tampam4
03-14-15, 21:16
Background information for perspective/reference/clarity:
I am very new to carrying concealed. I was not able to obtain my concealed weapons permit until a few months ago, when I relocated from beautiful Camp Pendleton, California to Jacksonville, Florida. I could not justify the hoops I would have to jump through to get it in California, only to transfer to a different, more lenient state several months later. Thus, this is written from the perspective of a new permit holder with no personal reference to any other holster. First time carrying concealed, first concealed holster, you get the point. I will also note some observations I've had since I started carrying. I’m sure these won’t be anything new to those who have carried much longer than I have.
I chose appendix carry based on extensive online research. I looked at all the different types of holsters available and read dozens of personal reviews/experiences/opinions, both positive and negative.
The main reasons I went with AIWB:
-It seemed to be much easier to conceal for my body type, and places the gun in a “no-look, no-touch” area of the body (Believe I read that in a pistol-training forum review of AIWB.)
-Access to pistol when in a vehicle with seat belt on. My research led me to believe that access would be better with AIWB than IWB. Of course many carry IWB or in other positions in vehicles and do great with it, but I thought I would like AIWB better.
-Draw Speed. Again, from reviewing others experiences/opinions, overall it seemed like draw speed was increased.
My main concerns with AIWB, having never tried it before:
-Concealability. It seemed like AIWB did not work at all for some people, regardless of their body type. I was not sure which category I would fall in, but it ended up working very well for me.
-Comfort. Many complained of belly poking, groin poking or leg poking. This appeared to only involve certain body types (more padding in the midsection, of which I have some, but not too much, or so I want to believe...)
-The gun is pointing at a very small, but very important area. Took me some time to get the heeby-jeebies out of my head, but logic and strict adherence to the basic safety rules all but relieved my concerns. I have zero issues with it now, but that doesn't mean I don't take extra precaution when re-holstering.
Once I settled on AIWB carry, I ended up choosing the Dale Fricke Archangel 2 for a GEN 4 Glock 19.
This holster is the same as the original Archangel, but it is now tuckable. You can order it with leather pull-the-dot loops (standard) or with a hard kydex loop (same price for both.) You can also add an extra girth adapter (EGA) for $6.95. This is a dense foam pad attached to the inside (side towards your body) muzzle end of the holster. Depending on body type, the top portion of the handgun as it sits in an AIWB holster (butt of pistol grip and rear of slide) may hang out over the belt, increasing the amount of printing. The EGA is supposed to leverage the top portion of the handgun closer to your abdomen, reducing print.
I had a few questions I wanted answered before I actually ordered the holster, so I called the number listed on the website. It was reassuring to have Dale himself answer the phone. He was more than happy to help me out.
It took 2 weeks and 3 days for my holster and magazine pouch to arrive in the mailbox. This was exactly the lead time advertised by DF.
Initial out-of-the-box impression: This holster is very well made. I’m not too sure how many bells, whistles and gadgets can be added to a holster, but I appreciated the simple design found in the Archangel 2. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. The handgun did not lock into the holster as positively as I would have liked, but a quick tightening of the tension adjuster screws took care of that, and it was where I wanted it to be. As expected, the pull-the-dot snaps on the leather loops were crazy tight at first, and I needed a pair of plyers to snap/unsnap them the first several times. Since then they have loosened up and are very easy to operate, but still secure. The website didn’t have a detailed description of what exactly the EGA was, so I was a little surprised when I saw a piece of foam attached to holster with industrial strength, double sided tape. I was somewhat concerned with durability of the foam and tape, but that has proven to be a non-issue, so far.
The holster has an open bottom/muzzle end but no portion of the pistol sticks out. It also has a high sight track to allow for aftermarket sights, but I am not 100% sure if suppressor height sights will fit. I have AmeriGlo TCAP sights installed, and no issues there. The inside (side that goes against your body) of the holster fully covers the slide (won’t dig/rub as much) but still allows for a full grip before drawing. The holster wraps around the top of the slide before tapering down diagonally, so it does offer some protection of the rear sight. The ride height of the holster feels great to me, but of course I have nothing prior to base it off. There seems to be a rather fine line between riding too high with printing, and riding too low and having to re-adjust your grip during the draw. I remember reading comments that the Archangel 2 rode too high for some, and one individual had Dale Fricke lower the ride height for his holster. It’s not listed as an option, but I am positive that whatever you ask of Dale, he will do his best to make it happen for you.
