Old Faithful IWB Holster

[Rastoff]

After a few discussions here about the Old Faithful holsters, I decided to go to their website and check them out. When I saw their guarantee...

Take our STUNNING 30 Day Challenge.
The rules are simple. Wear our holster for a month. If you don't agree that it's the most comfortable and concealable holster you've ever worn, we'll give you your money back and YOU CAN KEEP THE GUN HOLSTER. NOBODY else is confident enough to make that offer. - See more at: "Quick-Assemble-Kit" - Inside the Waistband - Hip - Gun Holster Kit - Old Faithful Holsters

...I thought, "How can I pass this up?"

So, on 31 Jan 2014 I placed and order for a "Quick Assemble Kit." This saves a few dollars by assembling it yourself. I immediately got an email confirming my order and giving an estimated ship date of 14-28 Feb 2014. This included the note, "Please allow for 3-4 days from the estimated ship date for your order to arrive."

On 5 Mar 2014 I sent an email to them asking what the status was of my order. I received no response.

On 7 Mar 2014 I sent a question via their website asking the same question. This time I received a response. They said that they had been swamped with orders and were a little behind. They offered to "upgrade" me to an assembled holster. I told them that was not necessary.

Today, 20 Mar 2014, the holster arrived. It was indeed fully assembled.

My first impression is OK. The holster seems to be well made. it is certainly easy to adjust. I fully intend on testing this to the best of my ability and will report back with detailed description, pictures and my experiences.

 

[dajogejr]

Mine had a ship date of March 7 to 21.
It shipped today.

However, I also ordered an alien gear....I'm interested in the difference.

 

[Rastoff]

However, I also ordered an alien gear....I'm interested in the difference.

I suspect they will be quite similar. However, I'd be interested in your review of the differences.

 

[jimdevlin]

Old Faithful IWB

I bought mine at a local gun shop about a year ago because of the 30 day trial period. I use it a lot and like it for my 9 mm Shield.

 

[speedyquad]

I believe alien gear is some how related to old faithful...same town, same design...possibly a former employee

i've had my old faithful OWB for about a year now. i like it a lot, but have been carrying in a pocket holster since summer. it took about the full month to break in and not need adjusted any more. i started with the suggested medium spacers and on the last adjustment, moved to the smaller spacers. i would not hesitate to buy another from them...

i had mine in about 9 days from the date of order.

 

[Ransom]

I got an Old Faithful for my Shield, gave it a 30-day trial, and found that for me it was not the most comfortable and concealable holster. They gave me my money back without hesitation. A very upstanding company, just not the right holster for me.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I really like OF holsters. I originally bought it for the Shield, then got the XDS shell and then a G26 shell. It's nice to be able to just buy some cheap shells or even make your own over buying a $80+ Crossbreed every time you want a different carry gun.

I personally feel it's quite comfortable with higher quality leather and kydex than some other brands. Like all holsters, wearing it more will break it in nicely and make it form to you.

 

[serpentine]

I love my Old Faithful. Been wearing for almost 21 months now with my Shield. I went with the mold your own kit in horsehide and I have no complaints. It's very comfortable. I just recently switch the nylon clips instead of the metal ones, which I sourced from Garret Industries. The metal clips sit on my pants at about 6 and 3, right up against my belt loops. The rear one sometimes diggs into my dining room chairs when I am seated and was scratching the wood. So I decided a plastic clip would be better, and so far they are working out great.

The Old Faithful is very comfortable.

 

[dajogejr]

I believe alien gear is some how related to old faithful...same town, same design...possibly a former employee

I've said exactly the same thing.
I have both on order, will take pics and compare.
More than likely, one or the other will be up for sale...

 

[johnnydee]

Pic's we need pic's! Please & Thank you

 

[wittmeba]

I suspect they will be quite similar. However, I'd be interested in your review of the differences.

Mine had a ship date of March 7 to 21.
It shipped today.

However, I also ordered an alien gear....I'm interested in the difference.

