holster whats best

I've bought and used holsters from nearly every gun leather outfit you can think of over the decades (been carrying nearly every day for 40+ years) and there are a lot of good ones out there. For a long time, my favorite was El Paso Saddlery, but a few years ago, Lobo Gun Leather became my preferred holster maker.

If you're looking for a top quality holster at a reasonable price with an acceptable wait time, I believe forum member Ray @ Lobo Gun Leather is the man to go to.

Lobo_Enhanced_Pancake_holsters.jpg


Modified_Tom_Threepersons_1.jpg


Tom_Threepersons_holster.jpg




BobR1: I have a Lobo belt slide holster in the works for my H&K P2000 SK .40 S&W, but my next is going to be a Lobo Avenger. From experience, I know these holsters aren't quite as concealable as a pancake, but they have their advantages. They sit a bit lower and make for an easier, faster draw, at least for me. They look darn good, too! :)
 
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ok time to ask more ? s i bought a cheap tagua holster that seems good for a cheap need it right now holster but her are some of my observations with this style of holster pancake style .

1. holster seems to ride to high for me which makes it print real bad, is it the holster or the fact that the barrel is 2 1/2 which makes it seem grip or but heavy my belt is good 1 1/2 inches and really thick so i dont think that is the problem.

2. would it be to much to ask one of the makers mentioned in this thread
to drop it down some like lobo enhanced avenger , or pancake style, also i do not like the cant it makes drawing very difficult for me when i have it at 3:30 or 4:00 esp with how high it rides on me.

any more suggestions are welcome this is all new to me as far as carrying i have had pistols for along time just never carried it at length so i need to go to the wisdom of you more experienced people on the matter i dont want throw my money in a black hole so just trying to figure this out thanks all for the help.
 
I carry the 4" N-frame daily in a Tucker HF3.

I cannot conceal even my baby Glocks OWB as easily as I can this combo, and do so even under just a dark tshirt. It's that good.
 
Ray at Lobo is very easy to work with about modifications. I have about 18-20 of his holsters now and they are all top notch. Every one has fit perfectly-something I cannot say for Elpaso where the holsters go for 3 times the price.
I recently got a flap holster for my M&P .357 Sig. It is the best made flap holster I have had since I started packing in 1961. His enhanced Avenger is also top notch and easier to draw from than the original as espoused by Bianchi.
I also recently got one of his #5 holsters for my Colt New Agent and the best double mag pouch for the Officers size mags ever. Over the years I have accumulated boxes full of holsters, not of the Lobos are going into a box, they are all being put to good use, among the best IMHO.
 
Since this thread is still going, I'll show you a couple of holsters.

Wrap around -- Askins style by Ryan Grizzle, his Workin Man for a 586/686. He usually only does this for autos, but my thinking was a revolver's a round gun so it ought to go in a round holster.

Grizzlefront.jpg


Grizzleback.jpg


Pancake -- Ray at Lobo Gun Leather, this is a lined pancake with hammer shields guarding the hammer front and back, made for a 657 Mountain gun. Round gun in a flat holster, but seems to work OK.

41MtGHolster.jpg


Both guys are easy to work with. Both holsters have only single stitching around the gun whereas some makers will do a double row. Ray makes a point of offering customization. Ryan said he only does the workin man for autos, but did one for a revolver after all.

Vern
 
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Let us know what you choose............

Hey REV, I love GALCO and its' predecessor ******* Leather Co. I only have one Simply Rugged, but it is an awesome holster. It is the sourdough pancake for a 4" N-frame. I also like DeSantis for the cop three-slot holster. I have used these extensively. The Galco Royal Guard is my favorite for my 1911. The are spendy, but WORTH it. If you look on the auction sites, you can get a used or new one cheaper. I'd put a WTB ad on the forum and odds are one of the members will have what you need. For your info, I like the Royal Guard because it is made with a curved piece of leather for the back, then the front or outside of the holster is made by forming the leather around the gun. When the gun is drawn, it does not have the tendency to close because of the two pieces of leather being sewn together are not flat and then spread to accommodate the gun. Good luck in your choice.
 
A Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake for my Taurus 85 is in town according to USPS tracking and scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I ordered the in and out straps in case I ever need them but plan to carry OWB... $70 to my door. Tomorrow will be 26 days since the order was placed.
 
Since this thread is still going, I'll show you a couple of holsters.

Wrap around -- Askins style by Ryan Grizzle, his Workin Man for a 586/686. He usually only does this for autos, but my thinking was a revolver's a round gun so it ought to go in a round holster.

Grizzlefront.jpg


Grizzleback.jpg


Pancake -- Ray at Lobo Gun Leather, this is a lined pancake with hammer shields guarding the hammer front and back, made for a 657 Mountain gun. Round gun in a flat holster, but seems to work OK.

41MtGHolster.jpg


Both guys are easy to work with. Both holsters have only single stitching around the gun whereas some makers will do a double row. Ray makes a point of offering customization. Ryan said he only does the workin man for autos, but did one for a revolver after all.

Vern

thx vern i like that first one is that his askins , sort of like the avenger from lobo , i also like that the second pic where the leather goes over the cylinder i have seen lobo's pancake and would like it to do the same does he make that style of pancake anymore .

i still would like to get some imput on how your holsters ride mine seems to high for me would the ones you posted ride a little lower or can they be made to ride a little lower.
 
Hey REV, I love GALCO and its' predecessor ******* Leather Co. I only have one Simply Rugged, but it is an awesome holster. It is the sourdough pancake for a 4" N-frame. I also like DeSantis for the cop three-slot holster. I have used these extensively. The Galco Royal Guard is my favorite for my 1911. The are spendy, but WORTH it. If you look on the auction sites, you can get a used or new one cheaper. I'd put a WTB ad on the forum and odds are one of the members will have what you need. For your info, I like the Royal Guard because it is made with a curved piece of leather for the back, then the front or outside of the holster is made by forming the leather around the gun. When the gun is drawn, it does not have the tendency to close because of the two pieces of leather being sewn together are not flat and then spread to accommodate the gun. Good luck in your choice.


thx sprefix i will try to do some checking the one i have seen on various sites they are pictured with autos so it leaves me with alot of concerns , i have been looking on this and other sites and it seems that they are for 4" guns or k frames or whatever else so i have been trying maybe i will try the wtb on here thx again for the advise.
 
I favor crossdraws, for good concealability and easy access when seated or driving an auto. Our fellow forum member, Lefty @ Bell Charter Oak, makes a line of VERY innovative holsters . Workmanship and materials are superb, price is reasonable as well as delivery time. Lefty is a retired NYC PD --"Old Flatfoot"--who has rubbed elbows with some of the greats like Jim Cirillo, etc. He has a wealth of experience and it shows in his design and execution. He LOVES veterans and disabled guys, and goes out of his way to help us out. Give him a tumble, you WON'T be sorry.....BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483
 
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i was just looking at r grizzle's Georgia snap is seems like it would be just about perfect as the cyl is about center with the belt looking like it would ride lower and with my gun being 2 1/2 inch it would not feel but heavy i just don't know about the snap on part seems nice but in practical means i would have to have some reviews from people that have this set up.
 
I favor crossdraws, for good concealability and easy access when seated or driving an auto. Our fellow forum member, Lefty @ Bell Charter Oak, makes a line of VERY innovative holsters . Workmanship and materials are superb, price is reasonable as well as delivery time. Lefty is a retired NYC PD --"Old Flatfoot"--who has rubbed elbows with some of the greats like Jim Cirillo, etc. He has a wealth of experience and it shows in his design and execution. He LOVES veterans and disabled guys, and goes out of his way to help us out. Give him a tumble, you WON'T be sorry.....BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483

thx i have seen some of his work he has some nice stuff i think i like that ice scabbard but don't think it is made for a L frame 686.
 
