Looking for a nice leather OWB holster

[Aahzz]

As the title states, I want something nice, for OWB carry. Pistol is an M&P 9c. I have a solid gun belt already, so I know I need one . I do IWB carry with an Aliengear, but do occasionally dress for OWB, and also tend to open carry when I teach the KY CCDW Permit class. I'm looking for something leather, with good detailing - essentially, something classy when teaching with out going into overboard mongolian lizard skin with bull moose trim covered in sparkles.

Candidates at the moment include the Mitch Rosen 5JR or President (maybe the Premier, not sure if I like the idea of snaps or not), Milt Sparks I-BAK or 55BN (the 55BN I might go for the shark trim for a teeny visual upgrade without being flashy), or something else along those line. I know 3 of the 4 are pancake designs, and I suppose I am leaning towards pancake. I don't like a super high ride, as I have love handles and if it gets too high it makes the gun less concealable on me as I push it outwards.

Thoughts on makers and models in a similar quality/price range?

Thanks!

 

[Jaysq]

I have posted this several times but I still think that Wright Leather Works is one of the best out there. The quality, workmanship, fit and retention all second to none.
Concealed Carry Leather Holsters - Wright Leather Works LLC

[/url]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Comrad]

How does a holster that small give good retention? Just friction fit?

 

[Eaglestroker]

How does a holster that small give good retention? Just friction fit?

Comrad, a well made holster has a pattern made specifically for that gun. After basic construction it is then wet molded to the gun either using another or a training gun. Most of the retention in a leather holster comes from the areas of the ejection port & trigger guard. If the holster is worn on a belt the belt also acts as a form of retention pressing against the gun while pulling the leading/trailing 'wings' of the holster into the body to have a pinch affect.

A properly made holster will be able to be turned upside down and shaken without losing the firearm, and once broken in the draw is smooth with an audible 'click' into place.

To the OP while I've not run across Mongolian lizzard skin, I am a fan of shark among other exotics for how good they will continue to look with long term use due to their resilient properties. A few makers with similar styles that would be worth a look include our own Ray @ Lobo Gun Leather, Andrew's Gun Leather, Dan @ Zlogonje Leather, and Ryan @ R. Grizzle just to name a few. There are a lot of qualified makers so pick your poison. I've attached an example of a nicer shark over cow rig for viewing pleasures, exotic can still come off as looking simple and somewhat elegant depending on your tastes of course.

 

[Mainsail]

I have a nice holster by Lobo that I use for my 1911. It's a pancake design with the full lining and a thumb-break for OC. Ray does nice work.

I recently picked up a model HF1 from Tucker Gunleather- also lined, and it is beautiful. I got the matching double mag pouch, and recently ordered a matching single mag pouch.

I have a nice Milt Sparks, although it's the IWB model, all their stuff is top notch.

I've heard good things about Andrews as well.

 

[4011]

Snubbyfan for me

 

[JJEH]

I prefer Jason Winnie.

 

[Jaysq]

How does a holster that small give good retention? Just friction fit?

Eaglestroker answered your question and I can only say that I have carried my Shield in mine for almost two years and the retention is still spot on.

 

[mustangman]

Adams Leather Works. Quality workmanship, and extremely comfortable. Very customizable, with multiple colors, color combinations, and thread colors to choose from. Been wearing mine for almost a year, and couldn't be more pleased.

http://www.adamsleatherworks.com/product-category/holsters/

 

[2hawk]

Ray at Lobo Gun Leather - Home
or
Erik at http://www.sideguardholsters.com/

Both are members here, and both do outstanding work. Tell them what you want / need, and I am sure either will do a fine job for you.

 

[rednichols]

I prefer Jason Winnie.

That's what I'm talkin' about! I've posted on other carry forums about how worthwhile it is for us to insist that a pancake holster be moulded with the pocket to the outside, and the wings preshaped for duty. These are among the several steps that reduce and ideally eliminate break-in by the wearer; which is part of the maker's job. I also like the clearances for controls and for the hand. Well done.

 

[RussellD]

Ryan Grizzle makes some great OWB leather.

R Grizzle Leather - Home

 

[KLYDE]

Ryan Grizzle makes some great OWB leather.

R Grizzle Leather - Home

Second this ^^^^^^
Ryan and Kay are great folks to deal with. They'll go out of their way to make sure you get what you want and have some very nice offerings.

 

[JJEH]

That's what I'm talkin' about! I've posted on other carry forums about how worthwhile it is for us to insist that a pancake holster be moulded with the pocket to the outside, and the wings preshaped for duty. These are among the several steps that reduce and ideally eliminate break-in by the wearer; which is part of the maker's job. I also like the clearances for controls and for the hand. Well done.

I agree. But it still takes a very short break-in period, the holster has a very tight fit when you get it. This is the J131 holster with thumb-strap for more security and the fit is perfect. The J131 was recently fitted to the M&P line and I'm glad (and proud) to have the very first two production holster.

 

[flyrobb]

My G19 in a Lobo pancake. Did the belt and holster special for $100 and some change. Great quality for the $$.

 

[ckcc]

Customer Photos
excellent workmanship, reasonable pricing, got mine in about 4 weeks

 

[Mainsail]

Here's my Lobo thumb-break pancake with full lining for my 1911 Nightmare. Beautiful work and holds the gun secure enough for open carry.

The next picture is the holster and mag-pouch I had done by Tucker Gunleather for my P320 in .357 Sig- fully lined in black cherry. After I got it I realized, "Hey, I own a high-cap pistol now, I probably don't need two back-up magazines." So I ordered a single mag pouch to match.

 

[flyrobb]

Customer Photos
excellent workmanship, reasonable pricing, got mine in about 4 weeks

Nice looking holsters!

 

[rednichols]

I agree. But it still takes a very short break-in period, the holster has a very tight fit when you get it. This is the J131 holster with thumb-strap for more security and the fit is perfect. The J131 was recently fitted to the M&P line and I'm glad (and proud) to have the very first two production holster.

Then you're speaking more about the moulding of the pocket than the effect of the belt on the pocket, I suspect. That suggests that a process improvement can be made by the maker. I find that there are few makers who will admit to this; which is why there can be some venom involved in refuting the plastic bag trick.

Double kudos for a stylish and effective design with a thumbreak; because an open top is quite easy to engineer when one knows how, but getting that thumbreak leather to be in the right places at the right time takes more skill.

 

[JRC332]

Check out TT Gunleather.