The holster does NOT cover the magazine release.
I installed a Vickers extended mag release and extended slide lock later on, after receiving the holster in the mail. I wanted to make sure that the extended mag release/slide lock did not have any issues with the holster. If I just let gravity pull the pistol into the holster the slide lock would catch on the holster. But actually inserting pistol into holster resulted in ZERO issues. In a 9 hour concealed carry class I had no problems with the aftermarket parts, but I wanted to note it here none the less.
Carrying the holster:
The holster has been very comfortable to carry for the most part during daily activities. A few observations:
-Getting into cars I have to make a very quick, 1 second adjustment. All I do is briefly pull the top of the pistol out away from my body once I am seated. I do it through the shirt and it just looks like I’m scratching myself. After that, I can wear it for 10 hour drives with minimal discomfort.
-Sitting down (not in cars) is where most of my discomfort comes from. It feels like the foam EGA pad is pushing too much into my FUPA/ groin crease, causing some irritation and pain. It goes away shortly after standing back up again. This problem is intermittent though. I’ve tried shifting the holster slightly, adjusting belt tightness, belt ride height etc, and sometimes I get it just right, but I haven’t been able to consistently hit the sweet spot.
Also, check out Dale’s warranty on his website!!
1 Year Warrantee: For Zack’s and Purses
Workmanship and Materials: It’s all on me; send it to me I fix it or replace it for what ever reason!
Operator Error: Be straight with me: send it to me I fix it or replace it!
Melt it with a heat gun: Be straight with me: send it to me I fix it or replace it! Maybe!!!
Heat of Summer in vehicle Kydex™ abuse: I’ll LOL with you; send it to me I fix it or replace it!
Lie or be a Jerk to me: Send it to me I fix it or replace it! MAYBE!
Be a Jerk to my family: You will not like what happens next!
Returns: If you aren’t satisfied with your product talk to me about it and we will work something out.
Some thoughts on carrying:
-I always feel like I am printing more than I really am. I found myself repeatedly asking my wife if she saw anything, which she rarely did.
Less bending, more squatting. Bending over to put on shoes with AIWB is an exercise in pain management for me.
-Adjusting myself or my clothing to make sure nobody noticed I was carrying made it more likely for somebody to notice I was.
-I WISH there was a way for me to carry to and from work that didn’t involve an NJP/court martial if my vehicle was searched (Active duty mil.)
PICTURES!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11039700_10153597180706165_1400500929145574558_n.jpg?oh=7d35b63bb2439e604f8a47a336a0eb5d&oe=55B645C9&__gda__=1434673564_be31ac50c2efa7adf6529d1a105312cb
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10930074_10153597180826165_9109442984816970117_n.jpg?oh=73cac4689c7b6eb6016bd212199598f2&oe=5572369B With Extra Girth Adapter (EGA)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11051961_10153597180766165_8723030796907601570_n.jpg?oh=b58341a90accdd2bd27cfaae499c5f7e&oe=55852930&__gda__=1437780774_7c0c254f9f28bfc92c2d69714860643c I was quite concerned with the EGA working itself loose, as it's only secured with tape, but so far it's been solid and hasn't gotten any worse. I don't think it will prove to be an issue in the future.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/14968_10153597181161165_8085906383556298888_n.jpg?oh=fb80531d0d09bb8c975a91ae99154ab2&oe=557C30B5&__gda__=1435007205_a58d5a183fc3269793188b6e73cc47eb
Side profile
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/14703_10153597181296165_7859915318914987216_n.jpg?oh=224e129a8f428e0dfc67ac76bed1b9ee&oe=558A4E71
Looking at the front of the holster, as it tapers around from the top of the slide.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11058822_10153597181351165_3070550757438350601_n.jpg?oh=2fa51d9c88c89e1c7ee1a63f53cb71e6&oe=557A8F60
Top to bottom view.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10384727_10153597181416165_8743061154514886976_n.jpg?oh=c95fb001ab6255db0487e5aeec47b10e&oe=558A56EC&__gda__=1434630537_832c0e5302cffdad63c2e76004409fb5
