Holster stores...

[imp]

Anyone know of a really good one?

In a couple different threads the discussion of holster types and body types are being discussed and it reminded me of a conversation I had with the proprietor of a LGS.

Said shop has probably 2500 firearms on display and who knows what in the back. However, he only has one small isle of holsters.

His reasoning is sound. He can't afford to stock a lot of product that won't move. I get it.

But, that means most of us have to buy holsters online, on the recommendation of someone that might have a different body type, different requirements for comfort, movement, access, etc.

The result of all this is that most of us have a box full of holsters in the closet that we don't use, we carry holsters we don't like, and we don't carry when we wished we could.

There has to be a better solution to this.

 

[FITASC]

Typically, your bigger "big box" stores like Cabela's and Gander will have a better selection. That said, many of the better holsters that are somewhat semi-custom are sold directly via the Net.

 

[BarryLee]

I understand a LGS not carrying a lot of holsters, but I wonder if any of the major manufactures have factory stores. Does anyone know?

 

[2damnold4this]

The result of all this is that most of us have a box full of holsters in the closet that we don't use, we carry holsters we don't like, and we don't carry when we wished we could.

Ain't that the truth.

 

[dahermit]

After years of frustration with holsters such as non-popular styles I liked (Jordan Border Patrol with steel insert to hang on a Sam Browne Belt, and full-flap field holsters), or a feature that was not usually offered (a clip to attach a holster to the top of my bib coveralls), I began to make my own. There were several more styles that I found I could copy if I had pictures of them. Leather-work solved my problem.

 

[Toney]

I'm also making my own. Having seen lots of nice holsters that are right handed only...

Starting to make better ones than I could afford.

 

[DaleA]

AA040371...left after just two posts but I still like his first one.

What I am asking about in this post is if there is a good and efficient way to go about the selection process. In a perfect world I'd stroll into Holster World Or Holsters-R-Us and my personal holster shopping assistant would help me try on and test out various holsters all day long until I found one that met whatever criteria I have. But I have described an alternate universe. Are there any good approaches for trying/testing out various makes and models of holsters that don't involve a long series of purchases and returns?

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554911&highlight=holsters

Holsters are such an individual, personal thing I just kind of despair. The only advice I might give is that going cheap is (usually) a bad thing. A friend of mine got an unlined leather holster that almost immediately (less than a week) caused rust on his firearm.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

There's a large gun store upstate that stocks a LOT of different holsters, by several different "name" makers. They are all displayed in sealed bags, and the store doesn't allow prospective tire kickers to open the bags and try on holsters in the store. I don't blame them -- I wouldn't buy a product in an opened package unless the price was steeply discounted.

 

[dyl]

Only seen 1

I've only ran across 1 store that would let people try out firearms related equipment. It was in a suburb of Atlanta. They were primarily a gear store, not a gun store, and most customers were LEO (so they said). At gun shows some vendors let you try.

I have a small pile of holsters, but only don't use 2 of them. They double as cases to take to the range in my bag.

If you learn what to expect from basic designs you won't be disappointed.

I've learned to look at:

material - cheaper fabric (felt, neoprene, nylon) needs to be bulkier to have equivalent strength as leather or plastic.
Adjustability
Intended position to carry

And in my opinion that's not ideal but adequate. If you try one of each holster type you learn a lot about what you're looking for in that category so the next purchase (if needed) is closer to optimal.

 

[DaleA]

Could a store allow you to try out holsters?

I dunno...shoe stores do it...clothing stores do it.

I guess I'd lean toward the convenience of being allowed to try one out.

As I said before I think holsters are more frustrating to buy than the gun itself.

 

[t4terrific]

Could a store allow you to try out holsters?



I dunno...shoe stores do it...clothing stores do it.



I guess I'd lean toward the convenience of being allowed to try one out.



As I said before I think holsters are more frustrating to buy than the gun itself.

The Shoot Straight stores in Central and South Florida will let you try holsters, but they only stock the big names like Galco, Desantis, Blackhawk, and the like. They don't carry the really fancy or specialty stuff.

 

[745SW]

Blackhawk makes an inexpensive in-the-pant line that is slick on the inside and grabby on the outside. I have it for my S&W 66 revolver and G19. IMO a most excellent product for what it is. Low-end pricing $8 OTD, Amazon.