and more holster questions

[MJRW]

Ordered a pair of Milt Sparks Watch Six holsters yesterday. One for the 1911 in Cordovan, and one for the G19 in Black. This is the holster I've been looking for. Unfortunately I'll still be looking for 8-12 weeks =(. Anyone have experience with these holsters, good or bad?

Bianchi or Galco? Who generally makes the better holster?

Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters?

What is up with that other belt hole loop on pancake holsters?

Kydex, nylon, or leather, which one is best for a stainless gun?

How do you conceal carry and have an accessible firearm when driving? Crossdraw?

Where exactly is a shoulder rig gun supposed to be on your body?

How would you recommend concealing a 1911 in tuxedo?

There, those are all the holster questions that have been bothering me for quite awhile.

 

[BerettaNut92]

MRJW:

>> Ordered a pair of Milt Sparks Watch Six holsters yesterday. One for the 1911 in Cordovan, and one for the G19 in Black. This is the holster I've been looking for. Unfortunately I'll still be looking for 8-12 weeks =(. Anyone have experience with these holsters, good or bad? <<

I've had two Milt Sparks holsters...excellent quality, but I sold them both because I no longer have the USP45C I had my Versamax 2 for, and I liked my Kydex P7M8 rig better... as far as leather, can't go wrong with Milt Sparks other than the wait.

>> Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters? <<

Probably to make people feel better about the hammer...

>> What is up with that other belt hole loop on pancake holsters? <<

Crossdraw...for mounting on the weakside for driving.

>> Kydex, nylon, or leather, which one is best for a stainless gun? <<

Nylon is usually seen on pocket holsters, ankle holsters and ninja holsters. Between kydex and leather, I think it's really personal preference...I don't think either will wear more than the other. People can't stand the inorganic click of the Kydex, but I prefer the draw.

>> How do you conceal carry and have an accessible firearm when driving? Crossdraw? <<

Crossdraw. Shoulder holster and fanny pack can also work. Or mounting a Velcro holster (like the ones designed for the Royal Robbins vest) somewhere in the cabin.

>> Where exactly is a shoulder rig gun supposed to be on your body? <<

Under support hand armpit. They either point horizontally or kinda vertically. I'm too skinny to have one point horizontally, but I don't wear shoulder holsters anyway.

>> How would you recommend concealing a 1911 in tuxedo? <<

Tuckable holster, like the Milt Sparks Versa Max II or Blade-Tech UCH. I wore my P7M8 under a tucked shirt to a wedding last week. Too hot to wear the jacket.

HTH.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters?

I've seen thumb straps on all kinds of holsters for all kinds of guns. I think lots of people believe they're more secure, but they've always impressed me as being like forty-pound cast iron motorcycle helmets: more burdensome than genuinely useful.

 

[Majic]

Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters?

Some people want the positive retension that a thumb break affords. If your open top isn't sufficently molded or made of inferior product that stretches then the pistol can fall out of the holster if you get engaged in violent, quick body movements.

 

[C.R.Sam]

How would you recommend concealing a 1911 in tuxedo?

Custom cummerbund.
works like a champ with wheels or slabs.

Sam

 

[PCRCCW]

MJRW...all good questions. As a holster maker Ill try my best to give you "my take on things".....

first of Milt Sparks are great holsters. The wait kills most people and forces alot of people to look elsewhere.

Bianchi or Galco? Who generally makes the better holster?
Both are good quality machine made (mostly) holsters...both are comparible quality, fit, finish and edges.

Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters?
Some believe if you carry cocked and locked, the strap puts a piece of leather between the hammer and firing pin. This is strictly a psychological advantage in my opinion. Most 1911 accidental discharges happen when the gun is dropped, being holstered or drawn..which means the strap wont help in most of the common situations when AD's happen.

What is up with that other belt hole loop on pancake holsters?
The wider the spacing of the belt loops the "tighter" the gun is held next to your body..thus offering better concealment. Plus, if you carry a fullsize or heavier gun, the wider loop spacing spreads the weight over more area making for a much more comfy carry.

Kydex, nylon, or leather, which one is best for a stainless gun?
No right answer. Its strictly a matter of preference. Leather or Kydex is more often recommended than nylon. A "better" holster is more commonly made of the two materials....very inexpensive holsters are nylon.

How do you conceal carry and have an accessible firearm when driving? Crossdraw? Most choose crossdraw carry...its comfy and offers good access to your gun. A shoulder holster is another good choice in cooler weather. Off the body carry is another great choice if youre in your car for a while.

Where exactly is a shoulder rig gun supposed to be on your body?
This depends on the body and the holster design. Is it vertical or horizontal? You want it close to the body for concealment, secure as to not move more than a tiny tid and so you have good grip access. Thats it.

How would you recommend concealing a 1911 in tuxedo? My choice? A good shoulder holster. Just make sure your jacket isnt too tight and offers good access and concealment.

Shoot well

 

[Smoke]

Bianchi or Galco? Who generally makes the better holster?

They are pretty much the same, add Gould & Goodrich to the same list. They are fine holsters, just not the best. Before you criticize "machine" made holsters be aware that most all holsters are "machine" made to the same degree. The better ones just have better makers and better materials.

Why are there thumb straps on some 1911 holsters?

Been answered already, but let me add: So you can customize it yourself by cutting them off.

What is up with that other belt hole loop on pancake holsters?

I think the "Other" hole is to adjust cant.

Kydex, nylon, or leather, which one is best for a stainless gun?

Stainless or blue, doesn't matter. Kydex to give away your position, nylon to let everyone know you are a cheap bas****. Leather to take care of your firearms.

How do you conceal carry and have an accessible firearm when driving? Crossdraw?

Lay it on the seat next to you with your hat on top of it.

Where exactly is a shoulder rig gun supposed to be on your body?

Its not supposed to be on your body. Its supposed to be in the trash can; or at least in that box in the closet with all the other nylon, kydex, plastic, and other unusable or impractical holsters you have wasted money on through the years.

How would you recommend concealing a 1911 in tuxedo?

Same way you would conceal it any other time. If you train and carry strong side, 4 o'clock, that is where it should be under a tux. Just make sure you use the shiny black leather holster.

 

[Poohgyrr]

I've been able to use a few of Sparks' holsters over the years, and they were all great. One thing I especially like is the confirmation letter Sparks sends you to let you know they have your order and it's in the works.

Also, I think it must be standard for them to quote an 8 to 12 week wait, but I've never had to wait nearly that long, so don't be surprised if you get them in less than 8 weeks.