CCW without breaking the bank

[Trunk Monkey]

if I own a Taurus G2C, Ruger SR9, S&W SD9VE, Ruger Security 9, or other sub $300 pistols that are reliable

Ay, there's the rub.

I didn't get the logic behind having to spend money on an expensive holster and other accessories continent on the price of the gun or vis versa... If the holster does it's job, and the wearer is comfortable and happy with it, what difference does it make?

What is the holster's job? I have certain requirements of a holster. I want at least some level of passive retention. I've fell on my ass while carrying a gun, if that ever happens again I don't want the gun to go flying. For concealed carry active retention isn't a priority to me but I've had people try to snatch my gun at work so for open carry it's an absolute must. SERPA is, of course, a non starter. I don't want to have to muzzle myself reholstering and I want to be able to reholster with one hand. You're not going to get a holster that meets those criteria in the bargain bin at Big R.

 

[Styx]

Ay, there's the rub.



What is the holster's job? I have certain requirements of a holster. I want at least some level of passive retention. I've fell on my ass while carrying a gun, if that ever happens again I don't want the gun to go flying. For concealed carry active retention isn't a priority to me but I've had people try to snatch my gun at work so for open carry it's an absolute must. SERPA is, of course, a non starter. I don't want to have to muzzle myself reholstering and I want to be able to reholster with one hand. You're not going to get a holster that meets those criteria in the bargain bin at Big R.

View attachment 880203

What you want and what you're preference is has nothing to do with other people's preference and what works for them. I never said or implied those holsters would suit your needs and method of carry, but what I don't understand is why some gun owners are so concerned about and feel the need to discourage others based on how much a holster cost and/or the type of holster others chose for themselves...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

What you want and what you're preference is has nothing to do with other people's preference and what works for them. I never said or implied those holsters would suit your needs and method of carry, but what I don't understand is why some gun owners are so concerned about and feel the need to discourage others based on how much a holster cost and/or the type of holster others chose for themselves...

The only person does making a specific issue of price here is you.

I'm making an issue of quality. Guns are dangerous tools and I want to do everything I can to minimize the risk to me.

A whole bunch of those bargain bin, gun sack, one size fits whatever you can stuff in it holsters are objectively junk at any price. Some of them (SERPA) are dangerous and that's why people speak out against them.

 

[Styx]

.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

No, I made a general statement that didn't apply to you, but would apply to others. None the less, you applied it to yourself, and carry on as if my comments were directed at you specifically.

You were responding to me specifically.

Last whether something is junk or not is a personal matter of opinion which is my point.

Is it? It's an objective fact that Uncle Mike's holsters have a reputation for coming loose on the draw. They're also known for having the clip come off them and needing to be removed from the pants to reholster. That's not subjective, it's a objective, repeatable event.

You may have a different opinions but when I hear a large number of reputable industry leaders (James Yeager doesn't count) in monolithic agreement that these holsters are junk I pay attention to them.

I have used some of those one size fits all holsters mostly for IWB carry and they worked just fine for me. They covered the trigger and held my firearm. They worked for me, and if they don't work for you, then don't buy it.

Under what conditions were you using them? Were you using them in training? (Not plinking at the range) Have you tried them in a FOF class? Have you ever done an ass plant in an icy parking lot while using them? Have you ever had to defend yourself using your daily carry?

I'm not a gear snob just to be a gear snob and I don't think I'm John Maclean but there's a point that I'm trying to make. I used to be an Uncle Mike's guy then I actually had a chance to get some professional training and one of the first things I learned was that the cheap gear wasn't up to the task. The first time I had to defend myself changed my perspective entirely. I found out that "just as good" isn't good enough. When it's for real I want my equipment to work EXACTLY the way it's supposed to.

 

[JERRY]

S&W makes a modern day Sigma called the 9VE or something like that. its Glock-like and can be found at Academy Sports for just under $300 before taxes.

 

[Styx]

.

 

[John Joseph]

Regarding holsters, new CCers have to start somewhere, and holsters can be an expensive part of the equation.
Get a cheapie? Sure if it's not otherwise dangerous by design. It will give you a better idea of what is important to you in a holster and help inform you the next time you make a purchase.
A real money pit is collecting a box full of quality holsters that don't suit you.

