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Holster advice please.

flienlow

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2010
Messages
33
Location
, Washington, USA
I am no stranger to firearms, but I have never carried a handgun before.I have had a couple of .22 plinkers (colt woodsman ect.) for years, but never carried them. Black Friday got the best of me this year and I finally purchased my first real handgun (XDM.40). I then chose to exercise my CC privileges for a shopping trip, and it was a mess.

(I know this is a Open Carry forum, but I'm not quite there yet. I would however, be interested in hearing some opinions on Holsters if someone is willing to share.)

Anyway, I felt like a fish out of water carrying a gun. Especially in Costco who I know is completely against it. I only had the supplied holster that came with my XDM (right handed, I'm left) and this was not really a protect yourself outing as much as it was a get familiar with carrying a handgun outing.My holster was misplaced, uncomfortable, the gun was protruding beneath my coat, and I was nervous as hell that I would drop it or it would fall out or something. (Nervous to the point where I did not chamber a round.) Once again, this was merely an opportunity for me to get used to carrying.

So with that said, I need some suggestions on a good holster. From what little I know, I believe that a Kydex, IWB type holster is the choice for me.But which one? - I am looking for opinions and discussions so feel free to offer them up.

Thank you.
 

golddigger14s

Activist Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2010
Messages
2,068
Location
Lawton, OK USA
Welcome aboard. I like paddle holsters, and use Blackhawk CQC level II retention holsters. That said, there is a whole thread in the main forum dedicated to holsters.
 

badger54

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2008
Messages
129
Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Take a look at comp tac holsters they make some really nice IWB holsters. I have several holsters from them for various firearms. Out of interest how long have you had your CPL for before you started carrying.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
 

tombrewster421

Regular Member
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
1,326
Location
Roy, WA
http://blade-tech.com/HYBRID-Tuckable-by-BLADE-TECH-pr-1345.html

This hybrid would be more comfortable than a kydex only holster. There's several makers of hybrids. If you're going to wear a coat it will always be more comfortable to wear an IWB with a shirt tucked behind it.

http://oldfaithfulholsters.com/

This company sell kits so you can put it together yourself for a great savings. You can choose just how much work you want to do because they have three levels of kits.
 

gogodawgs

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
5,669
Location
Federal Way, Washington, USA
First, get the right belt. One that is thick and can handle the duty. Second, cinch it up tight so there is no slack. This may be new to you and will take some getting used to, but this is a huge deal that most carriers never get quite right.

Second, decide whether you want to carry IWB or OWB. If IWB get your jeans the next size up. Get the most comfortable holster you can for your body shape/size. That may vary, so talk to friends that are built similar to you. Maybe even try theirs out as well.

If you choose to carry OWB, get a leather holster, they hug your body more than plastic holsters and will no protrude as much for that visible bulge.

Third, you may need to invest in a few more shirts, sweaters that hang nicely and do not tuck in to your pants to have comfortable cover.

Lastly, most of us have 1-3 holsters for each handgun we have and depending upon the conditions may change holsters.

Best of luck, patience and a 'getting used to period' will need to be exercised.
 

skeith5

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
356
Location
United States
For normal concealed carry I have my m&p in a galco iwb. It has two loops that go around the belt and is very easy to slip off. For deep cover where I don't need to worry about disarming until I get home I have a cross breed super tuck. It's very comfortable and I can conceal in slacks and a dress shirt. When I open carry I use a safari land als. It's got great retention and being a paddle holster you can slip it on and off fairly easily. I also have a bianchi black widow which is a great owb leather holster. It rides up high enough that a normal jacket conceals it very well. A good belt is a must, cinched tight.

Scott

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
 

EMNofSeattle

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2012
Messages
3,670
Location
S. Kitsap, Washington state
Personally, in your shoes I'd get a Bianchi nylon "pancake" holster, OWB. they're nice and tight and hold the firearm close your body, have a forward cant towards your front, and the best thing of all is that the belt threads through near the bottom of the holster so you don't have the bottom of your holster peeking out the bottom of your coat. throw a nice vest or columbia jacket that opens out the front and it should work good. also choose the thickest belt you have that will thread the holster.
 

SPOProds

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2012
Messages
464
Location
Orono, ME
Concealed carry i have my Glock19 with a vanguard style holster. Carried at 1:00. Conceals very well and gives great retention being in front of you. To get better concealment you can offset your belt buckle do its not doubled up with the gun's position. YMMV

ny8any5a.jpg
 

bmg50cal

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
306
Location
WA - North Whidbey/ Deception Pass
...

If you choose to carry OWB, get a leather holster, they hug your body more than plastic holsters and will no protrude as much for that visible bulge.

...

I have to disagree on this; I've used leather and it can be close, but it does not wear as close as a custom Kydex holster worn OWB, like a Raven Concealment Systems Phantom.
 

