Have you ever run across a product and said, “Man, where have you been all my life? I could have used this for the last 25 years!” Well, that’s my feeling after two weeks of wearing the inexpensive no-clip IWB holster from Remora Concealment and Security Products.

Remora Concealment and Security Products

When I started carrying (about 25 years ago), I was a poor college student. I needed something that would allow me (a southpaw) to carry concealed safely and securely. What I got, though, were a succession of schlocky holsters that were either bulky or didn’t protect the gun or would fly out on the draw. And this only after long searching for left-handed holsters. If I were to run across a college kid today in that situation, I’d give a quick, easy referral to the $30 Remora no-clip IWB holster.

No clip?! Well, you have certainly seen the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, the one with the rubberized "grippy" outer surface designed to keep the holster in your pocket. I've had a few for years now - big problem with them is that the grippiness fades over time and the holster doesn't sit so well in the pocket. Anyhow, I've tried used the Nemesis holsters IWB on occasion. A belt holds them pretty firmly in place, and they add very little bulk. The problem is that the pocket-holster design of the Nemesis is not ideal for such use: it’s a little oversized, designed to release the gun quickly on the draw. Not the security you want for IWB.

Nemesis and handmade mag pouch with CZ RAMI




Turns out that I'm not the only one who's attempted this. The fellow who invented the Remora holster (promising name!) took the Nemesis-in-the-waistband idea and really improved on it. Little subtle improvements, like using an even grippier rubber coating, using a heavier liner, closing the bottom of the holster, fitting the holster better to the gun, and using grippy stuff on the binding over the seams (holds the gun in the holster better).
Remora holster below, DeSantis Nemesis above – note the grippy binding used on the Remora


And note the upgraded and more-structured lining of the Remora (L)


Exteriors are similar grippy stuff – Nemesis above, Remora below


Anyhow, I ordered one (obviously) for my CZ RAMI after reading about the Remora product, and my holster came two weeks ago yesterday. Lightning fast service: they had it across the country to me in two business days. (Remora’s owner, Alan Bogdan, threw in a free mag holder, too - a really well designed one - because I'd had a little delay in being able to pay for my holster since his site had been hacked – it’s totally fixed now.) I unpacked the holster, loaded in the gun and immediately went on a hike in the foothills. After two weeks of serious wearing it (in the rain, sweating on it on hikes including one up a mountain, at the range, among non-gunny people, doing yardwork and lifting), I think it's a winner. (If I were a retailer, I would carry this line.)







The Remora no-clip IWB holster is ambidextrous out of the box ( – no more searching for Southpaw holsters!). The rubber used is, if anything, a bit stickier than that on the DeSantis Nemesis. The Remora holster holds the gun in place. It’s suitable for a wide variety of IWB carry positions (cant and depth), according to user preference. It does not slip down or around (or at all) in the waistband. It releases the gun on the draw. It does not come out with the draw. It protects the gun from sweat and rain. And – thanks to the no-clip design – it accomplishes all of these things in as thin a package as is possible. Remora holsters are available for a very broad variety of handguns (see their site).

The Remora no-clip IWB holster works much better with a belt than without a belt (though I’ve worn it without a belt around the house and getting the mail and such). It does not allow for particularly rapid one-hand re-holstering. Not being a gun gamer, I'm not in a hurry to reholster. And I note that a whole lot of people seem to shoot themselves while undertaking such unnecessary (there’s rarely a real-world prize for being the first one to disarm himself) shenanigans. And this holster is a tool: I’m no longer a poor college student and am fortunate to be able to afford whatever I want – I note that some folks can make a bit of a fetish out of their gun and holster. That’s not my style: I just want something that works, and don’t take any real pride in owning fancy gear. On the contrary: I find that I worry about messing it up. This Remora holster is something that will get used.

This size of Remora also has proven to work great with my Walther PPS


Remora advertises a “Lifetime ‘No Questions Asked’ Warranty”. Judging from the really great service I got on ordering (which included several emails offering to take care of any hassles from the temporarily hacked website in any way convenient to me, as well as having Alan pay attention to what I was ordering the holster for and send me the correct holster for my gun and not the incorrect one that I’d oafishly ordered), I have great confidence that Remora will back this up. But, after two weeks of wearing the thing pretty heavily, I doubt replacement will be necessary.

