Looking to get educated on non-appendix IWB holsters

[ddhartma]

Love my Falco Model A112 Hawk IWB for my S&W 686+.

 

[doubleclaw]

The best IWB holster I have ever had is my Ryan Grizzle "City Slicker 2," with the kydex struts and leather belt loops. It is finished inside and out, formed darn near perfectly for my Colt Rail Gun, and wears like that heavy pistol ain't even there.

He takes about 20 weeks, plus or minus, but his holsters are well worth the wait, plus, Ryan and Kay are two of the nicest people to do business with, I can't even begin to tell you.

I'm waiting on a CS2 IWB in cowhide, and a 'Workin Man" OWB in natural horsehide, both for my 645, and I cannot wait to get my hands on them.

 

[doubleclaw]

A lot of good points already made. One thing about leather, if you live in an area that gets even a little hot in the summer, sweat. I don't sweat bad and still if I wear all day the leather gets soaked. I then have to ensure the holster is dry for the next day. If you don't plan on wearing all day, or are in an air conditioned environment it isn't an issue. I avoided kydex for a long time because I just assumed it would be uncomfortable IWB. Turns out for me it is a non-issue. I prefer kydex for comfort.
I also find that belt loops/clips on both sides of the holster, as opposed to on top of it, are more comfortable and more importantly conceal better for me.
And as others have said, you will likely end up trying at least two or three different holsters before you settle on one.
Good luck in your search.

Good point concerning those of us fortunate enough to live in the warm Southern latitudes! I carried in more...economical...holsters for years before realizing that the old adage about "buy once, cry once" was a true thing. The common denominator of all those inexpensive rigs was that they were unfinished leather on the inside, and so they soaked through like sponges during the heat of June through September. I got tired of cleaning red fuzz off my piece after less than a day of carry, and so I cast about for better holsters.

Ryan Grizzle was recommended to me by an acquaintance who does a LOT of competition shooting and concealed carry, and his rigs looked really nice, so I bit on the proverbial bullet and ordered one. What a difference, let me tell you.

Ryan's holsters are fully finished inside and out, elegantly made, and my "City Slicker 2" has not sweated through since I've had it, despite years of everyday wear in humid Mississippi heat that has to be experienced to be believed.

If you're looking for well-made leather that complements your piece and stands up to daily use, check out Ryan Grizzle Leather.