View Full Version : Best Conceal Holsters
hangglider
January 25, 2012, 09:24 AM
I'm interested in hearing the collective wisdom on ideal holsters for concealed carry. I'm NOT interested in spawning a debate on the relative merits of size/caliber of a gun--though placement is to some degree determined by the type of gun.
I'm especially interested in the following merits:
1) How inconspicuous it is (in some areas you can be arrested for a conspicuous carry--like under a t-shirt--even if you have a permit).
2) How easily/quickly it is accessed and drawn from.
3) Versatility--can it be positioned in more places than one and is it both weak side and strong side accessible.
4) How easy/quickly to *re-holster (*or simply holster for those insisting on absolute linguistic accuracy).
Thanks!:)
loose_holster_dan
January 25, 2012, 10:49 AM
This is the holster that i have found to meet all requirements except #4. since it is canted (many more pros than cons IMO), you can really only access it easily from strong side. i am an usher at my church, and people are always looking directly at me at waist level as i pass the offering plate as they sit. in the summer, i sometimes wear t-shirts with shorts (very casual service :D). i can bend and move, and no one has ever noticed. it is still very accessible and easy to reholster.
FIST 1AK (http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/1A.htm)
the link is for the leather version, but the part number i listed is for the kydex version. the kydex is much thinner, and holds its shape well for reholstering.
i use this holster for my walther pps, hk psp, glock 19, and keltec pf9. it really shines with the pps tho.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/hayj02/2011-10-26_22-01-49_681.jpg
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/hayj02/2011-10-26_22-01-13_741.jpg
Micahweeks
January 25, 2012, 11:00 AM
You might want to repost this in the Gear and Accessories forum. It'll probably get moved or closed on this side.
But, for concealment, it depends on the gun for me. I almost always carry a full size gun on my strong side. I'm a fan of the Galco "Avenger" style of holster because of the ease of reholstering. I don't use multi-position holsters often, but I had a three slot once that was nice. I think it was also a Galco.
ScotchMan
January 25, 2012, 11:16 AM
Crossbreed Supertuck
1) How inconspicuous it is (in some areas you can be arrested for a conspicuous carry--like under a t-shirt--even if you have a permit).
Very. One of the issues I found early on with holsters, is now I'm not just concealing the gun, but the holster too. I had a thick leather IWB holster and found that the holster itself was printing because it was so thick. The only part of the Supertuck that is adding thickness is two thin pieces of Kydex.
2) How easily/quickly it is accessed and drawn from.
I think this is going to be similar for most non-retention IWB holsters. With training, extremely fast.
3) Versatility--can it be positioned in more places than one and is it both weak side and strong side accessible.
Uses clips and can be places anywhere, although because it has such a wide, stable platform, it wouldn't really work on your sides (3 or 9 oclock). It is meant to be used at the common 4-5 oclock position.
4) How easy/quickly to *re-holster (*or simply holster for those insisting on absolute linguistic accuracy).
Kydex doesn't fold or change, so one-handed, rapid re-holstering is easy.
You forgot the most important aspect, which is how comfortable is it, and this is where the Supertuck really shines. Traditional holsters that are not much wider than the gun feel like a big lump digging into you. Not untolerable, but not awesome. The Supertuck spreads over a larger area, and has a large leather backing, so all you feel is some comforting pressure over 8-10".
There are other similarly designed holsters out there that I think would be just as good. The Galco Kingtuk, or the MTAC. If I was starting over I might get an MTAC just cause you can buy new Kydex shells and adapt the holster to any gun.
loose_holster_dan
January 25, 2012, 12:11 PM
I found the supertuck to be extremely uncomfortable, and it made a lot of noise when i walked.
hangglider
January 25, 2012, 01:11 PM
Nobody recommends a shoulder/underarm type? Just curious--thought they might be good under a vest/coat. I'm new to the holster market. I'll be doing some net searching for videos of stuff "in action."
ScotchMan
January 25, 2012, 02:13 PM
I found the supertuck to be extremely uncomfortable, and it made a lot of noise when i walked.