I've bought and used holsters from nearly every gun leather outfit you can think of over the decades (been carrying nearly every day for 40+ years) and there are a lot of good ones out there. For a long time, my favorite was El Paso Saddlery, but a few years ago, Lobo Gun Leather became my preferred holster maker.

If you're looking for a top quality holster at a reasonable price with an acceptable wait time, I believe forum member Ray @ Lobo Gun Leather is the man to go to.

Lobo_Enhanced_Pancake_holsters.jpg


Modified_Tom_Threepersons_1.jpg


Tom_Threepersons_holster.jpg




BobR1: I have a Lobo belt slide holster in the works for my H&K P2000 SK .40 S&W, but my next is going to be a Lobo Avenger. From experience, I know these holsters aren't quite as concealable as a pancake, but they have their advantages. They sit a bit lower and make for an easier, faster draw, at least for me. They look darn good, too! :)

I really like the floral threepersons holster (the stag gripped one at bottom) but does it have any carry/snap strap for retention (I probably didn't use the right term, but I meant anything to keep the gun from falling out!!)
 
C&R Bill i am sure you could get the snap strap i know i have seen them before but i cant tell you who the maker was but it is just a strap so it cant be that big a deal to have done .
 
There are a lot of reply's and each one has merits. I carry a 2.5" 66 and I believe the Galco Combat Master is tops. High & tight to the body, with full enclosure of the trigger guard. There is no safety stap or thumb break to deal with, and the holster holds my piece firmly. Top quality construction is another plus.............
 
There are a lot of reply's and each one has merits. I carry a 2.5" 66 and I believe the Galco Combat Master is tops. High & tight to the body, with full enclosure of the trigger guard. There is no safety stap or thumb break to deal with, and the holster holds my piece firmly. Top quality construction is another plus.............

i have seen that holster it does look nice , but i want something that is a little lower of a ride and not so high, tight is fine though.
 
thx vern . . .
i still would like to get some imput on how your holsters ride mine seems to high for me would the ones you posted ride a little lower or can they be made to ride a little lower.

I guess I never answered your question. I think the revolver holsters in my photos ride a little high. I'd prefer to have the trigger/trigger guard on my belt. I don't know if you can tell, but both holsters have the trigger guard most if not all the way above the belt. That makes it easier to conceal, but if you're not so limber any more (like me) it makes a tough draw.

I have a Hi Power holster by Eric Larsen of H.B.E. Specialty Leather Works that puts it more where I want it. It's easier to draw, but the muzzle hangs lower.

HBEholster.jpg


Eric will set the cant and height any way you want it, but he does mostly autos. He's the one you want for CZ holsters, but that won't help your S&W.

Vern
 
I'd go with the Simply Rugged. Simply Rugged Holsters I'd get it with the inside out straps too. That way you can carry both OWB & IWB with the same holster. Rob does excellent work, his holsters are tops. I use one regularly & it's a great holster.
Frank
 
I guess I never answered your question. I think the revolver holsters in my photos ride a little high. I'd prefer to have the trigger/trigger guard on my belt. I don't know if you can tell, but both holsters have the trigger guard most if not all the way above the belt. That makes it easier to conceal, but if you're not so limber any more (like me) it makes a tough draw.

I have a Hi Power holster by Eric Larsen of H.B.E. Specialty Leather Works that puts it more where I want it. It's easier to draw, but the muzzle hangs lower.

HBEholster.jpg


Eric will set the cant and height any way you want it, but he does mostly autos. He's the one you want for CZ holsters, but that won't help your S&W.

Vern


ok thanks vern i will take a look at his site, and yes the draw is hard for me ride being to high at 3:30 4:00 my upper body is very wide and broad shouldered and i think that is the part of the problem .

the muzzle should not be a concern for me at 2 1/2 ".
 
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