3913 Holster Reviews

equin · Jan 5, 2013

Hi Folks,

Been lurking and learning from some good information on here, so thought I'd give back and post my experiences with a few holsters for the 3913. Unlike Glocks, XDs, Berettas and a few other handguns, the holster selection for a 3913 is not as vast. I'm relatively new to carrying as a whole and new to carrying the 3913 in particular. I do like the fact that it's a single stack, making it a bit easier to conceal than say a fullsize Beretta 92FS/M9, for example. So the 3913 is my chosen carry gun for now, and I've managed to acquire a small selection of holsters for it that I thought I'd review for anyone interested.

Here's a pic of the four holsters - a Bulldog brand fanny-pack holster, an Old Faithful Kydex IWB do-it-yourself kit holster, an El Paso Saddlery "Street Combat" OWB holster, and a Galco IWB holster.

equin · Jan 5, 2013

First up is the Bulldog fanny pack.

I got this one specifically for when I'm out bike riding. Of the 4, it's actually the most uncomfortable, but it's not too bad. I find it easiest to wear it across the shoulder while I'm cycling.

It holds lots of stuff, including the 3913. In the first pic above, you can see a small can of pepper spray in the front pocket. for when loose dogs attack me out on country roads.

Unfortunately, it's rather complicated and time-consuming to open it up and actually draw the handgun, but it retains it rather well with strong velcro attachments. Here's a pic of the 3913 "holstered" in the back part of the pack with the velcro attachments:

Here's what it looks like empty:

There are other compartments where you can put your keys, wallet, cell phone, etc. So in that sense, it's rather handy. Although I don't intend to wear it while I'm not out biking, here are a few pics of how it looks were I to wear it on the front and back:

It's convenient as a fanny pack, but it would take a whole lot of practice to draw smoothly enough given the fact you have to first unzip it, then fumble with the velcro straps before unholstering and drawing it. I forget how much it cost, but I got it online somewhere, and I don't think it was more than $30.

equin · Jan 5, 2013

Next up is the Galco IWB:

I got it at a local gunshop for about $20-$25. If I remember correctly, it's actually made for an M&P Compact 9mm, but it fit the 3913 well enough for me to try it. The mouth is reinforced with what I believe to be a steel lip, making re-holstering a breeze. In fact, it's the easiest of the 4 to re-holster. It tends to retain well, too. However, you cannot adjust the cant, or at least I don't know how to do that. So it sits straight up, making printing a problem underneath a concealment shirt, especially when bending down. Here's a pic of it worn:

Kind of hard to see in the pic, but the grip tends to stick out a bit because of its straight up and down angle, despite the fact that it's an IWB holster.

equin · Jan 5, 2013

Next is the El Paso Saddlery "Street Combat" OWB holster:

This is my most recent acquisition, having gotten it on an impulse at a local gun show. It's also the most expensive, at $75.

It's about 1" too long past the barrel, but it fits perfect and has really good retention, better than the Galco above. It also has inner felt lining, and allows for a forward cant, making concealment under a long shirt fairly easy with less printing than the Galco above. However, it's also harder to re-holster than the Galco since it doesn't have the steel lip at its mouth.

equin · Jan 5, 2013

Last but not least is the Old Faithful IWB Kydex/Leather do-it-yourself kit:

It's much like a Crossbreed Supertuck, only more affordable at less than $40 shipped. Compared to a Supertuck I have for a Beretta, the leather is actually a bit thicker. It took me about 30 minutes taking my time to assemble it. The kit comes with everything you need. It's very comfortable, conceals well, has good retention, and although it's easier to re-holster than the El Paso OWB, it's not as easy to re-holster as the Galco. As with the Supertuck, though, it takes a bit more effort to attach to your belt and pants than the Galco and El Paso.

Lost Lake · Jan 5, 2013

Thanks for the write-up! I personally don't worry too much about reholstering as I don't do it much. At my range I use OWB paddle holsters for easy reholstering. Keep moving those IWB's around and you may find a place that works better than any other. My 3913 doesn't carry in the same place as my Shield, which doesn't ride in the same location as my 9c. And they all have identical holsters.

Your lab looks like he needs a doggie cookie. My lab loves her milk bones!

equin · Jan 5, 2013

Yeah, my lab is always hungry. That dog can eat!

I have an OWB Safariland for my Beretta that' s easy to 're- holster and great for the range. I may get the same thing for the 3913 for when I take it to the range.

tdrizzle · Jan 5, 2013

A local guy here made me an IWB for my 3953 I like a lot. You can choose whatever cant and material color you'd like, if he doesn't already have one made.

Side Guard Holsters - Home Page for Custom Leather Holsters

equin · Jan 6, 2013

Those are nice looking holsters, Tdrizzle. I like the side guard design on his OWB holsters, too.

mbliss57 · Jan 6, 2013

Thanks for the write up. I have found 2 IWB holsters that work well for CC for me. I carry IWB at 4'0clock. 1 is a Bianchi S3 the other is a Galco Summer Comfort. The galco is the most comfortable and easy to draw from as it is open top. But it also was a $75 holster. What I like about them is they worked for several 3rd gen pistols not just the 3913 and the Galco also works with my Sig P239 SAS in 357 Sig.
Here is a pic of the Galco Summer Comfort

andrewb70 · Jan 6, 2013

Thanks for the write-up. I am a big fan of the CrossBreed super tuck for my 457, but I just recently ordered a DIY kit from Old Faithful for a 3914LS. I am excited to try it out and see how the two compare.

