Holsters...trying to get it right.

[One Ping Only]

interestingly (perhaps), my 1791 paddle holster for G19/GST9 will accommodate the 1911 Officers pretty well without any slop or wiggle....HOWEVER, it's not specifically fit for/to it, and thus, I wouldn't trust it for CC even if I wanted to wear it. Around the property- barring any medium to heavy yardwork, maybe. looks good in it although if you seat it completely the muzzle is protruding about 1/8" which I find unacceptable, and other issues aside, not safe for real Officers duty. Check it out:

 

[One Ping Only]

May I suggest TT Gunleather then. Tim makes holsters that are on par if not better than Sparks. I like the fact his holsters are usually double stitched. 4 to 5 weeks out. Sadly I don’t think he makes any for P80 either. I’d have one if he did.
View attachment 24626
That’s my IWB rig I’ve had for almost 10 years and wore it daily for 7 of those.

Great tip, thanks!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I like a good quality leather holster. In certain situations. If it involves anything active... doing anything physical like working outside, running, driving an ATV, lawn tractor, etc. then it's strictly kydex. It's an overused term but for me leather is a bit more dressy and more suitable for a barbecue gun or other sorts of social engagements.

I know this makes leather lovers howl but the retention of a good quality kydex or polymer holster is far better. I was never a fan of leather holsters with retention straps. Some say kydex tears up the finish on the gun. Maybe so, if you dont keep it clean. But then again I dont give a shit about the finish on a carry gun. It's not for show.

I have a number of well-made leather holsters I like. A few built to order but most off the shelf. Galco, Bianchi, 1791... all good. I have to disclose that I loved my Miami and Jackass shoulder rigs. All leather. I wore them 'professionally'. This is one configuration that I believe leather has the advantage.

My hunting chest rig is all kydex. Gunfighter. It's the best. An occasional hunting buddy of mine told me he was on a hunting and fishing trip and on the fishing day the guide had a leather chest rig. While trying to net a fish they caught the dude's revolver dropped out of his leather holster and into the lake. Gone forever. I would be inconsolable if that were me.

 

[Notshawn54]

Some say kydex tears up the finish on the gun. Maybe so, if you dont keep it clean. But then again I dont give a shit about the finish on a carry gun. It's not for show.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Those pics I posted earlier are a couple years old. I’ve carried that Baer for 6 years exclusively. Used it in training classes as well. It has approximately 20k rounds through it. It has scratches, a couple dings and blueing wear. Doesn’t bother me in the least. Almost a badge of honor I say. Since moving to Florida, I rarely carry it anymore because of the humidity. I swear it will start to rust just looking at it. Rust I just cannot accept. So now I carry my serialized P80 in kydex but I do miss the comfort of leather.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Those pics I posted earlier are a couple years old. I’ve carried that Baer for 6 years exclusively. Used it in training classes as well. It has approximately 20k rounds through it. It has scratches, a couple dings and blueing wear. Doesn’t bother me in the least. Almost a badge of honor I say. Since moving to Florida, I rarely carry it anymore because of the humidity. I swear it will start to rust just looking at it. Rust I just cannot accept. So now I carry my serialized P80 in kydex but I do miss the comfort of leather.

I should have added that leather is definitely more comfortable than plastic against your skin. Holster preferences are always very personal. The other thing for me is that leather is bulky. I prefer the thinness and lightness of kydex. The feel of plastic on my skin is a trade off I'm willing to make for optimal concealment.

I know what you mean about rust. Since moving to the southeast (Georgia and now NC) I've noticed how fast anything not protected rusts. I started using Break-Free Collector Long Term Gun Storage Preservative Gun Oil 4oz several years ago. It works as claimed.

 

[BeerHunter]

I should have added that leather is definitely more comfortable than plastic against your skin. Holster preferences are always very personal. The other thing for me is that leather is bulky. I prefer the thinness and lightness of kydex. The feel of plastic on my skin is a trade off I'm willing to make for optimal concealment.

I know what you mean about rust. Since moving to the southeast (Georgia and now NC) I've noticed how fast anything not protected rusts. I started using Break-Free Collector Long Term Gun Storage Preservative Gun Oil 4oz several years ago. It works as claimed.

The only reason I care about finish on my EDC is corrosion of metal parts. Signs of wear on the finish is just "patina" for the most part to me, but corrosion is the enemy of metal!

That said, most of my carry these days is OWB in a gun-specific custom leather holster, at least one for each different EDC gun, but I also have and use kydex OWB and IWB holsters for each EDC as well and have no qualms carrying with any of them because I change holster and EDC depending on the demands of my wardrobe for that day. My wardrobe is a bit more stable now that I'm retired and usually wearing shorts and a fishing shirt over an undershirt year round, unless I'm less casually dressed for Mass or a social event. I even have strong and weak-side kydex holsters for two different handguns in case my strong side is incapacitated for some reason. (I carry 100% of the time when it's not a "prohibited" place, concealed is concealed, and part of my regular defensive shooting practice routine is from the weak side).

