How does one shop for a holster

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greyson97

New member
I always grappled with this concept, but, I buy a lot of my guns off the internet, so its not possible to shop for a holster at the time of purchase like at a gun store, but a lot of times, the store doesnt have what i want, or they're charging too much. how do i shop for a holster for my gun, cause first i want to make sure my gun fits my holster, and then second, i want to make sure the holster fits/feels right on me. But that sorta involves me bringing my gun to the store. do people bring their guns to the store? do you ask to borrow a gun from the display case to try it on? most of the time they wont even have my gun in stock to borrow. also, why are there no fitting rooms? :p
 
do people bring their guns to the store?
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Yes, preferably unloaded.

do you ask to borrow a gun from the display case to try it on?
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You can ask, but unless the guy running the store REALLY likes you, the answer is going to range from "no" to "hell no"

Everytime I've walked into a gun store and told them I was shopping for a holster, the first question is always "did you bring it with you?".

Bring your gun, unloaded, in a case.
 
This is why most people have a shoebox full of holsters. You hear about a GREAT HOLSTER everyone loves, come to find out it's not something you like, then move on to the next greatest thing.

Most brick and mortars I've been to don't have much more than Fobus, Galco and Blackhawk. Two things can happen with a non-mainstream gun...internet order and cross your fingers or try to get a 1911/Glock/Sig/XD holster to fit.
 
I never worry about my gunleather fitting the gun I want it to because I order it fitted for that particular sixgun. Custom leather is usually comparable to the off-the-shelf stuff but without the compromised fitment. The following two makers are very reputable and each will make you a damn fine holster for any occasion.

http://www.epsaddlery.com

http://www.mernickleholsters.com
 
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I have a box of holsters that I don't use. Most just proved to be uncomfortable or a few impractical, but sounded good at the time. I've gone with some of the big names (Galco, Bianchi, Mernickle) and have really been disappointed. I have found that some of the smaller guys do just as good when it comes to quality, and try harder to please the customer.

Lobo doesn't have a huge selection, but does good work. His Model 1 pancake holster is a classic design that is hard to beat for a carry holster. His prices are hard to beat as well. My next holster will be one of his Tom Threepersons.
http://www.lobogunleather.com/

Lever has made custom holsters for me and he is great to work with. His #1 goal is a satisfied customer, and he will do what ever it takes. He has a great Seat Belt holster that will accommodate any firearm you want to carry. He can fix you up with anything you can think up.
http://www.levergunleather.com/

Simply Rugged has a loyal following that is growing larger day by day. A very simple pancake design, but it works and a lot of people like it. His prices are pretty reasonable, too.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/

Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for. Let us know what you decide on, and why. We all need help sometimes!
 
I've done the holster box for my carry guns, too. A have a bunch that ALMOST fit the gun and are ALMOST comfortable. Now, I always buy holsters specifically made for my gun, not the generic "fits A, B, C, and sometimes X" types. Before I buy one, I hold the gun at my side and decide what method I want to use to carry it. I ended up with OWB paddles (preferably roto-types) for everything I carry. I start checking the manufacturers who make that holster in my price range. I don't believe you have to fork over $75+ for a good holster. If I'm buying a holster from a local store, I always take my gun, in a case, unloaded.

Believe it or not, I've pretty much settled on Fobus and Uncle Mikes molded holsters. They're sturdy, light, and small. I love the speed scabbard and yaqui designs. For me - the smaller, the better, as long as it holds the gun tight against my body.

Good luck!
 
If we all pool our non-used holster collections we could fill a stadium.

Love several Fobus holsters I have but fatty here needs IWB for less print and like the SRIG and HBE I have for that.
 
If the gun shop has a selection of holsters that are built for my gun I ask the counter guy if I could bring my unloaded gun in to try them out. I have never been told no. Most holster packaging snap open and closed so I just find a empty section of counter top and go check them all out.
If the price is not too outragous compared to the net stores I will usually give the guy my business as a thanks for letting me handle his products. If the price is crazy I just note which one I liked and search the net.

