Holster Options

Phil Elmore

Phil Elmore

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
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Apologies for the off-site link; this PDF file is the only version of this piece that I have. I've done a complete write-up on choosing from among various holster options:

Holster Options
 
Good article with the info nicely presented. Great photos and thank you for not showing a left handed holster worn MIB for a right hander as it violates one of the primary rules for a holster...never wear a holster that requires you to point the gun at yourself when drawing. Seeing as you posted this article here I am guessing you are looking for feedback. Most of what you said I agree with whole heartedly with just a couple exceptions.

"If you don't own it, ditch it's holster." I seldom will let a holster go, seems everytime I do I find myself either needing to replace it at some point or another family member will need one. Now this is not a problem with nylon holsters but I never buy them, the vast majority of my holsters are leather, many by custom makers and the pittance you get in cash or trade for used leather makes hanging on to it make more sense to me. A club member recently decided to hold a 1911 only match. Because of back problems I very rarely carry a 1911 but I dug through the holster bin and came up with a Plaxo World Speed Model that hasn't been on my belt in over 20 years. I did about 50 practice draws and the next day won the match. Another example is the Glock, I don't own one but have hung onto my Old El Paso Saddlery holster for a 17 and when I was talked into a Glock match I was able to use my own leather for it. I would hang onto good holsters unless you are getting over 50% of your money back out of it.

"A belt holster is also not the easiest holster system to conceal, if you must conceal your firearm." I disagree, I normally carry an N-Frame strong side and a D-Frame Colt weakside crossdraw and never have had a problem concealing them. I don't find the additional couple of inches below the belt line any harder to conceal than the grip that shows when using an IWB holster. In casual wear I simply wear shirts meant to be worn untucked such as polos and camp shirts, in dressier clothes I wear a jacket. Yes it is hot at times but I carry every single time I leave the house and have learned to dress to conceal, comfort is secondary to my safety and that of my family. One rule that must be followed tho you did mention, Mart-Mart cheapie belts will not support a belt holster. Your belt should be a heavy high quality leather version that fits the belt loops on the holster.

You also briefly mentioned crossdraw holsters. I would point out if you spend a lot of time in a car the crossdraw is one of the best as it offers ease of accessibility without being hampered by the seatbelt.

One last type which you didn't mention are deep concealment holsters. These would include belly bands and my favorite, the Kramer Confidant Shirt Holster (other's make this as well). This sleeveless t-shirt has a elastic holster sewn in in the same position as a shoulder holster. It works best with a light slim semi-auto such as the Kel-Tec PF-9. There have been times when I have had to travel through places that forbid me to carry a firearm for self-protection. I made the choice a long time ago that I would rather face charges of carrying illegally rather the dying or seeing a family member die. The Confidant Shirt Holster will pass even a close visual scrutiny and can only be detected with a pat down. (just don't wear it under a skin tight shirt...common sense) Don't break the law and that pat down search won't be a problem...lol.Again I do not recommend anyone carry in violation of the law but it is a personal decision each must make for themselves.

All in all a great article, and I know that to cover the issue completely would require a book...a thick one. Just thought I would throw out some feedback.
 
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Interesting article.

I must ask, tho......

How often do you carry? For how many years? What is your chosen carry gun? How do you carry it?

Just curious.

.
 
Every day, for roughly 15 years (I got my permit in the early 1990s and can't remember exactly what year; I'd have to dig the paper out). My favored guns include the Glock 19, the 1911, and the Beretta 92F, supplemented by various pocket pistols. I prefer IWB carry.
 
I've had my CCW in Montana for only a few months now, maybe six, and I have a few guns that I'd like to carry; I just don't have the holsters - so I need holsters...(hint)

Coming from California, legal concealed carry wasn't an option for me - yes, I have 'gun range' holsters, inexpensive nylon Uncle Mike's brand holsters for the most part, but need some good quality leather holsters now...

I've been buying (and trying) various leather holster options lately - Yaqui slide, belt, and IWB. I don't like Kydex or Nylon, so leather it'll be for me...I also don't like thumb breaks or retention straps.

So far, I've picked up nice leather IWB sheaths for a J frame Smith and a SIG 228 - I could use same in Hi-Power, 1911 full, P226, and P220. I'm not adverse to using a belt configuration or paddle sheath, and they don't need to be new (I'd prefer lightly used) - just good quality leather at a fair price.

If you guys can point me in the right diection, I'd appreciate it - and Phil, thanks again for the article. :thumbup:

Shel
 
Ahhh Melvin, I do believe you just missed the Western Montana gun show down in Missoula. It is usually quite big. Would have been a great place to have a tactile "look" at many holsters. There are always tables with bins of old leather you can find for cheap.
 
Thanks for the read Sharp Phil; I liked the basics covered for all the styles. Although you did skip the "off body" carry (I think), such as all the "man purses", real purses, fanny packs, little nylon day planners etc.

I liked your mentioning of the "falling on the ice" test for retention. Back before I knew better, a cheap nylon IWB holster without a retention strap held my pistol. I use the term held loosely as it made my shiny baby fall clunk to the pavement at a very embarassing moment, as I was inspecting a used car for purchase. Thankfully the car owner was not a sheeple.