The Remora mag pouch deserves some praise as well: it holds the double-stack magazine upright in the pocket. The magazine does not shift around and it does not slide out of the pouch during rough movement. The pouch allows the magazine to be drawn but remains in the pocket itself. Absolutely worth the money.

In all seriousness: Remora, where have you been all my life?!

Great review, Erich; seems like a great product, too.

In fact, just tried to order one for my M60 but their website is whacked. Sent them an e-mail...will advise further.

Thanks, Erich.

Be safe.

As the sole heir to my father's metal clip factory...I take umbrage to this entire thread!

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

How many times do we have to go over this, Sip? Those are magazines . . .

Got an e-mail from Alan at Remora last night. Opened it this morning and subsequently was successful in placing an order. Will keep all apprised; look forward to the same positive experience as Erich.

Be safe.

PS:

J-frames use the "Series 8" model.

I bought three of these a while back for 642's. They do work well but, for appendix IWB, I prefer my Kramer IWB clip.

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Centennial Every Day

Received my Remora in the mail yesterday. Five (5) days from date of order and that's counting Sunday and Labor Day. Swift service.

Now for my review...

My first impression was that the holster did not seem fitted for the j-frame. In my case, a M60. The area between the trigger guard and the barrel was not tailored to the gun. As I got the holster late yesterday afternoon I was not going to wear it then so I just stuck the 60 in it. Was a bit surprised how snugly it fit despite the lack of specific stitching. Anyway, laid it on the nightstand and forgot about it for the evening.

This morning I donned a pair of shorts and a UA polo and set off to meet some folks for coffee. That involved a 4 mile walk that includes some hilly sections. Of course, I wanted to try the Remora so stuck it in my shorts, strong side, approximately 3:30. Off I went but must admit I did check the security of the rig more times than I have ever checked a holster.

Got to town and sat with my peops for a bit and caught a ride home. I then hit a bucket of balls whilst still wearing the Remora. No, I don't play golf with a gun; this was a continuation of the test. I am now sitting on the deck with the gun/Remora still in the very spot where I placed it some four (4) hours ago. It has not budged despite some rather strenuous and kinetic activities.

I am more than pleased and will update a bit later as I plan to wear the rig whilst I continue my activities today.

Be safe.

Actually wore the Remora whilst toting my M60 for about fifteen (15!) hours yesterday. That is no lie.

It remained very comfortable, and I somehow became secure that it was, in fact, secure.

I think it may have moved upwards about 1/8" throughout the long day but am not certain so will monitor that closely. For the record, it was still securely "attached."

Another element I will monitor is the position of my gun whilst in the Remora. It seemed to be a bit more upright than that to which I am accustomed; might be a function of how I positioned it as I was conscious about lining up the top of the holster with my waistband.

The Remora is somewhat smaller than my other IWB's and noticeably lighter. The gun also sits down in the holster. I like that; some may not.

I am fascinated by the design and usefulness of the Remora. More later in case anyone actually cares about my review. No, I am not on their payroll.

Be safe.

A bit more of my rather unscientific review/findings...

Donned the Remora and my M60 yesterday morning circa 0530 and headed to a golf course where I was holding a golf tournament to benefit my all time favorite sports team.

Began playing at 0800 and wore a gun for the first time in recent memory whilst actually playing an entire round of golf. This time I wore shorts and a camp shirt...untucked, of course.

Round lasted 5 hours (wow!) and then held forth with my MC duties at the luncheon/auction/raffle. Drinks and dinner with friends later in the afternoon and evening and back to the hotel approximately 2030.

The Remora did move (upwards) approximately 1/8" over the course of my day. It did remain secure, however.

My verdict: The Remora is very safe and practical for daily carry with a j-frame. It is ultra-concealable and extremely comfortable. When worn with a shirt tucked or untucked, it is invisible.

I highly recommend the Remora IWB holster.

That is all.

Be safe.

I'm wondering....how well does it stay in place while tucked? If the rubber is sticking to the tucked shirt and the shirt is free to move against the pants, will the holster position change?

