The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Skunkworks > Gear and Accessories

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old November 29, 2013, 12:55 PM   #1
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
IWB holster choice, opinions welcomed.

This is a follow up to my previous post about holster choices. My first holster for my M&P Shield will be a IWB. I've done a lot of study on the internet and have it narrowed down. I thought I would ask about your opinions on these choices and how they stack up. Actually, I would probably be happy with either of these choices, but your opinion would be welcomed!
Galco King Tuk
Hidden Hybrid IWB Crossbreed
Nate 82 Professional
Nate 82 Original Tuckable

The Galco holster looks very well made, and is rather accessible and fairly priced. But not as many options as the Hidden Hybrid.

The Hidden Hybrid IWB Crossbreed looks VERY well made and comfortable. Clips can be removed to convert to belt carry, and it has an adjustment screw for tension control. Combat cut is nice too.

The two Nate 82 holsters mentioned look like a great option. Very comfortable to wear, and holds up well from what the comments I read say. The Original Tuckable has the stretch nylon holster that works very well. The improved Professional model has the polycarbonate holster body which holds the gun well. Everyone seems to like it but there are a couple concerns with the Professional version. Some don't like how you have to give the gun a slight twist to remove your gun from the polycarbonate holster body, which could be an issue in a moment of panic. Also, others claim the holster tension screw comes loose on the Pro series and is difficult to tighten the screw down because there is nothing to grab on the backside to tighten the screw down tight. But neither of these things are of great concern to users comments. Also, you don't get the Combat Cut with the Nate holster, but I don't know if that is really and issue to be concerned with.

Over all, which of these holsters would you prefer and why?
keithdog is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 06:04 PM   #2
baddarryl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 29, 2011
Location: Cape Fear!
Posts: 1,680
While not on your list you do mention Crossbreed so I will vouch at least for the quality. I have a SuperTuck for my Glock 19 that is well made and very comfortable. Hold the gun so well that it doesn't make a difference whether the holster is loaded or not. The feel and weight distribution is the same: negligible.
baddarryl is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 06:21 PM   #3
Cheapshooter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 2, 2007
Location: Missouri
Posts: 8,306
Theis Hibrid. http://theisholsters.com/products.php Excellent quality, adjustable, lower price than the most populat hibrid IWB, and delivery time has been in 6-8 days, not weeks like the other one.
I first got one for my KAHR CM 9. So comfortable, and convenient I ordered one for my Springfield XD40 Sub Compact. Even with the wider dimentions of the double stack Springer It is still very comfortable, Almost unnoticably so to me, and certainly to the unsuspecting public.
__________________
Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!
Cheapshooter is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 06:22 PM   #4
Kennydale
Member
 
Join Date: April 16, 2013
Location: Richmond/Rosenberg, TX
Posts: 50
I myself prefer the AIWB position. I like the Original better for me . It appears it would sit flatter against my body. I am not sure the cant would be a problem. I doubt there is any adjustment for cant one that model. I would send the Nate's a request to make it a zero cant. It just looks easier for what I would need, then the PRO model.
Kennydale is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 09:29 PM   #5
beeenbag
Member
 
Join Date: May 30, 2010
Posts: 61
I have been using comp tacs for a while and really like them, that said, I have a lobogunleather.com iwb holster on the way for my 3913, I felt it deserved a little class. So hopefully soon I can have more input about them. You should look at comp tac if you haven't already.
beeenbag is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 09:35 PM   #6
mljones
Junior Member
 
Join Date: July 16, 2009
Posts: 7
I just got a DeSantes Intruder hybrid IWB for my Glock 27 (as suggested by a friend) and I love the way it feels. The only other IWB holster I've had was the Galco Summer Comfort, which is OK, but the Intruder feels so much better... I liked mine so much that I ordered one for my dad for Christmas.
mljones is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 09:58 PM   #7
Mrgunsngear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
RKBA and Aegis are pretty much the only IWB holsters I buy these days. Both have quality on par with the big name holsters but the prices are much better.

