Holsters...trying to get it right.

[One Ping Only]

A few months ago I did that fanny pack experiment. Sadly it's workable, but not what I can live with continually. And my return date for the pack has come and gone.

BL (and others maybe too) here have mentioned their "holster hell"...I can relate. with the exception of the Fobus IWB AIO holster given to me by a gunnery sgt relative who uses one to CC his Govt 1911 (and you'd never know this short fireplug of a S&^Thouse was ever carrying) and thought I could use the same - and don't, my holster choices have been decent quality holsters, but the WRONG holsters for CC work. Range work, or on the property the paddle 1791 holster is fine. pushes the sidearm out too far for CC. My Kydex P80SCw/Olight is fine for range use, too darn big, wide and cumbersome for CC. And my WeThe People kydex holster....sticks out too far for CC, like the 1791 paddle holster.

So I'm back to the drawing board and after much studying and shopping- though I don't want to IWB carry whatsoever, I think a decent OWB concealabilty can be achieved with something that actually has the weapon close to your person, not suspended off a paddle, and something along the lines of the Milt Sparks 55BN, or Wright Leatherworks Marshall, or Regulator that's similar to the 55BN in design (and both mercifully less expensive than the Milt Sparks 55BN). By the first beltloop on the backside of the holster itself, and then the second loop of being it seems to naturally tuck-in the butt/grip of the sidearm somewhat. And I'm wanting to carry my Officers 1911 clone, my Echelon, and my PF940SC (three different holsters required, naturally). I think I'm on the right track here...and I don't think anything can change my mind about IWB carry, but ya never know.

There's another holster that's very popular by MiltSparks and similar to the 55BN, and I hear they will still make that mystery model for you...upon request. SO I'm saving my coins right now for the right acquisitions. Right now I'm mainly carrying the P938 in the factory-supplied kydex holster. Haven't used the fanny pack for a few weeks.... as always, I welcome any input and thank you in advance. I'm not worried about holster wear in the least- I could care less, as long as it's not abusive or unnecessary. Leather is likely easier in some ways, at least on stainless steel. But hey- I like the character and patina that develops over time as you use your tools.

 

[Bobster]

I have a few, very-functional, "$20" TEMU rigs. I wear them OWB and outside belt-loops. But I wouldn't call them concealable, I use them for steel and other shooting.

 

[One Ping Only]

L-R: SlimFitHolsters kydex , 1791 paddle, We The People kydex paddle.

 

[Notshawn54]

The 55 BN is a fantastic holster also known as Avenger style. I have one for my 1911’s and it’s damn close to my IWB as concealabiIity goes. I don’t think Milt Sparks makes anything for the P80 though. Also I believe if ordering a Sparks, their wait time is currently around 40 weeks.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Vedder OWB light draw. It literally hugs you. Retention excellent. There are others just as good but none better.

leather... I prefer the holster be fitted/molded to the specific gun. Galco/Bianchi is perfectly fine. Wright is semi-custom, built to order and the workmanship is very good. Better quality leather and you get to choose the finish/color.

 

[Warhammer]

This is why I started making my own leather/Kydex hybrid holsters. I can make exactly what I want, and a failed experimental model is cheap enough not to care about.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

This is why I started making my own leather/Kydex hybrid holsters. I can make exactly what I want, and a failed experimental model is cheap enough not to care about.

I never warmed up to the hybrid designs. They felt too bulky to me. Like wearing a mustard plaster. I tried substituting horsehide for cowhide and it didnt change my mind.

 

[One Ping Only]

mine would be made weapon-specific, fwiw. part of the retention is in the fit. thanks, peeps!

 

[One Ping Only]

Vedder OWB light draw. It literally hugs you. Retention excellent. There are others just as good but none better.

View attachment 24538
leather... I prefer the holster be fitted/molded to the specific gun. Galco/Bianchi is perfectly fine. Wright is semi-custom, built to order and the workmanship is very good. Better quality leather and you get to choose the finish/color.

that unit looks far more concealable than the broad/wide SFH for my PF940SC, which is a great range holster, but that's about it for my needs. Thanks, BL!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

that unit looks far more concealable than the broad/wide SFH for my PF940SC, which is a great range holster, but that's about it for my needs. Thanks, BL!