VL
 
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I'm a lefty so the chance of finding what I want at a store is usually slim to none. That said, there are lots of well made holsters made by well run companies with great customer service online.

Holsters are usually made for a specific gun, so it's simply a matter of finding one you like and giving it a shot.

You might prefer to see it and feel it before you buy, but even with that, you won't know if you really like a holster to live in it for a few months. I too have a box of leather that just doesn't get used that much any more.

If you can't find one you like in person, try out any of these fine makers. They might also be cheaper than what you'll find in stores.

www.usgalco.com
www.donhume.com
www.bianchi-intl.com
www.highnoonholsters.com
www.desantisleather.com

And my favorite,

http://store.packinheatleather.com/index.html
 
When shopping for holsters, the prospective buyer might want to keep in mind that most good leather holsters can initially be a very tight fit for the handgun they're made for, even to the point where I've thought "this can't be right". Leaving the gun forced into the holster, securely snapped for a few days and subsequent use will consumate the marriage in most cases.
 
Hopefully you have lots of friends, that will let you try before you buy, so you will not end up with the dreaded "Holster Box", with all of those that looked good, but never really worked for you. Ask me how I know!!!!
 
Oh, he'll end up with a holster box alright. John Bianchi probably has one! There's just no way around the trial and error process when buying leather. Lots of friends with holsters might help reduce the eventual holster inventory but there's still a "holster box" in his future. :(
 
lol. thinking about it, i already have 2 holsters, a paddle holster for my Glock 22 i'm never gonna carry, and a used 1911 holster for a 1911 i dont have
 
You should forget buying a holster at a gun store. They are just going to have the cheap stuff that's really not worth owning. If you have purchased a commonly owned weapon the better holster makers are usually going to have the holster in stock that is made specifically for your gun. If you have purchased a gun that is not often used by others you may need to have a holster made just for that gun. Always buy a good holster from a good holster maker. Think in terms of something thats going to be between $80 and $120. The best holsters are all leather, have belt hooks or belt loops at the front and the rear for stability and are reinforced at the top for easy reholstering.
 
kramer is a good company / one I've relied on for a long time. I prefer their horsehide models ( they're smoother and keep their shape better than cowhide). They make virtually all of their models - for specific models and barrel lengths of guns.

Some of the better shops in my area carry them / but they have a good website.

personally I like the Inside or outside the waist band / FBI forward tilt models.
 
Any gun shop worth shopping at will let you take the holster out of the usually plastic cased sales package and try it on.

Some of these holsters run over a hundred dollars.

You would'nt buy a hundred dollar pair of shoes,pants or a shirt without trying it on first would you?

But just to hedge your best on this,you better check and see if you can return it in the next few days if you find it uncomfortable-provided,of course,that it is still in new condition,in the original- as undamaged as possible package,of course.

I have returned holsters in like new condition in the new package-did'nt lie about trying it on and got my money right back.

Best to shop using a credit card when you do that though.
 
There is an easy answer IMHO... just go to http://crossbreedholsters.com/ , click on the Supertuck, and customize it a little if you want, and boom, you got a great holster for carry.

Really, all of the links mentioned in this thread are good holster makers, but after researching and getting my Supertuck, I swear by it. It's definitely worth at least a look at the little video on the main page. That's what sold me. I can do those same motions really quick before I go out, and once I figured out the best position for the gun, it literally does not print for me.

Edit: Oh, also lifetime warranty, and 30 no question return policy, and I received mine about a week ahead of when they said. Top drawer company, IMHO.
Edit part deux: Ok now the return policy says 2 weeks and they'll "buy it back", not sure what that means but I hope it means refund, haha. I should have checked before I posted, sorry. :p
 
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Another plug for Simply Rugged. I use their Silver Dollar pancake holster for both concealed and open carry. It is designed for belt carry and works well at that, but also attaches to a high belly band or (for women) to a sturdy support bra. I've worn it all four ways successfully. The pancake design -- two pieces of leather sandwiching the gun between them, shaped for the specific gun -- does an excellent job of concealing the gun because it tends to blur the outline, especially of a revolver.

Recommended.
 
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