Need education on IWB holster types

[papersniper]

It is large but it doesn't take up a lot of space, but like others have posted the size of the leather backer spreads the weight of the gun out over a larger area which is why they tend to be more comfortable for many. The small single clip style are great but I've found the larger double clip style to be better for all day wear. Sweat in the summer months hasn't been much of an issue for me. Sometimes I get just a little bit of irritation with the leather against my skin in the hot weather but that is pretty rare. Overall this is my favorite, most comfortable and most concealable mode of carry.


Sent from my iPhone 5S using Tapatalk

Thanks for that reply. At the rate I am going I may end up getting one of each I mentioned in the first post! They all seem to have benefits:
The hybrid two clip type you mention for stability and comfort.
The leather single clips for "looks" and "tradition" (I know, those aren't important - but I love good leather!) and ease of putting it on/off.
The hybrid single clip (the last in my first post) for ease of on/off, easy of re-holstering, and adjustment of cant and retention.

The ease of re-holstering is getting to be more important in my mind. I have looked at utube videos of folks demonstrating that with a leather IWB holster, and I see problems. I do not think I'd have that issue as much with a plastic holster with a "fixed" holster top.

 

[sawlog]

do you happen to be left handed?

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

The ease of re-holstering is getting to be more important in my mind. I have looked at utube videos of folks demonstrating that with a leather IWB holster, and I see problems. I do not think I'd have that issue as much with a plastic holster with a "fixed" holster top.

That is pretty vital in a carry holster - if you have to reach around and open any holster with your off hand, that's not good. Not just a safety issue in terms of firearms handling, but also if the gun ever has to come out in a public place... you really need it to be able to go back in quickly and easily as well.

 

[TenTea]

Crossbreed Supertuck in horsehide

Easy on - easy off
Easy in - easy out
Efficient weight distribution
Steel clips
Thin profile and tight to the body
Adjustable cant
Horsehide resists sweat and oil
Great warranty
The ugliest holster you'll ever love!

 

[kozal01]

Thanks for that reply. At the rate I am going I may end up getting one of each I mentioned in the first post! They all seem to have benefits:

The hybrid two clip type you mention for stability and comfort.

The leather single clips for "looks" and "tradition" (I know, those aren't important - but I love good leather!) and ease of putting it on/off.

The hybrid single clip (the last in my first post) for ease of on/off, easy of re-holstering, and adjustment of cant and retention.



The ease of re-holstering is getting to be more important in my mind. I have looked at utube videos of folks demonstrating that with a leather IWB holster, and I see problems. I do not think I'd have that issue as much with a plastic holster with a "fixed" holster top.

Trying out a couple different styles is not a bad way to go. Not only will it allow you to pick what will work best for you but also give you options for different clothes or activities. As for the reholstering with the hybrid style, that is definite plus, it is easier to do with my hybrid than my full leather


Sent from my iPhone 5S using Tapatalk

 

[Lost Lake]

Here's what I have learned in carrying for maybe three years, and I've fluctuated in weight by 50 lbs over that time...

I've custom made my own hybrid holsters so I have the exact cant I want and the exact ride height. Your body is different than mine, so you may want a different cant because you carry further back or forward. Your carry gun may need to ride higher or lower depending on where you carry it and how your body hinges as you bend and sit.

Great holster makers use top quality materials, have excellent finishing, and carefully place the gun in the holster for balance and angle which greatly affects concealability. I firmly believe a 5 o'clock carry position should have a different cant than a 3 o'clock position, but some will carry at 6 o'clock and use a holster with no cant. Go figure.

I much prefer leather against my skin with a slide shield. I much prefer the way leather conforms to my body. Even my hybrid holsters I mold the outer kydex to bend around my hip, I don't make them flat because I'm not flat!

I changed one of my preferences for my hybrid holster to an all leather holster when I lost weight. There was a difference in carry height and the shape of my hip that changed with my weight. I point that out so you won't be shocked when that highly acclaimed holster you buy doesn't work for you, it may be because your body isn't exactly like everyone else's!

For a couple easy on/off holsters I have really liked no matter what my weight or carry gun, the Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 is nice.

I also like my Alessi Talon Plus.

Another recommendation I have is Lobo Gunleather's IWB in horsehide.

 

[ChiefStealth]

(snip)In my mind, comfort is important, and I don't want to take the chance of damaging the gun from sweat, dirt, etc. I want one where I can easily draw and re-insert the gun into the holster. I THINK I want one of the ones that clips on easily without removing my belt, etc. I do not plan to wear the IWB holster all the time, but occasionally, and probably only for 3-4 hours at a time.

My requirements are somewhat similar to yours. IWB, easy on/off, not wearing all day, every day. I'm going to try the DeSantis Sof-Tuck. Mostly suede leather, which is a bit unique. One J-clip. For me, one clip will be enough. Adjustable cant. That allows different carry positions. That's important to me. And, its $30 bucks! $20 bucks from Walmart.

 

[papersniper]

Here's what I have learned in carrying for maybe three years, and I've fluctuated in weight by 50 lbs over that time...