I also appreciate the mention of the small of back carry risk. It is something everyone should consider. Even if you never fall, if you sit a lot during carry the unyielding metal can lead to back problems.

For criticism, to me (the non-pro writer) it seemed quite redundant and near silly to mention both Miami Vice and Don Johnson, not once, but twice. That show is about 20 years old. Most of the folks looking for concealed carry are too young to know what/who that even was. That criticism is offered respectfully.
 
well written phil, and you make some good and valid points.

other than what has been mentioned previously, i would like to add one point i did not see regarding ankle holsters.

in addition to the problems you mention, there is also a good enough probability that a firearm in an ankle rig will come out when jogging or running, that i refuse to wear such a system.

one coworker told me he was in foot pursuit of a suspect, only to see a revolver rolling on the ground in front of him.

thought 1: damn, the suspect just dumped a gun.

thought 2: damn, he has a gun just like mine.

thought 3: damn, my leg sure feels light.

thought 4: damn, i know why my leg feels light and why he has a gun just like mine.
 
Nice article. I've got a few questions...

Where do you live to warrant carrying every day? I'd imagine it getting uncomfortable sometimes.

Do you ever carry with the clip draw? I always though they were a novelty aftermarket accessory for Glocks (like the homie sights if you've seen them), and not an actual method of carrying a gun. Looks kinda dumb, in my opinion.

What kinda 1911 do you usually carry? I fancy Kimbers (I'd imagine Detonics being ideal for carrying though) myself. But it's not as if I've shot every 1911 there is.
 
the clip draw is certainly not much more than a gimmick. while it makes carry very convenient and draw relatively quick, its major drawback is it leaves the trigger exposed.

triggers can hang up on all sorts of items, belts, buckles, zippers, snaps, etc. the end result is a detonated round right near your crotch.
 
jeffreyliu838 said:
Nice article. I've got a few questions...
Where do you live to warrant carrying every day? I'd imagine it getting uncomfortable sometimes.
Click to expand...

I can't speak for Phil but I carry everyday and I live in a small town in the midwest. Sadly there is not a place in today's world that is free from crime and those who commit atrocities against others. I carry daily because I cannot predict the future, I don't know what days I will need to carry and what days I will be safe so I carry daily. It isn't uncomfortable at all, it is something that you get used to fairly quickly. I have been doing it long enough that if I don't wear them I feel like something is missing.

jeffreyliu838 said:
Nice article. I've got a few questions...
Do you ever carry with the clip draw? I always though they were a novelty aftermarket accessory for Glocks (like the homie sights if you've seen them), and not an actual method of carrying a gun. Looks kinda dumb, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I use a clip on a Kel_Tec P-11 and it works well. When I am home I tend to wear sweat pants or gym shorts around the house and the P-11 is my shove it in a pocket or waistband gun. I wouldn't recommend one for daily carry but it serves well for mowing, answering the door, taking out the trash, etc.
 
During hot summer days, there are times when all I wear out doors is a pair of shorts (no shirt). I can carry my Glock 19 and one extra mag in a "SmartCarry"/"Thunderwear", without printing. I've actually walked around the house (inside) in just a pair of boxers and my wife never realized I was carrying.

Yes... there is the fear of shooting the twig and berries... and slower access are negatives, but NOTHING I've ever seen is as "covert". I've actually modded mine to reduce these two negatives.

ON EDIT: My apologies Phil... Very good article. Thank you for posting it!
 
MORIMOTOM said:
well written phil, and you make some good and valid points.

other than what has been mentioned previously, i would like to add one point i did not see regarding ankle holsters.

in addition to the problems you mention, there is also a good enough probability that a firearm in an ankle rig will come out when jogging or running, that i refuse to wear such a system.

one coworker told me he was in foot pursuit of a suspect, only to see a revolver rolling on the ground in front of him.

thought 1: damn, the suspect just dumped a gun.

thought 2: damn, he has a gun just like mine.

thought 3: damn, my leg sure feels light.

thought 4: damn, i know why my leg feels light and why he has a gun just like mine.
Click to expand...
What model/maker did he wear?

A nice thing about ankle wear is if you drive a lot it is probably the second best way to body carry for car jacking defense. The downside is the stearing wheel can get in the way.
 
I live in fl (think HOT + HUMID!!). most of the time I use a pocket holster. high noon holsters makes one for my kahr pm9. I can wear just shorts and t shirt. you will never know I am carrying. easy to draw.
I have bigger guns that I carry but,
the best tool is the one you have when you need a tool!!
 
zenheretic said:
What model/maker did he wear?

A nice thing about ankle wear is if you drive a lot it is probably the second best way to body carry for car jacking defense. The downside is the stearing wheel can get in the way.
Click to expand...

want to say it was an uncle mikes version. it may be useful in a car, but i cant think of too many other good applications.

also, the retention system may get undone without the wearer knowing. with a belt or iwb holster, getting tactile feedback is fairly simple.

just not a fan.
 
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