 

[Notshawn54]

I started using Break-Free Collector Long Term Gun Storage Preservative Gun Oil 4oz several years ago. It works as claimed.

I’ve been using Renaissance Wax on my blued guns. I’ve heard good things about Eezox but haven’t tried it. I’ll have to try the Break-Free.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I’ve been using Renaissance Wax on my blued guns.

I have a tiny can of that also. A little goes a long way. I mostly use it on antique guns. The solvents in it remind me of airplane glue.

Modern guns that I'm using, not long term storing... I cooked up my own protectant.

 

[One Ping Only]

Gunglo!!!! I love it. That stuff IMO from what I can tell in pics. you've shown in the past, really compliments the modern black finish variants, imparts a subtle richness to it. BL- am I "off" on that perception?

We do have EEZOX and the Renaissance Wax as previously stated. Have only used both since acquiring the 1911 Officers "clone" and have only used it on that one. I'm about to try it on a few others as I get them out of the safe. I'm not sure how the Renaissance Wax would faire on those modern black matte finishes such as the Echelon, AR, G-guns, etc, and likely won't try it on those.

BL & BH- agreed with you both on all recent points. There is certainly time for KYDEX as well as the traditional leather. BL made a great point about leather and weapons retention being a possible hazard in varying conditions. "Hey here's a nice Anaconda sinker" kerplunc.....oh that would hurt to see that sucker disappear into the depths.... then again, there are leather variants with level 2 (I think it is) retention as in either a leather thong or thumb break flap. But the hide holsters I'm looking at don't have those. They CAN be modified/added-to, I suppose, but for ED CC, it will suffice.

The lighter weight of Kydex is also a given. I'll be looking for something of each camp that can keep it tucked-in tight, without any unnecessary bulk/width, etc. The SFH I have as you saw in those pics, is imo very good quality, but that sucker is as wide as a manta ray....really covers your whole side when worn at 3pm, and is a bit creaky, too.

As far as P80 support among manufacturers, y'all know it's minimal....and as much as I like and trust my PF940SC, it's truly a fat little sucker (wider than my 1911 grip) and would want it tucked-in properly, esp the grip, when CC. It prints pretty boldly.

 

[Notshawn54]

I'm not sure how the Renaissance Wax would faire on those modern black matte finishes such as the Echelon, AR, G-guns, etc, and likely won't try it on those.

My concerns as well. I only use it on blued steel and wood. I suppose I could use it on my stainless guns, but I don’t.

and as much as I like and trust my PF940SC, it's truly a fat little sucker (wider than my 1911 grip) and would want it tucked-in properly, esp the grip, when CC. It prints pretty boldly.

I don’t think most people realize how concealable a 1911 really is.

 

[One Ping Only]

My concerns as well. I only use it on blued steel and wood. I suppose I could use it on my stainless guns, but I don’t.

I don’t think most people realize how concealable a 1911 really is.

The renaissance wax does work nice on stainless, fwiw. I don’t use a lot of pressure so as to cut the matte finish into polished, just enough to give it a little extra something.

 

[brian]

Some say kydex tears up the finish on the gun.

Certainly my experience. And after just a few months at that. I'd have to guess that the wear marks are a sign that you have a good tight fit which hopefully transitions into some decent retention levels.

I should have added that leather is definitely more comfortable than plastic against your skin.

My skin tends to agree with you on this one too. The leather seems to be better at reshaping itself to align with your body line over time with wear - sort of like breaking in the firearm fit of a leather holster. Vedder holsters shine in this area - Kydex shell attached to a leather plate which is what contacts your skin.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Certainly my experience. And after just a few months at that. I'd have to guess that the wear marks are a sign that you have a good tight fit which hopefully transitions into some decent retention levels.


My skin tends to agree with you on this one too. The leather seems to be better at reshaping itself to align with your body line over time with wear - sort of like breaking in the firearm fit of a leather holster. Vedder holsters shine in this area - Kydex shell attached to a leather plate which is what contacts your skin.

I am a big fan of Vedder holsters but I havent tried their hybrids. I did buy a couple of Crossbreeds to give the hybrid style a try and just couldn't warm up to it. I do like the Crossbreed Rogue. One of the better kydex holster/mag carrier combos out there. It can be worn IWB or OWB.

I habitually clean my kydex holster when I clean the gun that goes in it. I also spray Quick Draw in it and wipe it down. It makes a big difference in wear on the gun's finish. Quick Draw is a blend of silicone and lanolin in an aerosol can. It works great on plastic holsters. Also helps repel dust and grit. The maker says you can use it on leather but I don't.

As I mentioned before I don't fret about the finish on a carry gun.

Some leather holster makers discourage applying anything that softens the leather. Others have their own concoction they will sell you. One other thing about leather is when it gets dirt and grit in it, you really can't clean it.

 

[brian]

As I mentioned before I don't fret about the finish on a carry gun.

Forgot to comment on that one too - yeah, the EDC is a tool that should be cared for and maintained but any tool is going to become worn with use so I am not concerned with that either.

