used holster? + related dumb newbie questions

[old lady new shooter]

I just saw that this weekend there will be an estate sale near me that includes a lot of holsters. So:
1. Any worries about buying a used holster rather than new?
2. Does holster selection just depend on the gun regardless of how the user plans to carry it? (I.e. you just attach the holster to the carrying thing [e.g. belt, shoulder rig, thigh rig] that matches how you want to carry or the thing enabling you to store it for quick access at home.)
3. If the answer to #2 is yes (or maybe even if it's no), what holsters do you guys suggest for a 686+ 4"? (I'm now leaning to the 4" because even if I could conceal the 6" it would take longer to draw. Hoping to make final decision this week.)
4. If the answer to #2 is no, where could I read good clear advice about what type of holster goes with what carry/home storage method?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JTQ]

There is a big difference in how a holster attaches. Most belt holsters have a loop of some kind that a belt will run through. Shoulder holsters have a different attachment method.

For a belt holster you need to know the width of the belt the holster was designed for.

For instance, a duty holster, like you would see a police officer wearing would typically be for a 2 1/4" wide belt like this Aker belt.

Aker "Sam Browne" duty belt http://akerleather.com/on-duty-belts/on-duty-belts/B01/sam-browne-belts.html

Cowboy holster/belts are often in 2 1/4" to 3" wide like this belt from El Paso Saddlery. http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-51-31-2-texas-belt.aspx

On the other hand, the most common width belt for concealment use would be 1 1/5" wide. Like this from Mitch Rosen http://www.mitchrosen.com/products/belts/

For best results, you want to match the holster loop with the same width belt.

You can get an idea of what type of holster would be used for what type of use here at Davis Leather. They make concealment, duty, and western belts and holsters.

Davis Leather http://davisleathercompany.com

Two sources I use for general holster information are Horseshoe Leather's Holster Design page, and High Noon Holster's FAQ page.

Horseshoe Leather http://www.holsters.org/holster-design.htm

High Noon http://www.highnoonholsters.com/faqs/

 

[jrdolall]

In all likelihood you will be joining the holster club. Most people with a lot of guns also have a lot of holsters, some of which don't fit anything they own.

 

[matthewpittinger]

All very good resources JTQ, best thing I can tell you is to find a friend or gun shop that has a lot of options for that gun on hand, how you carry and what you carry varies greatly on a lot of factors, what you wear daily, what kind of activities you'll be engaged on daily basis things like that. The best thing to do is try several different options and see what feels best for you and your daily life, never dress for the gun, make the gun work for you. For example if your in a job where your in a suit everyday you have a lot more options than someone in a Tee shirt and shorts everyday.

 

[srtolly]

I make custom holsters as a hobby. There are many things to consider from the gun to how you want to carry to the body type of the wearer.

I am a fat man (hence Fatman Leather), I carry a 1911 Commander in a OWB pancake style holster while if I carry a Glock 23 I prefer an Avenger style. IWB isn't comfortable for me due to "love handles".

Are you allowed to open carry? I usually have a loose fitting top shirt that covers my side arm but open carry is legal in Minnesota.

Do you need to tuck your shirt in while carrying iwb? Again, the gun can dictate the holster.

You mention carrying a 4" 686, an IWB can be done but I've found OWB more comfortable for my Taurus 82 but I like a shoulder rig for my model 28 6".

Appologies for the long post bu I do hope it's helpful. New or used doesn't matter if the holster has been cared for and made to accommodate your gun.

 

[GRIZ22]

You should be sure of what different holsters cost if you are going to an estate sale. I see people paying more than things are worth at estate sales.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Thank you

Thanks very much everybody for all the information. Probably don't have enough time to figure out what holster I should get between now and the sale (to be able to just go there and see if they have one of those) but I need to get one soon because I'm planning to participate in a class that requires the students to bring one. I might be back with more questions after checking out all those links.

As for joining the holster club, I hope not. I am prepared to spend what a good one costs because it's a critical item, but I'm not really in a position to spend for multiple ones that I won't use.

 

[JTQ]

I'm planning to participate in a class that requires the students to bring one.

Since your screen name is old lady new shooter, can we assume you are a woman? If so this information from "The Cornered Cat" may be helpful. While you're at that site, you can probably find a bunch of other helpful information.

The Cornered Cat, Straight Talk About Curves http://www.corneredcat.com/article/practical-issues/straight-talk-about-curves/

If it doesn't have to be a concealment holster, and you may be interested in a dropped and offset holster as discussed in the above article…

Blade-Tech offers a dropped and offset holster for your 4" 686 http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=1_23_24&osCsid=hh6pp55einb0kh8rkn8mgifk03#.Vd36BUuvvHg

Garrett Industries also offers one for your 686 http://www.giholsters.com/silent-thunder-owb/

Make sure you get a good belt. It's usually more important to carrying a gun, especially a big one like a 686, than a holster. An excellent option for an economical belt is The Wilderness Tactical's 5-stitch Frequent Flyer belt.

Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer Belt (it's currently on sale) http://www.thewilderness.com/tactical-belts/frequent-flyer-belt/

 

[Derry 1946]

Hi, OLNS. Used holsters are fine. Just make sure they're not cracked, stretched, or too soft. If they look and feel sturdy, they should be OK. Most of mine are used.

 

[Sunray]

1) Not really. It's a condition thing just like anything else used. Look for rot and signs of mildew(usually black dots or areas). Like GRIZ22 says, you have to know what stuff is worth new, when buying used.
2) Nope. How it is carried will vary with the design. There's no using a belt holster as a shoulder holster. And the belt you use is as important as the holster itself.
3) Barrel length is more of a personal preference thing than conceal ability. Certain amount of how big you are too. Either way speed of the draw is not as important as how accurately you can shoot. Being a quick draw requires constant practice and training.
4) Do not store any handgun in a holster. Especially a leather holster. Leather attracts moisture and a blued handgun will rust if left in one for extended periods. Sometimes a revolver will rust shut like the one the copper who came into the shop I worked in long ago carried. Guy when to unload so try some new grips and the thing was so rusted from neglect it wouldn't open.
Buy the thing and learn to shoot it before you worry about a holster.

 

[Lord Teapot]

like anything else used, look it over, close/open it, pull on its straps a bit to see if they're weak, etc. if all looks good, buy it, it might still be a lemon but if you're buying it used it's probably not that big of a loss.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I've only got one holster I bought used, a Bianchi #19L left handed holster, marked for a Smith & Wesson model 469. Turns out, I am left handed and own a Smith & Wesson model 469.

It fits like a glove, as it should.

That's the only way I'd buy a used holster, it matches the gun I have. I'd risk it for something that's similar (Glock 17 holster for a S&W M&P 9) in shape and size. I prefer holsters shaped to the gun, but I've taken risks on other holsters. I think I'm not alone in the fact that I have holsters in a sock drawer and no gun to properly fit them. It can be a learning curve.

Custom formed Kydex seems to be one of the best options available.

 

[Sav .250]

If it fits your weapon and it`s in good/ decent condition, Why not ?