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How to pick a holster

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  • Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Mar 23, 2020
    79
    11
    Dripping Speings
    Taking the Ltc lass here shortly and the expect to pass the proficiency test as well.

    Already have two carry pistols, just don’t know how to go about picking a IWB holster.

    what should I look for in terms of concealment easy, fit, durability, and comfort. Also any suggestions on what would work best for a 6’ 185lb guy?

    thx
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    oldag

    TGT Addict
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    7   0   0
    Feb 19, 2015
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    Can't help you on IWB. I only use OWB as I don't want to buy all new pants.

    A good belt is more important than the holster. Recommend a good steel insert belt. Bigfoot is one example. Excellent quality and durability. Will hold the holster/pistol securely.
     

    zackmars

    Free 1911 refinishing
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 4, 2015
    5,609
    96
    Texas
    Good belt is key, i like the garand thumb belt https://ciguera.com/emissary-belt/

    You want retention, enough that you should be able to hold the holster upside down, loaded mag in the gun, and not have the gun fall out the holster

    You're tall and skinny, so AIWB should be pretty easy for you
     

    Bob=o

    New Member
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    0   0   0
    Jun 18, 2014
    36
    11
    You need a good stiff belt and have to decide on plastic or leather holster. All kinda options. Start shopping and pretty soon you'll have a basket full. You'll have to wear one for a while to find the right combination. Good luck
     

    mnpshooter

    Active Member
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    1   0   0
    Jul 8, 2020
    262
    76
    Centex
    With your build I’d expect that most appendix holsters would be a good option. I’m a bit heavier than you (6’ 220) so I run Alien Gear IWB at the 4o'clock position. I generally buy my pants and shorts the next size up. Like others have said a good belt is key. I got one also from Alien Gear (I believe they are now a separate company for the belts) that is top notch.
     

    lightflyer1

    Well-Known
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    5   0   0
    May 2, 2015
    1,987
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    You need a good stiff belt and have to decide on plastic or leather holster. All kinda options. Start shopping and pretty soon you'll have a basket full. You'll have to wear one for a while to find the right combination. Good luck

    This has been my method so far. Keep buying them until you find the right ones. I am trying to get all my unused holsters and other stuff and do a free give away.
     

    uilim

    Active Member
    TGT Supporter
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    14   0   0
    Jan 28, 2019
    690
    76
    missouri city texas
    I have leather and kydex I carry IWB here are a couple of what i use.
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    Glenn B

    Retired & Loving It
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    3   0   0
    Sep 5, 2019
    7,450
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    Texarkana - Across The Border
    A good belt without a good holster is pretty worthless. I have seen holsters get torn right off of belts in training because the holsters were junkier than the belts we used for training. So, the belts stayed on but the holsters came off. The combination of an excellent quality holster and belt is what you should be looking for in my opinion. In addition, at least one retention device over and above mere friction is desirable.
     

    bfm0072

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Apr 23, 2008
    272
    11
    Georgetown
    If agree with a quality belt and quality holster. If you decide to go with a IWB I would suggest something like a Cross Breed or Alien Gear that utilizes a wide backing of neoprene or leather that seems to distribute the weight much better. I use a couple of different styles of IWB holsters and my alien gear holster is far more comfortable than my Bianchi clip on. I have wore it for up to 14 hours and had zero issues. If you go AIWB take a look at Tier One. I have not wore that one a lot as I seem to need to turn my buckle to the side and I don’t like that much. If you go OWB, you will have a myriad of options. These are just my opinions and you or others may think differently. Good luck on your choice.
     

    oldag

    TGT Addict
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    7   0   0
    Feb 19, 2015
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    A good belt without a good holster is pretty worthless. I have seen holsters get torn right off of belts in training because the holsters were junkier than the belts we used for training. So, the belts stayed on but the holsters came off. The combination of an excellent quality holster and belt is what you should be looking for in my opinion. In addition, at least one retention device over and above mere friction is desirable.
    Don't think anyone was saying to use a crappy holster.

    But the best holster in the world is worthless without a good belt.

    On the other hand, a mediocre holster on a good belt will work fine.

    Optimum is to have a great belt and holster.

    The mention of belts was due to the fact that some people put a lot of money into a holster, and then use the same old belt they have been wearing which is not designed to support a holster.
     

    Jarine88

    Well-Known
    Lifetime Member
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    3   0   0
    Jul 24, 2018
    2,431
    96
    Tomball
    Thank you all. Off to start looking for belts it is.

    I didn’t read all of the replies, but I wanted to give you a few things I’ve learned along the way that have to do with holsters (once you have that belt).

    1. You will want to re-holster the weapon without having to undo your trousers. Soft holsters collapse once the gun is drawn. I have a soft leather holster that is very comfortable, but collapses.
    2. Kydex is stiff making re-holstering easier, but can create painful pinch points in various sitting positions.
    3. If stiff enough, leather can work as well as kydex.
    4. A combination of something soft next to the skin and hard (leather/kydex) towards the trousers seems to work the best for me.
     
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