As noted, I have worn the Remora for lengthy periods of time with both a tucked and an untucked shirt. It does seem to move upwards very slightly over the course of a long day but never to a degree where it became unsecure.

Be safe.

Sounds interesting. I would love to see how the rig performs worn ACD with a j frame snubbie.

(emphasis added)

ACD?

Don't recognize that acronym. Please define.

Be safe.

The Remora is much higher quality than any Uncle Mike's rig I have experienced. Just checked, too; all my IWB's have "wrinkles," sweat stains ('cept the Remora...too new!), and other signs of use.

All of my holsters...and guns, for that matter...show signs of use. Nary a closet queen among them.

Be safe.

ACD=Appendix Cross Draw

.

Thanks.

Don't think it would work well that way. As I noted previously, the holster sits a bit more upright and the gun rides a bit lower in the holster.

'Course, I am not a fan of crossdraw and might be prejudiced.

Be safe.

I bought one for the J Frame - the Series 8. I wanted an AIWB holster for my left hand (I'm right handed).

It works well, but has too large a footprint IMO for the J. It's not made specifically for the J - but made also to fit up to 3 3/4" semi's. Maybe I should have ordered the Series 8C - which is shorter.

If they made one specifically for the J with a small footprint, I would buy it. I took scissors to mine.

Mine also works well as a pocket holster for my J.

I have a very similar holster in another brand, Stealth. It holds my j frame very well in my pocket and also happens to fit my G36 extremely well-use it for IWB.
Really like it!

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Nearly Normal Mike, NRA Lifer

Excellent review, guys.
Thanks.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I wanted to ask this question for the past couple of days, but frankly I was sure I was missing something.

Some mention wearing this holster "tucked." In my limited experience with holsters that can be tucked, they have a clip that attaches to the belt to hold the holster, and a slot behind them to stick the shirt in-hence the tucked shirt over the gun and holster.

This holster is, in appearance, like the Nemesis. I tried to "tuck" my Nemesis, but found I'd need a third hand to pull up my pants, hold the holster in place and neatly tuck my shirt.

I can jam my shirt down, trying to hold the holster with the inside of my elbow, but I prefer a neatly tucked shirt that blouses evenly around the waist and can't quite figure out how to do it without asking my wife for help and forfeiting my man card.

I also found that getting the holster to stay exactly where I wanted it while doing all these gyrations didn't work.

How is it done?

Bob

If you put a belt clip on it, it should solve the problem.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Sip-I knew I had missed something. Thanks.

Bob

This has been an entertaining thread

Last Friday, I received two Remoras for my XDm .45, one with stiffener, one without, as well as a mag pouch. I've been trying them out for the past few days, and thought I'd report. I first donned the holster with the stiffener over the weekend, and wore it around my little 3 1/2 acre patch of Hell off and on, while doing the usual weekend duties. I knew that the big XDm would be an acid test of the design, and I wanted a cheap IWB to try out while I'm waiting on my $150 IWB from Pure Kustom.

The first thing I noticed is that donning is a little tricky, because the holster is so sticky. It also takes a little getting used to from the perspective of the absence of any belt straps. It felt a bit insecure until I realized it would stay put.

What is really cool is the infinite adjustability. With no straps or clips, it can be set to any angle or depth in the waistband, to get a "just so" feel and best concealability. While it has a slight tendency to creep upward with strenuous activity or from being seated, it doesn't move much. I was never in fear of it coming out of my waistband altogether.

Yesterday, I had to drive to Midland for a hearing in Bankruptcy Court. I knew I'd be going through security, and I wanted a chance to try the rig on a fairly long (120 miles) drive. I also wore the mag pouch. Both worked great, which surprised me, since I've never been able to wear an IWB mag pouch on my left side before; too much pressure on a sensitive nerve. Again, the infinite adjustability paid off. The magazine did creep up a little within the pouch, due to its taper and slick finish, but it didn't go far. Removal of both to enter the federal building was simple, although they tend to try to untuck one's shirt. Re-donning inside my pickup when I left required some contortions, challenging my stiff, old body, but I got it done.

The setup is certainly not as concealable as my little Ultra Aegis in a Brommeland Max-Con V, but under a suit coat or sport coat, there is no printing unless I bend. I won't be able to carry under an untucked t-shirt, but that is due to the excessive height of the gun's grip, not the holster.

