IWB Holster - Recommendations needed

moshow9

moshow9

Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
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I am new to this area and could use a nudge in the right direction. From kydex, to leather, to hybrid (kydex and leather), to nylon, and from just the holster with hook to the bigger sized Crossbreed Super-tuck, I would really appreciate input and opinions on what everyone here owns, uses, and works or does not work for them.

Some of the names I have looked at are Crossbreed, Whitehateholsters, DeSantis. Another website made mention of Foxx Holsters, but a youtube video demonstrating the holster's complete lack of retention is something I would like to avoid. To be fair maybe it's tolerances were lacking in that individual unit and not representative of their entire line?

Edited to add: I think I would be leaning more towards appendix carry. It doesn't seem very comfortable sitting down (but conceal carry is meant to give you safety, not comfort), but from the one holster I tried off of a friend it seemed to print less and allow for quicker access (personal preference).
 
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Milt Sparks VM II is pretty much the top leather IWB holster, but you've got a 6-month wait.

For hybrids, I have found the Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC to be an excellent IWB holster system, and if don't need to buy a new holster if you change guns, just the plastic gun body. Their CTAC is also an excellent IWB holster, preferably for compact pistols.
 
Thank you CWL, I'll look into those first thing after work tomorrow. The Comp-Tac MTAC sounds very flexible being able to change the the body without purchasing a new, complete, holster.
 
I have tried many options then I got myself the kydex/leather holster made by whitehat holsters. When I had contacted them they did not make a holster for the model of handgun I owned (Kahr PM45). I ended up sending them the gun to make a mold, and they gave me any holster, in any combination I wanetd. Turnaround was very quick. I also had them remove extra leather that would normally have extended down lower than the barrel.

I have to say it is by far the most comfortable option I have tried. It also provides very easy and familiar (strong side hip) draw. As far as retention goes I wouldn't let those videos turn you off. If you have the holster in hand and turn it upside down and shake it with the gun in it, the gun will fall out, but when you are wearing the holster your body against the leather provides the retention desired. There is no way that gun is coming out unless I pull it out. It is perfect. Re-holstering is also very easy. I wear the holster with everything, outside of wearing an underarmor shirt and nothing else there is no printing or anything like that.

I have used the holster everyday for over a year now and have no complaints. I am sure any make of these types of holsters would provide a similarly good/practicle product. I like the fact that the whitehat version allows me to purchase separate kydex molds so I could easily switch the kydex and have another holster for a different gun. I have not used this feature, but with this style of carry I believe I could carry a much larger gun and concealment would not be an issue.

That's my 2 cents, and I have tried many styles of holsters before finding this one, and I will never use another holster. Also I got the "horsehide" model and it is holding up very well. I live in Minnesota so it is plenty humid during the summer and the horsehide appears un-affected by the moisture.

If you have any other questions I would be glad to share my input based on my experience.
 
Ive got a Bladetech Nano IWB holster. I cant offer much insight into the world of holsters, as its my only one, but i think it works pretty good for concealed carry.
 
Couple of options for my Shield and Kahr PM9. Both are great. The garrett's is leathr lined Kydex and has a lot of adjustment options. The PJ's is thinnre, lighter, and the fastest grab and go holster I have ever used.

http://garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/
http://pjholster.com/

BallerinavsQuarterback.jpg
 
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gnystrom said:
Couple of options for my Shield and Kahr PM9. Both are great. The garretta is leathr lined Kydex and has a lot of adjustment options. The PJ's is thinnre, lighter, and the fastest grab and go holster I have ever used.

http://garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/
http://pjholster.com/

BallerinavsQuarterback.jpg
Click to expand...

those look very nice. I carry a CW9, will that use the same holster as the PM9? sorry I think they are the same gun, with your pm9 being just an upgraded little nicer version. I could be wrong.
 
I carry a G17 every day and I use a Crossbreed Supertuck with Horsehide. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I have tried almost every style of holster out there and the Supertuck is the only truly comfortable one I have found that holds the gun well with good access. I am unsure of what gun you carry but I find that appendix carry with anything larger than a snubby, very uncomfortable.
 
