I normally try to get nylon holsters between $20 and $60. What makes paying $200 for a leather hip or shoulder holster worth it? All S&W has available for Shoulder Holsters in the N frame 6 inch are $209. If someone can give me a GOOD and PRACTICAL reason to make the spend worth while, I might just do it. Seems wasteful to me. Any thoughts otherwise?
Are $200+ holsters really worth it?
- Thread starter Doug.38PR
- Start date
For the same reason I wear $200 leather shoes...
...when $20 nylon ones will suffice?
I can't think of any PRACTICAL reasons, but GOOD, for me, is anything that I like, that makes me happy, and that I can afford. Some of us like the fine workmanship and link to the past that good leather provides.
I use my practical, kydex holster in nasty weather and save my leather one for sunny days (rare in WA). It is kind of like having an old T-Bird convertable that only leaves the garage 20 times a year. Nothing practical about it, but it sure is fun to own
-PB
...when $20 nylon ones will suffice?
I can't think of any PRACTICAL reasons, but GOOD, for me, is anything that I like, that makes me happy, and that I can afford. Some of us like the fine workmanship and link to the past that good leather provides.
I use my practical, kydex holster in nasty weather and save my leather one for sunny days (rare in WA). It is kind of like having an old T-Bird convertable that only leaves the garage 20 times a year. Nothing practical about it, but it sure is fun to own
-PB
I have some fine holsters by Sparks, Brommeland, DelFatti, and lately from K&D. None even approached $200.
My Sparks I-BAK sells for $80.00. Brommeland's DEF-Con is $89.95. You might pay more for some exotic skins, but you cannot buy a better holster than those craftlmen make.
Now the difference between a $20.00 holster is well worth it. For an excellent holster at a lesser price look at K&D. I especially like his Laredo Defender. It is at this time $55.00, but I understand he will increase prices somewhat soon. He makes an excellent holster.
http://www.kdholsters.com/owb-defend.shtml
http://brommelandgunleather.com/Products/def-con.htm
http://www.miltsparks.com/
I have been sorry that I bought some cheap holsters that looked pretty good at the time, but have never been sorry for buying a first class holster. It would have been much less expensive if I had started with the good ones, such as those mentioned, and not bought the cheap holsters. FWIW.
Jerry
My Sparks I-BAK sells for $80.00. Brommeland's DEF-Con is $89.95. You might pay more for some exotic skins, but you cannot buy a better holster than those craftlmen make.
Now the difference between a $20.00 holster is well worth it. For an excellent holster at a lesser price look at K&D. I especially like his Laredo Defender. It is at this time $55.00, but I understand he will increase prices somewhat soon. He makes an excellent holster.
http://www.kdholsters.com/owb-defend.shtml
http://brommelandgunleather.com/Products/def-con.htm
http://www.miltsparks.com/
I have been sorry that I bought some cheap holsters that looked pretty good at the time, but have never been sorry for buying a first class holster. It would have been much less expensive if I had started with the good ones, such as those mentioned, and not bought the cheap holsters. FWIW.
Jerry
ClarkEMyers
New member
Are $200+ holsters really worth it? Yes but maybe not from S&W.
Are $200+ holsters really worth it?
Yes but maybe not from S&W. And maybe not to you.
Shocking though it may be folks like Lou Alessi can be backlogged for months and years see also Matt del Fatti and others for long backlogs at relatively high prices. Somebody is willing to pay that price and be happy to have the holsters. See the various comments on the various boards. Of course many holsters by even the finest makers are less and some are more. To make it apples to apples price the holster with a gun belt.
I'd be reluctant to pay $200 for a holster from S&W when for the same money I could get a Fieldmaster made by Alessi - about $230 from Lightning Arms if in stock and otherwise a long wait if ordered direct. Some very experienced people are willing to pay that price.
Good and practical reasons to me are it works better - and the revolvers are getting more expensive and less attractive; I wouldn't trade my S&W straight across for a brand new one so I want a holster that works - and wears longer.
You may not be willing to pay the price and don't have to.
Are $200+ holsters really worth it?
Yes but maybe not from S&W. And maybe not to you.
Shocking though it may be folks like Lou Alessi can be backlogged for months and years see also Matt del Fatti and others for long backlogs at relatively high prices. Somebody is willing to pay that price and be happy to have the holsters. See the various comments on the various boards. Of course many holsters by even the finest makers are less and some are more. To make it apples to apples price the holster with a gun belt.
I'd be reluctant to pay $200 for a holster from S&W when for the same money I could get a Fieldmaster made by Alessi - about $230 from Lightning Arms if in stock and otherwise a long wait if ordered direct. Some very experienced people are willing to pay that price.
Good and practical reasons to me are it works better - and the revolvers are getting more expensive and less attractive; I wouldn't trade my S&W straight across for a brand new one so I want a holster that works - and wears longer.
You may not be willing to pay the price and don't have to.
I have found that you usually get what you pay for. If you buy cheap you usually get cheap. The people waiting in line months for a Sparks or Alessi aren't all looking for a place to throw their money away, they are getting what they pay for.
Check the E.C. Simmons quote in my signature.