I've not yet worn the holster without the stiffener, but I'm using it to hold the gun in place under my fold-down arm rest/console in my pickup, for when I'm carrying something else on-body. Stays put well.

Overall, for a $30 holster, I think these are mighty hard to beat. I have so far been pleasantly surprised. And Alan, the Remora proprietor, is a prince of a guy with whom to deal.

Quick follow-up on this thread:

I, too, purchased a couple of remora holsters: one for my j-frames (S&W 640 and S&W 340PD) and one for my BG380. I was skeptical about how well they would work for me (e.g., would they really "stay put" without a clip?) but the excellent reports here convinced me to take a chance.

I tell you what, I am really glad I took that chance. These are, by far, the best and most comfortable IWB holsters that I have tried. They are very secure, even in loose fit clothing. In fact, the real test for me was whether they would stay in place when I am wearing loose-fitting lounge pants. The answer is unequivocally affirmative. Even with the drawstring untied, the holsters stay in place. It's really quite astounding, when you think about it.

Interestingly, it is not so much that the holsters are "sticky", per se. They just have a very high friction coefficient. So, any pressure (such as from one's waist band) locks them against your skin. I've worn both of the holsters for a dozen hours or more a day, with no holster slippage, no signs of skin irritation, and no other problems or complications. In addition, the holsters appear to be effectively 100% sweatproof, and the rubber material of which the exterior is composed extends from top to bottom so that there are no sweat-soaking seams pressed against the metal of the pistol.

My only issue -- and it is a very small issue -- is that I hope that Remora begins to offer more variation in the sizes of the holsters. The holster for my j-frames works perfectly for my S&W 640 (2.125" barrel), but it is just a hair deeper than I would like it to be for my S&W 340PD (1.875" barrel). It does work just fine for my 340PD. I'm wearing it now, as a matter of fact. But, getting a grip on the revolver during draw doesn't come quite as easily as it does with the 640, which extends out of the holster just a hair more than does the shorter 340PD. To be clear, though, the holster works fine for either revolver, and I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it if I hadn't owned two revolvers that vary in length by just one-quarter of an inch.

At any rate, I cannot recommend these holsters strongly enough. They are fantastic! In addition, I, too, can report that the owner of the company (Alan) is a great guy. I had some complications with my order, and Alan solved them quickly and easily. Not only would I not hesitate to purchase additional holsters from Alan, in fact I *will* be ordering additional holsters.

I'm glad yours works for you - I use the heck out of mine. BTW, I've got one of Remora's new holsters that allow one-hand holstering - it works better for that than the Milt Sparks I have. Excellent engineering . . . and I love the price. Once again, I wish these had been around when I started carrying - would have saved me a lot of money getting a product that worked for me the first time.

Agreed. Although my CPL is less than one year old, I still have managed to acquire several hundred dollars worth of fancy leather concealment holsters. Some I'll keep (e.g., my Lobo Enhanced Pancake), and some I'll be selling here on the Forum because I can't imagine using them now that I have these Remora holsters.

I have purchased 3 of them based on this thread, and I am very very happy with them.
I have one that my N frames fit in...and I have worn 4 inch N frames (22-4 and 58) all day IWB and those holsters really work. I also have my 49 in one, either inside the pocket or inside the waistband with equal success.
All three of mine have the reinforced opening which REALLY adds to the reholstering ability of these inexpensive but effective holsters.
Other posters are right. It takes a few times to understand that you need to set these holsters right where you want them the first time, cause once you tighten your belt, it ain't moving. It might slip JUST a bit by the end of the day, but it certainly sticks where you want it.
Simply put, these are GREAT holsters for a great price. And Alan with Remora is easy to deal with, a super fast shipper. There is nothing to loose by givin' them a try.

Glad others like their Remora's, too.

Hadn't worn mine for a spell but wore it all day yesterday. Started with a 45 minute drive to a lacrosse game at 0800; back to my hotel for a couple minutes...then off on foot for about a mile walk to a football game with tailgating commencing at noon. Was on my feet and very active for the majority of the day 'til I called it quits at 2300. Walked back to the hotel and took off the Remora.

