Guys! I need Holster advice/help

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SMR

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Ok, I'm sure this has been beat like a dead horse, but I am new to the forum and I am also a new gun owner. I have applied for my CPL and I don't see a problem with getting it, as I am a Vet and have no issues with my background. Anyway, I bought an XD9 a few weeks ago and loved it. A lot! But I realized after I bought it, that it was uncomfortable and to big for me to carry when I get my CPL. So I went and bought the Shield 9. I love it so far although I haven't had the chance to fire it yet. I will do that tomorrow. I have a friend who has one and I tried his on for size and I loved the way it felt when I wore it with the IWB holster he had.

So with that said, I am having a hard time deciding on a holster that I am going to get for my shield. I really have a couple that I like.. one is the "Mr. Softy" by High Noon… and actually I like a lot of their holsters. They are leather holsters. The other one I really like is the "Skinny Rig" holster by Zorn which is a Kydex holster. I also do really like the Alien Gear holster as well. So the couple things I am struggling with is, I really think I want to go with a clip IWB holster as opposed to the style of the Alien which has two belt loops and kinda wraps around your side. Also, the other Main thing I am struggling with is to go with either a Leather or Kydex holster. I of course want something comfortable so that I just don't leave my gun on the night stand and not take it with me everyday I leave the house. But I also want something that is going to draw nice and have pretty good retention. Any advice would be great and appreciated.

I know, I know, what feels good for you might not feel good for me, but you can see what my questions are, so Im sure you all can give me some pretty good feed back and point me in a good direction.

Thanks for every bodies time and Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!
 
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SMR.

THANK YOU, SIR.

Before you're done you'll have a drawer full of holsters. What works for me won't necessarily work for you. Try as many as you can borrow from friends or handle at your LGS.

But you'll always be looking for your next one--just a tiny bit more comfy or prettier.

Most makers are willing to talk you through a purchase. Lobo Leather is a forum member, makes an excellent product and has been very helpful to me.

Good luck.
 
I wish I could let you borrow my Remora holster for a week.
I thought there was no way that thing would stay in place.
I push mow my lawn, clean out the gutters, push a fertilizer spreader, spread mulch and that thing never moves.
I think they're cheap enough to try and they always have some kind of sale going on.
Worth a try,
Rob
 
Check out Celtic holsters great holsters, priced right and fast shipping. I have one for my shield and love the fit.
 
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I currently wear a hidden hybrid holster to conceal my shield. Nice holster, similar design as alien, and has the ability to be worn inside or out. That said, like you, I'm looking at a single clip style for when I want an easy grab and go. There are 3 I'm looking at right now:

The Pro Carry HD from "The Holster Store" Pro Carry HD Leather Gun Holster

This one from Blade-Tech
Holsters | Blade Tech Gun Holsters | Knives and Tactical Gear

This one I like for its adjustable cant: Smith & Wesson Holster | On Your 6 Designs
 
SMR......I was in the same boat as you.....looked at what seemed like a dozen or two.....then I got Stoner 415 IWB on a throw in deal on a 6906 I bought only problem it was left hand....realized it was the best I had looked at....bought a right handed model for my 3913 and use the left handed model for small of the back carry......check out Stoner Holsters....reasonably priced too....good luck
 
OK, I'll put in another plug for TheisHolsters.com. I have his E-Z Clip leather/Kydex hybrid and like it a lot. The belt clip he uses is wide and beefy. I've not had a problem with it "canting" on its own. The cant Mr. Theis builds into that holster is just right for me and my Shield. I got the "upgraded" horsehide version. I had never heard of Mr. Theis until I bought my Shield and went looking for a holster for it. Found him on a post in this forum.:)
 
I recommend that you consider a number of things before comparing holsters.

1. Every holster design involves compromises among the four basic factors of comfort, accessibility, concealability, and security. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. There is no "perfect holster" for every person or circumstances.

2. Your typical wardrobe. What works nicely with suits and sportcoats may not be best for jeans and T-shirts. Generally speaking, loose-fitting cover garments are preferable to tailored garments. Cover garments made of more substantial materials (canvas, poplin, broadcloth) are preferable to soft knit fabrics. It may seem meaningless to say, but the cover garment must be capable of concealing the holstered handgun during all of your usual activities (example: raise your arms above shoulder level and see how much that raises the outer garment; if your usual activities involve bending, stooping, reaching, etc, you will need to take that into consideration when choosing cover garments).

3. Your usual activities. Strenuous physical activities may require additional retention features in the holster to keep the handgun secure.

Very generally:

A. IWB-style holsters tend to emphasize concealment by keeping the bulk of the holstered handgun inside the trousers. The trade-offs come in reduced accessibility and comfort issues for many people. Some folks also report having to purchase trousers and belts an inch or two larger than usually worn when using IWB-carry.

B. OWB-style holsters generally provide better comfort and accessibility, but may require more attention to adequate cover garments.

C. Do not overlook the importance of a sturdy belt. The belt is the foundation on which everything else must work. It must support the weight comfortably and keep the holstered handgun firmly anchored in place. Fit of the belt to the holster's mounting points (loops, etc) should be very close.

