OWB concealment holsters for larger handguns

[RussellC]

Read a post recently about someone looking to conceal Glock 17. Based on responses, I tried the Galco "Concealable" for Glock 17. It seems to work well for me with its "forward moulding"....inasmuch as this is my first OWB holster, and the fact that many consider Galco a so-so holster, any other suggestions for (concealment) OWB for full size pistols? Until now, I have only had IWB styles for concealment, and not for the G17 or other full sized models. The Bruce Nelson Professional got my attention, but I understand he has passed away. The idea of "Trailing loops" whatever they are seems interesting as well. What say you?

This is the post that started me:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=764164


Russellc

 

[ACP]

I think Glocks and kydex go together like peanut butter and jelly. Kydex is generally lighter than leather and I always found it easier to re-holster since it does not collapse.

I like Blade-Tech and FIST kydex holsters.

PS -- Galco is a very good brand of leather holster; you made a good choice there.

 

[RussellC]

I like it fine. But this has lead me to "Bruce Nelson" and "Trailing loop designed" holsters, and I would like to learn about them, but I understand Mr Nelson has passed away. Is the Milt Sparks NGL such a "trailing loop design?

Russellc

 

[Johnny_B_Goode]

I have a holster made by El Paso Saddlery. The holster has great retention yet it is quick drawing. It would be difficult for someone to take your pistol. A dab of Galco Draw-Ez does wonders for the holster. When I first got my holster I wrapped my gun in saran wrap then left it in the holster over night. I put a little Draw-Ez in the holster and it has been trouble free. The holster holds it's shape. It is a good value holster there is nothing cheap about it. El Paso Saddlery has been making top quality holsters for many decades. El Paso Saddlery has made holsters for many movies stars from Roy Rogers to Clint Eastwood.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/32...2-23-27-31-32-33-leather?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

[primalmu]

If you can deal with their lead times, I have been VERY impressed with my Alien Gear Cloak Slide carrying my full size steel frame CZ75.

 

[RussellC]

I have a holster made by El Paso Saddlery. The holster has great retention yet it is quick drawing. It would be difficult for someone to take your pistol. A dab of Galco Draw-Ez does wonders for the holster. When I first got my holster I wrapped my gun in saran wrap then left it in the holster over night. I put a little Draw-Ez in the holster and it has been trouble free. The holster holds it's shape. It is a good value holster there is nothing cheap about it. El Paso Saddlery has been making top quality holsters for many decades. El Paso Saddlery has made holsters for many movies stars from Roy Rogers to Clint Eastwood.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/32...2-23-27-31-32-33-leather?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Mine was easy to break in just following the directions. Cover with plastic as you suggested, insert, twist side to side a dozen times, let sit 15 mins. I added another layer and repeated, good to go. I'll try their fluid. Thanks everyone, I am lusting for the Milt Sparks NGL!

 

[Eaglestroker]

The biggest issue with the "Professional" or Askins' Avenger style, is that the second attachment point is at the thickest part of the gun, IE the slide. Some body types require this to get the gun away from the body enough for a grab to draw - for me it does not work as a concealment holster. A majority of my holsters are for full sized revolvers and this issue is increased with the added thickness of a cylinder.

Holster/belt combination & fit is often overlooked but an ill fitting holster to belt will amplify tip out on a full sized handgun holster vs something smaller.

 

[JTQ]

I suspect you read "trailing loop" from one of my posts. Bruce Nelson is dead, but nearly all holster makers produce a holster similar to the #1 Professional. Sparks makes the NLG and 55BN. http://www.miltsparks.com

Pancake holsters, like your Galco Concealable, as originated by Roy Baker (also dead) also have a trailing loop. It is simply the rear loop of the holster that pulls the grip up against your body.

Horseshoe Leather has a good "holster design" page that may help. http://www.holsters.org/holster-design.htm

I don't have experience with #1 Professional or Avenger style, but my belief is is is somewhat of a compromise holster. It is easy to reholster, like the old style scabbards like Lobo's Combat Classic ( http://www.lobogunleather.com/22_lobo_combat_classic_new_for_2014 ) or Rafter L's #5 ( http://www.combatgunleather.com/gallery/17-holsters/42-holster-5 ), but it adds the trailing loop to aid in concealment.

I believe pancakes conceal better, but due to their design, they tend to close up after you draw, making it harder to reholster.

If you want the best concealment, a pancake is probably the best choice. If you want a range holster for lots of presentations for a class or competition, a holster like the Lobo or Rafter L, or like Sparks 1AT or Davis Leather's T-Omega or Gunsite Omega ( http://davisleathercompany.com/concealedcarry/ ), or any of the kydex holsters like Blade-Tech's SRB or Comp-Tac's International is probably the better choice. If you want one holster that could probably be used for both, the #1 Professional/Avenger/55BN, etc. is probably a good choice.