All told, I wore it for 15 hours; it moved nary a bit! Oh, so comfortable, too.

Be safe.

Wanted to update this: Alan sent me one of his RFT (reinforced top - allows for one-hand reholstering) holsters for my Ruger P90. I've given it a pretty serious workout for about a month, and I think it's pretty amazing.

The New Remora "RFT" Reinforced Top Holsters (note the 22 models presently made - no "one size fits all" mentality here)

The RFT is a regular Remora clipless IWB, but with some sort of internal stiffening band that holds the mouth of the holster open to receive the gun. I was pretty skeptical, since I figured there either would not be enough tension to hold the gun in the holster or else it would not be strong enough to hold the holster open sufficiently. Another concern I had was that the open-mouth holster would add to the thickness of the carry rig and diminish concealability.

As you may recall from the initial post on this thread, I don't feel a personal need to reholster one-handed in a hurry. I'm no gun-gamer and it's my educated opinion that a whole lot of the rushed holstering one sees in so much training is no less silly (and a heck of a lot more dangerous - this is where those Walter Mittys tend to put led into their own legs) than the fat guy I just saw waddling down the street in Royal Robbins pants, 5.11 boots, and a Shoot-Me-First vest.

However, not everyone agrees with me, and I've seen a lot of "How do you holster it?" concern on the various forums where I've mentioned my happiness with the original Remora design. And, I have to admit, it's not a bad thing to be able to one-hand holster a gun: I can even think of a couple of (reasonably implausible, in my life) situations in which it might be a good thing to be able to do. So, I certainly understand why Alan engineered and has brought the RFT to market.

So, like I said, I got one of these for my Ruger P90. The P90 is a pig. Friend Mas refers to it as the "AK47 of .45s", and I suspect he's talking about the bulk of the thing as well as its reliability. Frankly, the thickness of the gun puts it right about at the limit of what I like to carry IWB (appendix, of course - hat-tip to Gabe Suarez). The slide's not too bad, but the frame runs about 1.3" where it counts - I'm pretty trim, but this can get to be uncomfortable with the wrong holster.

Which is why I was interested in trying the Remora. As noted above, the RFT's open-mouth design gave me some concern. In over a month of wearing the thing, I've found that the RFT is engineered perfectly well, and - in fact - I'd prefer this holster over the regular Remora model, just for the slight added benefit of the option of one-hand holstering.

So. What did I do with the P90/RFT combo over that test period? Housework - cooking, cleaning, laundry. Sitting around reading and watching TV. Completely cleaning and re-arranging the garage. Driving for hours on the interstate. Running errands, in and out and in and out and in and out of the car. Major yardwork - chopping and hauling brush. Going out to dinner. Going to the range. Going to church, dressed nice. Playing with kids: board games on the floor and running around the yard. Attending charity board meetings. Going shopping. Getting in and out of all manner of vehicles. And I climbed halfway up the mountain behind the house a couple of times, clambering over rocks on all fours, jumping down, stepping up - real physical.

Through all of this (as with the regular Remora), the RFT never moved - so long as I had my belt properly tightened. I was able to run to the mailbox with the RFT/P90 combo stuffed in my beltless shorts, but I wouldn't consider it secure without some sort of pressure from a belt wedging the sticky holster between me and my pants. (This was not an issue with my PPS - which I now carry in nothing other than the Remora - but that gun is a lot lighter. Even with the additional sticky surface to add friction to the larger RFT holster for the P90, the weight of the gun and all those heavy .45 rounds on board can cause an unbelted holster to shift in the waistband with moderate activity.) Of course, I'd not recommend anyone carry a gun IWB without a belt, but I wanted to note that the RFT cannot magically negate the mass of a large gun - as I said, run to the mailbox without a belt, fine, just always use a belt to secure the holster when carrying for real.

I have to tell you, the second clamber up the mountain over the rocks (this past Saturday) really was a workout. I was trying to shake the thing loose, lunging and jumping from rock to rock. No go - the RFT really held the P90 solidly against my abdomen.

Now, the re-holsterability. It works. It sort of amazes me, because I never would have even tried to engineer something like this. (Alan's good at this stuff! ) I own two Milt Sparks holsters. The Remora RFT allows much easier one-handed holstering than they do (though it's not as pretty by a factor of about a hundred ) with the same level of carry security - for a heck of a lot less money.