Huh. Holster choice is very personal, but this might be the first negative thing I've heard anywhere about them!
armoredman
January 25, 2012, 02:43 PM
I went through a LOT of holsters over the years, and the best I have found so far for CCW is this, the High Noon Down Under.http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Down_Under_Straps/_down_under_straps.html
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/High%20noon%20Gear/Phantominholster.jpg
Coupled with a High Noon Rock Steady gunbelt, it easily hides my full size CZ SP-01 Phantom under a t-shirt in AZ summer weather. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Belt_Holsters/Inside_The_Waistband/Magazine_Carriers/Pocket_Holsters/belts.html
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/High%20noon%20Gear/DownUndertwomonthslater.jpg
I do make one concession to t-shirt carry - I replace the 18 round magazine with a 16 round standard CZ75 mag. :)
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/CZ%20posters/Phantomwith16roundmag2.jpg
There you go, sir, hope that helps. Very comfortable, one handed re-holstering is no problem at all, only thing it doesn't do well is off side/weak side, with the cant. High Noon does make a similar holster called the Public Secret with no cant which could be used either side. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Public_Secret_Straps/public_secret_straps.html
TunnelRat
January 25, 2012, 03:07 PM
Nobody recommends a shoulder/underarm type? Just curious--thought they might be good under a vest/coat. I'm new to the holster market. I'll be doing some net searching for videos of stuff "in action."
While shoulder holsters are certainly "cool", they aren't overly practical IMO. You pretty much have to wear a cover garment over a regular shirt whereas with IWB carry I can just get by with a t shirt. Also seems like it would be harder to get to and extremely obvious if doing so.
To me the most important negative against shoulder holsters is that when you are drawing you are sweeping 90 degrees in front of you and to your side with your muzzle. Not as safe, again IMO.
dajowi
January 25, 2012, 03:42 PM
I'll give a shout out for shoulder rigs. I've had 1/2 dozen or so made by FIST. Galco, Uncle Mike's, Andrews Custom. Warn under a jacket, a vest or an over-sized Hawaiian or flannel shirt they can be comfortable to wear and easy to draw from.
hangglider
January 25, 2012, 04:40 PM
Thanks a bunch--keep them coming! This is helping me a lot. To further complicate matters--what's your recommended device for carrying spare mags? Also--any compelling negatives of a 0 degree cant (I'm guessing a little harder to draw)?
Erikbal
January 25, 2012, 05:09 PM
Quick question, anyone have any experience with theholdsterstore.com? I'm looking at a holdster they have made specifically for my 380. Here's the link. I think I'd get it with the body shield option and 15 forward cant. http://www.theholsterstore.net/product-info.php?Pro_Carry_HD_Kel_Tec_PF9-pid4105.html
Nathan
January 25, 2012, 05:15 PM
I prefer the pancake type, offset belt loop type and shoulder holster. While none can be moved per say, the shoulder and pancake type seem more comfortable for extended use. Other locations like appendix and sob aren't good with my lifestyle.
BarryLee
January 25, 2012, 05:25 PM
I have a Milt Sparks VM-2 that works very well carrying and concealing a SIG P220.
loose_holster_dan
January 25, 2012, 05:37 PM
Quote:
I found the supertuck to be extremely uncomfortable, and it made a lot of noise when i walked.
Huh. Holster choice is very personal, but this might be the first negative thing I've heard anywhere about them!
Actually i just remembered - it wasn't a supertuck. it was a desantis that looked just like the supertuck. maybe the supertuck is more comfortable and doesn't squeak when you walk. they look identical tho.
Spats McGee
January 25, 2012, 05:43 PM
I use an IWB that's very similar to the supertuck: http://theisholsters.com/
Either it or I needed a little breaking in, but I find it very comfortable now. Mine also has belt slots, so that I can remove the metal clips and use it as an OWB.
loose_holster_dan
January 25, 2012, 05:45 PM
IMO - less = more when it comes to holsters.
you want least amount of thickness possible on your holster. thick leather or plastic just makes your gun stick out more, making it easier to see. as long as the trigger section of the holster is molded and strong enough that you couldn't pull the trigger, you have yourself a safe holster. that's why i like thin kydex holster like the ones at FIST the best.
unless you have a very heavy gun (like full size steel), you don't need wide set loops or clips. for that matter, you don't need more than 1 clip for any compact that i have found. your belt holds most of the weight.
complex mechanisms like adjustable cant and "tuckable" style just make for a thicker, less stable holster. the adjustable cant models i have tried all make noise when i walk. with tuckable holsters, you lose the sturdiness provided by a good gun belt.
