I tried a paddle holster for a few minutes last week with a heavy-azz Ruger MKIII .22 pistol and was absolutely amazed at how well it distributed the weight of such a heavy pistol! I could actually carry the gun on my shorts without a belt. While they're probably not the best for concealed carry, they certainly do a good job of distributing the weight.
Any comments or discussion?

I've got a FOBUS synthetic paddle holster for an M1911.

It's ok I guess, but I don't like carrying OWB, instead overwhelmingly preferring tucked IWB or pocket carry.

I've only used that holster a few times, mostly in the fall after I first got my Ohio CHL and was deciding how to carry. It seems relatively secure.

I love them. I have paddle holsters for all four of the semi-autos I have used as carry guns. You are right they aren't the best for concealment, but fall/winter/spring up here you are wearing a rain jacket and sweater so it's no big deal to layer your clothes so the gun is covered even with the jacket off. Up here an oversized, untucked flannel shirt over a t-shirt is practically a uniform. Even a 1076 carries fairly comfortably. You still need a good, solid belt though. Dressy clothes with a thin 1" belt means it's an airweight 38 in a pants pocket rather than a full-size auto on the hip.

I don't have a paddle holster for my Ruger MKII; haven't seen one to fit the 6-7/8" bull barrel version.

Eagle, that was exactly the gun that I was carrying, except it was the 6-7/8" fluted barrel. I believe it was a Galco...and it only enclosed the middle third of the gun.....screw tension retainment...worked perfectly.

For open carry they do the job, for CC I prefer IWB holsters.

They're okay if you do alot of canoeing, otherwise, a good pancake holster is a better bet.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

If I have to take off/on often then I like paddle holsters. I prefer Comp-tac to any other that I have used.

I'm a fan of the ~idea~ of paddle holsters. It's just that I've yet to find one that works well and doesn't hang out to the point of needing a "wide load" label across my back.

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Centennial Every Day

Just about all I use anymore.

Tell me about it, you may as well just hang a sign across your back with an arrow pointing to your sidearm.

The gun doesn't make me need a wide load label - my fat butt does that all by itself.

Seriously, I guess my build makes it more viable for me than others. I have very wide shoulders, and a long flannel shirt that hangs straight down doesn't show a "print" of the gun unless I bend sideways.

If I ever found a good leather paddle holster for full size 1911, I would buy it just to try. Got one for a model 36 snubbie and it is just so so.

I like them for the easy on easy off feature, they don't really conceal too well in the summertime, but under a sport coat, a flannel, or Carhart they work. I do like them for field carry.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Exactly. Summer wear is a J frame 38 in the pants pocket. The other 3 seasons it's more convenient for the on/off when I go into places that have "no guns" signs. Like the post office.

But it's so hard to find a syrup that doesn't totally obscure the taste of the leather.

Take a look at the MSP from Kramer. Without a question the MOST comfortable paddle holster you can buy and use. Not cheap however, I have 4 of them and think the world of them.
Randy

Thanks. I went to their website and noticed they have both horse and cow hide with a $20 difference between the two.

I will order one to see how it would work for me.

Any drawbacks that you find in them?

+1 on the Kramer MSP paddle in horse hide. It is the best of the best. Any holster Kramer makes in horse is superb. Bill

No drawbacks of any kind in my book. I have used them for all day carry and found them to be extremely comfortable. All of my Kramer's are horsehide.
You will NOT regret getting a Kramer! Let us know what you think after getting and using one.

Randy

The only caution regarding Kramer hoslters I would give is, in my experience, their molded holsters have been very tight. Have any of you experienced this?

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Centennial Every Day

I have quite a few. My favorites from Milt Sparks are no longe being made. Very secure platform and easy on/off. I love them for every day carry of either my Browning Hi Power or 1911.

Photoman44.

Every Kramer horse holster and mag carrier I have received in the past 18 years has fit perfectly right out of the bag with no break in needed and they stay that way. Last one I bought was in 2008. I have heard reports that they are being shipped with a tighter fit lately. Like many companies, things may change as the years go on. Bill

I have 3 and on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being great I would rate mine at - Uncle Mikes @ 4 for my 4003, Fobus @ 5 for my 3913, Sig branded model for my P232 @ 7. Not sure who makes that model for Sig - and should note that all are the hard plastic style and inexpensive and all require an extra notch tighten on the belt to stay secured. Overall, I'm not pleased with them but I get by. Maybe different brands would make a difference.

I really prefer my Galco and Don Hume leather belt slides but sometimes they just are to much effort. I have a couple of IWB's but don't really care for carrying that way from a comfort level.

Pete

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Don't tread on me

I like my Blackhawk Serpa Sportster level 2, for my MP45 4"

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Spo...r,1146,137.htm

If I deside I don't care for this config. I can change it to a belt type.

Okay, I have horsehide Kramer MSP paddle holsters for S&W 3' 13, Sig 229, 226, 220, 239, glock 19 series. they are all I use. I am 5'10'', 190 lbs, with a middle aged guy tummy. Under a jacket or an Aloha shirt, they conceal well enough. Just a T or Polo, and they print pretty bad.

Holsters by RGrizzle

Go to this sight and under the photo section, top row, are pictures of a paddle holster in horse. Ryan crafts extremely good holsters also in horse hide. Bill