1911 IWB Holster Suggestions.. [Archive]

beau1911

08-19-09, 14:35

JonInWA

08-19-09, 14:49

If kydex will work for you, I'd recommend Blade-Tech, either their IWB or IWB Nano. See www.blade-tech.com

Best, Jon

beau1911

08-19-09, 14:57

Oh ya i forgot to mention that, no Kydex. Ive got a couple Raven Concealment set-ups that I really like for OWB, Classes and such but im really looking for some leather.

But thank you for the suggestion Jon.

decodeddiesel

08-19-09, 15:23

If you wouldn't mind a Kydex/Leather hybrid the Comptac MTAC is a favorite. I can highly suggest one based on my personal usage.

rubberneck

08-19-09, 15:32

All leather I would go with the Kramer IWB #3 (best quality to turnaround time in the leather market right now) and in the Kydex/Leather market you can't go wrong with the Comp-Tac Minotaur.

If you are really are dying for a Del Fatti or a VM2 give Craig at Lightning Sports Arms a call. He is a dealer for both and sometimes he has then in stock for the Government length 1911 if you are right handed.

http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm

xray 99

08-19-09, 15:32

1) Check out the sticky listing holster makers. Sometimes the web site will state delivery time.

2) One not listed is R Grizzle Leather. rgrizzleleather.com. He is posting 7 to 14 days. I don't have anything from him yet but it looks good and he is praised on other forums.

d90king

08-19-09, 15:56

I think Tucker has added a IWB to his line. He makes excellent holsters and belts. I think his site is www.tuckergunleather.com Call and ask for Rob. I own two of his Silent Thunders...

Vash1023

08-19-09, 23:40

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=68

comp tac infidel

you can order different adapters for mounting and that is a big selling point for me.

i have 2. one for my MC Operator and one for my XDm.

they both work great.

Rinspeed

08-20-09, 07:15

Brownells has the Sparks Summer Special in stock most of the time. It's probably the best selling and most copied IWB of all time, with good reason.

13F3OL7

08-20-09, 07:32

I think Tucker has added a IWB to his line. He makes excellent holsters and belts. I think his site is www.tuckergunleather.com Call and ask for Rob. I own two of his Silent Thunders...

I would second d90king's recommendation for Tucker. I also own a Silent Thunder and can't say enough good things about it.

rob_s

08-20-09, 07:41

Lightning Arms Sports (http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm) typically has VMIIs in stock if you're not picky about colors (I never was). You'll pay a bit of a premium to get it now instead of in 6 months, but they've always treated me well.

beau1911

08-20-09, 11:30

Thanks Rob, ill give them a try.

beau1911

08-20-09, 11:33

Ill check out Tucker as well. Thanks guys!

TOrrock

08-20-09, 15:39

I use Greg Kramer's horsehide #3 IWB for my 1911's, SIG's, and Glock's, and have nothing but good things to say about them. Outstanding quality, they carry extremely well, and hold up to an absurd amount of abuse.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020821.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020822.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020824.jpg

I also just got a Milt Sparks Summer Special II from Brownells, they've got them in stock and ready to go.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020817.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020818.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020819.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/1911/P1020820.jpg

Zhurdan

08-20-09, 15:46

I've got a Kirkpatrick 1911 holster. $80 or so, shipped in 3 weeks.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r127/Zhurdan/IMG_0484.jpg

jtb0311

08-20-09, 22:16

I'm very fond of Kramer, and have used them for IWB carry for more than a decade.

beau1911

08-21-09, 11:44

Nice looking Kramers Templar. On the suggestion of Xray99 from a couple posts up I spoke with Ryan of www.rgrizzleleather.com Great looking leather and prices with a pretty short lead time. I ordered one up and hopefully ill be pleased with the finished product. Ill post some pics and a review when it arrives.

Coincidently I actually found someone willing to part with a Del Fatti ISP-LP so ill probably pick that up as well.

Thanks for the help guys!

lebowski

05-26-11, 20:14

theJanitor

05-26-11, 20:24

titsonritz

05-26-11, 21:15

Another for the Kramer #3

ArRazorback

05-26-11, 21:48

+1 for Milt Parks SS. If Lightning and Brownells are out of what you're looking for check the MS Facebook page. They usually post a handful of in stock items.

jstephens202

05-27-11, 10:19

Amp Mangum

05-27-11, 13:29

My favorite is the Sparks VMII. The Executive Companion is a close 2nd.

munch520

05-28-11, 11:08

Sparks summer special II for sure - and a good belt. AG is among my favorite

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t294/myersma2/08d2d47e.jpg

flieger67

05-28-11, 11:19

I have had great success with my Blade-Tech "Nano" holster. In fact, it's the only IWB I use now and have used it daily for the last 2 years or so for my full size 1911, even in hot weather. Prior to that I used a Leather Arsenal "Surprise Special" in leather(still have it, but not used since getting the Nano).:big_boss:

Not to hijack this thread, but how well does the Nano protect the safety from being accidentally wiped off? I know the Nano has a sort sweat-shield that would cover the thumb safety and was curious if you've had any occurrence of that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

jstephens202

05-28-11, 19:36

Not to hijack this thread, but how well does the Nano protect the safety from being accidentally wiped off? I know the Nano has a sort sweat-shield that would cover the thumb safety and was curious if you've had any occurrence of that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

No problems at all with mine, never had the safety come off when it was in the holster. I also have noted, like today when I was doing my "honey do" list in 88* heat, that my Nano seems to protect my Springer from sweat better then any other holster I have used. I was sweating like a liberal at an FBI convention and nary a drop on my 1911. Can't say enough good things about it......:big_boss:

El Cid

05-28-11, 20:54

i am using an Andrews Leather McDaniel II, it is one of the most comfortable IWB's for a gov't model that i have ever used.

it is stable, yet is able to "adjust" to movement while sitting/standing/walking

Amen! I've got 4 of these and love them! I've been using the one for a 5" 1911 since 1997 and it's still going strong. The McDaniel II will make my steel framed Para P14 disappear under an untucked t-shirt. The angle of the loop can be adjusted to fit the wearer/gun, and you can change belt loop sizes easily. The holster will NOT collapse when the gun is drawn. You can get it with a thumbbreak, body shield, or open top.