Pulling on the tuck-plate. This is what separates the Archangel 1 from the 2. As per Dale himself, the tuck plate on the AA2 replaces the Butt Tuck Adapter (BTA) on the AA1, thus it is not an option on the AA2.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11038991_10153597181476165_1478966054701131410_n.jpg?oh=a402b38526e2341d59181794e25a83d9&oe=5574B15C&__gda__=1434482979_28c3304110dbd118beba036c0ca7d9c9
Bottom of holster.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11018609_10153597181561165_1049890372284979996_n.jpg?oh=e7691676a909824ea200bc3840dce79a&oe=55BC5037&__gda__=1433624914_568afc9a63d23906d9591fd30d77202a
Sight track with Ameriglo TCAP sights.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10373712_10153597181646165_2233390955850237375_n.jpg?oh=111e6428edcbd483a61ffa71f036c8d9&oe=55707B35&__gda__=1433803088_0669880e6f250c681ee285b80fd99a9b
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11061215_10153597181721165_6546237599570951235_n.jpg?oh=f4bf4448c7f0287c243c114dedc093d1&oe=55B32975&__gda__=1433816700_928c58d98db4436d99ef54729b5e832a
Muzzle end with pistol inserted.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/247149_10153597181966165_5954554151001892206_n.jpg?oh=a37e63018ef16b3e626eaf7e7954aaf7&oe=55B741B9
Ride height. Too high for some, but I have been very happy so far.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10989737_10153597182086165_3981395008853850125_n.jpg?oh=f4ee9169547f13a45df3b54713cb509e&oe=557992ED&__gda__=1433688466_e051414c353fd1f60ef228330688884f
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11061173_10153597182216165_6888883963940196778_n.jpg?oh=2368165b95909e8bb17f3d54ea1af379&oe=55B2BC9E&__gda__=1438112481_3fadc4931764621d26aba8cbb65bd7aa
With shirt tucked in. Belt is Ares Gear.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/14717_10153597182336165_8984101116430369409_n.jpg?oh=faa119ba04e4700d8067f0a17b7469ef&oe=55B4E6F9
Birds eye view wearing holster.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10995555_10153597182456165_1428992806139408698_n.jpg?oh=ae87da9ea71eee0b58d5c6b86c6905e5&oe=55B8D5C4
Holster allows for full grip prior to draw.
All the best,
Steindor
I am very new to carrying concealed. I was not able to obtain my concealed weapons permit until a few months ago, when I relocated from beautiful Camp Pendleton, California to Jacksonville, Florida. I could not justify the hoops I would have to jump through to get it in California, only to transfer to a different, more lenient state several months later. Thus, this is written from the perspective of a new permit holder with no personal reference to any other holster. First time carrying concealed, first concealed holster, you get the point. I will also note some observations I've had since I started carrying. I’m sure these won’t be anything new to those who have carried much longer than I have.
I chose appendix carry based on extensive online research. I looked at all the different types of holsters available and read dozens of personal reviews/experiences/opinions, both positive and negative.
The main reasons I went with AIWB:
-It seemed to be much easier to conceal for my body type, and places the gun in a “no-look, no-touch” area of the body (Believe I read that in a pistol-training forum review of AIWB.)
-Access to pistol when in a vehicle with seat belt on. My research led me to believe that access would be better with AIWB than IWB. Of course many carry IWB or in other positions in vehicles and do great with it, but I thought I would like AIWB better.
-Draw Speed. Again, from reviewing others experiences/opinions, overall it seemed like draw speed was increased.
My main concerns with AIWB, having never tried it before:
-Concealability. It seemed like AIWB did not work at all for some people, regardless of their body type. I was not sure which category I would fall in, but it ended up working very well for me.
-Comfort. Many complained of belly poking, groin poking or leg poking. This appeared to only involve certain body types (more padding in the midsection, of which I have some, but not too much, or so I want to believe...)
-The gun is pointing at a very small, but very important area. Took me some time to get the heeby-jeebies out of my head, but logic and strict adherence to the basic safety rules all but relieved my concerns. I have zero issues with it now, but that doesn't mean I don't take extra precaution when re-holstering.
Once I settled on AIWB carry, I ended up choosing the Dale Fricke Archangel 2 for a GEN 4 Glock 19.
