

I like certain holsters for certain guns, but I always have an OWB and an IWB for every gun. I prefer TT Gunleather for my IWB and for some of my belt holsters. I also use DeSantis thumbreak scabbards for several guns, they conceal very well for belt holsters. For every shooter you will get a different answer though.

sophijo · April 22, 2009, 07:41 PM

I like these two makers..belts and holster. Thats a good thing to keep in mind. The holster is half the rig. The belt the other.

Simply Rugged and DM Bullard

lefteye · April 22, 2009, 08:06 PM

I haven't purchased many holsters since I prefer to study the options until I'm very confident in my purchase decision. My favorite, so far, is a Milt Sparks 55BN (with the forward {FBI} cant for a 1911, 4" to 5".

Kyo · April 22, 2009, 10:25 PM

I went to simplyrugged.com after getting like 3 in a month. I actually tried the Bianchi 6D ATB IWB and it was uncomfortable when I sat down, I also felt like it was too high rise for an IWB...anyway, I picked up a Cuda model with the inside out straps, and I love it to death. I can sit on it and there is no rub, no discomfort, cause I am sitting on leather.
And the best part is 1 holster can be worn both ways! It has holes for the belt or the inside out straps. +1 for simply rugged. definitely drop the money for one.

Lost Sheep · April 22, 2009, 11:25 PM

docprc2,

It is very difficult to select a holster for someone when we do not know

Your size

The clothes which will conceal the gun

The gun to be carried

Also, how deep do you want to conceal? Is speed of presentation important or is surety of concealment tantamount?

Help us out, here, please.

Many people have more than one holster, even for the same gun. For different seasons (under winter clothes, or summer clothes, in business attire or casual, or whatever).

Lost Sheep

dmazur · April 22, 2009, 11:27 PM

I like Galco's quick slide. With a Commander, most jackets and untucked shirts cover the barrel.

It isn't hot enough in the PNW most of the time to worry about trying to conceal under a T-shirt. If I ever move somewhere with sunshine, I might have to try IWB again...

Oldjarhead · April 24, 2009, 10:03 AM

I see you are from Texas. So am I. As you know trying to carry a concealed weapon in the usually warm weather in Texas is a challenge. You did not mention the weapon, size or caliber, so I will tell you that for me, I usually carry my Glock m 23 or Colt Commander .45acp in a good quality fanny pack. Some folks might not like that, but in Texas with temps getting into the 90's and 100's six months out of the year, that suits me fine. You can carry a large or small weapon in a fanny pack in any weather. My two cents.

ramp_tech · April 24, 2009, 11:03 AM

It all depends on the size of the handgun.

It it ain't a full size, and you would like something with a maximum concealability and the ability to be agile, go with the Smart Carry.

If you don't feel comfortable with the idea, go with THIS.

Good luck! Carry Safe, Carry Smart!

April 20, 2009, 09:25 PM	#1
docprc2 Junior Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Best holster for concealed carry Expecting my license any day now. Looking into holster options, IWB or OWB, not sure which to consider or the issues in each. Any assistance would be helpful.

April 21, 2009, 05:27 AM	#6
txstang84 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2009 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 636	I'm pretty fond of my Bianchi 6D ATB IWB...but that's what works for me. If you've got a big sporting good store, go try a few out. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=965936 __________________ The best defense is a good offense

April 21, 2009, 06:19 AM	#7
P97 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2006 Location: Panama, Ok. Posts: 660	I've tried a lot over the years, and the best that I've found for me is the Milt Sparks VM2HS. __________________ Visit: Early Risers Coffee Shop Happy and Safe Shooting !!!

April 21, 2009, 06:40 AM	#8
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	What gun are you planning on carrying? Overall, I prefer OWB carry regardless of gun, but for me at least, a smaller gun works better IWB than would a larger gun. I don't know that either IWB or OWB is better than the other and it's really a personal preference. I started carrying IWB but really found it uncomfortable and now carry OWB 99% of the time. I'd suggest buying a couple of different types of moderately priced holsters till you find a style you like and are comfortable with. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

April 21, 2009, 09:04 AM	#11
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	I like my Crossbreed Supertuck. It is admittedly the only one I've ever tried but I don't see the need for a whole box of others either, so I guess I got lucky the first time.... or I'm just not picky enough. Either way, it works for me, it's comfortable and it's not too expensive ($65 iirc). __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

April 20, 2009, 09:28 PM	#2
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	You're gonna have to try different types and find out what works best for you. My perfect conceal carry holster is the Milt Sparks VMII for IWB or a basic leather holster for pocket carry...I tried OWB and it wasn't for me.

April 20, 2009, 10:38 PM	#3
Chuckusaret Junior member Join Date: December 5, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 708	Bought many holsters and settled with a cheap in price Uncle Mike's IWB. It fits me better than any of my holsters that cost up to $150. If you need a list of holster companies I have a listing of about a 100 dealers.

April 20, 2009, 11:13 PM	#4
ComradeBurg Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 60	As stated already different people will find different holsters more comfortable then others. For me I use a Crossbreed Holsters Super Tuck IWB and it works great, for me.

April 21, 2009, 05:10 AM	#5
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	The Sparks Summer Special is one of my favorites.

April 21, 2009, 07:34 AM	#9
ATW525 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 2,723	The best holster is very much a personal thing. Both your body type and the the gun you want to carry will factor into it. So, I can't tell you what's best for you, but I can tell you what works for me: A Ross Leather M17 IWB It's by far the most comfortable holster I've found to carry a big autoloader IWB. I'm particularly fond of the single offset belt attachment. I find it's less bulky feeling than holsters that have the belt attachment directly over the gun and more comfortable than holsters that use dual offset belt attachments with one positioned on each side of the gun.

