I'm looking for a OWB holster for use at the range and occasional open carry.

Price is a factor in my decision and would like to be in the $30 range if possible.

OK time to finish my post. Sorry Cbubbs103.

This is for a SW9VE and I am open to any material at the moment. However I would like to avoid the generic textile uncle mikes. Also something that will have good retention without a thumb break.

You didn't mention the type of handgun or a preference of materials (leather, kydex, other?). This will help focus the suggestions provided.

For low cost leather I recommend Don Hume. Their products don't compare at all to Milt Sparks, but they cost 1/3 as much and are available now vice a six month waite.

Lobo and Simply Rugged are very popular here as well but will be a little above your desired price. I am planning on ordering a Simply Rugged very soon myself.

I have never owned kydex so hopefully someone else will chime in.

Chubbs

I picked up a Fobus paddle holster for mine from eBay for less than $20. Not the best looking holster, but works great and goes on and off easily without removing a belt. Holds the gun away from the body a little more than a belt holster will though.

I carry my SW40VE in a Don Hume JIT belt slide holster, can't beat it, they run about 20 bucks on ebay, real leather, no retention strap but it never comes out even when Im under a car on a creeper climbing in and out, but draws easily.

I have the same holster as MitchellB, and I love it. I got mine for about $8 off of ebay, I caught a pretty sweet deal on it. It holds the gun very secure, but not too secure.
If you go this route, look for the Fobus HK1.
Charlie

I know some people don't like the Fobus- but you can't beat it for the price. They are almost indestructible, and IF something should happen to it, it is covered by their Lifetime Warranty. Not bad for a holster that usually costs around $20-$25.
If you have a Fobus that seems too "tight", or has too much retention, take a clean rag with some Armor-All on it and wipe down the inside of the holster with it, then wipe off excess until dry. You will notice a big difference.

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NRA Life Member

The Fobus is definitely the way I will go once I CCW. I didn't know they were so cheap though!

I use a fobus for the range and its great. I don't know how you can CCW it though. It sticks about 3 inches off the belt. I would need a 4x tee shirt to cover that up.

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The kool-aid Sigma drinker

For the money, the Fobus makes a satisfactory range and loaner holster.

I do not use one for CCW, however, because they can be easily snatched right off the paddle -- gun and all -- by someone interested in taking your weapon. There are quite a few You Tube videos that illustrate this.

Also, depending upon the specific pistol placed in a Fobus, they can rattle a bit when you walk. If so, a few minutes with a hair dryer to soften and reshape the plastic in strategic areas will fix it.

I got a Blackhawk paddle for the M & P line and it fits the Sigma perfect. I use it for your exact reason, at the Range and around the house. Comfortable at about 29.00 dollars.

I bought a kydex holster for the M&P 40 model from RSR Defense, an Israeli company. Its similar to the serpa model, retains by a spring loaded lever on the front of the trigger guard. I had to dremel out a small ridge on the holster where the trigger guard slid in, but otherwise it fit great. Not a CC holster though, it sits off the belt too much, but I like it because it has an optional belt loop system to replace the paddle if I wanted to. The SW40VE fits in it like a glove, no rattles at all.

I make my own belt slide holsters out of 9oz leather and they conceal and carry very well.

Nice looking holsters there Turbo.

For the OP, I use a Fobus roto paddle for range and outdoors work. It sticks out too far for ccw unless it's in winter in cold country.
But the roto lets you change the angle and placement of the pistol.

I like mine at 3:30 canted with the grips forward or 11:30 with grips canted towards your belt buckle. It all depends on whether I have to sit for a while or not.

For $32 from the factory it's a good holster.

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Pete.

Turbo: Nice work.

As Turbo suggests, it's hard to beat a pancake/beltslide, and they are frequently reasonable in price.

Don't scrimp toward the cheap side; you will just have to replace it later. What's a few more bucks in leather (or Kydex) that fits your needs relative to the price of practice ammo?

Turbo, that's some nice work. I'm definately interested in ordering one. Is the top picture the sigma hi-ride holster in brown? Also what's your present turn-around time. I see you take paypal which keeps it simple. Let me know.
Thanks,
Duane

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Recoil; It's a beautiful thing