Mostly directed at anyone who uses a paddle holster. Stacked up against a belt slot holster, which do you prefer? I've currently got a custom IWB and a OWB belt slot for my 3" 1911, and I like the OWB except for when/if I need to suddenly take it off. Just mostly curious how well the paddle holsters stack up as far as concealment and comfort.
OWB question for CCW carriers
- Thread starter 308Gunner
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The Great Mahoo
New member
While I like the convenience of a paddle, I just trust the belt holster much better. Better retention, they seem to stay in place better, and are a bit more comfortable in my experience.
For me its belt or IWB.
For me its belt or IWB.
I switched to a paddle from a pancake.
I'm a giant fat guy so the fact that the paddle carries a little lower then the pancake holster is a plus for me.
The paddle is kind of hard to take off it has a nub that grabs the bottom of the belt, I can't see it ever coming with the gun when I draw it and it hasn't yet.
The paddle has a very different feel but overall is more comfortable but it's not quite as concealable. My paddle holster is pretty bulky. The ones that Tex Shoemaker has look pretty minimal and they have a belt loop that buttons on.
My OWB pancake always felt like a pouch that I stuffed my gun in and due to the bulk and the stiffness of the leather I was never able to get my belt as tight as I wanted. This lead the to my pants sagging to one side.
The pancake also creaked ALL THE TIME. I used shoe polish, talc powder and I worked with the leather to soften it a bit. It didn't matter. People look at you funny when you walk around creaking but you are not wearing any obvious leather.
My draw is much quicker from the paddle holster as well.
The paddle holster I have is the Safariland 568. At $42 I figured that it was worth a try and I was right. I'm really happy with it and how many other holsters can you use with your pajamas?
- D
I'm a giant fat guy so the fact that the paddle carries a little lower then the pancake holster is a plus for me.
The paddle is kind of hard to take off it has a nub that grabs the bottom of the belt, I can't see it ever coming with the gun when I draw it and it hasn't yet.
The paddle has a very different feel but overall is more comfortable but it's not quite as concealable. My paddle holster is pretty bulky. The ones that Tex Shoemaker has look pretty minimal and they have a belt loop that buttons on.
My OWB pancake always felt like a pouch that I stuffed my gun in and due to the bulk and the stiffness of the leather I was never able to get my belt as tight as I wanted. This lead the to my pants sagging to one side.
The pancake also creaked ALL THE TIME. I used shoe polish, talc powder and I worked with the leather to soften it a bit. It didn't matter. People look at you funny when you walk around creaking but you are not wearing any obvious leather.
My draw is much quicker from the paddle holster as well.
The paddle holster I have is the Safariland 568. At $42 I figured that it was worth a try and I was right. I'm really happy with it and how many other holsters can you use with your pajamas?
- D
I carry a full size HK USP in a Blackhawk CQC paddle holster in plain cloths and have no problem concealing it when needed.
I have no worries the holster will come out with the weapon as it takes a little effort to remove the holster.
The weapon weight is distributed well and the weapon draws effortlessly .
Just my .02.
I have no worries the holster will come out with the weapon as it takes a little effort to remove the holster.
The weapon weight is distributed well and the weapon draws effortlessly .
Just my .02.
I have a Fobus roto paddle holster that I tried for a while with my Walther PP, but I just found it to be too bulky to be a practical concealment holster. I've since switched to an El Paso Saddlery #88 for my S&W M66 and a Kramer Horsehide scabbard for my S&W 629. When those aren't practical, I pocket carry a S&W M36.
Kreyzhorse
New member
I like slot holsters for better retention and, while my experience with paddle holsters is limited, I think slot holsters also conceal a little better. Seems like they have a slimer profile.
gearhounds
New member
Pancake; doesn't shift around and stays tighter to the body, especially with a large auto. The extra 10 seconds it takes to put it on the belt is worth it.
I have never been able to use a paddle holster for CCW. I've tryed many types from plastic to nice leather just to bulky. Great ideal and I've wanted it to work but just can't make it happen. Maybe in the dead of winter with a very large coat but where I live that's about 4 weeks total. To me they are no more than a good range holster.
Jake Balam
New member
I have a fobus paddle holster, and while it is by far the most comfortable holster I've ever worn. It is harder to conceal
jeepster11
New member
i have tried
paddle holsters and i just cant seem to conceal it very well it sticks out like a sore thumb. i too carry a 3 inch 1911 and i either carry in the waistband with a uncle mikes holster or belt loop out of the wasteband disantis holster. another holster i currently am looking at maybe getting is a crossbreed they are very nice check them out good luck on your search.
paddle holsters and i just cant seem to conceal it very well it sticks out like a sore thumb. i too carry a 3 inch 1911 and i either carry in the waistband with a uncle mikes holster or belt loop out of the wasteband disantis holster. another holster i currently am looking at maybe getting is a crossbreed they are very nice check them out good luck on your search.
The Real Wyatt
New member
I carry a full-size 1911 in a Blackhawk Serpa (paddle) and have no trouble at all keeping it concealed. I have to unbuckle my belt and unzip my pants to get the holster off, otherwise it ain't coming off. A good stiff belt helps a whole lot. Your size, weight and body type are the biggest factors.
comn-cents
New member
I use both, but prefer a belt loop for CCW. If Mr Murphy is going to show up he'll wait until your in it! I just read a story of an older gentleman who has carried his whole life and happened into a robbery. He dropped one of the bad guys but his gun was empty, went for his spare mag and had to undo his pants to get to it. He had been using this set up for many years and it didn't go wrong until he really needed it. I've never had a problem training with a paddle holster but Murphy is always in the back of my mind. It's easier to just go with what I feel comfortable with.
I normally carry in a belt slot pancake holster, however I made a pancake holster last month just to try it and was pleasantly surprised with the results. The paddle holster has just as good of retention as the belt slot holster and there is no way that it's going to come off the belt when you don't want it to. The paddle is also adjustable for cant. I found it to be extremely comfortable to wear and didn't have any problems with it shifting around in use. It might stick out 1/8" farther than the belt slot holster I normally use.
3" S&W M60 Paddle
Another option you might want to consider if you are looking for a holster that's a little easier to put on and remove than a belt slot pancake would be a pancake holster with snap loops that wrap around the belt. With this style of holster there is no need to undo your belt to put it on or remove it either.
Ruger LCR OWB2
3" S&W M60 Paddle
Another option you might want to consider if you are looking for a holster that's a little easier to put on and remove than a belt slot pancake would be a pancake holster with snap loops that wrap around the belt. With this style of holster there is no need to undo your belt to put it on or remove it either.
Ruger LCR OWB2