Just ordered a Milt Sparks PMK for the 642, I'm starting to second guess it...

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I have been very happy with my many Milt Sparks holsters, my one Lobo holster and several O'Rourke holsters. Although my C*** Government Model in an old Summer Special is one of my best all-day-long carry combinations, the OWB holsters are usually far more comfortable than IWB, particularly for a revolver. In the long term, I do NOT think that it is money wasted, if it does the job you really want done. I liked my belt from www.thebeltman.net enough that I immediately ordered a second one on general principles, and later ordered another one, larger, for occasional IWB of a BHP. Or in case I grow a little.

Holsters are notorious for not working out. Often , but not always, less expensive ones cost more in the long run. You should do the best you can to make the best choice and ignore the price. If you turn out right the first time, it wil be cheaper no matter what the price.

That's my experience. YMMV.

 

[stevie-ca]

The Axiom is my current choice for the J Frame. Excellent holster, if/when its available for K/L/N frames i will order them as well.

 

[baldie2u]

I carry a 21/2" 686 outside the belt PWL holster, I took a double take looking at your holster I thought I was looking at mine! It's comfortable conceals well and draws quick and smooth. Not only that but it's a lot cheaper and comes quicker!

 

[xcavado]

My Sparks holsters

I have several holsters from Sparks. Recently I acquired a Ruger Bisley flattop .44. My son sent me a holster from Cabela's for Christmas. It was the wrong size, and when I discussed it with him, I asked if he'd be offended if I upgraded to a Sparks with the refund plus extra. He chuckled and said he knew buying a holster for a guy was like buying a purse for a gal, and told me to go ahead.

After waiting several months for the Sparks, they called and said there'd been a problem with the dye job. They said they'd gladly remake the holster, or could send it and let me decide. I told them to send it, and was ecstatic with the "botched job", which looked more like antique than a mistake.

 

[tomrkba]

Do any of you have the PMK for a J-Frame that can reassure me that it's worth it?

It is absolutely a terrible holster for concealed carry. I hate mine for the GP100. It sticks out too far and prints even under a coat. The channel sits on the cylinder. Mine was set for 1 1/2", but a double thickness 1 1/2" wide belt does not fit through the channel due to the curve. The PMK has very little forward cant.

I recommend calling Milt Sparks and changing the order to a Versa Max 2.

Ruger GP-141 in PMK

Ruger GP-141 in a modified VM2

 

[adams484]

It all depends on if you are into labels. There are many out there who make as good or better for less. Your choice... Need the bragging rights of saying you have a Milt Sparks holster then go for it. If all you want is a good holster look elsewhere.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

I've owned one Milt Sparks, and literally dozens of El Paso Saddlery, DeSantis, Bianchi, Safariland and Don Hume… along with a number from custom and semi-custom makers like Rusty Sherrick, Andrews, Mernickle, Lobo and Simply Rugged. They all served a purpose.

Milt Sparks makes a very nice holster. But buying one for a production grade 642, is like putting $1500 leather seat covers on Ford Fiesta. The $40 Don Hume would be just as serviceable, and also look nice.

 

[tomrkba]

RE: Wait times

I am somewhat surprised people do not plan ahead. I tend to order custom holsters in waves. If I am contemplating purchasing a gun for which I have no holster, I will place an order and change it later if necessary.

 

[tomrkba]

It all depends on if you are into labels. There are many out there who make as good or better for less. Your choice... Need the bragging rights of saying you have a Milt Sparks holster then go for it. If all you want is a good holster look elsewhere.

I have been converting to all VM 2's for leather and tomrkba brand for kydex. I have found these holsters last far longer than the production holsters I have owned.

My problem with Don Hume is the very limited selection around here. My rule is to handle a holster prior to purchase to make sure it has the attributes I look for. Clip attachments do not work for me. I would love to find a local source so I could test a few.

 

[getoff]

i have several of Milts holsters and can assure you, worth all the payola... 1911 VMII's, and a couple of others. the summer comfort is legendary. i would and will continue to buy Sparks stuff. can you buy less spendy stuff? yes. can you spend what you think your life is worth on a CCW rig? yup... i work a LGS, and worked "on the job" for a while. my life, my families lives and the people I know are worth the price. my first duty rig was Hume. loved it all the way. CCW, is Sparkes, period. do your self a favor and buy the best you can...

 

[fat tom]

Never had an OWB holster from Sparks but have and use their Summer Special which in my experience is one of the very best holsters of that style.

Ditto!
f.t.

 

[Wingwiper]

You can obviously afford the holster, since you ordered it. As someone else suggested, you can always sell it if you don't want to keep it. You'll only know if it's a keeper once you use it - no one else can tell you that beforehand.

And remember: The quality is appreciated long after the price is forgotten.

 

[Purple220]

I have a PMK on order for my 2 1/2" 66-1. Best looking holster I have found after looking for several months . Now the wait. Also ordered a 55BN for 1911s

 

[msr]

66 in a PMK

 

[GCF]

Currently own 7 Sparks holsters - mostly for 1911's: a SSII (been to hell & back), a Heritage, couple of VMII's (favorite IWB), & couple of 55BN's.

The sole Sparks revolver holster, is a PMK - purchased for a 4" 625-3. Fit like a glove. Very secure, & concealed surprisingly well also.

The 625-3 has been sold, but a 625-6 MG is a great fit in it's place, & interestingly, so is a 4" 686 no dash.

Didn't buy any of 'em for "bragging rights", or Bar-B-Q's. When worn, they are never seen. Bought 'em for the consistent quality, & they are all money well spent - IMHO. No exotic hides either - strictly function.

Currently mulling over the possibilities for an OWB concealment holster for a 3" 65-3. Thinking about another PMK, or quite possibly a Lobo Enhanced Avenger. Of course on the other hand, there is a gentleman known to me, who swears by a custom ordered Galco Miami Special shoulder rig - for a 3" K frame...

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Purple220]

MSR, really didn't need to see that,,,LOL. Mine will be like one pictured earlier with burg/black shark trim.

 

[Purple220]

I have one on order for 2 1/2 66. Good looking holsters

 

[PjEagle]

I have a PMK for my 586 L-Comp. It is very comfortable either standing or sitting as long as I use compact grips. It seems to work very well with the 3" barrel.

 

[GP_Pirate]

I own a Milt Sparks VM2 for a 1911 and have another on order, along with a matching ammo carrier. IMO, they are a bargain. Most all top line custom holster makers charge $100-$150 for their products. They use top quality leather and are hand boned to fit your gun. Milt Sparks prices are competitive with similar products. Plus, they are the only holster that I know of that sell for more on the secondary market. So, if you don't like it, you can most likely get your money easily back.

 

[mc5aw]

In your other thread on this same topic, you expressed a concern over the price. If you are second guessing yourself now, you will assuredly have buyer's remorse when your order is completed in 7+ months. I detailed my one and only transaction with Sparks in the other thread, so there is no need to repeat it here. If you want the BEST holster and customer service, and are not worried about wait time or price, contact Sam Andrews. If you want the BEST holster and customer service with a moderate price tag and shorter wait time, contact Ray Cory at Lobo.

If those options are not to your liking, you can try Mernickle, Ted Blocker, Simply Rugged, and others recommended by Forum members.