TunnelRat
January 25, 2012, 06:02 PM
unless you have a very heavy gun (like full size steel), you don't need wide set loops or clips. for that matter, you don't need more than 1 clip for any compact that i have found. your belt holds most of the weight.
complex mechanisms like adjustable cant and "tuckable" style just make for a thicker, less stable holster. the adjustable cant models i have tried all make noise when i walk. with tuckable holsters, you lose the sturdiness provided by a good gun belt.
It's awesome that we live in a country where there are products for every viewpoint. I disagree with quite a few of your points. But that's just my opinion, like the above is yours :).
NickN723
January 25, 2012, 06:30 PM
I use a remora holster and i love it. It is made of a grippy material so there is no clip and you can position it any way you want inside your waistband. I can use the same holster for strong side, small of the back, or cross draw. I think that the super-tuck style is probably more comfortable, but for the money and versatility its hard to beat the remora. plus you don't have any clips sticking out for people to ask about.
KC Rob
January 25, 2012, 07:27 PM
Spats McGee posted: I use an IWB that's very similar to the supertuck: http://theisholsters.com/
Nice link, good looking holster for a good price, I may have to place an order. Thanks!
BigJimP
January 25, 2012, 07:44 PM
Kramer leather ...is my holster of choice...
http://www.kramerleather.com/
Holds its shape very well ...so easy to "re-holster" with one hand.
Style ...Inside waist band / scabbard ....forward tilt or not ...is a personal issue...and it depends on the gun...( I might carry a gun like a small Sig 239 one way / a bigger 5" 1911 another way / a 4" revolver another way ...) ....and seasons matter, etc...
I like the FBI forward tilt ...and I only carry on my strong side.../ and in their holsters, I prefer horsehide ( but I have a number of them - for Sigs, 1911's revolvers, etc / and I've never been dissapointed in them) some IWB and some scabbards....
Mrgunsngear
January 25, 2012, 08:27 PM
I have several crossbreeds and several theis holsters. The theis holsters are just as good for $20-30 less depending on options. Tommy is always good about getting back to you if you have questions/issues as well. I'm not knocking crossbreed but I think the theis holsters are just as good.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMAG0585.jpg
Jammer Six
January 25, 2012, 11:13 PM
I'm firmly in the Milt Sparks camp, although I will admit that they have gone weird since I bought mine.
Jay24bal
January 25, 2012, 11:15 PM
I use a Crossbreed and love it. The clips allow for different carry height and even cant. I use it for my Sig p250, which is the widest handgun I own, and it remains perfectly comfortable and concealed.
devans0
January 25, 2012, 11:26 PM
My most comfortable are King Tucks and as of today, a Crossbreed pancake that is custom to my Glock 19/23 with Crimson Traces. The Crossbreed retains much better. I love the directions on how to adjust retention by using a heat gun, that came with the Crossbreed. Tomorrow, I will fix my King Tucks. I have worn my Crossbreed hiking all day and love its comfort.:)
iblong
January 26, 2012, 08:35 AM
I have more holsters tha I care to admit,most dont see the light of day.
Kydex,leather, and combo.While holsters are very subjective,Ive found in Kydex I like the RM low Rider and in leather after break in the UBG strieker.
The strieker I run the clips between my pants and the belt.
ScotchMan
January 26, 2012, 09:12 AM
Another thing I didn't mention before, make sure your holster is custom-formed to YOUR gun. None of this "Fulls-size guns with 4-4.5" barrels", find one that is for your exact make, model, caliber, and barrel length. It will make a difference.
I also have a Remora I use sometimes, it was my main holster for a time. For the money everyone should have them. I only use mine for short term IWB carry or pocket carry.
