Holster Question

[BVickery]

I already did a search under here to see if this topic has been covered, but it apparently hasn't.

What I am asking are things I should look for in terms of a holster for use for all intents and purposes for the most part in Pistol and Carbine classes.

Also, what type of things should I look for as to avoid? Drop kit (I think that is what it is called) or attached to the vest/belt?

I am not really looking for recommendations, but I am looking to fit a M&P9c.

My current carry holster is an IWB and will not be conductive to classes in general.

Thank you for any help.

[TOrrock]

I'm not a doorkicker, so my use of a Safariland 6004 would be extremely limited. I own them, and I've worn them, but I have gotten the most out of using the same or similar holsters that I would carry my handgun in every day.

For instance, I use a Kramer #3 IWB for Glock, SIG, and 1911 for daily carry, and have used them in classes specifically geared for handgun shooting.

I've also used Kramer's Vertical Scabbard for more extended classes that include a lot of carbine.

In kydex, it's really hard to beat the Raven Concealment stuff, which is extremely modular, comfortable, and concealable.

FOR ME, a drop leg is only really practical during inclement weather where you are wearing a lot of outer wear (jackets, rain gear).

The main thing to look for is comfort, durability, accessability. Make sure you can draw and reholster without sweeping yourself. Make sure it's not getting tangled up in a lot of gear. I was at a class one time and one of the guys, who was LE, put a tac vest on over top of a pancake holster, which completely obstructed his draw.

If you're going to wear a tac vest, plate carrier, or chest rig, look seriously at a good drop leg system.

Hope that helps.

[TOrrock]

By the way, here are a couple more HSLD types than myself using IWB holsters in class.

Eric Rice from Daniel Defense and our own Kevin B. (staff here) from Knights Armament at this year's Vickers Mod/Industry class.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Vickers%20M4%20Mod-Staff%20Class%206-8%20March%2009/_Q8P9740.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Vickers%20M4%20Mod-Staff%20Class%206-8%20March%2009/_Q8P9995.jpg



Chris Costa at the same class running a Phantom rig from Raven Concealment.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Vickers%20M4%20Mod-Staff%20Class%206-8%20March%2009/FlamingPig.jpg

[Jay870]

I wear an IWB for all fight/tactically oriented training because that is what I wear daily and what I am most likely to be drawing from.

The only time I wear an OWB is when I am competing in USPSA, or for game oriented training or practice.

[BVickery]

Thanks!


I may try and get a better look at the Phantom.


Jay,

The way I have to carry my IWB is impractical in terms of using it for a class. Given that I have had a full hip replacement I have to cant my holster almost horizontal to the ground otherwise it seems to aggravate my new hip. I also have to wear it a bit further towards my back than normal as well.

I will probably take both holsters with me and use the one dependent on the drill type for the day.

Again, thank you for all the feedback.

[Jay870]

Thanks!


I may try and get a better look at the Phantom.


Jay,

The way I have to carry my IWB is impractical in terms of using it for a class. Given that I have had a full hip replacement I have to cant my holster almost horizontal to the ground otherwise it seems to aggravate my new hip. I also have to wear it a bit further towards my back than normal as well.

I will probably take both holsters with me and use the one dependent on the drill type for the day.

Again, thank you for all the feedback.

Yikes, you definitely have something to work around that most of us don't. I know it sucks... my dad had one hip replaced about 4 years ago and his other is being scheduled for the spring.

[BVickery]

Its not that bad. I've pretty young (35) and my quality of life has greatly improved. If I kept the OEM hip I would def. have a really bad time at doing things since it was so FUBAR. I was talking to the surgeon afterwards. He looked at me and was 'I had to revise what you though you were getting"

I was slated for ceramics but it was so badly messed and deformed went with the surgical steel or whatever. He told me they spent 30 mins alone trying to figure out where the my damn hip was (seperation between Joint and Socket).

[SiGfever]

This is the holster that I ordered for classes, it is back ordered, so the wait begins. The Drop UBL should put it just low enough to clear a chest rig and still be off my leg.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/safariland-6365-als-level-ii-plus-w-drop-ubl-holster-stx-tac-black-right-hand-6365-83.html


I do have the 6377-283-131 belt ALS holster which I like a lot, the ALS system was very quick to get comfortable with.

[Rickenbacker53]

This is the holster that I ordered for classes, it is back ordered, so the wait begins. The Drop UBL should put it just low enough to clear a chest rig and still be off my leg.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/safariland-6365-als-level-ii-plus-w-drop-ubl-holster-stx-tac-black-right-hand-6365-83.html


I too have the 6377-283-131 belt ALS holster which I like a lot, the ALS system was very quick to get comfortable with. I have the 6365 setup I also purchased a Mid-ride UBL accesorie and also have a 6377. What I found was the 1 1/2 drop was not comfortable compared to the Mid drop UBL or the higher ride of the 6377. It feels like the lower you drop the holster the farther it sits away from you. That makes the weight of the gun more evident.

I ordered my 6365 from Copquest. They told me the same thing I told you above. I thought they were just trying to sell me the 6360 mid-ride because 6365 was not in stock. They were telling me the real deal I should have listened.