Of course buying a quality holster is worth the $$---buy once cry once---but what if you can't swing a Milt Sparks or (insert maker here) this month or even this year, you'll still need a belt and holster right now if you're carrying.

Do your best and adapt.

 

[crestoncowboy]

Regarding holsters, new CCers have to start somewhere,

That's true too. I had a nylon holster with a metal clip and a bad spare mag pouch on top when I started. I had actually forgotten it. It was junk for sure. Then I bought an uncle Mike's nylon for my Glock 27 which I made a velcro closing strap for retention. It was serviceable enough and if that's all I had I would feel fine. Actually it may have came with my first G27 idk. Then I got my supertuck. I probably have 30 I've bought since then as well as 10 gun belts I never use. I still prefer the same supertuck with any old braided leather (not stretchy fake leather) belt. And a Gould and Goodrich shoulder holster(for my sigs) or galco (glock) shoulder holster for the rare occasion I carry in a shoulder holster. My first shoulder holster was a cheapo nylon one. It was serviceable too. The nylon wears out though.

 

[GEM]

Define the price limit, so we can cut to the chase. Galco makes decent kydex holsters for $45 to 60. Is that too much money for a product that will serve for years.

How much to you spend on entertainment, take out, etc. a month?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Regarding holsters, new CCers have to start somewhere, and holsters can be an expensive part of the equation.
Get a cheapie? Sure if it's not otherwise dangerous by design. It will give you a better idea of what is important to you in a holster and help inform you the next time you make a purchase.
A real money pit is collecting a box full of quality holsters that don't suit you.

Of course buying a quality holster is worth the $$---buy once cry once---but what if you can't swing a Milt Sparks or (insert maker here) this month or even this year, you'll still need a belt and holster right now if you're carrying.

Do your best and adapt.

when I first started out I spent around $200.00 on cheap, no name, nylon holsters before I realized they were junk. After that I bought a Galco CM ($97.00) for every gun (four guns) I carried. Now that I've made my final choice for carry I'm getting a Kramer ($135.00).

 

[94045]

S&W makes a modern day Sigma called the 9VE or something like that. its Glock-like and can be found at Academy Sports for just under $300 before taxes.

I believe you are referring to a SD9VE. It's roughly Glock 19X sized and has 16 Round magazInes.

1994 SW40F - The original Sigma
1999 SW9VE - Gen 2 Sigma with 11 lb trigger.
2011 SD9VE - Gen 3 (Sigma name dropped) with 9 lb trigger.

The trigger is similar to a DAO Revolver. Lots of people with no revolver experience struggle with them. I can roll though the trigger squeeze and drop the sear without moving the penny balanced on the front sight of my SW9VE. It was under $200 with 3 16 Round Mags and came with a coupon for 4 More. With 7 Mags I don't think it was a bad deal.

Today I think a M&P Compact 2.0 .40 S&W for $300, Shield 1.0 9mm for $250 ($200 before the rebate ended) or SR9C for $250 (Sportsman's Warehouse) - $280 (LGS) would be a better option for most.

Taurus G2S for $160 and 856 for $175 are real deals at my LGS if you can get past the brand.

Holster - Blade-Tech Klipt (if they make one for your pistol) is the best $20 you will ever spend. It's my go to holster until you know what you want. I've had really good luck with them.

 

[Mike J]

When I started I had one of the Uncle Mike's nylon holsters. I had bought a Ruger P94. I went to a gun shop & asked for a holster for it. It was what the salesman gave me. When I started carrying I figured out pretty quick I didn't like it. It flopped around & it was awkward to unholster the pistol. So then I looked around online & wound up getting a couple of Don Hume belt slides & a magazine holder to wear on my off side. I have went through some different pistols & holsters since then. Nothing wrong with more expensive holsters but there are many serviceable holsters to be had for $40-50. I have used the Safariland ALS & GLS holsters, the Don Hume holsters, Right now I am basically using a generic IWB Kydex holster. FWIW I also have a Galco Fletch for my SR 1911 & a Tom Threepersons holster for my old Dan Wesson revolver. There is a fellow on another forum I frequent that comes up with some very nice used leather for reasonable prices. Nothing wrong with spending money for quality leather but there are gun specific options that work well without spending a fortune.