TunnelRat
January 26, 2012, 10:47 AM
Another thing I didn't mention before, make sure your holster is custom-formed to YOUR gun. None of this "Fulls-size guns with 4-4.5" barrels", find one that is for your exact make, model, caliber, and barrel length. It will make a difference.
I actually disagree with this, to a point. I have some soft Nylon holsters that are generic sizes, i.e. 3.5 - 4 in barrel, 4.5 - 5 in etc. I find they actually work pretty good and at like $10 they're hard to beat. Now they don't have great retention and they're not the most comfortable, but for something to throw on quick if I'm just walking the dogs or whatever they can be pretty handy. That and if you just got a new gun and aren't sure if you want to keep it, it can be a smart idea to have a generic holster so you don't have to fork over the bigger $ for a custom holster.
I do agree that if you are going to be carrying concealed for any duration of time a custom formed holster like the Supertuck can make a world of difference in comfort.
BigJimP
January 26, 2012, 02:21 PM
generic holsters - in general are junk ...
having one good specific model holster for a specific gun ...is worth every penny....
We all have budgets ...but for good holsters in the area of $ 100 - $ 150 ...are one of the least expensive things you'll buy in this pastime...look at the retail price of practice ammo ( at $ 15 for a box of 50 rds - at least !! ) ...and if you only shoot 20 boxes a year that's $ 300 a year....
Where a well made holster ...like Kramer or others ...will probably last you 20 yrs or more..../ depending on how you use it ...and salt, exposure to the elements, etc of course will affect that ...but if it fails, it can be rebuilt for a nominal fee ( like a good pair of boots) or any well made leather product... vs tennis shoes ( like most cheap holsters) that most of us throw away when they get a little ratty around the edges....
TunnelRat
January 26, 2012, 02:25 PM
generic holsters - in general are junk ...
I respectfully disagree. :) My "junk" has held up just fine, and serves a decent purpose. Like I said I do believe custom holsters are better, but generics have their purpose too. $100 is nothing to scoff at, especially considering it is tailor made for one gun and if you get rid of said gun the holster is relatively useless, the exception being a holster for a large glock holster still working for small glocks etc.
lyodbraun
January 26, 2012, 02:29 PM
WhieHat holsters they make some very fine holsters and you can replace the kydex with a new one and use different guns to carry very nice feature thats, what I bought, and love it so very comfortable use it for both my Glock23, and 27, also found the American Holster Company that makes a all leather IWB hybird style holster, and its fairly cheap at only $75 for the basic model...
DasGuy
January 26, 2012, 05:00 PM
I also have a White Hat holster for my 1911. I had to cut off the leather above the kydex so I could get a good grip; but besides that, it's been great. It's also nice that you can buy kydex shells for like $20 to carry a different gun rather than buying a whole other holster.
P97
January 26, 2012, 06:07 PM
Milt Sparks VM2HS is the best holsters I've found. That's all I use for Concealed Carry.
hangglider
January 26, 2012, 07:17 PM
Why this is a great forum! :)
Ruark
January 26, 2012, 07:44 PM
Don't get what "everybody else uses" or what is the "in" holster. Get what works for you. Myself, I carry my P238 with a simple $19.95 Tagua OWB holster. It's light and compact, and I forget I'm wearing it 5 minutes after I put it on. It disappears under a t-shirt, and I can draw and commence firing in under half a second.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w193/Osmigo/gun3.jpg
Jammer Six
January 26, 2012, 07:48 PM
Soft holsters that might or might not be "open" at the moment you holster aren't allowed in my classes.
You must have a leather holster, with a reinforced mouth that will always be ready for you to holster, one handed, while your eyes stay on the target.
I ended up with two Milt Sparks VMIIs.
I thought they were expensive, until I watched shooter after shooter fill the proverbial "box of holsters" with $29.95 "deals".
You can fall asleep in a VMII, (I have) and you can forget you're wearing it.
RickE
January 26, 2012, 07:48 PM
What pistol? Missing a big part piece of the puzzle here. And...Polufedaddy(?) is that holster actually part of your undergarments? Sorry, just kidding (I think).
