***XDTalk.com May Contest***

[nmduke]

****XDTalk.com May Contest****

For our May contest, we are asking that you submit a quick review of the holster you use for your XD. We want to know the brand, features that you like and a photo of your setup. We will pick a random winner of the entries at the end of the month and announce a winner in the beginning of June. The winner of the contest will receive a $50 credit to use at one of our vendors along with an XDatalk.com t-shirt.

Rules:
Only one entry per member.
Must have a photo with the review.
No vendors are allowed to participate in the contest.


Good luck and thank you for participating in our contest.

[goldwingtrikerbiker]

White Hat max tuck holster says it all....check out their website. 1 holster with replaceable kydex for your different guns. safe shooting, trikerbiker

[PsychOfMSE]

I too use a crossbreed supertuck as my EDC holster. I've only had it for a few days now so it is just now breaking in but is already as comfortable as a holster needs to be. I do not forget it is there but honestly I do not want to forget I have my gun on me every day! So far it is the best concealment holster I have found yet and will be buying another one in the future!

[bohemianjeans]

Hello everyone. It is great to finally make my first post. I've been reading and learning for several months, and hadn't seen it fit to post anything, since I'd merely be agreeing, or disagreeing with other posts. I'm happy that I can finally contribute to something constructive, and offer up my experience as so many of you have.

I spent a lot of time trying to decide which holster I wished to use for my EDC. I was sold on IWB for sure, but was hadn't any experience with them before, or carrying at all for that matter. I went into the search realizing that I may end up buying several holsters until I found one I really liked - which was just fine by me. My primary goals were to find something that was comfortable and functional. My final two contenders were the Comp-Tac Minotaur and the CB-Supertuck. I would have really liked to get my hands on them to get a 'feel' for the quality of their construction etc, but unfortunately I wasn't. I did however find a great deal of helpful resources online, including reviews on this forum, photos, and customer feedback on the manufacturer's websites. I feel that both of these products are of the highest quality, but I ultimately decided on the Minotaur. I've been using it every day to carry my XDM-40 3.8SC since November, and I'm happy to report that I'm quite pleased with it's fit, function, and comfort.

I chose the Minotaur for a number of reasons:
Dual layer leather backing - which covers the retention screws thereby preventing any metal-to-skin contact; also 'locks' the screw backers into place
Interchangeable molded kydex inserts, providing greater flexibility for carry options without having to purchase an additional platform. It just so happens that my XDM-45 4.5 fits in this mold as well. The kydex also provides another degree of adjustability. The retention screws work like a charm, but you can simply put some heat on the kydex to tweak the fit of your weapon.
Plastic-C clips - they're stronger than you might think, as they are able to withstand significant amounts of force and distortion, quickly returning to their normal shape. I was concerned with the metal clips of the CB would bend and distort over time. There are a variety of clips available ranging from velcro, to C clips to J clips - they all work. I selected the C-clips since they don't cross over the belt itself, but instead behind it - just a little less for people to see if I've tucked my shirt in IMHO.

The leather backing was quite stiff when I received it, so I wore it around the house to break it in, and used some leather conditioner to help soften the leather. I also adjusted the 'ride height' using the holes on the C-clips and haven't touched it since. Instead of putting it at 3:00 or 4:00 on my hip, I put it on and let it find its own 'happy place', which ended up being about 4:30. That is where it is most comfortable for me. Now, it is well contoured to my body and I haven't had to make any adjustments on it at all.

Another thing I'd like to add is how important it is to have a solid belt. I ordered a kydex-reinforced carry belt from Comp-Tac when I bought my holster. Just like it says in the description, there is a layer of kydex sewn into the belt for added strength and rigidity. I must admit that I cringed at the thought of spending as much on that belt as I did on the holster, but I did, and was quite impressed with its construction. It is absolutely solid and it looks great too. Since then, I've ordered another belt in brown.

[G6108]

is it just my computer, or is this thread locked? I can reply text, but I am unable to post pictures?