I've custom made my own hybrid holsters so I have the exact cant I want and the exact ride height. Your body is different than mine, so you may want a different cant because you carry further back or forward. Your carry gun may need to ride higher or lower depending on where you carry it and how your body hinges as you bend and sit.

Great holster makers use top quality materials, have excellent finishing, and carefully place the gun in the holster for balance and angle which greatly affects concealability. I firmly believe a 5 o'clock carry position should have a different cant than a 3 o'clock position, but some will carry at 6 o'clock and use a holster with no cant. Go figure.

I much prefer leather against my skin with a slide shield. I much prefer the way leather conforms to my body. Even my hybrid holsters I mold the outer kydex to bend around my hip, I don't make them flat because I'm not flat!

I changed one of my preferences for my hybrid holster to an all leather holster when I lost weight. There was a difference in carry height and the shape of my hip that changed with my weight. I point that out so you won't be shocked when that highly acclaimed holster you buy doesn't work for you, it may be because your body isn't exactly like everyone else's!

For a couple easy on/off holsters I have really liked no matter what my weight or carry gun, the Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 is nice.
...
I also like my Alessi Talon Plus.
...
Another recommendation I have is Lobo Gunleather's IWB in horsehide.
.....

Thanks for your thoughts on holsters. Makes sense. I did order one of the single clip, leather on the inside, plastic on the outside, with a "sweat shield". I am not totally convinced that's the perfect holster, but seems it's a good place to start.

Congrats on the weight loss, BTW. I've been trying to loose 10 pounds for a year now! Never seem to have the time (or intestinal fortitude!) to do what I need to do!

 

[B0308]

I'm with sawlog, Milt Sparks, buy once cry once.

I've used their Summer Special and Summer Special II's for decades with 1911's, Glocks and other full-sized pistols. Also the Versa Max for 1911's and M&P .45's.

All are top quality and even in VA and AZ summers have not sweat through on to the pistol. I've been using a good kydex IWB (Contact Concealment) for my Shields, but just ordered a SSII from Sparks as over time, they are more comfortable and easier to use (for me at least).

Upsides, great quality and super wear, durability and comfort.
Down sides, about twice your ideal budget AND a 8-12 week wait. But you'll only need to do it once.

Best of luck on your choices!

 

[AGoyette]

I too love my N82 Pro holster. I tried various IWB holsters and I find that the N82 is the most comfortable holster around. It uses one clip, which I was leery of, thinking it would weight down my pants too much, but it does not at all. I think it distributes the weight better than the 2 clip versions. It is easy to take on and off, retains the gun very well and is soft against your skin and is water/sweat proof. It is a little above your budget (around $70) but I would buy another one in a heart beat.

 

[papersniper]

I too love my N82 Pro holster. I tried various IWB holsters and I find that the N82 is the most comfortable holster around. It uses one clip, which I was leery of, thinking it would weight down my pants too much, but it does not at all. I think it distributes the weight better than the 2 clip versions. It is easy to take on and off, retains the gun very well and is soft against your skin and is water/sweat proof. It is a little above your budget (around $70) but I would buy another one in a heart beat.

I've heard a lot of good stuff about that one.....but got something else instead, based purely on price and perceived value. I don't plan to wear an IWB holster too often, so I'm testing the waters cheaply to start! I may very well end up trying other styles, and the N82 is on the short list, along with the two-clip hybrid types. I ordered a Raw Dog Defender Pro (long name for a small holster!) and will try it out next week. I generally prefer an OWB holster like my Blackhawk Compact Askins or the similar ones by Galco, Hume, Desantis and others. Love the look of brown leather. I KNOW you're not supposed to care about the appearance of a concealed holster, but I cannot help myself!

 

[cookwa]

N82 Pro without a doubt. Carry my m&p 9 FS and it is comfortable, easy on/off, durable.

 

[papersniper]

I'm the OP. I ordered and have been using a Raw Dog Tactical IWB holster. I ordered one because I knew it would conceal better than the OWB holster I have in those cases where what I plan to wear isn't suitable. I really like it! It's quite thin, much thinner than I expected (well, the thinness of the Shield helps) and fits in at least a couple of pair of my jeans that I did not think would work. It is not as comfortable was my OWB (Blackhawk Compact Askins leather), but it does conceal better. Works even sitting in the car, which I did not expect.

I have heard great stuff also on the Leather/Kydex Firearms holster, and ordered one of those for my Springfield XD-s 3.3 9mm. I hope it works as well as the Raw Dog Tactical, if not, I will order another Raw Dog Tactical for the Springfield.

 

[Jayhawkokie]

I picked up a Remora for something quick until I make up my mind on a qualit holster. I prefer IWB in the appendix carry, I'm looking at the Crossbreed Appendix Carry holster. I have a Holster Store IWB leather holster for my Bersa Thunder, it's a nice quality holster for around $40.

 

[BudB]

I completely agree with "TedTea" about the Crossbreed Supertuck in horsehide. Horsehide resists sweat and oil & a fantastic warranty. "The ugliest holster you'll ever love!" is their advertising campaign, and it is true.

 

[Bart45]

Take a look at the Old Faithful IWB holster and check out the guarantee.