This holster is the same as the original Archangel, but it is now tuckable. You can order it with leather pull-the-dot loops (standard) or with a hard kydex loop (same price for both.) You can also add an extra girth adapter (EGA) for $6.95. This is a dense foam pad attached to the inside (side towards your body) muzzle end of the holster. Depending on body type, the top portion of the handgun as it sits in an AIWB holster (butt of pistol grip and rear of slide) may hang out over the belt, increasing the amount of printing. The EGA is supposed to leverage the top portion of the handgun closer to your abdomen, reducing print.
I had a few questions I wanted answered before I actually ordered the holster, so I called the number listed on the website. It was reassuring to have Dale himself answer the phone. He was more than happy to help me out.
It took 2 weeks and 3 days for my holster and magazine pouch to arrive in the mailbox. This was exactly the lead time advertised by DF.
Initial out-of-the-box impression: This holster is very well made. I’m not too sure how many bells, whistles and gadgets can be added to a holster, but I appreciated the simple design found in the Archangel 2. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. The handgun did not lock into the holster as positively as I would have liked, but a quick tightening of the tension adjuster screws took care of that, and it was where I wanted it to be. As expected, the pull-the-dot snaps on the leather loops were crazy tight at first, and I needed a pair of plyers to snap/unsnap them the first several times. Since then they have loosened up and are very easy to operate, but still secure. The website didn’t have a detailed description of what exactly the EGA was, so I was a little surprised when I saw a piece of foam attached to holster with industrial strength, double sided tape. I was somewhat concerned with durability of the foam and tape, but that has proven to be a non-issue, so far.
The holster has an open bottom/muzzle end but no portion of the pistol sticks out. It also has a high sight track to allow for aftermarket sights, but I am not 100% sure if suppressor height sights will fit. I have AmeriGlo TCAP sights installed, and no issues there. The inside (side that goes against your body) of the holster fully covers the slide (won’t dig/rub as much) but still allows for a full grip before drawing. The holster wraps around the top of the slide before tapering down diagonally, so it does offer some protection of the rear sight. The ride height of the holster feels great to me, but of course I have nothing prior to base it off. There seems to be a rather fine line between riding too high with printing, and riding too low and having to re-adjust your grip during the draw. I remember reading comments that the Archangel 2 rode too high for some, and one individual had Dale Fricke lower the ride height for his holster. It’s not listed as an option, but I am positive that whatever you ask of Dale, he will do his best to make it happen for you.
The holster does NOT cover the magazine release.
I installed a Vickers extended mag release and extended slide lock later on, after receiving the holster in the mail. I wanted to make sure that the extended mag release/slide lock did not have any issues with the holster. If I just let gravity pull the pistol into the holster the slide lock would catch on the holster. But actually inserting pistol into holster resulted in ZERO issues. In a 9 hour concealed carry class I had no problems with the aftermarket parts, but I wanted to note it here none the less.
Carrying the holster:
The holster has been very comfortable to carry for the most part during daily activities. A few observations:
-Getting into cars I have to make a very quick, 1 second adjustment. All I do is briefly pull the top of the pistol out away from my body once I am seated. I do it through the shirt and it just looks like I’m scratching myself. After that, I can wear it for 10 hour drives with minimal discomfort.
-Sitting down (not in cars) is where most of my discomfort comes from. It feels like the foam EGA pad is pushing too much into my FUPA/ groin crease, causing some irritation and pain. It goes away shortly after standing back up again. This problem is intermittent though. I’ve tried shifting the holster slightly, adjusting belt tightness, belt ride height etc, and sometimes I get it just right, but I haven’t been able to consistently hit the sweet spot.
Also, check out Dale’s warranty on his website!!
1 Year Warrantee: For Zack’s and Purses
Workmanship and Materials: It’s all on me; send it to me I fix it or replace it for what ever reason!
Operator Error: Be straight with me: send it to me I fix it or replace it!
Melt it with a heat gun: Be straight with me: send it to me I fix it or replace it! Maybe!!!
Heat of Summer in vehicle Kydex™ abuse: I’ll LOL with you; send it to me I fix it or replace it!
Lie or be a Jerk to me: Send it to me I fix it or replace it! MAYBE!
Be a Jerk to my family: You will not like what happens next!
Returns: If you aren’t satisfied with your product talk to me about it and we will work something out.
Some thoughts on carrying:
-I always feel like I am printing more than I really am. I found myself repeatedly asking my wife if she saw anything, which she rarely did.
Less bending, more squatting. Bending over to put on shoes with AIWB is an exercise in pain management for me.