SpyderTattoo

Regular Member
Joined
May 22, 2008
Messages
1,015
Location
Kent, Washington, USA
I stay away from Blade Tech anymore. Their customer service is the worst. Here's another local company that makes nice Kydex holsters. I have one and so do many on the WaGuns forum. http://nwtacticalproducts.com/

They will be at the gunshow in Puyallup this coming weekend with their mobile holster factory (trailer) making holsters on the spot. Of course, you'll need to have a WAC membership to bring your gun in so that they can make you a holster, using your gun.
 

bmg50cal

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
306
Location
WA - North Whidbey/ Deception Pass
I stay away from Blade Tech anymore. Their customer service is the worst. Here's another local company that makes nice Kydex holsters. I have one and so do many on the WaGuns forum. http://nwtacticalproducts.com/

They will be at the gunshow in Puyallup this coming weekend with their mobile holster factory (trailer) making holsters on the spot. Of course, you'll need to have a WAC membership to bring your gun in so that they can make you a holster, using your gun.

Very nice pricing. If I don't make my own next time I'll order from these guys instead. Thanks for the link. :cool:
 

hermannr

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2,327
Location
Okanogan Highland
I am no stranger to firearms, but I have never carried a handgun before.I have had a couple of .22 plinkers (colt woodsman ect.) for years, but never carried them. Black Friday got the best of me this year and I finally purchased my first real handgun (XDM.40). I then chose to exercise my CC privileges for a shopping trip, and it was a mess.

(I know this is a Open Carry forum, but I'm not quite there yet. I would however, be interested in hearing some opinions on Holsters if someone is willing to share.)

Anyway, I felt like a fish out of water carrying a gun. Especially in Costco who I know is completely against it. I only had the supplied holster that came with my XDM (right handed, I'm left) and this was not really a protect yourself outing as much as it was a get familiar with carrying a handgun outing.My holster was misplaced, uncomfortable, the gun was protruding beneath my coat, and I was nervous as hell that I would drop it or it would fall out or something. (Nervous to the point where I did not chamber a round.) Once again, this was merely an opportunity for me to get used to carrying.

So with that said, I need some suggestions on a good holster. From what little I know, I believe that a Kydex, IWB type holster is the choice for me.But which one? - I am looking for opinions and discussions so feel free to offer them up.

Thank you.

OK, I'm a bit different than you. I cannot stand an IWB holster...don't care whose. But then....or because of that feeling.

I only conceal when it is winter and I MUST wear a coat for the weather, and then only because I am wearing a coat. I have several guns that I carry, and several different holsters for them.

My favorite carry these days is a CZ85 (ambidextrus, black, full size, all steel, 9mm) in an Alessi OWB leather holster. Very comfortable, holds very close to my body and as I am usually wearing black Carhartts, or black slacks...the black belt, black holster, and black pistol are almost invisible, unless you are specifically looking for them.

Very easy to draw from this holster, almost impossible to take the pistol out from behind you. (as in a simulated gun grab) I know this as my BIL tried, and I was even letting him try...he gave up and said...OK, where is the secret button. Drawback, Alessi only makes to order which means you wait, and he is not cheap. Upside, superb quality, specifically made for your weapon, and if you are right or left handed etc.

I want to second gogodawgs: the GET A GOOD GUN BELT, double layer, double stitched...Very important for comfortable carry. You can carry OWB concealed if that is what you want to do, if you have a good holster. Going cheap is not what you want to do, either with the belt, or the holster.

CZ cropped.jpg
 
Last edited:

kparker

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
1,326
Location
Tacoma, Washington, USA
Lastly, most of us have 1-3 holsters for each handgun we have and depending upon the conditions may change holster, along with a large box or more of holsters that didn't quite work out

FIFY. :)


Also add my Yeah to the good gun belt part.
 

DCKilla

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2010
Messages
523
Location
Wet Side, WA
This is why I love ocdo. We are willing to help with CC issues contrary to what "others" believe.

Though a pain in the butt, I've been known to carry my G22 iwb. I have a kydex/leather one from galco. I don't OC with that holster because the lack of retention. It's harder to draw from than my Serpa level 2 owb holster.
 

aa1911

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
Messages
106
Location
Yelm, WA
A nice leather IWB holster is my favorite and they are usually most comfortable, not to mention offer the best CC ability.

but like someone else already said, I own at least two or more holsters for every pistol I have. Buy one, try it for a bit, find another, keep shopping and trying until you find what suits you best. There's no right or wrong one, some swear off holsters with retention, some swear off ones that don't have it, etc...

practice with what you get and just a suggestion if you're nervous; wear your gun every waking moment you can, like around the house or in the car, etc... you will get comfortable soon enough.

ensure you get plenty of range time also. OCing is a pretty liberating feeling when you start doing it, but like anything else, it becomes second nature and you don't really think much of it specifically after a little exposure/time.

Happy totin', stay safe and armed.
 
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