Am I lucky? Or do cheap holsters work?

[kd7nqb]

So I admit I am new to the CCW thing since I just turned 21. I have been carrying my M&P quite a bit (but admitidly not every day). My current holster collection includes 3 holsters

1. Belly band given to me my by dad from his "holster box"
2. Generic Uncle Mikes size 5 holster-$9
3. Fobus evolution kydex holster-$25

My favorite holster is the Fobus but I feel a little more paranoid about printing or my shirt pulling up with it. I wore a sport jacket a few days ago and it worked GREAT. I have been using the uncle mikes a lot and it really works well. The belly band does not work my gun is just too heavy for it.

So here is my question, I was told that as a big guy carrying a large frame auto I would have to spend a fair penny on a good holster.

Most of the gun guys that I know all have spent 50-75 on their holsters. What am I missing? These holsters are comfortable and have fit me very well so far. The only thing I can think of is that the holsters might not be as durable as there higher price alternative, HOWEVER I can by a lot of $9 dollar holsters for the price of a $50-$75 galco.

 

[CajunBass]

Uncle Mikes and Fobus have worked just fine for me.

I've even had good results from an Uncle Mikes pistol belt. It's not as good as the leather pistol belt I got from Beltman, but it does the job.

 

[VHinch]

Carry it all day everyday in the Uncle Mikes and then all day everyday in a real holster with a real belt and you will see a difference. Your gun simply will not ride securely in a nylon holster, and this can cause issues with retention and weapon security. A properly fitted holster will also reduce printing under a cover garment.

Don't limit yourself when it comes to holster selection, there is a lot out there. Galco does make a decent holster but they are far from top of the line.

 

[Jkwas]

I like the newer Fobus Paddle holster. I have one for my millenium pro and end up using it more than my custom made leather holster. They are extremely comfortable, and they have adjustable retention.

 

[Werewolf]

The only cheap holsters I've had that work - and I highly recommend them - are Don Hume.

All other sub $30 holsters (with the exception of Uncle Mikes pocket holster) are unmitigated crap and a waste of money.

 

[skinewmexico]

Nothing is good that isn't expensive, is it? Aren't we marketed to think that price is the only indicator of quality and function?

 

[jwr_747]

I often use a Uncle Mikes Belt Slide holster,I do have the hi $$$ holsters also,but the Uncle Mikes,if you raise your arms and the bottom part of the holster is exposed,it really doesn't look like a holster.and I really don't have any problems with UM's holsters. jwr

 

[redneckrepairs]

some affordable holsters are of fair quality ( some don hume models come to mind ) . Cheap holsters however work untill you try a better one .

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I have a Uncle Mike's Paddle holster for my XD45's that works great. Rugged and comfortable.

The XD Gear paddle that comes with XD's works very well too.

My other holsters I paid good money for to get quality.

ZM

 

[GRB]

Uncle Mike's holsters are okay, for now and then carry. I use them myself for sporting carry, but not for everyday concealed carry. For concealed carry each day, I use a good leather holster. A good leather holster will retain its shape much longer than will a nylon holster. It will also retain its size onger from what I can tell, or in other words will take much longer to become a loose fitting holster.

As for the Fobus, is that a paddle holster? If so then they are not secure, no paddle holster is secure, certainly not as secure as a good leather belt holster. One of the plastic holsters, some years ago, and I think it was Fobus, was shown to be easily torn right off of the belt. The holster just came apart when given a strong tug.

Belly bands are out and out junk except for special purposes. You cannot reholster into na belly band with one hand as you should be able with your carry holster.

All the best,
Glenn B

 

[wally]

I look at the "good leather holsters" and find I couldn't conceal the holster without the gun! The cheap IWB work for me. Whatever works for you is best for you.

IMHO the holster only does two things, keep the gun from falling out or moving around, and cover the trigger so things can't snag it as you go about your life.

I prefer the clip ons so re-holstering is not an issue I remove the gun and holster together as a unit if I need to lock the gun in the trunk to go where I can't carry.

--wally.

 

[Katana8869]

My Bianchi Professionals work great for me. I have one for my 1911, XD45c, Glock 19 and my Glock 26.

Since this holster is an IWB with a clip, it's very easy to put on and take off, works with or without a belt and is a very good deal at about $35.00

It also has a body shield that keeps the gun from digging into my side which is good since I am also of the "bigger" persuasion.

 

[ewb45acp]

I'm with Werewolf...