April 21, 2009, 08:52 AM	#10
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Don't worry, you'll end up with a box full of holsters before you find one that works the best for you. One thing though, I see you live in TX. I'd highly recommend you get something in IWB as you can't have it print and don't have an open carry allowance yet.

April 21, 2009, 01:42 PM	#12
hawkeb Junior Member Join Date: February 16, 2008 Posts: 3	Raven Concealment is my favorite. Good price and worth every penny. I have carried an all steel full size 1911 with a TLR-1 light IWB with a Raven and it is very comfortable for me. There are also different attachments to carry it any way you would like. I am in the process of getting a few more for some of my other handguns. You should give them a look. http://www.themalabarfront.com

April 21, 2009, 02:23 PM	#13
PhoenixConflagration Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 517	+1 for the Crossbreed SuperTuck. Once I played with the the different clip heights, it conceals extremely well and is comfy, too. __________________ *There is nothing quite so dangerous as a pacifist, for they will readily sacrifice others* for their ideals.**

April 21, 2009, 10:13 PM	#14
SigfanTN Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2008 Posts: 183	Agreed with the Crossbreed Supertuck. Like Peetza it is the first holster I tried (excepting a really cheap Uncle Mike's nylon), and it's the only one for my P239 that I need. It is perfect for concealment and comfortable carry. It's not much for looks, but who cares for an IWB holster?

April 22, 2009, 12:36 AM	#15
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	This thread reminded me ... we definitely need more "rig" photos in real world use. __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

April 22, 2009, 08:16 AM	#16
MBRinTN Member Join Date: October 11, 2005 Posts: 91	I like Blade Tech holsters. It seems the latest trend, (No, I didn't say "Fad."), is the wide offset belt loops like on the Sparks VMII, etc. I carry on my side, about 3:30-4:00, and these holsters are big. The front loop is almost over my front pants pocket. For my style, I prefer the BT Nano, which does offset the loops, but keeps them on the holster body. In my mind the Nano, (about $55), is good balance of cost, comfort, and quality.

April 22, 2009, 06:26 PM	#17
terrysc106 Junior Member Join Date: January 31, 2009 Location: Simpsonville, SC Posts: 1	Another +1 for the Crossbreed Super Tuck Deluxe, it was amazingly comfortable after about 10 minutes. It works well for me and my G23.

April 22, 2009, 07:31 PM	#18
Moe Howard Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 690	I like certain holsters for certain guns, but I always have an OWB and an IWB for every gun. I prefer TT Gunleather for my IWB and for some of my belt holsters. I also use DeSantis thumbreak scabbards for several guns, they conceal very well for belt holsters. For every shooter you will get a different answer though.

April 22, 2009, 07:41 PM	#19
sophijo Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 666	holsters I like these two makers..belts and holster. Thats a good thing to keep in mind. The holster is half the rig. The belt the other. Simply Rugged and DM Bullard

April 22, 2009, 08:06 PM	#20
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	I haven't purchased many holsters since I prefer to study the options until I'm very confident in my purchase decision. My favorite, so far, is a Milt Sparks 55BN (with the forward {FBI} cant for a 1911, 4" to 5". __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member

April 22, 2009, 10:25 PM	#21
Kyo Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Posts: 897	I went to simplyrugged.com after getting like 3 in a month. I actually tried the Bianchi 6D ATB IWB and it was uncomfortable when I sat down, I also felt like it was too high rise for an IWB...anyway, I picked up a Cuda model with the inside out straps, and I love it to death. I can sit on it and there is no rub, no discomfort, cause I am sitting on leather. And the best part is 1 holster can be worn both ways! It has holes for the belt or the inside out straps. +1 for simply rugged. definitely drop the money for one.

April 22, 2009, 11:25 PM	#22
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	You ask the impossible docprc2, It is very difficult to select a holster for someone when we do not know Your size The clothes which will conceal the gun The gun to be carried Also, how deep do you want to conceal? Is speed of presentation important or is surety of concealment tantamount? Help us out, here, please. Many people have more than one holster, even for the same gun. For different seasons (under winter clothes, or summer clothes, in business attire or casual, or whatever). Lost Sheep Last edited by Lost Sheep; April 22, 2009 at 11:43 PM.

April 22, 2009, 11:27 PM	#23
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	I like Galco's quick slide. With a Commander, most jackets and untucked shirts cover the barrel. It isn't hot enough in the PNW most of the time to worry about trying to conceal under a T-shirt. If I ever move somewhere with sunshine, I might have to try IWB again... __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

April 24, 2009, 10:03 AM	#24
Oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2008 Posts: 508	Holster for carry I see you are from Texas. So am I. As you know trying to carry a concealed weapon in the usually warm weather in Texas is a challenge. You did not mention the weapon, size or caliber, so I will tell you that for me, I usually carry my Glock m 23 or Colt Commander .45acp in a good quality fanny pack. Some folks might not like that, but in Texas with temps getting into the 90's and 100's six months out of the year, that suits me fine. You can carry a large or small weapon in a fanny pack in any weather. My two cents.

April 24, 2009, 11:03 AM	#25
ramp_tech Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 251	It all depends on the size of the handgun. It it ain't a full size, and you would like something with a maximum concealability and the ability to be agile, go with the Smart Carry. If you don't feel comfortable with the idea, go with THIS. Good luck! Carry Safe, Carry Smart! __________________ National Rifle Association - Institute for Legislative Action YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE by making a contribution to NRA-ILA! Last edited by ramp_tech; April 24, 2009 at 11:19 AM.