Andrew

equin · Jan 6, 2013

Very nice Galco holster, MBliss57! Keep posting pics, everyone, of 3913 holsters, and if anyone has any pics or comments on the Lady Smith, please post up, too. I understand the Lady Smith has a more slightly angled dust cover, but I think it should still fit the same holsters as the 3913, right?

equin · Jan 6, 2013

andrewb70 said:
Thanks for the write-up. I am a big fan of the CrossBreed super tuck for my 457, but I just recently ordered a DIY kit from Old Faithful for a 3914LS. I am excited to try it out and see how the two compare.

Andrew

I love the Crossbreed Supertuck for my Beretta 92FS. That is one comfortable, quality holster. The size and weight of the Beretta, though, keep me from preferring it as my carry choice, though, but it's nice to have it as an option.

I didn't know what to expect from the Old Faithful DIY kit considering the price difference between the two, but I was surprised that after it was all assembled that it turned out so well. One of the main differences I noticed between the two is that the kydex in the Old Faithful is slightly raised, whereas the Supertuck's is flush with the leather. I don't have an MTAC, but I understand from someone else who has one that his MTAC also has a slightly raised kydex. Either way, it retains my 3913 quite well, just as the Supertuck does for my Beretta. Please let us know how you like yours when you get it.

andrewb70 · Jan 6, 2013

equin said:
.... Please let us know how you like yours when you get it.

Will do...

Andrew

M29since14 · Jan 6, 2013

What about something like this one:

Mini Slide — DeSantis Holster

I have been considering it for my 4040PD, but have yet to see one in person. May have to order one and take the chance.

equin · Jan 6, 2013

The price on that mini slide is certainly better than what I paid for my El Paso Saddlery. And I like how it has an adjustable tension screw. If you get it let us know how you like it.

Eep02b · Jan 7, 2013

One holster I don't see often here on these boards is the Stronghold Holster line developed by Tim Thurber of TTGunLeather. The one I have is a iwb/owb convertible with shield in black leather. It's a really good made holster, almost as good as my ugb holster I had for my 4516-1 (another awesome holster maker btw). The straps are removable for when carrying it owb, but I usually leave them on as they don't affect concealment for me. I think it was 80 or 90, but fits my 3913 like a glove! I went looking for the link, but it says he discontinued the stronghold holster line, but u can contact him to see if he has any leftover. If not, his custom holsters are very nice as well.

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/gunleather/1329.html

www.ttgunleather.com

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

tomshilling · Jan 7, 2013

Another 3913 option for IWB

As a founding member of the "HungryMan Big Eater" club, wearing IWB never worked for me.

I recenlty decided to gamble $40 on the n82 tactical original style IWB holster. As you can see from the pic, it uses a generic elastic band to secure the weapon to the pad, and a basic steel clip to attach to pants/belt. The pad is a suede-like material, backed to a moisture resistant material, that covers all parts of the weapon to keep it from "poking" you...and it is the most comfortable rig I have ever worn, IWB. Period. the suede material keeps it from slipping around, and once attached to your belt, it won't move. PLUS: the size for the S&W 3913 also fits my 3953, my 4053, my Glock 19, my Glock 26, my Bersa BP9CC... what's not to love?

They make a few other styles, allowing you to tuck a shirt in over the rig, and a formed clear plastic (not kydex) that is custom-fit for the pistol, as the gun "clicks" into place in the rig...but I wanted one rig that would handle virtually every CW pistol I own....and couldn't be more pleased.

Here is their website, if you want more info:
http://n82tactical.com/n82store/

RSBH44 · Jan 7, 2013

tomshilling said:
As a founding member of the "HungryMan Big Eater" club, wearing IWB never worked for me.

I recenlty decided to gamble $40 on the n82 tactical original style IWB holster. As you can see from the pic, it uses a generic elastic band to secure the weapon to the pad, and a basic steel clip to attach to pants/belt. The pad is a suede-like material, backed to a moisture resistant material, that covers all parts of the weapon to keep it from "poking" you...and it is the most comfortable rig I have ever worn, IWB. Period. the suede material keeps it from slipping around, and once attached to your belt, it won't move. PLUS: the size for the S&W 3913 also fits my 3953, my 4053, my Glock 19, my Glock 26, my Bersa BP9CC... what's not to love?

They make a few other styles, allowing you to tuck a shirt in over the rig, and a formed clear plastic (not kydex) that is custom-fit for the pistol, as the gun "clicks" into place in the rig...but I wanted one rig that would handle virtually every CW pistol I own....and couldn't be more pleased.

Here is their website, if you want more info:
http://n82tactical.com/n82store/

I couldn't agree with you more about these holsters! An excellent holster for the money. I met these guys at the NRA show in Pittsburgh (2011) and you won't find nicer guys in the business anywhere.

equin · Jan 8, 2013

Eep02b said:
One holster I don't see often here on these boards is the Stronghold Holster line developed by Tim Thurber of TTGunLeather. The one I have is a iwb/owb convertible with shield in black leather. It's a really good made holster, almost as good as my ugb holster I had for my 4516-1 (another awesome holster maker btw). The straps are removable for when carrying it owb, but I usually leave them on as they don't affect concealment for me. I think it was 80 or 90, but fits my 3913 like a glove! I went looking for the link, but it says he discontinued the stronghold holster line, but u can contact him to see if he has any leftover. If not, his custom holsters are very nice as well.

1329 - Stronghold® Convertible - Leather IWB/OWB Holster

TT GunLeather High Quality Leather Gun Holsters

View attachment 97160
View attachment 97161
View attachment 97162

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I like the convertible aspect of that holster! Shame they've been discontinued, though.

3913 Holster Reviews

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