Finally, most (not all, but most) people are quite well-served with a good pancake-style OWB holster worn just behind the strong-side hip and mounted on a sturdy belt. The pancake designs feature smooth outer shells over which a cover garment can move without snagging or printing. Concealment and accessibility are generally very good.

Best regards.

Lobo Gun Leather - Home
 
You are correct when you say that what fits one person may not fit the next....

I have a lot of holsters. I ordered a Lobo Gun Leather IWB about a year ago and loved it so much I have bought 4 or 5 more. I'd have to count. I just ordered another for my 45c.

There's a lot to be said for the comfort, but there's also a great satisfaction when I take my holster off and the snaps work perfectly, the leather looks beautiful and the gun sits so happy and snug in a handcrafted holster.... ;)

It's a part of my daily dress that a plastic holster just can't fulfill.

.
 
SMR said:
Nice.. but I think I like the Alien Gear better and for the price as well. But thanks for the input. The crossbreed deff is a very nice holster though.
Click to expand...

Your welcome.

The owner Mark was a very stand up guy but unfortunately he passed away. Ran one hell if a company. As far as I know it is still run the same way but I haven't had any dealings with them since. Bought a few holsters from them and they were all top notch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
bolson said:
I currently wear a hidden hybrid holster to conceal my shield. Nice holster, similar design as alien, and has the ability to be worn inside or out. That said, like you, I'm looking at a single clip style for when I want an easy grab and go. There are 3 I'm looking at right now:

The Pro Carry HD from "The Holster Store" Pro Carry HD Leather Gun Holster

This one from Blade-Tech
Holsters | Blade Tech Gun Holsters | Knives and Tactical Gear

This one I like for its adjustable cant: Smith & Wesson Holster | On Your 6 Designs
Click to expand...


Really like the first 2. Not the last one so much. This is what I was hoping to get from my fellow members. A lot of very good selections that I didn't know about to choose from. Thanks guys.. keep em coming.
 
LoboGunLeather said:
I recommend that you consider a number of things before comparing holsters.

1. Every holster design involves compromises among the four basic factors of comfort, accessibility, concealability, and security. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. There is no "perfect holster" for every person or circumstances.

2. Your typical wardrobe. What works nicely with suits and sportcoats may not be best for jeans and T-shirts. Generally speaking, loose-fitting cover garments are preferable to tailored garments. Cover garments made of more substantial materials (canvas, poplin, broadcloth) are preferable to soft knit fabrics. It may seem meaningless to say, but the cover garment must be capable of concealing the holstered handgun during all of your usual activities (example: raise your arms above shoulder level and see how much that raises the outer garment; if your usual activities involve bending, stooping, reaching, etc, you will need to take that into consideration when choosing cover garments).

3. Your usual activities. Strenuous physical activities may require additional retention features in the holster to keep the handgun secure.

Very generally:

A. IWB-style holsters tend to emphasize concealment by keeping the bulk of the holstered handgun inside the trousers. The trade-offs come in reduced accessibility and comfort issues for many people. Some folks also report having to purchase trousers and belts an inch or two larger than usually worn when using IWB-carry.

B. OWB-style holsters generally provide better comfort and accessibility, but may require more attention to adequate cover garments.

C. Do not overlook the importance of a sturdy belt. The belt is the foundation on which everything else must work. It must support the weight comfortably and keep the holstered handgun firmly anchored in place. Fit of the belt to the holster's mounting points (loops, etc) should be very close.

Finally, most (not all, but most) people are quite well-served with a good pancake-style OWB holster worn just behind the strong-side hip and mounted on a sturdy belt. The pancake designs feature smooth outer shells over which a cover garment can move without snagging or printing. Concealment and accessibility are generally very good.

Best regards.

Lobo Gun Leather - Home
Click to expand...

Great Info! Thank you for that. Someone to me to look you up on here for your holsters which I will check out. Thanks
 
Love my Theis holster! Great guy to do business with, solid product for a great price.
 
Lost Lake said:
You are correct when you say that what fits one person may not fit the next....

I have a lot of holsters. I ordered a Lobo Gun Leather IWB about a year ago and loved it so much I have bought 4 or 5 more. I'd have to count. I just ordered another for my 45c.

There's a lot to be said for the comfort, but there's also a great satisfaction when I take my holster off and the snaps work perfectly, the leather looks beautiful and the gun sits so happy and snug in a handcrafted holster.... ;)

It's a part of my daily dress that a plastic holster just can't fulfill.

.
Click to expand...

Lost Lake,
How is your guns finish? Has any holster wear shown up yet? I have heard the leather holsters are BETTER for your gun than kydex.
 
I have the N82 Tactical, which I highly recommend. The most comfortable IWB holster I've ever owned. Holster stays where postioned doesn't slip, easy draw and has a cushion feel .
 
Justin69 said:
Lost Lake,
How is your guns finish? Has any holster wear shown up yet? I have heard the leather holsters are BETTER for your gun than kydex.
Click to expand...

So far I have zero wear on my Shield with my Lobo holster.

I did get some wear on my 9c when using a kydex hybrid, and a small rub mark on a Shield from a kydex rig. Maybe it will come out, but with my leather I get nothing which is fine by me!!!

.
 
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