Leather IWB Holster Weigh In

[Norstrog]

What I would like from anyone willing to participate is to name what kind of holster they have and why they like it. I personally don't like nylon and will not buy except as a temporary fix. No offense to those who prefer it or use it regularly. I've just got a thing for leather. My main questions are cant and it's benefit. The spacing of the leather straps and whether they actually keep the pistol from shifting as much. Manufacturers who do you think makes the best. Specific company names and models would be terrific. Also, rough side out or smooth side out? Does the clip work better than the strap I think it's ugly but it may have it's benefits.

All makes and models please weigh in but the models that it will actually get purchased for are Springfield 1911, Glock 36, Smith 990L .45, Smith M&P .40 cal.

Thanks for all your input it is greatly appreciated. I want to get this right since they are expensive and take a long time to make.

 

[DWS]

I reveived a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 for a Glock 19 this afternoon. I have been wearing it since it arrived and this is the most comfortable IWB holster I've worn. I've had Comp-Tac, Galco, and Tucker Leather. Granted, that is not a large list. Those holster were very good and all had the good points, but the Sparks holster is far superior in my opinion. The Tucker products are a close second.

The VM-2 is, as I said, very comfortable. Paired with a good gun belt there is absolutely no shifting or movement. The holster is made of horsehide and the construction is superb. It feels very sturdy. The holster's retention is very good. There is no thumb break and the gun will not come out when held upsidedown and shaken rigerously.

I was recently quoted a waiting time of arouns 2 months. It sells for $99.50 direct from Milt Sparks. If your not that patient it can be had through Lightning Arms Sports for $138. That includes shipping. I placed my order with them on Wednesday the 28th and received it Friday the 30th.

Although I don't any experience with Brommeland Gunleather thier holsters are getting fantastic reviews on various forums.

Ultimately it's going to come down to you and what works for you body. What is heaven for me may very well be the opposite for you. When I started carrying I was determined to not have the dreaded box of holsters. My conclusion after about 10 holsters is that the box of holsters is inevitable. There is a lot of trial and error.

My new philosophy is kind of screwy. Start with high quality expensive holsters. If it doesn't work for you the you can sell it for most of what you paid and then start working your way down the holster price ladder until you find what does work for you.

Good luck in your search.

 

[WESHOOT2]

while I prefer and own mostly Sparks

My 1911 IWB is a Galco Royal Guard in horsey.
I bought it because it was only $45 brand new (yes, I got a deal); beat THAT!

I also carry some left-over loyalty to the Jackass brand.....Chi-town thing....

 

[Eric Larsen]

Well your gonna get as many different answers/opinions as there are members....

I love leather...it bends and moves with me when I carry and is comfortable, it is beautiful when done correctly and funtions perfectly. I do have kydex holsters that I love to...all are OWB.

For beauty in holsters or art" if you will....no one Ive seen is to the same level in EVERY regard of holsters as Matt Del Fatti........

Shoot well.......and god bless

 

[tegemu]

I use three Brommeland Max Con V's ( www.brommelandgunleather.com ) and love 'em. I can carry all day and barely know they are there. The gun is secure and easy on the draw. I suggest you do a search on "Max Con V," and see what many other folks have said about this holster.

 

[Chuck Dye]

I carry a full sized 1911 in a Ross Leather Model 18 IWB. The Model 18 is ambidextrous, attaching the belt loop with a Chicago screw to either side. The Chicago screw also allows the wearer to set the cant to taste although it must be watched for loosening or secured with Lok-Tite when the cant has been dialed in. I also have been much happier with the rig since I made up a belt loop that is snug on my belt and much better at maintaining the gun’s position than the very loose original. Finally , Ross offers many of their holsters lined or unlined. I bought the lined version and suspect I may be happier with the unlined holster. (NOT that I am unhappy with this one.)

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I associate cant with position what some describe by clock face

I associate cant with position what some describe by clock face. I'd wear a vertical holster at about 3 o'clock but since I carry about the hip pocket position maybe 4:30 I want the FBI or 15 degree cant.

For IWB I use an Alessi GWH which uses a single wide belt loop to make a pretty rigid combination with the belt and also perhaps shifts some burden to the waistband of the pants.

I don't use the front or rear support or snaps myself but clearly many people find them comfortable. Again I suspect the holsters are worn a little more toward the front than I choose to wear mine.

An inferior holster with a good belt is better than the best holster with an inferior belt.

 

[don't shoot it's me]

My two IWBs are by Del Fatti...the ISP-LP on the right has the wide spaced loops and is very comfortable, (similar to a Vers Max ll but with more leather under the muzzle for added comfort)....but I also like the small footprint of the ISP-WR on the left...the slotted pad lies flatter than the loops.....the LP is thinner without the reinforced collar and is a bit more comfortable than the WR...but again, I like the way the gun clicks in like Kydex on the WR...I also can wear the WR BPB (between pants and belt) which is very comfortable and almost as concealable as IWB....like others have said....it's a lot of trial and error....both of these, and the Alessi CQC/S pictured have 15 degree cants which I find to be about perfect...

Worn BPB...

 

[BillCA]

Cant vs. vertical holsters

The canted holsters offer a more natural grip, especially as your holster placement starts moving behind your strong side hip. Vertical position holsters are fine for strongside wear at the hip or forward of the hip.