I don't think you will see any difference at all. I also have an AlienGear and I asked them if they were aware of Old Faithful - they said yes and that OF has a warehouse in the same town.

It seems/looks to me like one or the other had a falling out of business matters with the other and started making their own. They look like they come from the same mold, same design, hardware, shell, concept, pricing and warranty. They both promote the replaceable shell (attached with screws - which to me is good) and can be changed to a different gun if needed. Or you can just buy a new shell and have one for two different guns.

The price is certainly good. One big difference is AlienGear does not charge for assembly...which I had to laugh about when I saw the difference with Old Faithful. WOW!

Holsters

Pic's we need pic's! Please & Thank you

Some pics here:

http://gotnarcosis.com/brucewittmeier/technical/SearchPerfectHolster.html
.

 

[Rastoff]

Pic's we need pic's! Please & Thank you

Yes, I hear you. As promised here is some commentary and pictures.


I've been wearing the Old Faithful IWB holster for 3 days now. At the moment I'm not ready to say it's all that comfortable. Let's look closer at the holster.

This is the holster and the gun I'm testing it with:

Yes, I know that's a 1911 and not an M&P, but ultimately, if the holster works out, I'll add an M&P.

The holster seems well made and has high quality components. The clips are sturdy and easy to move. They are made from some kind of spring steel. Thus, the clips are thin and can scratch anything they come in contact with.

One feature of this holster is adjustability. With both clips in the same location the cant angle is 25°. This is more angle than any other holster I have. By moving the clips, the angle can be adjusted to as little as 14° or as much as 35°.

While steep, it does make drawing from the 5 o'clock position (7 o'clock for us lefties) easier. If you prefer a position closer to 3 o'clock (9 o'clock) then this is really too much cant. Even with it set to the 14° position it's more than I like.

When it first arrived it was flat as a pancake. Of course none of us are built that way. As you can see from the first pic, it doesn't stay that way. After only three days of wear, it has taken on a curved figure. The Kydex is quite flat though.

When I have the holster on, this corner (indicated by the arrow) is quite a sharp bend. So much so that I can stick my thumb between the holster and my waist easily. If the Kydex were curved this would be more comfortable.

The way it fits the gun is interesting.

At point A it fits the gun well. At point B the Kydex doesn't go over the top much; barely at all. Point C is a sight channel. Because there is little going over the top of the slide, the gun can slip into the sight channel. This isn't a problem, it just makes the gun feel loose.


Here it appears that there is a little gap at the trigger guard:

That is not the case. When on, the Kydex fits flush against the trigger guard. Even so, the gun is not tight in the holster.

It is very easy to draw. Maybe too easy. Even with the smallest spacers installed, I can lift the gun out of the holster with two fingers. I can't do that with any other holster I have. Now, it is the nature of a holster like this to fit loosely when not wearing it. That is not what I'm talking about. When wearing it, it is really easy to draw the gun with only two fingers.

The holster came with a bunch of extra parts:

This was well thought out. If you need smaller spacers, there are shorter screws provided so they don't poke through the other side. The spacers themselves are made from cut pieces of automotive tubing. I think that is a great idea. They are inexpensive to make and a user could easily make more, for less than $1, if needed.


It does conceal the gun very well. With the gun on, I can hide it with just a loose t-shirt. I can't do that with any other holster I have. Of course, all my others, except one, are OWB.

So, there it is after only three days. I will continue to wear it and update this as time goes by.

 

[Rastoff]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. This type of holster will put more wear on the finish of your gun. As you can see, this is not really an issue for me, but it could bother some. So, take that into consideration when thinking about a holster like this.

 

[wittmeba]

I'd just add a couple comments. I have worn mine about 3 times now as well.

I have the "other guys" model - AlienGear. They are almost exactly the same I think if the logo is missing you wouldn't know which one you have. Mine is black rather than natural. That is a $5.00 adder for either mfg.

I tried to take the same angle pics as Ras. My gun is an M&P .40 Full size.