I have reviews on my channel of both.
__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel
Mrgunsngear is offline  
Old November 29, 2013, 11:14 PM   #8
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
I forgot to mention that one of the things that attracts me to the N82 holsters is the single clip. While two clips spread the weight over a wider area and create a comfortable carry, the single clip of the N82 looks to me to be more convenient when putting on the holster.
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 09:07 AM   #9
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
Cheapshooter, could you tell me what the backside of the Theis holsters is like? Some holsters I've looked at have a very smooth backside which is still comfortable against bare skin, while others have a rough back side to help stabilize the holster but is rough on bare skin. The wedbite does not mention anything about the backside of their holsters.
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:01 PM   #10
GLI45
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 1, 2009
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 143
Not sure which Crossbreed you are referring to, but I would recommend the brand. I've been carrying a commander size 1911 in an IWB Crossbreed Super Tuck for several years. It's very comfortable. The wide spread on the clips distributes the weight of my 1911 and the leather backing forms well against the body and prevents the gun from digging into my side. The clips are adjustable for cant and depth. A number of holster makers offer similar styles, but I can only speak to the Crossbreed and it's been excellent.
__________________
STI-Eagle(2)/Trojan(2)/Edge/Guardian/VIP/Rogue/Ranger III/Sentinel/Tactical 4.0/Escort; Remington Rand-1911A1; Ruger Redhawk/Blackhawk; Sig P238
GLI45 is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:31 PM   #11
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
GL, I was just referring to the Crossbreed style as you have. I'm looking at other brands as well. I really like what I see from HiddenHybred Holosters.
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:33 PM   #12
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
Three of the holsters I am looking at. The first is the Theis holster, which they also make a single clip holster I like. The second is the Galco version which is readily available I've been told and fairly priced. The third holster is the Hiddden Hybrid brand with adjustable tension screws and optional OWB carry ability.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 2012-06-02155154.jpg (57.3 KB, 42 views)
File Type: jpg 294184_01_galco_king_tuk_holster_for_glo_640.jpg (28.6 KB, 45 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1191.jpg (184.4 KB, 47 views)
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:38 PM   #13
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
This is the N82 Professional model I am looking at. It has great reviews from everyone who has used it for comfort and holding the gun securely. Plus the single clip with a small S&W Shield would be convenient.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg th.jpg (11.9 KB, 48 views)
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:46 PM   #14
blackxpress
Member
 
Join Date: August 22, 2013
Posts: 17
I have a Comp-tac that I liked pretty well until I bought one of these:

http://www.stonerholsters.com/index....1301063a0d591d
blackxpress is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 12:53 PM   #15
Knightsofnee
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 1, 2013
Posts: 150
I have the Theis E-Z Clip holster for my Shield and I like it a lot. Mine is the horsehide version and it is very smooth on the back where it touches skin. The clip is wide to keep it from rocking back and forth on your belt.
Knightsofnee is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 01:31 PM   #16
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
Thanks Knightsofnee for the info on the backside of the Theis and the single clip design.
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 07:02 PM   #17
mfreem08
Member
 
Join Date: October 25, 2012
Posts: 55
Kdog
I have the N8 you posted a pic of for my PPS. I like it. It is very smooth on the backside. The release takes getting used to. I carry at 4 o'clock. Grab like you normally would & twist clockwise a bit. Make sure your belt is tight.
mfreem08 is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 07:58 PM   #18
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
Mfreem08, I sent an email to one of the Nates with a few questions. Will be interesting to see what he says. One of my questions was whether or not I can order one of the holsters with a combat cut.
keithdog is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 08:22 PM   #19
Cheapshooter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 2, 2007
Location: Missouri
Posts: 8,306
Quote:
Quote:
Cheapshooter, could you tell me what the backside of the Theis holsters is like?
Smooth finished leather. does not rub, or chafe. The metal hardware holding the Kydex part, and clips is exposed, and does rust if you take the holster off for an extended time in the summer. I think I read somewhere on his website, or maybe in the instructions he sent with the holster about painting the hardware, or covering it with a piece of felt. It doesn't really bother me, the rust is more like a slight tarnish, and rubs right off so I didn't bother covering the metal. The holster I have for the KAHR CM9 is the standard cow hide, while the one for the XD is horsehide which is as tough, or more so, but a bit thinner, and more flexible to conform with your body.
__________________
Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!
Cheapshooter is offline  
Old November 30, 2013, 08:37 PM   #20
ShootingNut
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 27, 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,475
I have two of these, and am very happy with them.
http://www.kholster.com/proddetail.php?prod=CR
ShootingNut is offline  
Old December 1, 2013, 10:49 AM   #21
dgludwig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 12, 2005
Location: North central Ohio
Posts: 7,486
Obviously, no iwb holster will ever be as comfortable as one worn on the outside but we carry inside for concealment reasons. With this in mind, I carry a SIG 220 Carry model relatively comfortably and relatively well-concealed with the Galco "King Tuk" iwb model. This is a well-made, affordable holster that I've been much pleased with.
__________________
ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED
...Aristotle
NRA Benefactor Life Member
dgludwig is offline  
Old December 1, 2013, 12:36 PM   #22
gotthegoods
Member
 