TunnelRat
January 26, 2012, 09:18 PM
You must have a leather holster, with a reinforced mouth that will always be ready for you to holster, one handed, while your eyes stay on the target.
You can't have a kydex holster? That would also stay open.
Jammer Six
January 26, 2012, 09:21 PM
Kydex would be fine. I was trying to eliminate those nylon, "uncle mike's" soft bags.
:)
I should just say "rigid", shouldn't I?
The thing that finally convinced me to buy the VM IIs was that I realized that if I really didn't like them, I would be able to sell them overnight for 90% of what I paid for them.
Now I see that people buy Sparks and eBay them for 175% of what they paid for them. And Milt Sparks has gone truly weird in response-- his reaction (on his web page) is unprofessional, strange and indicative of stuff I don't want to think about. The right reaction would simply be to raise prices...
Anyway.
The guy makes great holsters, in spite of the kind of guy he is. Take advantage of that. :cool:
Why on earth would you carry in a kydex holster? They're designed for competition, not carry. The first holster I ever bought was kydex, and I think I still have the bruises from it.
Leather "gets to know you". Much more comfortable.
excelerater
January 27, 2012, 06:26 AM
i just bought a N8Tactical for my PCR
after watching this fat guys review.......
http://youtu.be/lMO3oYHKmOo
should be here today......
hangglider
January 27, 2012, 08:31 AM
That N8 looks like it may have issues with (re-)holstering especially with belt tight (might even be hard to get the gun out). I dunno. It looks like the main selling point is the soft padding--which should be easy enough to add.
Boncrayon
January 27, 2012, 10:11 AM
CrossBreed conceal holsters for sure. Leather pancake under beltline with custom formed molded grip. Virtually invisible under a t-shirt. Very comfortable.
Silent Bob
January 27, 2012, 10:45 AM
Milt Sparks Summer Special II, I carry a Government Model 1911 in mine and conceals very well under an untucked button down shirt.
Not sure how Milt Sparks "went weird" though.
cpt-t
January 27, 2012, 12:55 PM
I have tried a few and keep coming back to the FOBUS hollsters. They are made for each model gun. They are light,easy to put on and take off, they hold the gun very secure, quick to draw from and just as easy to reholster. I wear mine under a t-shirt is the summer time and it is not noticeable to any one yet. I have one of these holsters for all my CC guns from full size to min guns. You can wear the holster strong side or crossdraw when driving. They are priced very low compared to others. Do not get sweat soaked and stink. And I belive they will last for ever, I have had some of mine for several years and no problems at all.
Good luck on your choice. ken
JNad
January 27, 2012, 02:03 PM
I think a person needs multiple holsters. Some days you are more concerned about concealment than anything else, generally you want to know you can draw quickly, and it pretty much always needs to have some level of comfort or you just won't use it.
That said, these will also change with your body type.
For me, IWB carry is generally best.
When concealment is most important, a belly band is the way to go. They are completely flexible as far as placement, and pretty much make anything disappear under clothing (tucked or untucked). They do give up quite a bit in the realm of quick draw, and you can pretty much forget about reholstering easily.
A quality leather IWB, tuckable holster with a single clip is a great all around choice. Most have adjustable clips which make them useful for several carry postitions. They offer good concealment. When used with a GOOD BELT, they are quick to draw from, can be had with reiforced mouths to aid in reholstering, and are generally fairly comfortable. I find comfort increases with expense to some degree. The "one size fits all" tend to be less comfortable, the mass produced, but reasonably fitted to the gun holsters are better, and nothing is quite as good as a custom holster for comfort. (Desantis, Galco, Falco are all pretty good and rgrizzleleather.com is the best custom shop I know of).
The IWB tuckable leather holsters with two clips work best for me. These are super stable for the draw and reholstering. These are less versatile, but in addition to distributing weight and being more comfortable due to that, they also conceal better for me. The extra clip generally works to pull the grip frame closer to your body. In this case the larger holster hides better.
You can get these all over the place as well - custom makers and Crossbreed is one aclaimed maker of slightly more mass produced models.
