Holsters and some musings...

[BigBear]

So, where do we learn what type of holster fits what type of body style? I've never seen any sort of chart.

I realize a lot is common sense, such as if you're obese, you probably don't want to wear an OWB and a tight shirt...

This is a pointless thread starter I think. I just want to get some opinions on how people shop for holsters, etc.

[Moviestar]

well what I did, was look on youtube. because a lot of people buy holsters and post vids, and you can see how they fit, and look. and sometimes people give decent reviews.

If you are on youtube, try to stay away from Nutnfancy.....he knows a lot, and his videos are great. but i dont want to watch a video for 30minutes on 1 gun, that can be covered in less than 10.

and then when I buy them, I go online and use google market place, sometimes you can get cash back.

[Irving]

It's good to ask because unless you've owned one, you won't know what to look for.

My first holster was a Desantis Tuck This :

Looks pretty small and cool right? There are a couple problems with this design.

1) The grip of the gun is basically riding on the belt, making it near impossible to get a solid, fast, grip on the gun. Think about trying to draw fast and throwing the gun instead of pointing it. Not to mention that it is canted in a manner to increase conceal ability, but greatly decrease accessibility.

2) It came with another kydex clip that is shaped a little different to allow you to can't the gun into a vertical position, but it still tucked the gun too low in the belt. I drilled a new hole about 1 inch higher and cut off the excess. It was better, but if I tried to cant it more more forward than vertical, the clip got in the way of the trigger guard and again prevented getting a solid grip.

3) Mag holder and holster in one? Great idea! Until you try and grab the fresh mag with your off hand reaching across your body. Not to mention it just made the whole unit heavier, not to mention it puts all that weight on one side of your belt. I never carried a mag in that pouch. Lastly, that mag pouch is really only sized for compact mags, and even then, it gets in the way.

4) Did you notice the size of the belt clip? It is 1.5". That is perfect for my 5.11 tac belt that I got for free with the pants I ordered, but every single one of my other belts are smaller and allow the whole rig to move around.

4a) With only one belt clip, movement is increased and the gun remains relatively in the same spot, but not EXACTLY in the same spot like it does with my Spartan holster.

There are some positives to this holster though.

1) It fits in my glove box, so if I even need to take my gun out of my Spartan I can put it right into the Desantis and toss the whole thing into my glove box. I also use the Desantis in my bedside safe since the Spartan has no chance of fitting in there either.

2) That single, giant belt clip makes it easy to remove the whole rig with the gun holstered the whole time. I basically have to take my belt off with the Spartan.

3) The compact size of the holster makes it easy for me to toss on a cheap, light weight belt under my running clothes and attach the holster to that. I wouldn't run, or other wise wear my gun around the house in sweat pants, with the Spartan.

So, as I've mentioned the Spartan already, a short list of the pros are:
1) Keeps the gun in the same place, all day, every day.
2) More versatile options for belt clips and cant adjust-ability.
3) The leather backing covers the whole gun, so I don't have to worry about cold hard gun directly touching my soft underbelly, or my man sweat ruining my gun's finish.
4) Adjustable tension.
5) A cow died to make it.

Hope this helps shed some light on what to look for, even though it didn't cover any body type issues.

[BigBear]

Yes, youtube was what got me to thinking... Most people it seems carry IWB/OWB around the 2 or 4 position.

How many people actually use shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, etc as their PRIMARY carry?

[Irving]

Speaking of less common carry methods, when I was first going to carry, I was very interested in Small Of Back carry, but it is difficult enough to draw while seated from 4 o'clock and I know that SOB would be even more impossible and not at all comfortable while driving sitting all day. Many talked about hurting your spine/tail bone if you were to fall over backwards and land on the rig if it is in your small of back, but I didn't think that the small chances of that happening really discouraged me from carrying there nearly as much as the other reasons. I did see a guy at a match this weekend using an OWB SOB rig though. I forgot to watch him draw though.

As far as ankle, I can't even comfortably carry a knife on my ankle, and my ankles are too small to fit a gun.

Shoulder is elaborate (and expensive) and I don't wear a suit jacket enough (ever) to cover one. Also, you have to sweep the whole room when drawing, as opposed to just pulling from your hip. I don't think that sweeping is a big deal, but it is a pretty big and noticeable movement to reach across your body, fumble with your shirt, etc. Not to mention it only takes someone putting their hand on the back of your elbow to effectively screw up your draw.

Just my opinions on all of this though. I haven't carried any way but at 4 o'clock.

[BigBear]

hmmm... I have seen a fellow wear a shoulder holster under his button up shirt. Worked really well for him. Though I'd hate to have to sew on all the buttons after a situation developed from ripping the shirt off to get to the weapon. Sweeping the room is a good observation with this method. I didn't think about that.

Ankle holsters I've never been to fond of. I don't want to be bending over in a threatening situation. lol. Don't drop the soap!!!

I guess I'm just trying to find a more comfortable way for me to carry. Shoulder holster seems like my personal best fit. 4 oclock is clumsy for me as I'm a big guy, rarely fit in seats with arm rests, I do have "love handles" so sitting down makes carry uncomfortable when it's poking me all day. I have a OWB that I use, but I always have to wear my coat or a long shirt. I've thought about IWB but man, finding pants my size is hard enough without getting even a bigger size.

Damnit... I just need to get lose some weight. Again. A never ending struggle. I never end up losing weight though, I just keep gaining pounds though I slim up like maybe an inch. lol.

[TFOGGER]

I'm still trying to find the best carry, it seems that none are perfect. My EDC pistol is a KelTec P11, which I have both an Aker IWB for and the KelTec belt clip, also positioned for IWB. I'm not a little guy (5-9, 200 lbs with a 34 inch waist), but since I like my clothes to fit, I do find some comfort issues. I generally wear T-shirts when I am out and about (which also fit fairly snug). I have tried SOB carry with my 1911, but my shoulder is kinda jacked up, so it's not a real comfortable reach, and there's sweeping issues. Shoulder holsters appear to me to be neither practical nor concealable. So far, with the Keltec, the belt clip seems to strike the best balance of comfort, concealability, and accessibility. With the Baby Eagle, my Kramer IWB #3 seems to work best, but it is not at all comfortable to sit down with. I guess I'll just have to keep looking......

[BigBear]

None are perfect, that's for sure.

[cowboykjohnson]

Ruger lcp in a desantis nemisis holster rides perfect behind my tall wallet. Not to bad to sit on either. Winter time is easy since all my carhart coats have pockets inside just big enough for my Ultra CDP II. But i'm having trouble figuring out where to carry it in the summer. I wear tee shirts but not ones that hang off and are baggy, maybe i'll have to stick to just the LCP in summer.