[XDfense]

Here's some pictures of my custom holster that I had made by Eric Barber, owner of Barber Leatherworks. This was his first holster he made for an XD Service and he did an amazing job. The craftsmanship is first class. The holster fits tight to my side and retention is good, but not too strong. Ride hight is perfect for winter-time carry as most shirts and jackets conceal it.

Eric is a great guy. Give him an idea of what you want and he'll design a master piece.

[Devin.Morris.007]

I have a few holsters that I use depending on what I'm wearing or just generally how I feel like carrying it that particular day. First, and probably my favorite is my leather OWB holster made by a company called Gazelle. Was looking at galco holsters when I came across the gazelle holsters online. Since they were quite a bit cheaper than Galco, I decided to try one out. So I ordered one and the quality is equal to that of the galco. Liked it so much that I bought one for my Taurus PT145 as well. I also have a Kydex holster made by Uncle Mikes. Got it real cheap at a gun show when I first bought my XD. I generally only carry it when I go to the range because it prints really bad. Almost impossible to conceal. My other holster and the newest one in my collection is my Leather IWB holster. Havent got a chance to use it much yet as I just got it a couple days ago, but the little bit I have worn it it's extremely comfortable. I was looking at Crossbreed Supertuck holsters and came across this one online much the same way I did my Gazelle and decided to take another chance. This one panned out well too as the quality is right on par with my friend's crossbreed.

My Kydex Holster:


My Leather Gazelle Holster:


My IWB Holster:

[ta2dave76]

I carry my xd40sc in a don hume 715h. This was the first holster I bought. I believe I got it for $25 through impact guns. The gun disapears with jeans and a tshirt. I ride a motorcycle everyday, and my gun always stays put. Very comfortable, very concealable. I love this holster!

[WesternHaikus1]

Shortly after I obtained my concealed carry license I began looking for carry options that would suit my lifestyle and meet a few basic requirements. I live a very social and active life, and therefore have found it common to have to make some extra preparations in order to carry as often as I think necessary. Ultimately, I decided that a combination of simplicity, adaptability and conceal ability was paramount.

For now, I ended up settling on a Blackhawk brand leather snap-fastener IWB made specifically for XD subcompacts. The holster is a size 12 and made in Italy (seen below).



It's definitely a simple set up, but I've found it to be effective. I'm able to put it on and take it off in a flash, which is great considering I frequently do so when getting in and out of the car. It's just secure enough to meet my needs without a thumb break, but since its been broken in I wouldn't want my weapon to get any easier to unholster. I keep my belt tight around my waist for extra security. I believe this would keep the weapon secure even in a scuffle or fight, but there are surely more secure options out there.

The snap-fastener is surprisingly secure when snapped around your belt loop. I've never felt as if it was in danger of accidently disengaging, even while moving quickly and suddenly -even running.



In terms of concealability, the holster performs adequately. The leather loop causes more problems than a simple metal clip system, which is the one knock I have on the thing. However, I'll be the first to admit that I don't wear the best clothing for concealing a firearm, but this little guy is able to handle just about any style I choose, which is very important to me. For maximum conceal ability and comfort I end up carrying around 5 o'clock. Some may say this is too difficult to reach or too close to the spine. While there are easier ways to carry, this is the best approach I've found for this holster. I train with it often in order to offset any slight disadvantage I may have over a different carry style. I will admit that friends with other carry systems can beat me in a draw contest; but while their preferred holsters which allow a slightly faster draw cause them to leave their weapons at home more often, I am prepared far more often. I'll take the extra half second.

Overall, for around $60, this is a fine holster. The quality of the leather is great, and the stitchings and fastener are just as good. It performs well enough across a multitude of categories for my liking making it quite versatile. There may be better options for more specialized situations, but I'm quite happy with this Blackhawk XD subcompact holster. It allows me to carry at a high percentage comfortably and with peace of mind.

Likeability: 8 out of 10
Value: 7 out of 10

[inferno66]

I have had my mtac for 2yrd and all i can say is wow. You can easly conseal a xdm it is comfortable to wear and quick to draw from the clips are strong and rust proof the sweat guard keep your pistol off your body and sweat off your pistol its easy to adjust for cant and you can wear your shirt tucked or untucked just love it. My only gripe is they dont make one for the lg-448 laserguard