Holster styles and opinions?

[Triton225]

OK, guys. Looking for some input on a few different style holsters. Say the generally top 3 in each category based on comfort, ease of use, quality.
1. IWB
2. Small of back
3. Hip/OWB
4. may as well, Shoulder rig
I have already figured CBH supertuck will be on that list, but how comfy is it when sitting, and ease of drawing. Have never had a IWB holster before.
Thanks.

[OKcherokee]

Originally Posted by Triton225

OK, guys. Looking for some input on a few different style holsters. Say the generally top 3 in each category based on comfort, ease of use, quality.
1. IWB
2. Small of back
3. Hip/OWB
4. may as well, Shoulder rig
I have already figured CBH supertuck will be on that list, but how comfy is it when sitting, and ease of drawing. Have never had a IWB holster before.
Thanks.

1. IWB Easiest to conceal
2. Small of back Considered dangerous if you fall on it, some don't like that you have to muzzle sweep yourself while drawing
3. Hip/OWB Probably one of the more comfortable styles. Harder to conceal for some
4. may as well, Shoulder rig Could be fine, depending on how you dress/time of year.

As with anything, it really comes down to personal preference. The CBST was a lot more comfortable than I had imagined, having never had an IWB before that. I would like to get a nice OWB for the wintertime, but I think I will wait since most of winter is already over.
I really don't know if I can help you with the best brands for each category you listed, as all I have are a CBST and a microclip.

[KenW.]

I really, really, prefer a decent belt holster using a cover garment like a sport coat or fleece vest.

I have IWBs for my pistols but rarely use them. Tried a shoulder holster a couple of times and didn't care much for them. I use a clip-on SOB occasionally, but not for prolonged wear. I'm in my forties now and all about comfort.

[loach]

I've been concealed carrying for about a month, still trying to find my mojo. Here's what I've done so far. I have an XDm3.8C 9mm.

I intend to mostly CC, but will occasionally OC. For OC, I'm sticking with my Blackhawk CQC Serpa. For CC, I'm going to start with traditional 3-5 o'clock carry IWB, but will be trying AIWB as described below.



1. IWB - Instead of the CBST, I ordered a Theis Holster. Horsehide and Combat Cut at a lower price than CBST. I'm waiting for it to come in, so can't comment more than what I've only read about it. Tommy Theis has great customer service and I've heard nothing but positive about his holster. Until this comes in, I'm doing OWB with my Blackhawk under an untucked shirt.

I am experimenting with AIWB. Before I drop $100 on a Dale Fricke Archangel, I've been trying some less expensive ones to see if I even like AIWB. I have a blackhawk #11 leather IWB that could work for AIWB, but it is too stiff and thick for me. Very uncomfortable, I don't even feel like wearing it for a couple hours around the house to see if I get used to it. That one is going back to Gander Mountain this week.

I also just bought an N82 Tactical. It is extremely comfortable and flexible. I am going to give it a serious try. The downside for me after starting to try it is that it uses an elastic band as the "holster".

I am not too concerned with re-holstering since as a non-LEO in a CC situation if I have to draw my firearm, I intend to keep it out until the threat is fully neutralized. However, I did notice that it is very tight and seems to really hold my weapon too tight. Another drawback I noticed is that if I put the weapon too far into the holster, the front sight can catch on the way back out.

I am going to keep my firearm in it to see if it stretches out a little and allows a more smooth draw. If it does stretch a bit and as long as I'm careful not to insert the gun to the point that the front sight protrudes past the bottom of the holster, I expect this will be a very comfortable holster for AIWB.

Somehow I get the feeling that if I decide to AIWB carry, I'll end up with the DF Archangel. Already saving my coffee change.


2. Small of back:

no experience with this, no desire or need for SOB

3. Hip/OWB:
I'm currently using the Blackhawk Serpa CQC, usually between 3:30 - 5:00. I've found that I need to move it behind 3:30 to avoid printing. Comfort-wise, 3-5 anywhere works fine for me.

I really like the retention on the blackhawk. I took an advanced CC class where we did about 100 draw and fires forward of the normal range line at multiple targets, double taps, etc. The holster never felt like it was getting in the way of my draw. I've been using it for about 3 weeks now, and carry 24x7 (where possible), even when walking around the house.

Recently I've become aware of a possible downside for me. The holster seems to stick out more than I'd like. I compared it to the XDGear holster which I previously did not use much, and found the XDGear holster to actually hold the weapon closer in to my body, and a little higher. I prefer it higher, and was surprised at how comfortable I found the XDGear holster.

I just measured them, and it appears to me that the XDGear holster holds the weapon 1/2" closer to my body than the BH Serpa. The serpa is configured with the belt loops, not the paddle. I'm going to use the paddle tomorrow and see if it feels different than the loops.

So, 28 ounces, + loaded 13 round mag, x 0.5" of lever arm actually begins to make a difference as to how it feels. Don't get me wrong, I still love the BH holster, but I am surprised at how much more closely the XDGear holster holds the weapon to my body.

I do use a Wilderness Tactical gun belt, and I highly suggest that also factors into your holster evaluations. I intend to get another true gun belt in leather after I start to settle on some favorite holsters.

4. may as well, Shoulder rig:

Same as SOB.

Hope this helps. My blind and uninformed newbie experiences down holster lane.