FIST or Galco for my xd-9

[treebeard]

Can someone help me with this one? I can't stand IWB, ankle is out of the equation for the obvious, and the shoulder/harness/hari-kari rig just doesn't look right. So my choides would be leather and one of these:
http://gunnersalley.zoovy.com/product/OSFIST10LTBXD

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/9.htm

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=2739&GunID=223

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/40.htm

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/42.htm

 

[1911 guy]

I use Galco

In fact, my regular holster looks about the same as the one in the pic. I'd say go for it. One man's opinion.

 

[Ryder]

I use the 42. It's a problem if used as intended. The snap pops open when I sit down plus it does not fit tight enough to the body not to print. I use it differently though and like it a lot. In fact I have bought these for various models.

Since the snap won't stay snapped I use the plastic back as a paddle inside the pant with the belt over the holster. So the holster itself is still outside the pant but held tight (but comfortable) to the body. Doing it this way there is a "hook" pointing outwards from inside the pants which grabs at the top of the pocket just right on a pair of jeans (10 O'clock position). This holds the holster in place during the draw avoiding the need to secure it with the offhand. Worn loose "on the belt" as intended the holster draws with the gun slightly. I don't like that feel one bit and it raises some very real complications if the snap has popped since the rig twists and binds the gun.

I have the extra leather on the back that protects the body from contact with the gun. This is a good option. It's designed to keep the hammer and safety from digging into you (works that way on my 1911) but on the XD it merely curves over the top of the gun slightly over time. This helps to keep it in the holster as it loosens up with use. These holsters are a very tight fit when new and require use before they loosen up enough to allow an easy draw. After a year of use it will no long hold a gun against gravity if held upside down without that option.

I don't know anything about the other holsters. Hope that helps.

 

[treebeard]

Thanks for the feedback. I have never owned a really good quality leather holster so I want to pick a good one. I don't want to spend $75 and then be disappointed.

 

[1911 guy]

Longevity and comfort.

I've been carrying a 1911 in a Galco open top holster for a few years now, the holster is still in good shape aside from a few scuff marks. If you like the open top design, try on a galco and make sure you like the cant it has, other than that, I'd have no reservations about recommending it. I do like the cant, but different strokes for different folks.

 

[hillst1]

Fist

I purchased a Fist Basic 12 from Gunners Alley both were great to deal with and the holster is made quite well.

 

[Aggie1]

I have a FIST Basic 9 and it is the only belt holster I use. Just need to find a good paddle holster now.

 

[dairycreek]

I have recently purchased my seventh holster by FIST-all leather. I have been impressed by consistent quality regardless of the particular style. I am a confirmed FIST customer and recommend them both for quality and customer service.

 

[MacPelto]

I too am a big fan of FIST, you can't go wrong there. My favorite day-to-day holster is a FIST #2 that has been in nearly constant use for over 5 years and the leather is more rigid now than the only Galco I ever bought was on the day I bought it. The only warning I would give is don't bother ordering anything in cordovan, since when they say that it is 'sometimes taken for black', it should say 'always'. The dark red is dark red, but the cordovan is basically black.

Mac

 

[treebeard]

I like the FIST #2, FIST #10, The Don Hume H721 OT, and the Don Hume partner crossdraw. I need one for my P229 and XD-9. I can't deal with Kydex platic paddle stuff anymore. Keep the input coming!

On the FIST #2 how well do the snaps work? I want something that is really going to stay snug to my side.

 

[ChickenHawk]

I have a Fist #8 Close Cropped Sortcut for my G36 and another for my G30. Very well made holsters, and very comfortable. I don't think you'll regret it if you get a Fist.

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[MacPelto]

The snaps work great. The key to getting the holster to stay snug is to get the right size belt loops with it. The good part is, unlike many of the other snap on models (including galco) the snap loops are removable. This means that if you wear different width belts, all you have to do is order extra loops to match each belt, and you can change them as you please. When I ordered mine, I got a set of 1.25 and a set of 1.5 inch loops. The second set was 5 bucks more, and now my holster can be worn with jeans belts or dress belts. Also, if the straps get worns out, you don't have to replace the entire holster.


Mac

 

[treebeard]

Very interesting. This is a hard choice because I can't do IWB and I definetely can't do plastic paddle carry anymore. Thanks for the info on the belt loops. It looks like I will probably order a FIST and a Don Hume. No harm in trying both!