Ive been carrying a 1911 in a Don Hume holster for 7 years now and have been totally satisfied. If it ever wears out I'll get another just like it.

 

[Clipper]

If you wear a cover garment, the Sportsman's Guide SOB holster at 5:00 works well and is comfortable. I'm 6'2" & 350# and I found it to be the most comfortable way to carry my Kimber Ultra Carry and Taurus PT-145. They're about $30.00 when they're on sale.

 

[jefnvk]

I have a cheap nylon holster for my 1911. I also recently got a nice fitted leather holster from http://ubgholsters.com. Makes an INCREDIBLE difference in concealibility and comfort.

I bought a new gun for my CCW when I turned 21 this year. After I got a nice holster, I realized there was no need, I should have just listened to people and got a decent holster to begin with.

After having a few nicer holsters, I plan on buying nice from now on. As funds allow, I am slowly replacing all my cheap holsters with nicer ones.

*by cheap, I mean padded nylon that doesn't really fit to the belt all that well

 

[Bunkerbuster]

I tried galco, binachi, bladetech, fobus and uncleM's.

My favorite is Fobus paddle holsters. Although it is OWB, it is so easy to conceal with few shirts over even on summer. I do love those galco belt holsters too. I also think Uncle Mike's belt holster is great for what you pay for.

Among all those listed, I don't like Uncle Mike's paddle (not belt) holster.

My recommandation is try all and see what works best for ya.

 

[thebaldguy]

I have had good luck with Uncle Mike's holsters; they're cheap and work well.

 

[springmom]

Another positive vote for Uncle Mike's. If I could go to a local store and try a bunch of different holsters from different makers on, and find "just THE one", that'd be great. As it is, you have to order them through the internet and while they may have testimonials out the wazoo saying how great they are, I get them home and this middle aged lady's semi-Rubeneque just doesn't work. I bought a Pager Pal that should have worked and on me, it just doesn't. Same with Smart Carry.

Uncle Mike's??? Works like a charm, for both my snubbie (fairly easy) and my Kimber Ultra Carry II (not so easy). I can draw from them, they stay put when I do, and they didn't cost the earth. What's not to love?

I have a DeSantis OWB for my Kimber that I use when I'm out in the woods because drawing from an OWB is much quicker and easier. But since Texas isn't an open carry state :banghead: woods carry is about all I can use it for. It's the only expensive holster that I have bought that I can use.

Uncle Mike's are just fine.

Springmom

 

[Big Boomer]

I'm sorry, but I have a plethora of cheap/expensive cheap holsters that now are a waste of closet space.

If I would have taken all the money I spent "trying" to find what worked well I could have just bought the good stuff to begin with.

I now have a belt/holster from www.miltsparks.com for all my carry weapons. I took the advice after just not being happy with the retention. The floppy feel of a cheap holster and how they ride just irritates the hell out of me now.

My all leather (horsehide) retains my weapons good enough that I can jump up and down, hang upside down, and do just about anything (even fall off a bike) and it still stays in. I can hold the holster with the firearm inside and shake it upside down and it will not come out.

Drawing is easy and reholstering is just as easy with nice leather. I am not saying some of the Kydex stuff won't work I am just not a fan.

Holsters are like scopes I've been told you will spend a decent amount on a good one, and there are reasons for that. Mindblowing holsters can run you from $70-150 mine (custom job) ran $135 a piece. Take the 8 other crappy holsters ranging from used $5 to $50 new and it more than would have paid for it if I would have just taken the jump to begin with.

I bought a nice $50 holster at a gun show it felt tight and snug, but then after getting it home and putting it on I couldn't draw! I tried both hands! I wriggled around on the floor with it for more than 10 minutes laughing. I had my wife try to pull it out and couldn't do it. I tried doing everything to stretch it I could find. NOTHING worked! So in the closet it sits never worn once for a day of carry.

Sparks is just one of the many good holster makers there are quite a few if you do the search for them. If you have never tried a fitted holster with a sturdy gun belt you must. You will immediately understand what everyone is talking about.

 

[Jinzoningen80]

Carry it all day everyday in the Uncle Mikes and then all day everyday in a real holster with a real belt and you will see a difference.

amen to that. I carried a full size 1911 for years in quality leather but had to resort to my snubby .38spl when the 1911 went in the shop. I bought a cheap fobus plastic holster for it thinking it would be a good temporary solution. Sure it held the gun fine but it was so uncomfortable that I would rather carry the 1911 in leather and it weighs twice as much!

Spend the money on good leather and you won't regret it.