 

[BeerHunter]

I am a big fan of Vedder holsters but I havent tried their hybrids. I did buy a couple of Crossbreeds to give the hybrid style a try and just couldn't warm up to it. I do like the Crossbreed Rogue. One of the better kydex holster/mag carrier combos out there. It can be worn IWB or OWB.

I habitually clean my kydex holster when I clean the gun that goes in it. I also spray Quick Draw in it and wipe it down. It makes a big difference in wear on the gun's finish. Quick Draw is a blend of silicone and lanolin in an aerosol can. It works great on plastic holsters. Also helps repel dust and grit. The maker says you can use it on leather but I don't.

As I mentioned before I don't fret about the finish on a carry gun.

Some leather holster makers discourage applying anything that softens the leather. Others have their own concoction they will sell you. One other thing about leather is when it gets dirt and grit in it, you really can't clean it.

That Crossbreed Rogue is very similar to and quite a bit less expensive than the Vedder SideTuck I currently own for one of my SA/DA/Decocker EDCs. [I know some will carry their striker-fired EDC AIWB pointed at their package, but I will not!] I'm not sure why one would ever carry that Crossbreed Rogue OWB on centerline, but what do I know! I do like the angle of the mag holster of the SideTuck a little better, though.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

That Crossbreed Rogue is very similar to and quite a bit less expensive than the Vedder SideTuck I currently own for one of my SA/DA/Decocker EDCs. [I know some will carry their striker-fired EDC AIWB pointed at their package, but I will not!] I'm not sure why one would ever carry that Crossbreed Rogue OWB on centerline, but what do I know! I do like the angle of the mag holster of the SideTuck a little better, though.

I never carry appendix for the reason you mention. I also think it is a less natural draw technique. If I'm driving on a long trip I go with crossdraw. Much better way to go when you are seated. Also assures that you have the gun on you when you get out of the car to refuel or take a leak. That's the most likely time you will be accosted. The gun does you no good if it's in the center console and you are belly up to the urinal in a truck stop at 1:30 am.

Otherwise I carry 3-5:00 right hand.

 

[BeerHunter]

I never carry appendix for the reason you mention. I also think it is a less natural draw technique. If I'm driving on a long trip I go with crossdraw. Much better way to go when you are seated. Also assures that you have the gun on you when you get out of the car to refuel or take a leak. That's the most likely time you will be accosted. The gun does you no good if it's in the center console and you are belly up to the urinal in a truck stop at 1:30 am.

I've not spent any time practicing cross drawing, but carrying that way makes more sense, particularly for drawing while seated as one travels, assuming the cant angle is right.

While I've not had any comfort issues carrying strong side on long trips, drawing while seated in a vehicle would certainly be a bit slower and as you say, would keep one's EDC on them at pit-stops!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I've not spent any time practicing cross drawing, but carrying that way makes more sense, particularly for drawing while seated as one travels, assuming the cant angle is right.

While I've not had any comfort issues carrying strong side on long trips, drawing while seated in a vehicle would certainly be a bit slower and as you say, would keep one's EDC on them at pit-stops!

I liked the Andrews Carjacker. The very best I've used quality/workmanship wise is the Wright Leatherworks Regulator . Not cheap but the good stuff never is. The Andrews is about the same price but given a choice I'd go with Wright.

Both Galco and Falco have crossdraw offerings. Not too expensive. The Falco is for larger guns, it has a retention strap, which I am not a fan of. I've seen some under the shirt chest rigs for deep concealment but that's not a good solution for self defense. Also some improvised shoulder rigs that go under a shirt vs on top of it. Those are mainly for air Marshalls and others who need to conceal but quick draw is not a requirement.

Did you ever get that Spandex undercover shirt? I remember talking about it. That's not a bad option but you have to be comfortable wearing something tight like that. I was a wrestler in HS so I am accustomed to wearing tights

 

[One Ping Only]

FWIW...I'm looking at the Regulator and the Marshall by Wright Leatherworks. Pretty sure I'll order from these folks. May actually order one of each variant- one for my 1911 Officers, and one for Echelon. The holsters are very similar in design- nearly identical, but one is for strong side wear, the other for cross-draw. I really like what I'm seeing on their website.

 

[BeerHunter]

I liked the Andrews Carjacker. The very best I've used quality/workmanship wise is the Wright Leatherworks Regulator . Not cheap but the good stuff never is. The Andrews is about the same price but given a choice I'd go with Wright.

Both Galco and Falco have crossdraw offerings. Not too expensive. The Falco is for larger guns, it has a retention strap, which I am not a fan of. I've seen some under the shirt chest rigs for deep concealment but that's not a good solution for self defense. Also some improvised shoulder rigs that go under a shirt vs on top of it. Those are mainly for air Marshalls and others who need to conceal but quick draw is not a requirement.

Did you ever get that Spandex undercover shirt? I remember talking about it. That's not a bad option but you have to be comfortable wearing something tight like that. I was a wrestler in HS so I am accustomed to wearing tights

Yes I did and may get another in black, my normal undershirt color!