Holster help

Sturubu

Sturubu

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
784
Since it seems a good number of you know your way around handguns and carry options, I figure this is a perfect place to learn...

I'm in the market for a new holster. Up to this point I've just used a standard hang-off-the-belt pouch style, which has worked fine, but it seems like something more interesting is in order. About the only time my handgun leaves the house is while wandering around the woods, and I don't have a CCP (yet). I also don't plan on carrying around town, but it would be nice to have that option if I ever decide to change my mind.

Based on all the web expertise I can't decide whether IWB or OWB would better fit what I need, but looking at Ryan's webpage I'm drawn to the T&C and SDR models.

What are anyone's thoughts on a casual-carry application like this?
 
I like IWB, I have my CCP also. Several different types, Remora, alien gear, stealth gear, galco, King tuck, super tuck are just a few.

I have the remora RFT, and the carbon fiber carry. King tuck.

Buying a good belt is what you'll need to do also.
 
I almost always carry in a Texas Heritage by Tucker Gunleather, but that is more due to it being comfortable concealment. I have one of his pancake holsters and an HF3 if I am in the woods and not worried about concealment. Will have to take a look at the Grizzle site. Just googled my way there based on the post above and looks like some nice stuff.

Big "second the motion" on the belt comment by Krav.
 
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For out in the woods I think OWB is the way to go. For smaller guns I like pocket holsters. You have the right idea looking at Ryan's website, he makes heirloom quality holsters that will last a lifetime. It might help a little if you told us what model gun you are planning on carrying.
 
Wilsonhome said:
I almost always carry in a Texas Heritage by Tucker Gunleather, but that is more due to it being comfortable concealment. I have one of his pancake holsters and an HF3 if I am in the woods and not worried about concealment. Will have to take a look at the Grizzle site. Just googled my way there based on the post above and looks like some nice stuff.
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Ryan's holsters are very nice, I now have three of them. A proper belt is a must.
 
Yeah, I suppose the model would be helpful! I have a pair of Colt 1903's that I'm bringing back to life that seem like they deserve an appropriately classy holster. At some point I'll be getting one for a CZ 75, but that's a little further down the road. I figure I'd start with the Colt, even though it's an entirely different gun, and see what works.

Thanks for the input so far - especially belts...what makes a good belt aside from being rigid enough to handle the load?
 
I think that for a 1903 a pocket holster would be my choice. Just out of curiosity are they .32 or .380? As for the belt look for one that is rigid. I have one I picked up from an Amish fellow awhile ago.
 
Sturubu said:
Yeah, I suppose the model would be helpful! I have a pair of Colt 1903's that I'm bringing back to life that seem like they deserve an appropriately classy holster. At some point I'll be getting one for a CZ 75, but that's a little further down the road. I figure I'd start with the Colt, even though it's an entirely different gun, and see what works.

Thanks for the input so far - especially belts...what makes a good belt aside from being rigid enough to handle the load?
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I think the rigidness of two layers of leather are the main thing. I also like to have velcro sewn into the back, but that is for IWB purposes. If you want to get fancy, the belt can be made to match the holster.
 
JK Knives said:
I think that for a 1903 a pocket holster would be my choice. Just out of curiosity are they .32 or .380? As for the belt look for one that is rigid. I have one I picked up from an Amish fellow awhile ago.
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I was just looking at wikipedia since i am not familiar with the 1903 and had the same question. If not going with a pocket holster, i think i might suggest a nice pancake.
 
JK Knives said:
I think that for a 1903 a pocket holster would be my choice. Just out of curiosity are they .32 or .380? As for the belt look for one that is rigid. I have one I picked up from an Amish fellow awhile ago.
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They're both .32...some day I hope to find an old Colt in .380 though.

I considered a pocket holster, but usually have too much other crap my pockets whether needed or not and have enough trouble just getting my keys out. Hanging off my belt will mean relocating or getting rid of just a Leatherman and flashlight.
 
Personally I'm too fat for an IWB, so I prefer something like Ryan's Georgia Snap holster. I do have a Roy Baker pancake holster that's around 30 years old for my .45 that I also like a lot. If you don't have "love handles" (or as my granddaughters call them, "puppy rolls") an IWB would probably be fine for a slim gun like the 1903. I would really like to see a picture of them, a few issues back American Handgunner showed one that had been reworked by Novaks shop, sweet!
 
JK Knives said:
Personally I'm too fat for an IWB, so I prefer something like Ryan's Georgia Snap holster. I do have a Roy Baker pancake holster that's around 30 years old for my .45 that I also like a lot. If you don't have "love handles" (or as my granddaughters call them, "puppy rolls") an IWB would probably be fine for a slim gun like the 1903. I would really like to see a picture of them, a few issues back American Handgunner showed one that had been reworked by Novaks shop, sweet!
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I actually have the same problem John. I solve it by shifting carry slightly back behind the hip. That is pretty comfortable with either the solo carry or j frame and i am used to it now. A better solution would be to drop the weight i have put on over the last few years, but that may take a while.

I second the notion of pictures. Would love to see them.

I just saw the Georgia Snap on Ryan's site and that is a very nice looking holster.
 
Since love handles are inevitable for a lot of us out there, OWB or slightly behind the hip sounds like the long-term solution.

I will definitely get some pictures, but right now they're in their respective plastic baggies awaiting the next steps. I really need to work on taking the "before" pictures...my wife usually reminds me just after disassembly begins.
 
I personally prefer leather over kydex any day. Leather just forms to the body better and also forms to the gun better over time.

Heres my Southern Man holster for a Kimber Micro made by RGrizzle.
Wish I had better pictures of the gun actually being worn, but haven't got around to it.

I weigh around 250lbs. and the most comfortable position for me is around the " 5 o'clock " position. (3 o'clock being your right side and 9 o'clock being your left side.)





 
I kind of like that Southern Man, with the size and weight of the 1903 maybe that is more the way to go. Do you ever have any issue with the holster creeping around with only one loop?
 
Not really. That's the main reason I wanted the rough side of the leather facing outward. It kind of grips my underwear and pants to help hold it in place.

And you can adjust the 'cant' of the holster by turning the belt loop in the desired position.

Oh, and these pictures are BIGGER than the actual gun and holster. This whole setup is about the size of the palm of my hand.
 
First and foremost, check out Dave Ferry's holsters. He is a paid member here and goes by Horsewright. He's at http://www.horsewrightclothing.com.

Believe it or not, IWB is difficult for us rail-thin guys, too. I'm not as skinny as I used to be, but I just can't do anything that isn't on the belt. For trail rides or woods carry, the 1911 goes in a 1912 pistol belt and holster. The SP101 goes in a Dave Ferry OWB belt holster (mine has a flap). Once upon a time i was looking at a Simply Rugged "Silver Dollar" pancake holster for it, though, for concealed, if I ever did the CCW permit. Google them and see if they have something you like. They make one called the "Cuda" which will work for the 1903 according to their gun list.

But look at Dave's work, first. He carries a Russian TT in one of his, and that's a 1903 style. He's a first rate craftsman.

Here are my 1912 and Dave Ferry holsters.

IMG10310.jpg

IMG10312.jpg


Zieg
 
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