 

[Old Dog]

What you want and what you're preference is has nothing to do with other people's preference and what works for them. I never said or implied those holsters would suit your needs and method of carry, but what I don't understand is why some gun owners are so concerned about and feel the need to discourage others based on how much a holster cost and/or the type of holster others chose for themselves...

Trunk Monkey is right.

 

[Old Dog]

when I first started out I spent around $200.00 on cheap, no name, nylon holsters before I realized they were junk. After that I bought a Galco CM ($97.00) for every gun (four guns) I carried. Now that I've made my final choice for carry I'm getting a Kramer ($135.00).

Again, he's right.

Those of you that want to believe that cheap-ass holsters will serve your needs ... y'all need to see the light.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Trunk Monkey is right.

Again, he's right.

Those of you that want to believe that cheap-ass holsters will serve your needs ... y'all need to see the light.

Thank you

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Taurus G2S for $160 and 856 for $175 are real deals at my LGS IF you can get past the brand .

That's a pretty big if

 

[94045]

That's a pretty big if

I realize many people base purchases on what they know or think they know about Taurus as opposed to the actual product itself. The G2 Pistols and the M85 Revolvers have generally been very good.

 

[Hartkopf]

Yes, like I said many people base it on what they know or think they know about Taurus as opposed to the actual product. The G2 Pistols and the M85 Pistols have generally been very good.

The LGS owner near me bad mouthed Taurus earlier this year and said he would not sell them in his store. 11 months later he had several on the shelf so something changed in his mind. Possibly lots of requests.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I realize many people base purchases on what they know or think they know about Taurus as opposed to the actual product itself. The G2 Pistols and the M85 Revolvers have generally been very good.

Some people base purchases on our past negative experience with Taurus.

Some people base purchases on the fact that not a single Police agency in the United States issues Taurus to their officers

 

[94045]

Some people base purchases on our past negative experience with Taurus.

Some people base purchases on the fact that not a single Police agency in the United States issues Taurus too

Exactly my point. Doesn't matter how good or bad the guns in question are. You are not interested. That's why I said IF you can get past the brand those guns are a good deal. I have a friend that had two different GM car engines blow up shortly out of warranty so won't buy a GM Truck. Doesn't really matter if the product is good or not nor the fact it was 30-40 years ago he is just not interested.

 

[JERRY]

holsters are some of the few things you cannot go cheap on. really do your homework. youtube has scads of videos you can review....

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Exactly my point. Doesn't matter how good or bad the guns in question are. You are not interested. That's why I said IF you can get past the brand those guns are a good deal. I have a friend that had two different GM car engines blow up shortly out of warranty so won't buy a GM Truck. Doesn't really matter if the product is good or not nor the fact it was 30-40 years ago he is just not interested.

I'm not bashing Taurus just for the sake of bashing them.

I freely admit that I have a bias. I do not like Taurus handguns and that's because they have a long reputation for , at best, hit or miss quality.

In order for me to overcome that bias I would have to see a long term transition in their reputation. I would also want it confirmed by reputable instructors who's opinion I value.

 

[Styx]

Again, he's right.

Those of you that want to believe that cheap-ass holsters will serve your needs ... y'all need to see the light.

How are you going to tell me or anyone else what will or won't serve my/their needs? I own expensive leather holsters and cheap holsters. The holsters I EDC the most is an inexpensive polymer Blade Tec holster and one of those nylon mani IWB/OWB holsters. Wore them to work, where I'm standing, bending, walking, reaching, etc for 12 hours a day sometimes 6 days a week for over 5 years and counting. Both of those holsters have and continue to do the same job other expensive holsters do. They might not work for you or be your cup of tea, but work for me and no one other than me is qualified to tell me differently.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

One thing that I see is people posting about how they don't have money to go to a class and then they post a picture of their "carry rotation" and it's like 20 guns.

I think a lot of people are more interested in accumulating hardware than developing software.

I'll admit that budget wasn't my primary consideration when I decided to thin The Herd but I have noticed that since I'm not spending money on that next gun, I am able to stock up on the necessities for the guns that I do have without going broke.