Here's the really amazing part: the holster is not bulkier than the non-RFT Remora. When the holster is inserted into the pant, the internal stiffening band curls within the pant but does not flare out. When the gun is removed, the band provides sufficient outward push to keep the mouth of the holster open. Even with the belt tight. Reholstering is as simple as sliding the gun easily into the mouth of the holster; once the gun is seated, the internal friction of the holster and the pressure from the waistband against the outside of the holster makes sure the gun doesn't move. Even when you're leaping from boulder to boulder . . . .

Like the original Remora, the RFT completely protects those parts of the gun that it covers from sweat. Let me tell you, I sweated like nobody's business doing some of the activities detailed above. Nothing got through to the parts of the gun that were covered. Not surprising for a company out of Florida, Remoras are also available with sweat guards.

The Remora RFT really works for me - I'm surprised to say it, but I'd recommend it even over the original Remora product.

Thanks Erich for the thread and everyone for all the research and testing. This is what I have been looking for too.

Bill

I again echo Erich's praises for the Remora RTF holsters. Something so ridiculous shouldn't work, but it does...and it works well.
I have carried Glocks, N frames, J frames in my assortment of Remora's, and I have always been pleased. I have also carried in suits, jeans and 5.11's, no matter what I wear, the holsters hold whatever gun I have stuck in them.....
Give 'em a try.

Erich...if you plan to do any more testing, please do it at my place.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Man, Sheriff, that sums it up. Well-said!

Thanks, Bill. Sip, I thought you were married . . .

I am...and you will have to add her to your list of things to do...I've been very tired lately.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I was looking for a pocket holster for my new Bodyguard .380 and was shown the Remora (both RFT and regular version), and after messing with them in the store, opted for the RFT. It seems like a really well executed, simple, quality product. I'll post a review after wearing it for a few days!

I used the Remora (the regular version, not the one with the reinforced top) for my BG380 day-in and day-out as an IWB holster. I love it!

How do you think this would work with an N Frame carry, like the Night Guard?

I've used the Remora with a S&W 640 (stainless steel j-frame), which I would guess weighs about 24-25oz loaded, and it works great. I imagine that the Remora would work well with Night Guards too.

Thanks, I just ordered one with the reinforced top.

Update: Wore my Bodyguard .380 in the RFT Remora (in my pants pocket) tonight for the first time. The holster smoothed out the lines of the pistol and was much more comfortable than expected. Very good purchase! More later after an in-waistband carry!

Has anyone tried these with a model 19 2.5 inch?

How about a 3913TSW with a rail, like mine?

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MARK

Just browsing the net an found this thread. I went ahead and ordered a Rft model 8c for my j frames. I just hope it lives up to all of the hype.

I bought the Artemis #6 for my G26 with open mouth. It was thicker than my CTAC to I sent it back and ordered the standard Artemis. I wore it all weekend and found it just kept riding up. I carry AIWB so everytime I sit down, it inched it's way up. It was too much of a liability for me. Alan's CS is the best and it was a pleasure dealing with him. I'm sure the Remora is a great holster, but just not for AIWB carry.

What's an Artemis? This thread is about Remora holsters. Which I use A-IWB almost every day, with great success (as has been heavily detailed on this thread) in a variety of activities.

Got my Remora in the mail two days after I ordered it. It seems simple and strong and I want to tell you, i cannot get it to move or dislodge. I wear cross draw and I think for a lot of circumstances, it will be perfect. By the way, I carry N Frames.

Erich, I think the "Artemis" holster is a special order style designed for the baby Glocks. I saw some discussion on another forum and a picture showed the standard #6 holster and the "Artemis" #6 side-by-side. The difference was that the re-styled holster uncovers more of the gun's grip.

I've been using a reinforced top Remora with the sweat shield for a little while and really like it. It's very comfortable and stable. Price is right too.

Erich,

Thanks for the recommendation. I ordered one for my Colt Defender, and have been testing it for the last few days. After conquering my reticence at the idea of a holster with "no visible means of support", I've really been pleasantly surprised. It has faithfully held its position, and it is without doubt the most comfortable IWB holster I have.