The Summer Special is one of the most popular IWBs (Inside
Waist Band). But did you know that it was originally a Bruce
Nelson design? When Bruce got too busy with his job as a
Narc, he gave Sparks his consent to produce his designs.
Sparks improved the reinforced mouth by inserting metal inside
the band.
Another popular holster from Sparks is the 55BN. Of course
the BN refers to Bruce Nelson.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

I have 2 55bn holsters, they are fantastic, and work across a range of guns, for instance the one made for my 1076 will of course fit the 1066,5906,4006 non TSW and the commander sized 945

__________________
This is the way....

I swear by the Summer Special for my Glock 26 and 17. It's by far the best made IWB I've ever seen or used. I had a DeSantis IWB but it was too soft, making re-holstering difficult. The Milt Sparks SS remains OPEN and a re-holster is easily done without fumbling.

I used a Summer Special II to carry a 3" 65. Very good holster. I like the II's removable loops to change for belt size or if the snaps wear out, though I've never used that feature.

My current EDC holster is a Kramer Handgun Leather #3 IWB, which is based on the Summer Special. I like it better because it's got more of a forward cant and has a paddle extension on the rear of the holster that pulls the butt into the body from belt pressure; both help with concealment. Loops secured with Chicago screws, and I can change to different holes for different belt sizes. Stays open when the gun is drawn. Horsehide construction is another plus, though I believe one can get the Summer Specials from Milt Sparks in horsehide as an option.

Lots of versions of the Summer Special out there because it's such a good design.

I have had a summer special for a 1911 for decades that I carried daily for many years. It is an outstanding design. I can also use it for my BHP.

Years ago I place my order for a Summer special for my 686P 2 1/2" and started the wait. One day when getting gas in my company truck I got a phone call. It went like this "Hi this is Milt, is your 686 a 6 or 7 shot" I replied 7. He then said thank you and hung up. It took me a moment to I realized it was actually Milt Sparks himself who had called. I later received my holster and proud of it still today. The personal phone call from Milt to assure proper fit between a 686 and 686P tells you of his workmanship and level of detail.

That’s a great story! The quality is just outstanding. (So the 7 shot cylinder is larger?? I didn’t realize that - I figured they just crowded that 7th chamber in).

The Summer Special is the ONLY IWB holster that I carry comfortably. I use it for my Browning HP.

Attached Images

	Hi Power with Summer Comfort Holster.jpg (69.4 KB, 62 views)
	High Power Carry.jpg (62.8 KB, 53 views)

__________________
Stay protected my friends.

I believe it's the different number of flutes. That can matter if the holster is tightly molded to the gun.

Ah ok, the way the flutes have to be moulded to the holster!