Help me find an affordable holster

[bionic218]

For quite some time now, I've been carrying IWB, right-handed at about the 4 o'clock position in a cross-breed style holster. However, in order to accommodate my wardrobe, I would like to try OWB for a while with my new carry gun, M&P45C.

What would you forum members recommend as an affordable OWB holster to try a new method. If it matters, I would like to keep the same position, as what training and practice I have are all geared towards that spot.

I don't mind spending good money on quality carry gear, but by that same token, I don't want to spend a lot just to find out I like the IWB better. I'm not a stickler on materials or style (paddle, belt-slide, etc) but I do like a bit of forward cant and a higher ride on the belt.

No wrong answers, just looking for ideas at this point. Thanks!

 

[mlapaglia]

Get an Avenger holster by Lobo Gun Leather. He is a member here and does amazing work.

 

[Broker50]

Ray Cory does good work, reasonably priced, & not too long on delivery. I find his pancakes to work well.
Lobo Gun Leather - Model 1 Pancake Style holster

Winthrop is also a good source, & they do stock a few.

http://www.winthropholsterstore.com/servlet/the-M&P/Categories

 

[wly1942]

If you like the Crossbreed IWB holster, I think you will like their Snap Slide OWB holster. Same outstanding quality, excellent retention, etc. I have both and I alternate depending on how I will be dressed.

 

[Bkreutz]

Look at Blade-Tech, they are adjustable for cant and have numerous attachment methods. Holsters | Blade Tech Gun Holsters | Knives and Tactical Gear

 

[AR-Getsome]

http://n82tactical.com/n82store/

I find this holster in the Professional series to be excellent and comfortable.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Blade Tech. For OWB in that spot you'll need a bit of forward cant. No biggie, but something to consider. Affordable doesn't work as good as quality. I like a quality holster. I have also put a lot of miles on Fobus gear. If you have time to wear it in: Bianchi Carry Lok. Gun disappears against the body. The retention is a bit tricky at first, but you'll get it.

 

[mmais]

I am also a fan of Lobo Leather does good work & has a great holster. I would also recommend a good belt Ray also makes those it will make a BIG difference in the carry.

Mike

 

[ginzo]

Just ordered my 2nd OWB from Panther Concealment Custom Kydex Holsters and Knife Sheaths
Shipped today, have 1 for a 40fs and now a 40c. These pics is 40fs. Sorry blurry, have some better if you need.

 

[kodiakpb]

You get what you pay for. I recommend a good quality kydex holster that will secure the weapon high and tight to your body....especially if you are going to conceal it.

 

[butchkent]

Take a look at the Simply Rugged Pancake. Great stuff.

 

[bonjorno2]

uncle mikes pancake would work

 

[bionic218]

Thanks for all the great options, folks!

Some of these are pretty nice. I didn't mean to confuse anyone; I agree quality is better than cheap, but just for trying the 'feel' of the OWB carry, I don't want to spend a ton. If I decide to stick with IWB, I will have Ozarks Holster Company make a new one for me. He did the cross-breed style for my G23 and it was exceptional. Unfortunately, he doesn't do any OWB models...yet.

Thanks again.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The most affordable holsters are made of kydex, and I recommend Paul Giannaula at PJHolster. Naturally, Ken Null of Resaca, GA makes Tier 1 stuff, and his delivery times are very fast. Oh, also have a look at Bell Charter Oak. If you cannot find something from one of these holster makers, then you are too picky!

 

[Rastoff]

...an affordable OWB holster...

I don't want to spend a ton.

Help us out a little here. Both "affordable" and "don't want to spend a ton" are ambiguous at best. $100 for a custom leather holster is affordable to me. Give us a budget range and we can offer up some focused ideas. Otherwise we're just guessing.

uncle mikes pancake would work

Yes, they are cheap and they hold the gun, but they are not good holsters. Why? Because they don't stay open and make one hand re-holstering difficult. There's no point in trying a mediocre holster when trying to make a decision. Get one that's at least decent so you can tell what it will really be like.