I agree OWB is concealable if you wear suitable clothes and have the right holster. That Vedder is nice and thin and wraps around your hip comfortably anyplace from 3 to 5 o'clock. Also not heavy.

 

[Warhammer]

I agree OWB is concealable if you wear suitable clothes and have the right holster. That Vedder is nice and thin and wraps around your hip comfortably anyplace from 3 to 5 o'clock. Also not heavy.

OWB feels WAY better than IWB. If the holster is built right, especially if it sits inside the belt, it's just as concealable as IWB, assuming the cover garment is long enough.

 

[One Ping Only]

As we’re now into fall and headed into winter soon, conceal-ability is less of a challenge regarding seasonal attire.

FWIW- today I actually had my Echelon on carry in my fanny pack today with one extra mag. Wasn’t too bad. But am looking fwd to holsters.

 

[Warhammer]

I actually still have an old DeSantis Gunny Sack holster that I bought way back in the late 1990s. I actually carries really well and is super quick to access. I only used it for motorcycling and sports. Outside of those environments, I feel like a fanny pack sticks out like a sore thumb. That's kind of the opposite of what you want when carrying concealed.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

There is a stigma when it comes to fanny packs.

I'd bet this guy tells people he was on the varsity football team. He was the towel boy.

On the other hand, worn properly, it may get all the ladies talking. About the gun you are carrying.

 

[One Ping Only]

Packin heat. a hunk burnin' love, eh? snort....

Yep there IS a stigma regarding fancy packs, as useful and handy as they may be for your EDC stuff.

I don't like them and never have. The way my blue Eberlestock Bando Bag rides to the side of my left hip (esp for driving) and worn with say, bluejeans and a loose, dark t-thirt is certainly less attention-grabbing, albeit some do notice it. And I HATE it. Slung over my shoulder would be so much better in some ways, but isn't very comfortable. Hence, my pursuit of a few good holsters I hope to acquire very soon. (Not counting the MiltSparks in which I refuse to wait 40 weeks)...there are many other good options.

 

[One Ping Only]

I actually still have an old DeSantis Gunny Sack holster that I bought way back in the late 1990s. I actually carries really well and is super quick to access. I only used it for motorcycling and sports. Outside of those environments, I feel like a fanny pack sticks out like a sore thumb. That's kind of the opposite of what you want when carrying concealed.

yep

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I prefer a sling bag.

Upscale 3 Slingbag

Equip yourself with the VIKTOS Upscale 3 Slingbag, featuring a removable holster and multiple compartments for everyday carry essentials.

www.viktos.com

https://www.osprey.com/daylitetm-sling-6?color=Tan%2520Concrete#color=Black&size=O/S

Entity™ Tech Sling Bag (Small) 7L (CLOSEOUT SALE. FINAL SALE.)

The smaller of 2 available sizes, this CCW-enabled tech sling bag has an strap that may be positioned by the user for right or left side carry, and may also be easily changed from a sling bag to a shoulder bag. A padded main compartment with lockable zipper sliders contains a padded 11"...

www.maxpedition.com

For concealment when out in public, I don't want anything that looks tactical. No MOLLE.

 

[Notshawn54]

Hence, my pursuit of a few good holsters I hope to acquire very soon. (Not counting the MiltSparks in which I refuse to wait 40 weeks)...there are many other good options.

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.

That’s my IWB rig I’ve had for almost 10 years and wore it daily for 7 of those.

 

[One Ping Only]

Thanks, Bongo! The Entity is much like my TomToc MB Air carry case in appearance and construction, but with more capacity and utility and CCW. Fabulous. Both of those would work well for when I don't want to wear a holster and/or DO want to have a singular, multi-sidearm option. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'l be able to move fwd.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Thanks, Bongo! The Entity is much like my TomToc MB Air carry case in appearance and construction, but with more capacity and utility and CCW. Fabulous. Both of those would work well for when I don't want to wear a holster and/or DO want to have a singular, multi-sidearm option. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'l be able to move fwd.

NP. I have the Viktos. Gets the job done. Well made. I also have a couple of their longer sling bags. I have put folders, PCCs and AR pistols in them. My Stribog and MP5 fit into the small sling. Along with a bunch of stick mags.