Join Date: September 11, 2011
Posts: 65
I EDC'd a CZ75B for 3 years with a N82 Tactical non-tuckable AIWB. I don't like tuckable holsters as a rule.

It is still my "go to" holster when I carry the 75B. After long term use, it is still in great condition which attests to the quality of material and construction.

Pros: good to excellent weapon retention and trigger is well protected, weapon is well protected from body moisture, weight well distributed throughout the large sweat shield which also holds it in place. Single clip makes for easy on on/off.

Cons: the pistol retention is a high quality elastic strap, so when the pistol is drawn, the throat of the holster collapses. I don't want to call re-holstering a task, but it is definitely a very conscious step as with any non-re-inforced top holster.

From their website, it looks like the professional model needs a bit of a break-in period.
gotthegoods is offline  
Old December 1, 2013, 05:25 PM   #23
keithdog
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 25, 2013
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 321
Pros: good to excellent weapon retention and trigger is well protected, weapon is well protected from body moisture, weight well distributed throughout the large sweat shield which also holds it in place. Single clip makes for easy on on/off.

gotthegoods, after wearing the N82 for 3 years, do you notice any odor developing in the sweat shield?
keithdog is offline  
Old December 1, 2013, 09:10 PM   #24
Cosmodragoon
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 18, 2013
Location: Northeastern US
Posts: 1,869
I have a Crossbreed. It is a cool concept and being adjustable is a big help. One thing you've probably heard is that these guys can be squeaky for a while and there are various ways to fix it. I didn't find it too much of an issue and it does die down over time. I have two minor issues that I haven't seen discussed though.

First, Crossbreed doesn't offer full muzzle coverage. I understand wanting to holster different barrel lengths but when you are selecting for a specific gun anyway, why not cover the muzzle? I've noticed that leaning against certain surfaces or bumping it just right can give the muzzle a push. It is exactly enough to dislodge the gun. It doesn't happen often but I could see it becoming a problem. Second, it opens the muzzle to fluff, fuzz, and worst of all; the hot, moist air that may be rising up from your personal areas. I know nobody want to talk about this but face it, an important job of a holster is to protect the gun from you. Moisture and the salt from sweat, especially in the warm environment created by your body, can be absolutely brutal on metals.

That brings me to the second issue, which is the leather backing. It covers most of the important stuff, performing the task mentioned above. However, it leaves the end of the magazine free against your flesh on many models. I've examined more than one used compact in great condition except for a spot of rust on the carry side at the bottom of the magazine. This could explain why...
Cosmodragoon is offline  
Old December 1, 2013, 09:11 PM   #25
Kevin_d77
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2012
Location: SW FL
Posts: 953
I have a Shield and use the Theis kydex with horsehide. Love it. I also have a Desantis Nemesis for pocket carry and a Galco Sto-N-Go that I wear occasionally as well. The Theis is a very nice option.

I have a N82 for my Tristar (CZ compact clone) and I am not in the least bit impressed with it. It is not a kydex shell as that is not an option for the pistol type. The cloth/spandex portion that holds the gun against the leather and where the clip mounts does not inspire confidence. Less than impressed.
Kevin_d77 is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.09254 seconds with 11 queries