Those Who carry...

Lars 1

Lars 1

Joined
Aug 30, 1999
Messages
27
I need your advice. I posted a photo of my first handgun (Springfield XD40) and I am now looking for a holster. I have found a handfull of companies making Kydex holsters for this weapon. I will be taking a CCW class this week and will get a permit soon. I need advice on what type of holster to get, IWB (in waist band) or out. I know it must be concealed, so IWB looks like the only option, unles I want to wear a jacket all the time (I don't). I see that I also have a decision to make as to the cant? angle. What exactly does this mean and what do y'all recommend? I realize that what I'm asking is based on personal preferance, but as I have never carried before any and all advice would be appreciated!
 
I think there's going to be some trial and error involved with holster selection. It comes down to what will be most comfortable for you to use, and what hides the pistol the best. IWB is a good bet for best concealment.
I know that someone will balk at my suggestion, but to start out, buy one of the Uncle Mike's Gun Mate slip holsters. It's an inexpensive generic IWB holster, and you can use it to get an idea of what angle works best for you. Uncle Mike's also makes inexpensive Kydex holsters for around $20. http://www.unclemikes.com/
 
...and "cant" refers to the angle that the holster sits when on your belt. A neutral cant allows that gun to ride straight up and down. A tilted or "FBI" cant, has the gun tipped so that the butt of the gun is forward and the muzzle is pointing backwards slightly.

Again, it is a personal thing. If you are going to be sitting a lot (car, desk), then a canted holster may be more comfortable. A canted holster also tends to pull the grip in tighter to the body and allow more concealment (less "printing").

Good luck. There are a ton of good holster makers out there. Lou Alessi and Tony Kramer make some of the better stuff. www.alessileather.com and www.miltsparks.com
 
A few points to consider-

The XD40 isn't a small gun, it's not huge but IWB will be, at least initially, somewhat uncomfortable and your pants may not fit. Kydex may not be the best IWB solution for the XD, leather or nylon will be more comfortable. For nylon, Uncle Mikes, Galco or Blackhawk have good solutions.

Galco, Eagle and Dillon Precision offer gun holster "fanny packs" that provide a decent solution for carrying a gun while wearing minimal clothing.

A quality belt holster is comfortable, secure, quick and relatively easily concealed with a vest, button down shirt or light jacket. The leather belt holster is typically the choice of professionals who wear large frame concealed guns daily as part of their jobs.

Kydex holsters make great belt holsters and are gaining popularity, check Blade Tech for the highest quality Kydex, avoid Fobus for serious applications. Others metioned here - Alessi, Kramer and Milt Sparks -make the best leather (or exotic horse, shark, etc) holsters around, but you will pay. Best to wait until you REALLY know what you want, experiment with less expensive options for awhile first. If you really decide IWB is where you want to go, those guys make among the finest available IWB rigs -from leather.

I think there's going to be some trial and error involved with holster selection

Truer words were never spoken...
 
I'm 5'4" and ~160lbs so, I'm not an overly large guy. I tried different holster and finally found the solution that worked for me and my Glock 20 (which makes your pistol look like a mousegun).

A Bianchi PDQ, Glock 20 and, a large T-shirt never failed me once in 3 years of CCW carry in Texas. This combination did not outline. It was comfortable to wear (make sure you have a damn good belt, no $20 Walmart imports here). The low cut front made it a dream to draw from. Seated in a car wearing a seatbelt, it would draw very smoothly. Try that with an IWB or SOB (I tried at ~$75 a pop :( ).

A double thickness quality leather belt helps a huge amount. I had a double thickness 1 3/4 inch import that worked okay when belted tight. I replaced it with a Bianchi B27 double thickness 1 3/4 inch cut on a curve so it wouldn't bunch up in back. Man, that was among the best $40 I have ever spent :D ! That belt and the Bianchi PDQ holster was the sweetest combination I ever found. I should note that this holster was developed for detectives (suit and tie cops) who may have to draw while seated or on the move. It really works!

There are other good belts and holsters out there. Don't cheap out. Save a little longer if you must to buy good gear the first time. I have personally found Binachi leather to be of the same or better quality to custom leather from known makers but, Bianchi is significantly cheaper and faster delivery (I found the Bianchi belt while waiting on a big name custom maker to make a belt for me at significantly more cost - quality was the same :confused: ).
 
If you go the IWB on a pistol, then you will need to re-think pants sellection. You will need to try on your pants with the holster. I use a Fobus paddle holster for my Glock 22 for fall, winter, spring carry. When the heat in NC is to hot for layers to cover my pistol, then I wear a Anderson enterprises fanny pack holster. I bought the blue and black model that looked just like a JanSport fanny pack that I had. I then removed the JanSport label and sewed it on the holster pack. People don't give it a second look now. It is a well made pack, and I was able to wear my full sized glock, and carry diapers and wipes while I was out with my baby. It also carried handcuffs, badge, and an extra magazine. Its a great tactical diaper bag. My only problem with the fanny pack thing is how silly people look with them. Mine works great though! Good luck. You will probably have to go threw the trial and error method of holster sellection.

Reagan
 
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