I have also used a clipless style holster from Remora. These are a nice all around compromise. They are totally versatile. They can be carried in almost any position. They don't require a belt, so the range of clothing they can be worn with is wider. They conceal well and are very comfortable. They are easily drawn from and if you choose the reinforced mouth option they are easy to hoster back into as well. They are also quite affordable. They do not retain the gun as well as a more fitted holster so if that is an issue for your use - be aware of that fact.
Overall, I use everyone one of these options pretty regularly. You have to start somewhere and buy as your budget allows, but get as many holsters as you can afford across the spectrum. That makes you having a survival tool when you actually need it that much more likely. Good luck with your search.
Ralgha
January 27, 2012, 02:17 PM
I use a High Noon Sky High (http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Sky_High/_sky_high.html). I put it at about 4 o'clock and it basically disappears under an un-tucked t-shirt, and I'm a small guy. It's comfortable enough sitting in a car too, though the draw would be a little harder, but what isn't harder in a car?
Mrgunsngear
January 27, 2012, 02:59 PM
"And...Polufedaddy(?) is that holster actually part of your undergarments"
Not sure what you mean? Are you referring to the size?
Jammer Six
January 27, 2012, 03:06 PM
I train students never to change equipment.
lefteye
January 27, 2012, 06:33 PM
I'm firmly in the Milt Sparks camp, although I will admit that they have gone weird since I bought mine.
How has Milt Sparks "gone weird"?
TunnelRat
January 27, 2012, 08:16 PM
I train students never to change equipment.
I guess it's a shame then that we're not all your students?
RickE
January 29, 2012, 07:46 PM
Poulffedaddy, yes just the size. It looks as if it would be difficult to use. It covers such a large portion of the hip. Can you attach it in place with your pants on, or do you attach it first, and then put your pants on? Seriously, I'm not poking fun, just curious if it is labor intensive to use.
12GaugeShuggoth
January 29, 2012, 08:37 PM
Most of the time I'm wearing a Dual Carry Conceal holster from D.M. Bullard:
http://www.dmbullardleather.com/1429711.html
Been using it for close to 4 years now, still looks almost new. I really like being able to switch from IWB to OWB, and being able to adjust the depth that the gun rides. As with all things, the price seems to have gone up a bit; when I bought mine I believe it was $60.
Pukindog12
January 29, 2012, 09:26 PM
http://shieldedholsters.com/
I have two of them and find them to be comfortable, excellent holsters.
vvanders
January 29, 2012, 09:35 PM
I'm a big fan of the MTAC:
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6175/6176534451_7deb2a33de_z.jpg
I know more than a few other people who are happy with them as well.
hangglider
January 29, 2012, 09:45 PM
I read someplace that Kydex can melt at 160 degrees. Are softer nylon holsters in general a bad idea because of (re) holstering difficulty? What are the upsides/downsides of exposed muzzles? For an IWB, in general do you want a leather bodyguard against your body sized in such a way that it keeps the entire weapon from contacting your body?
Sorry to ask so many questions--but the responses have been great thus far so I hope you don't mind my "continuing education."
hangglider
January 29, 2012, 09:54 PM
That Bullard dual carry does look very nice and versatile! : )
TunnelRat
January 29, 2012, 11:31 PM
I read someplace that Kydex can melt at 160 degrees.
1. I seriously doubt this.
2. Where the hell are you hanging out that is 160 degrees? If it's 160 degrees, the temperature is my primary concern, not my holster.
NWCP
January 30, 2012, 06:26 AM
I prefer an IWB horsehide holster with a FBI froward cant. I recently picked up a Kramer #3 IWB for my HK45C and it works like a charm. Easy to conceal on my strong side, retains the pistol well and is easy to re-holster with. I always use a reinforced gun leather belt so the whole package works securely. I have yet to find a holster that works on both my strong and weak side.
excelerater
January 30, 2012, 06:46 AM
i just picked up a www.n82tactical.com,most confortable
40 bucks.......DEF worth a shot
Eagle Eye
February 6, 2012, 10:41 PM
The following link is a bit cleaner: www.n82tactical.com
Spats McGee
February 7, 2012, 11:30 AM
The following link is a bit cleaner: www.n82tactical.com
I really like the looks of that one. Bookmarked for future reference. Thanks.
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