Things I look for in an IWB holster:
1. reinforced mouth to allow easier/one handed reholstering.
2. Roughside out on belt-clip models to reduce sliding around.
3. positive retention system - tension screw or thumb-break snap
4. easy-on/easy-off ability (like Milt Spark's VM-2 or summer special)
5. Body shield or riser to protect your sides from safeties, hammers, etc.

For CCW, one can argue against thumbstraps since, ideally, no one should know that you're armed and open-topped holsters with tension screws are usually fine.

If you plan on using an IWB holster next to your skin in hot summer weather and you sweat a lot, plan on buying one every 8-18 months unless you can clean the body salts out of the leather without softening the holster. One fellow I know tried using 3M waterproofing on his and only ended up feeling sweaty around the holster ALL the time AND getting a skin rash to boot.

 

[don't shoot it's me]

I never wear my IWB aganst my skin....a thin A shirt (pictured above) between your skin and the gun, no matter how hot it is, is going to be more comfortble than a gun and holster against your skin, whether you are sweating or not....

 

[AK103K]

I never wear my IWB against my skin....a thin A shirt (pictured above) between your skin and the gun, no matter how hot it is, is going to be more comfortable than a gun and holster against your skin, whether you are sweating or not....

Amen to that! Goes for both Leather and Kydex, although if it has to be, the kydex is a lot easier on you and your gun.

If you plan on using an IWB holster next to your skin in hot summer weather and you sweat a lot, plan on buying one every 8-18 months unless you can clean the body salts out of the leather without softening the holster. One fellow I know tried using 3M waterproofing on his and only ended up feeling sweaty around the holster ALL the time AND getting a skin rash to boot.

I quit leather altogether for just this reason. I used to go through about three good leather holsters a year. If you have to have leather, smooth is better than rough out here. Rough out is like a sponge and sucks the moisture right up and through. Smooth is a little slower. Once wet, they all stay wet. Against bare skin, wet leather REALLY sucks! As far as I'm concerned, the only way to go for IWB is kydex. The gun stays dry and protected, no matter how bad you sweat. The kydex is also a lot easier on you if your tee shirt should ride up on you and the holster is against your bare skin. Wet kydex slides against skin, wet leather rubs you raw.

 

[tex45acp]

I have never been able to get used to the feel of the Kydex next to my skin, even with a T-shirt between the holster and my skin. Leather on the other hand feels real comfortable to me. I have two and am awaiting my third. One is a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 for my 4" 1911. I wear it daily and just love the holster. I also have a Tucker Heritage IWB for my Ruger 3" SP-101. I have worn this holster about 25 times now and I really like the way it feels. I am waiting on a Broomeland Max Com V for my Springfield XD-45. I have read that this is one great holster and extremely comfortable.
Heres the Tucker Heritage

Milt Sparks Versa Max 2

and Broomeland Leather Max Con V

I have never had a problem with my holsters being sweat soaked, and I live in the humidity capitol of the world.....the Texas Gulf Coast. I do not change my mode of carry due to changing seasons because we have little or none. It is pretty much hot and humid 10 months out of the year. We have been known to have a "Norther" blow through from time to time during late fall or early winter.

 

[Charles S]

Norstrog,

Great questions, I will try to do them justice.

First, I think that holster's are an individualized preference, and each individual's preferences are dictated by body build, size, and proportions. Training and personal preferences are also infuintal.

My main questions are cant and it's benefit.

There are a lot of ways of stating the benefits of cant, and Bill CA stated it well.

The canted holsters offer a more natural grip, especially as your holster placement starts moving behind your strong side hip. Vertical position holsters are fine for strongside wear at the hip or forward of the hip.

To the above let me add. I find cant is critical with a longer gun like a BHP a Colt Government ect. For shorter guns I don't really need much cant if any. Examples include the H&K P7 and Kahr K9.

The spacing of the leather straps and whether they actually keep the pistol from shifting as much.

The simple answer is yes, However, with a well made holster, IMHO, the only real benifit of wide spacing of the straps is that is makes the total gun and holster package much thinner.

Well made holsters with narrow leather straps: Kramer, Fist, Milt Sparks, are very stable holsters.

Also, rough side out or smooth side out?

Again, personal preference, rough side out holsters do not move in you pants. that is great for me as long as I never sit down. I do sit down and don't really like rough side out holster. Milt Sparks makes one of the best in the Summer Special.

Does the clip work better than the strap I think it's ugly but it may have it's benefits.

Again, personal preference. I don't like them, but there is the benefit of more easily removing your holster with your gun in place with clips.

Again, holsters are very individual. What works for one of your guns, may not work for others for you.

I urge you to look at, and talk with FIST, Kramer Leather, Milt Spars, and other good manufactures. Let them know what you think you need, how you are built, what gun you are carrying, and let them make suggestions.

I can't speak for all of the rest, but I have a drawer full of holster's that I have tried and then not worn for some reason or other. What works for me for one gun, does not always work for others.

BTW, you mentioned carrying a Springfield 1911. For me, the best IWB 1911 holster is the Kramer Leather IWB #2.

I hope this helps.

Charles