 

[bionic218]

Rastoff: $40-$75 would be acceptable for something I'm going to 'try'. If I decide that's a better route for my daily routine (outdoor work) then $150-$200 is not too much to spend on a holster/belt combo.

 

[blujax01]

Another Vote For Lobo

Rastoff: $40-$75 would be acceptable for something I'm going to 'try'. If I decide that's a better route for my daily routine (outdoor work) then $150-$200 is not too much to spend on a holster/belt combo.

Ask and ...

Below you see my M&P 45C in a Lobo Enhanced Avenger. Prices start at $69. Mine has additional options that take it to a whopping $89!
~ The belt is from High Springs Leather ($50). I ran into them at the Ohio State Fair. Another fine artisan from whom I subsequently purchased 3 more belts. http://www.highspringsleather.com/

I'm left-handed which makes my off-the-shelf choices close to nil. His holsters can be ordered in many configurations, made of cowhide or horsehide, lined or not, reinforced mouth, hammer guard, belt slot size, etc. Truly custom from start to finish.

Ray and I exchanged Emails, configured my holster based on my needs, and I had my holster in 5 weeks. I cannot recommend him enough!

Lobo Gun Leather - Home

 

[Rastoff]

Rastoff: $40-$75 would be acceptable for something I'm going to 'try'. If I decide that's a better route for my daily routine (outdoor work) then $150-$200 is not too much to spend on a holster/belt combo.

OK, that gives us something to work with.

In order for a "Daily Carry" holster to have value, it must have some inherent qualities:

• It must bear the weight of the gun.
• It must cover the trigger.
• It must stay open for easy reholstering with one hand.
• It must retain the gun under normal use (this can only be defined by the user).

For a concealed carry holster, it must hold the gun close to the body.

So, my first choice for a cheap holster with those qualities is the Safariland 6378:

Model 6378 ALS® Paddle Holster | Safariland?
This holster has all the qualities above and can be found for about $40. It has a suede lining to protect your gun's finish. It also has the ALS (Automatic Locking System) which is not my first choice for retention, but it's a natural motion to remove the gun and super secure. They make a holster that doesn't have the ALS, but not for the M&P.

My second choice is Aker International Flatsider Model 168A:

Aker International, Inc.
That link takes you to the Flatsider series so, look at the 168A.
It is at the top end of your price range, but I have one and use it regularly. It is not a "top quality" holster, but it is very good and I've used mine for several years without issue. It is quite comfortable even with a full sized 1911.

There is another reason I mention these two; speed. Both of these are regularly stocked items. So, you won't have to wait weeks to get them. They usually are ready to ship. I'm also a lefty and usually have to order stuff. Both these companies have left hand versions usually available.

When you're ready to get a "top quality" holster, I have recommendations for that too.

 

[bionic218]

Thanks again guys for all the help and ideas.

I'm working with a guy who made my IWB to see what he can do. If he can't build it, I'll be buying one of the ones listed in this thread. Humidity is awful here in MO for about six months out of the year, so I'll probably stick with a polymer style, but if I decide to go leather, that Lobo Avenger is a very nice looking piece of gear.

Thanks again.

 

[kodiakpb]

Rastoff: $40-$75 would be acceptable for something I'm going to 'try'. If I decide that's a better route for my daily routine (outdoor work) then $150-$200 is not too much to spend on a holster/belt combo.

I'd spend about $10 more dollars above your $75 "trial" limit and get something that is designed to do exactly what you are looking to do, and considered one of the best in the industry by people who run their guns hard. If you don't like it you will be able to sell it very easily. No "paddle" holster is going to hold the weapon as high and tight as RCS.

Phantom Modular Holster

(pic from web)

The best belt you can get IMO is from Ares Gear. My daily concealed carry consists of an Ares Gear Ranger Enhanced belt and a Raven Concealment Phantom Modular Holster.

Ares Gear