[SwitchbladeJ]

Howdy fellas,

I am finally ready to purchase a holster for my SC XD. I had narrowed it down to either a Don Hume JIT or Elite style holster or a FIST #10 or 8# .

JIT http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/JIT

Elite http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/ELITE

Fist #8 http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/8.htm

Fist #10 http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/10.htm

What I need to know is the HUME holster style versus the Fist pancake, is there really a big difference in concealability in the HUME vs. Fist ? and between the 2 Fist models is there a difference as well ? I am a large guy, so I am curious.

The only thing I notice is when i place the pistol IWB to see the angle I like it at it is a pretty sizeable foward cant, I can pay $8 more and have the cant done any way with the Fist but I am curious if the styles make a huge difference in concealability. This will be worn just over my rear right hand pocket for reference.

 

[Captain Ray]

I ordered the Hume holster in your first photo. I have not got it yet, GunnersAlley did not have any in stock, so they had to have it sent directly from the manufacturer. (Which probably sucks for them, because Hume apperantly charges more for shipping and handling.) I will let you know how well I like it. I didn't purchase this holster because I thought it would be the only holster I would ever buy.. but because it was pretty GD inexpensive, and seems like it will suit my needs. At least until summer.

I am pretty happy with the responses I recieved from Brad and Ed at GunnersAlley. I am a sucker for good service. So.. I will probably buy my next holster there as well.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Fist holsters. I am sure you would be doing fine with any of those too.

Raymond

 

[ken_mays]

I've got three Hume slide holsters and while they are OK, I have come to realize that I just don't like slide holsters. I don't like having the muzzle exposed, and I don't like the way the gun tends to flop around after the holster has been worn a certain number of times.

The only advantage they have that I can see (besides being less expensive) is that they are a bit more comfortable when the gun isn't in them.

 

[Old School]

Having played with both, I think you will find that the Hume "Open Top" is as concealable as the JIT, and the Open Top covers the entire gun. Both options hug your body and retain the XD very well.

Here is the "Open Top", if you are not familiar with it: http://www.pistol-gear.com/proddetail.php?prod=30XDL

 

[SwitchbladeJ]

Old School, so basically the JIT is basically a cut down pancake correct ? For some reason it doesnt look as though it would hold as close to the body as a normal pancake ?

The 2 Fists's I posted only difference is width, does that make a big difference ?

Thanks!

 

[Old School]

Perhaps it is. Leather, because of it being plyable, is able to hug your buddy better than Kydex or plastic. Because of this, the JIT will stay close to you belt and hip. Does that make sense?

Compare the location of the belt loops. This will give you an idea of where the gun will ride on your hip.

Old School

 

[dbrownusarmy]

I carry my 4" service model with a Hume JIT, and it is very comfortable and conceals nicely. Which is tough to do on a frame that is 6 foot 155 lbs, but the JIT does it nicely. I wanted one in a hurry so I spent 29 for mine at a local range. I also got the XD Gear holster that SA is giving away in the package deal(pistol, holster, 3 hicaps) and it is great for the range and other "fun" activites. But with the JIT and XD gear rigs I think I am pretty well set in the area of holsters...next purchase......gun belt :twisted: and a trigger job, and hard chrome for the slide, and etc.



Dave

 

[icwtumn]

I own a Hume JIT for a different gun (compact Steyr), but it conceals very well and, so far, has not become "floppy" as another post said. It hugs the pistol close to the body and provides secure retention. I don't have experience with any of the others, so I can't help you there.

Hope this helps.

 

[jlwatts3]

I have the JIT and for the $ it is real hard to beat. Quality leather and craftsmanship. It does stick out from my body a bit much but not enough to prevent the occasional CC I use it for. That said it wouldn't eb my top choice for concealment. For the range though thre JIT is great.

I have never used a Fist but I hear they are pretty good. I would probably choose the one with the holes further out. The 10 I believe. I think it would keep the gun closer to the body.

My two cents, the bill is in the mail.

 

[awbrollini]

not to throw a wrench into your plans......

but have you checked out galco's holsters??

more expensive, but better quality, i think.

http://www.usgalco.com

 

[mpholic]

Personally I would never carry concealed with a OWB holster. Having the holster or gun exposed below the beltline creates a situation where you need to ensure your cover garment always covers that exposed holster or gun. IWB automatically covers this area of the holster/gun with your pants. Yes, OWB is more comfortable in the beginning but with the proper holster you will be surprised how quickly you grow accustomed to the IWB.

I use a Milt Sparks Watch Six (similiar to their VersaMax 2) it has the connection points to the side of the gun instead of over it. This makes for a slimmer holster and it spreads the weight of the gun over a larger area. The leather over time will form to your body shape making it more comfortable and more concealable.

My first carry gun was a Kahr K40 (all steel subcompact) rather heavy for a subcompact but the Watch Six carried that weight very comfortable. I now carry a Glock 36 in another Watch Six and am considering another for my XD Service.

 

[cybrus]

I'd have to agree - I just got my CTAC holster from comp-tac.com (excellent service - $76 with shipping) and it has it's belt clips to the sides of the gun keeping a slimmer profile. Some people prefer leather and the Tucker 'The Answer' seems to be a very similar holster to the CTAC, though a bit more expensive if I remember correctly.

As for the CTAC, they make them for all sizes of XD (I have a sub 9mm) and they will make it for left or right side.

I have no experience with Tucker holsters, but everyone that has mentioned them has said good things.

 

[SwitchbladeJ]

Well I went with a leather #8 from FIST. Pancake style, slightly exposed muzzle. After talking with 3 manufacturers and there experiences we decided that for OWB and someone my size (it is pretty much the only option) that a pancake style will work the best. Hopefully this works out well and once I get wearing if for a couple weeks I will post a report and hell who knows maybe a classified ad :lol: Doubt it though.