Check the E.C. Simmons quote in my signature.
dairycreek
New member
Spending $200.00 on a holster is feeding one's ego pure and simple. Spending half that much will give one an excellent, functional, quality holster. Nuff said
Gunfighter45cal
Inactive
Price is not important, quality is. Just make sure you get the best you can afford because whatever money you save won't do you any good if it lets you down when you need it.
waterhouse
New member
I've never seen a $200 holster, so I don't know.
I do carry in a $125 holster. My only regret is that I bought it at the end of a long line of other, cheaper holsters that weren't as comfortable. I could have saved a lot of money by spending $125 the first time.
I do carry in a $125 holster. My only regret is that I bought it at the end of a long line of other, cheaper holsters that weren't as comfortable. I could have saved a lot of money by spending $125 the first time.
Eric Larsen
New member
Well it depends......if you want a VERY NICE SHOULDER HOLSTER...thats what they cost. Any other style of holster......Hell, NO! Thats just nuts.
A custom holster from me, Brommeland, Bulman and others start at around 75$.....so does an off of the rack Galco...at least around here. For a shoulder holster they are alot more money and you get what you pay for.
Shoot well.
A custom holster from me, Brommeland, Bulman and others start at around 75$.....so does an off of the rack Galco...at least around here. For a shoulder holster they are alot more money and you get what you pay for.
Shoot well.
Years ago I got a Milt Sparks AT1 (1984) and it still serves me well today. It fits the gun perfect and when I reach for it the gun is always in the same place. When I draw it there is no noise like kydex, no snaps like nylon and it is easy to reholster without looking.
If you read John Biancis "Blue Steel and Gunleather" you will understand holsters and what is important and why.
25
If you read John Biancis "Blue Steel and Gunleather" you will understand holsters and what is important and why.
25
In shooting I find that generally you get what you pay for. When you buy an accurate rifle, do not skimp on the optics.
Conversely when you own a fine handgun, make sure you secure it with a good holster. But i will agree, $200 is a lot for a holster. I like the Blackhawk designs especially their tactial thigh drop designs. I own a galco ankle glove and it was worth every penny.
Galco and Bianchi are generally great holsters and you wont go wrong on them.
Conversely when you own a fine handgun, make sure you secure it with a good holster. But i will agree, $200 is a lot for a holster. I like the Blackhawk designs especially their tactial thigh drop designs. I own a galco ankle glove and it was worth every penny.
Galco and Bianchi are generally great holsters and you wont go wrong on them.
r.w. schrack
New member
Dooes Tommy Hielfliger make holsters????????????????????:barf:
fleshwound
New member
Never $200.!! Jerry Evens from Haugen Handgun Leather has an extensive list of holsters for anything you need. I have purchased all of my leather from Jerry. Nice guy, great prices and he makes them the old fashioned way, one at a time, by hand. Beautiful stuff. I have never spent more than $80.00 for anything with the exeption of a nice shoullder rig for 140.
I cant imagine spending 200 buck s for any handgun holster. Than again, if you like flashy leather, you may want too. But I have always thought that the idea was to keep the gun out of sight..
Good Luck
www.haugenhandgunleather.com
I cant imagine spending 200 buck s for any handgun holster. Than again, if you like flashy leather, you may want too. But I have always thought that the idea was to keep the gun out of sight..
Good Luck
www.haugenhandgunleather.com
the 'box'
I own two 1AT's, and one HSR.
I have a box of holsters that I wasn't wise enough to avoid.
Milt Sparks = moo.
Quirk; last year I bought a used plasticky Uncle Mikes Kydex belt holster for $5, because I'd traded into a set-up-for-Bullseye SA 1911 and needed something with more sight track for its high sights.
And I've found myself liking this $5 piece of plastic. Granted, it needed some sandpapered edges, but still, it's an honest, (so far) durable, secure holster that's been working for me. I'm only using it for some USPSA matches, but.....
I own two 1AT's, and one HSR.
I have a box of holsters that I wasn't wise enough to avoid.
Milt Sparks = moo.
Quirk; last year I bought a used plasticky Uncle Mikes Kydex belt holster for $5, because I'd traded into a set-up-for-Bullseye SA 1911 and needed something with more sight track for its high sights.
And I've found myself liking this $5 piece of plastic. Granted, it needed some sandpapered edges, but still, it's an honest, (so far) durable, secure holster that's been working for me. I'm only using it for some USPSA matches, but.....
I often asked myself the very same question, if the high end holsters could really be that different. After all, the job of any holster is just to secure the gun. How difficult could it be? I was happy with my $20 clip-on.
I was also happy with my 1988 Chevy Cavalier.
Then it happens. Some birthday, rental car, or "gift" from another that opens your eyes into quality.
I no longer have my $20 don hume IWB clip ons to secure my full size 1911 or BHP.
I don't have a 1988 chevy cavalier either.
Yes, the $20 cheap holsters are functional.
The Brommeland and Alessi, and many others are QUALITY, and i'd even say beyond comforting... but comfortable
I was also happy with my 1988 Chevy Cavalier.
Then it happens. Some birthday, rental car, or "gift" from another that opens your eyes into quality.
I no longer have my $20 don hume IWB clip ons to secure my full size 1911 or BHP.
I don't have a 1988 chevy cavalier either.
Yes, the $20 cheap holsters are functional.
The Brommeland and Alessi, and many others are QUALITY, and i'd even say beyond comforting... but comfortable