Uncle Mike's IWB

[jframe]

Anybody have experience with one? Bought one yesterday sized for my three inch Model 13 and just simply don't like it. I realize they are cheap, but the plastic belt clip is not even strong enough to snap around my J.W.O'Rourke leather belt. I'm gonna probably return it and trade for ammo or something. Just wondering if any of y'all have had better luck with these. Cheap is one thing, but a complete lack of retention is something else.

 

[jframe]

Anybody have experience with one? Bought one yesterday sized for my three inch Model 13 and just simply don't like it. I realize they are cheap, but the plastic belt clip is not even strong enough to snap around my J.W.O'Rourke leather belt. I'm gonna probably return it and trade for ammo or something. Just wondering if any of y'all have had better luck with these. Cheap is one thing, but a complete lack of retention is something else.

 

[OKFC05]

Just wondering if any of y'all have had better luck with these.

Nope. Prefer molded holster, either quality leather or Kydex.

 

[Erich]

Today's Uncle Mike's IWBs are better than those of yesteryear, FWIW. I have a couple that I'm pretty pleased to use in some circumstances.

 

[Agent6-3/8]

I bought one for my 442 and hate it. The freaking think must have been designed by a retard. It won't clip over an actual gunbelt, it creeps around and generally feels unsecure.

I should have known better...



I love my Uncle Mike's pocket holster though.

 

[palmetto99]

I picked up a Uncle Mikes for my model 60 to see if I would like IWB carry.
I've not had much problem with them, I agree with Erich, "in some circumstances". I found that if I placed the clip between my belt and pants, it would stay in place. Forget about reholstering with it in place. You have to take it out and then place it back IWB. I also found that it worked well in a coat pocket.
My .02.

 

[Smitty500Mag]

I like the Uncle Mike's Holsters. I've got Uncle Mike's IWB holsters, OWB holsters, pocket holsters, shoulder holsters and ankle holsters. While I don't like to carry in an ankle holster or IWB holster or shoulder holster I still like the Uncle Mike's better than any other brand of these holsters.

Smitty

 

[DC7]

Originally posted by palmetto99:
I found that if I placed the clip between my belt and pants, it would stay in place.

That's actually the correct way of using these holsters, so those who've had problems trying to position the clip over a gunbelt might want to give it another try. Here's a pic from the Uncle Mike's website showing the holster in the recommended position, with the clip under the belt:

My favorite use for the holster pictured above is to remove the belt clip entirely and use it as an inexpensive pocket holster. I find that the IWB holster without a clip is thinner and more comfortable than UM's actual pocket holster model, and it holds my gun more securely, too. I won't use it for IWB carry, because as OKFC05 mentioned, a fitted leather or kydex holster is a much better choice, especially for reliable weapon retention.

 

[TDR911]

My first IWB holster was the exact Uncle Mikes version. After making a decision to carry IWB I started trying diferent models finaly settling on a Kydex model. Started with CompTac. Great holster & company. Ended up making my own Kydex holsters.
Of course you will have to pay more but a good quality leather or Kydex holster is not only stationary but will securly hold your gun in place. Reholstering is not an issue.

 

[jframe]

Originally posted by DC7:

Originally posted by palmetto99:
I found that if I placed the clip between my belt and pants, it would stay in place.

That's actually the correct way of using these holsters, so those who've had problems trying to position the clip over a gunbelt might want to give it another try. Here's a pic from the Uncle Mike's website showing the holster in the recommended position, with the clip under the belt:

My favorite use for the holster pictured above is to remove the belt clip entirely and use it as an inexpensive pocket holster. I find that the IWB holster without a clip is thinner and more comfortable than UM's actual pocket holster model, and it holds my gun more securely, too. I won't use it for IWB carry, because as OKFC05 mentioned, a fitted leather or kydex holster is a much better choice, especially for reliable weapon retention.

I think the problem may be the belt itself. I bought an O'Rourke lined belt several years ago and it works great with a pancake style holster. But the very thickness of it makes the Uncle Mike's difficult to use. May just have to try to work with it some more, or get a different belt to try.

 

[Smitty500Mag]

When all else fails read the directions.

Smitty

 

[jframe]

I've really solved it now, and bought a nice Bianchi Pistol Pocket from a fellow forum member. This thing snaps on the belt and has a thumb break as well. Tucks in my jeans and fits the 13 like a glove. For what I paid for it used from him, the condition far exceeds my expectations. It's also adjustable for cant as well.

 

[Nickster60]

I prefer a Don Hume 715-m. It much better and only costs a few dollars more

 

[mississippi revolverman]

I looked at them and not impressed. I picked up a used Safariland soft leather off the used bargin tble at a local gun shop. Fitted my model 60 in it outlined the frame with marker. Then took it to a shoe shop and had the excess cut off and restiched.

Perfect fit and got $10 tied up in it.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Where the UM's shine is if you live somewhere humid and tend to sweat. You can toss these things into the washer and get the stink and nastiness out of them, they'll survive quite a few washings before it is time for a new onw.

For whatever reason, I thought that they worked best with a smallish auto such as a Sig P232.

 

[coach22]

They were great when they came with the metal clip
and before they added the flap.
I used to use the model one size bigger than for a J Frame.
Those were great. The gun rode below the belt line
and just the grip was above it. It really hid well.
Then they added the flap, which showed more
under a shirt than the gun did.
I took it to a shoemaker and had him
fold it over and then stitch it.
Then came the POS clip. When you sit down
the whole holster slides up.

J Frame says the correct way to wear it
is between the pants and the belt.
Maybe, but what if you don't wear a belt?

DC7 is correct. Razor off the clip
and use it as an inside the pocket holster.
That's about the only thing it's good for.
They actually hold up longer than their Pocket Holster.
NOTHING beats a Mika for inside the pocket, in my opinion.

Why can't companies leave good products alone?
"New & Improved" isn't always better.

 

[Pasifikawv]

I actually like the Uncle Mike's IWB for my smaller semi-autos. Never had an issue wth them slipping or moving around too much - even when working around the house. Wouldn't stay put while doing gymnastics, but works well for normal everyday wear. I find them quite comfortable.

With my larger semi-autos, the Uncle Mike's IWB is not the best option for stability...

Find that which fits your lifestyle, comfort level and is a proper fit for your sidearm. Then be sure to practice drawing from it.