-Adjusting myself or my clothing to make sure nobody noticed I was carrying made it more likely for somebody to notice I was.
-I WISH there was a way for me to carry to and from work that didn’t involve an NJP/court martial if my vehicle was searched (Active duty mil.)
PICTURES!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11039700_10153597180706165_1400500929145574558_n.jpg?oh=7d35b63bb2439e604f8a47a336a0eb5d&oe=55B645C9&__gda__=1434673564_be31ac50c2efa7adf6529d1a105312cb
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10930074_10153597180826165_9109442984816970117_n.jpg?oh=73cac4689c7b6eb6016bd212199598f2&oe=5572369B With Extra Girth Adapter (EGA)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11051961_10153597180766165_8723030796907601570_n.jpg?oh=b58341a90accdd2bd27cfaae499c5f7e&oe=55852930&__gda__=1437780774_7c0c254f9f28bfc92c2d69714860643c I was quite concerned with the EGA working itself loose, as it's only secured with tape, but so far it's been solid and hasn't gotten any worse. I don't think it will prove to be an issue in the future.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/14968_10153597181161165_8085906383556298888_n.jpg?oh=fb80531d0d09bb8c975a91ae99154ab2&oe=557C30B5&__gda__=1435007205_a58d5a183fc3269793188b6e73cc47eb
Side profile
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/14703_10153597181296165_7859915318914987216_n.jpg?oh=224e129a8f428e0dfc67ac76bed1b9ee&oe=558A4E71
Looking at the front of the holster, as it tapers around from the top of the slide.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11058822_10153597181351165_3070550757438350601_n.jpg?oh=2fa51d9c88c89e1c7ee1a63f53cb71e6&oe=557A8F60
Top to bottom view.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10384727_10153597181416165_8743061154514886976_n.jpg?oh=c95fb001ab6255db0487e5aeec47b10e&oe=558A56EC&__gda__=1434630537_832c0e5302cffdad63c2e76004409fb5
Pulling on the tuck-plate. This is what separates the Archangel 1 from the 2. As per Dale himself, the tuck plate on the AA2 replaces the Butt Tuck Adapter (BTA) on the AA1, thus it is not an option on the AA2.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11038991_10153597181476165_1478966054701131410_n.jpg?oh=a402b38526e2341d59181794e25a83d9&oe=5574B15C&__gda__=1434482979_28c3304110dbd118beba036c0ca7d9c9
Bottom of holster.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11018609_10153597181561165_1049890372284979996_n.jpg?oh=e7691676a909824ea200bc3840dce79a&oe=55BC5037&__gda__=1433624914_568afc9a63d23906d9591fd30d77202a
Sight track with Ameriglo TCAP sights.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10373712_10153597181646165_2233390955850237375_n.jpg?oh=111e6428edcbd483a61ffa71f036c8d9&oe=55707B35&__gda__=1433803088_0669880e6f250c681ee285b80fd99a9b
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11061215_10153597181721165_6546237599570951235_n.jpg?oh=f4bf4448c7f0287c243c114dedc093d1&oe=55B32975&__gda__=1433816700_928c58d98db4436d99ef54729b5e832a
Muzzle end with pistol inserted.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/247149_10153597181966165_5954554151001892206_n.jpg?oh=a37e63018ef16b3e626eaf7e7954aaf7&oe=55B741B9
Ride height. Too high for some, but I have been very happy so far.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10989737_10153597182086165_3981395008853850125_n.jpg?oh=f4ee9169547f13a45df3b54713cb509e&oe=557992ED&__gda__=1433688466_e051414c353fd1f60ef228330688884f
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11061173_10153597182216165_6888883963940196778_n.jpg?oh=2368165b95909e8bb17f3d54ea1af379&oe=55B2BC9E&__gda__=1438112481_3fadc4931764621d26aba8cbb65bd7aa
With shirt tucked in. Belt is Ares Gear.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/14717_10153597182336165_8984101116430369409_n.jpg?oh=faa119ba04e4700d8067f0a17b7469ef&oe=55B4E6F9
Birds eye view wearing holster.
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10995555_10153597182456165_1428992806139408698_n.jpg?oh=ae87da9ea71eee0b58d5c6b86c6905e5&oe=55B8D5C4
Holster allows for full grip prior to draw.
All the best,
Steindor