If you look at the shell there is pretty good detail indicating the mold fits the gun very well. You can see the raised area of the trigger in the trigger guard and the anglular indentations at the muzzle.

It is taking shape to me much like Ras' image from the top view. It also is forming a sharp bend where the Kydex begins.

The area covering the trigger guard is very close to the gun. This could be slightly different with every instance due to how they must be manufactured. How much heat, how long heated, the specific characteristics of the Kydex, and so on will affect exactly how it molds.

You also get the little bag of extra hardware and cut tubing for spacers with the AlienGear.

I personally find it is extremely comfortable. Most of my wear has been driving, walking through stores, lunch and sitting around home a bit.

I'm sure this is not my last holster. I'm still considering a Gould leather belt slide for OWB which I can serve OC and CC depending on my outer shirt. I am still considering a DeSantis Sof-tuck for another quick-on/quick-off IWB tuckable for Summer for short trips.

AlienGear
Alien Gear Holsters

OldFaithful
Our Kydex Holsters | Concealed Carry & Kydex Gun Holsters Kits At Old Faithful Holsters.

 

[Rastoff]

Today is the seventh day I've worn this holster. I don't know if it's me or the holster, but it's not growing on me. It is more comfortable today than it was at first, but still not comfortable.

Maybe I'm just not an IWB kind of person.

To their credit, Old Faithful has been great. I sent them an email asking for fit help. They responded with a couple of suggestions. They also added this sentence, "If you cannot get the holster to fit correctly for your comfort please let us know and we will refund your money." Now, I didn't say anything about a refund in my question, they offered that all on their own. To me, this is a stand up company.

 

[dajogejr]

Rastoff...they offer that guarantee on their website. If you're not happy, keep it and they'll refund your money.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

 

[wittmeba]

Sorry to hear it isn't working for you. I still love my AlienGear (exact copy) and I've worn mine a couple more full days as well - all day today on a trip to NC. I would not think there would be any difference between the two mfgs.

I don't know how many times I glanced at Old Faithful's warranty and missed the part "...you can keep the holster". That does show commitment and customer support.

I just wear mine with a long tail shirt - not utilizing the tuck option. I have heard many say "I forget I'm wearing it" and thought that was just a cliche..but honestly I do forget unless getting into/out of the car or some other unusual movement. Walking or sitting - it just disappears. Perhaps that's because I have plenty of hip space for it to ride

Hope you find what you need.

 

[Rastoff]

Rastoff...they offer that guarantee on their website. If you're not happy, keep it and they'll refund your money.

Yes, I know. Maybe you missed that in the OP. I was just commenting on their unsolicited offer to return my money. Most companies wouldn't do that unless the customer asked first.

I can also understand the "you keep the holster" part. After wearing this for only a week, I'm pretty sure no one else would want it.

 

[Rastoff]

I gotta say, Old Faithful is one class act.

I've been wearing this holster for a while now and it's just not working. It's fine when standing, but when I sit it's quite uncomfortable. I'm not bashing the holster, just that I think IWB is not for me.

So, I sent an email to them. I told them just what I told you. I received a response within a few minutes. Debbie responded within about 10 minutes. She said that she wanted me to keep the holster and that a refund would be forthcoming within a few minutes. True to their word, I received a refund a few minutes later.

It's important to note that I never asked for a refund. They just offered it without question.

This is a class act and if IWB is your thing, I highly recommend their holsters.

 

[B3500]

For me there are many factors that come in to play on whether a certain holster style will work or not. For me the OF did not work out as well as I hoped because I had to position it so much further back to get it to feel ok when standing, but that position did not work for me when I was seated for any length of time.

With the current hybrid I wear, I can put it right at 3:30 with about a 20 degree cant and it works great. No grip poking me in my back or kidney area and can sit in a car comfortably even when the seats have large bolsters.

Not every holster style works for every person which is why there are so many varieties available. Keep trying. You are bound to find something that works for you, and it might still be an IWB.