You DON'T want to be the guy that has a drawer full of holsters that for one reason or another didn't meet their expectations.

Everyone who responds here will have a preference, probably more than one. You will see some common threads that may help you focus on what could work for you. Holsters are like systems..any system will work if the users work. Seen elsewhere concealed firearms are meant to provide comfort - not be comfortable.

So with all that.. what firearm, what clothing can you wear..any disabilities that MIGHT limit carry options such as mobility.

I'm an old, regular size guy - 6'2", 230 #..not a FLAT belly and over time I have learned that high and tight on a good gun belt[w/stiffener] just behind strong side hipbone works for me. Because I no longer have tin on my chest and don't plan on rolling around or grappling no active or passive retention is used. I carry a variety of firearms chamber loaded, safety off. Live in shorts and t-shirt country so lot of IWB with untucked oversize non-white short sleeve cotton shirt. Have learned that tight clothing is not a big man's friend when carrying concealed.

Here my 26, F.I.S.T. IWB thin kydex...have other holsters but NOT a drawer full that I never use.
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Best.
 
Whatever holster you buy, in addition, you should pick up a Remora clipless holster. A Remora holster will open up a multitude of carry options for when you're not wearing your primary holster—not that a Remora wouldn't be a good primary holster itself. Jam the holster into your pants at any angle and anywhere along your belt line, and the gun and holster will stay. It takes seconds to put on or remove. It also makes a great pocket holster for smaller guns. For the price, you should definitely get one. You may even want to get it before getting a good leather holster. It will allow to try out different locations and angles around your waist so you can decide your preferences before spending the big money on leather.

Supposedly, Remora holster even work with sweat pants.

http://remoraholsters.com/
 
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I've found theholsterstore.net to be great to work with, and reasonably priced. I've gotten an IWB and a pocket model. Both were modified versions of their own model. They were great about making them with the modifications I requested for no additional charge.

JT
 
I carry a Ruger SR9c or a H&K USPc in a Crossbreed Supertuck with horsehide daily. It is handsdown the most comfortable holster I have used (not that I've used a bunch, maybe 3 or so others). The gun practically disappears under a t-shirt. I prefer to carry around 4 o'clock and have no issues sitting, standing, or walking around. I've driven 4 plus hours while wearing it with no discomfort. I highly recommend it.
 
I use a High Noon Split Decision. IWB tuckable with a very solid clip. Its one of their cheaper holsters. They have nicer leather ones which I don't have. This one is good enough for me. Solid retention, rides right along my hip. It doesn't come molded for your gun but it does mold to it after time.

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trapper78 said:
those look very nice. I carry a CW9, will that use the same holster as the PM9? sorry I think they are the same gun, with your pm9 being just an upgraded little nicer version. I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

Sorry for the late response.
Correction: The Holster will fit the CM 9 & PM9. The CW series is a different size gun.
 
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moshow9 said:
I think I would be leaning more towards appendix carry. It doesn't seem very comfortable sitting down (but conceal carry is meant to give you safety, not comfort)
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Just a comment on this statement. Many experienced carriers will tell you comfort IS important. A gun does you no good if you don't have it on you and if your carry method is uncomfortable you are more likely to leave the gun at home.

I know lots of people use AIWB carry but if it isn't comfortable FOR YOU it might be wise to consider other options. With the right clothing and holster choices most people should be able to conceal even full size pistols without obvious printing.
 
moshow9, here is my holster;
http://www.fist-holsters.com/vm.htm...ypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=65&category_id=2

F.I.S.T. had changed their website so had to weasel through. I chose the split kydex loop because it allows more flexibility on holster position on belt plus the split design allows "locking in" the position using a pants belt loop between the loop legs. Probably not clear however a solid or wider loop would require you to place in front or or behind a pants belt loop while the split allows you to straddle a pants belt loop.

Long story short for a 26 carry works for me.

Best.
 
moshow9,
you mentioned in your post that you would prefer appendix carry. From My experience you would be better off with getting a specific holster made for appendix IWB.

In that regard I can recommend Fricke Holsters " ArchAngel", you will not be disappointed. Been carrying appendix IWB for a while and this position takes some getting used to, but it is the best way.
 
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