And Mr Andrews is a delight to deal with. An exceptional craftsman and gentleman.

www.andrewsleather.com

sgtjosh

05-29-11, 00:02

Alright guys, looking for a quality IWB for a non railed 5' 1911. I would love a VM2 or a Del Fatti but dont want to wait 6 months and cant find anybody willing to part with one. Ive already done some searching but cant find anything to meet my needs...

I know quality takes time, but does anyone know where in the the world i can find something worth purchasing I wont have to wait forever for?

Any help is appreciated!

Galco makes a version of the Milt SParks Summer Special. I have one for my HK P2000. It should be even more comfortable with a 1911 and it's flat profile.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1C1_____enUS411US411&q=galco+summer+comfort+holster+1911&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1920&bih=1109&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=893936250036952252&sa=X&ei=E9PhTerkB-nTiALJsImWBg&ved=0CEwQ8wIwBA

flieger67

05-30-11, 17:15

No problems at all with mine, never had the safety come off when it was in the holster. I also have noted, like today when I was doing my "honey do" list in 88* heat, that my Nano seems to protect my Springer from sweat better then any other holster I have used. I was sweating like a liberal at an FBI convention and nary a drop on my 1911. Can't say enough good things about it......:big_boss:

Thank you for the response. Good to hear that your experience has been positive.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

Ranger325

05-31-11, 12:34

I've got a Kirkpatrick 1911 holster. $80 or so, shipped in 3 weeks.

Agree!! Really like my Kirkpatrick, I ordered it while waiting for a VMII. +1 on Brownells for a SS as well....................

Backstop

05-31-11, 14:07

I see you already ordered a holster, so guess this is for future reference.

These folks http://www.topgunsupply.com/ stock Milt Sparks and other holsters.

I wanted another VM2, and checked their website everyday for about a month. As soon as I saw the stock status, I called. Had the holster in about a week.

You pay a bit more though, but it may be worth not waiting.

ccoker

05-31-11, 15:40

tried a lot of them and have found "it" with the Secret City leather Isotope

dmaxfireman

05-31-11, 17:58

crossbreed super tuck, a long wait, but well worth it without a doubt, and reasonably priced as well

mike boufford

05-31-11, 18:40

http://www.adamsholsters.com.

I carry nearly every day and these holsters, along with Luke's gun belts have held up well keeping their shape and supporting my 1911 properly. Most of the time, I don't even know the thing is there thanks to the comfort. Best part of all; no kydex.

For ~$84 with shipping, you just can't beat the price. The quality is second to none.

LHS

05-31-11, 22:51

When I carried a 1911 daily, I used a Threat Solutions UCR (http://www.threatsolutions.com/IWBindex.html). Great piece of kit, but the wait time is about 3 months. It's certainly worth it.

Recently I started using a CompTac MTAC for my Beretta Elite. It's very comfortable, conceals very well, and rides snugly. It's not as easy to reholster as the UCR, but it's doable. Given that, I think it would be an excellent platform for a 1911. From the time I ordered until the holster was in my mailbox was less than a week.

PD Sgt.

05-31-11, 23:08

tried a lot of them and have found "it" with the Secret City leather Isotope

I would second this. These are actually a value line Brommeland MaxConV, made by Brommeland. As much as I like my VMIIs, in my experience the Brommelands are the best concealment holster. I think it is primarily because of the more aggressive cant and thinner profile.

double-d

06-01-11, 10:35

Though the wait was long purchasing direct from Sparks, the VM2 is the best IWB holster I own. Purchased with both pant clips & belt loops. Comfortable wear and nice butt tuck of weapon for great concealability.

Kramer makes a great product (and is right down the road from me).

Really can't go wrong with either but I wanted the VM2 for everyday carry. Next wait from Milt Sparks will be a new belt.

DD

bluesgt380

06-02-11, 21:51

Brownells has the Sparks Summer Special in stock most of the time. It's probably the best selling and most copied IWB of all time, with good reason.

+1 ..great holster for the price.

munch520

06-03-11, 06:58

crossbreed super tuck, a long wait, but well worth it without a doubt, and reasonably priced as well

I've been wanting to try one of these for a while as well. I hear they are good alternatives to some sparks models

Jason F

06-03-11, 10:09

I've been wanting to try one of these for a while as well. I hear they are good alternatives to some sparks models

I bought my brother a 1911 for Christmas, but left him on his own to buy a holster.

He went with a Crossbreed Supertuck.

Then a few weeks ago we needed to trade vehicles for the weekend, and I suggested we trade 1911 rigs for the weekend as well so I could try his and he mine.

When we met up Sunday night to return cars & guns, I asked him, "So you've worn both the Supertuck & the VM2- which one do you like better?"

He didn't even hesitate - "Your VM2". He's been looking for one for weeks since then, and just bought one yesterday. :D

I wore the Supertuck for a weekend. My comments as compared to the VM2 that I've worn for 8 years:
+SUPER stable with a good belt (I sport a Milt Sparks belt that's also 8 yrs old)
-PITA to put it on. Took 2 minutes to get it clipped on right, etc.... my VM2 takes about 10 seconds.
-Personally, I preferred the slight give of the leather holster versus the Kydex on the Supertuck
-No cut away to allow easier grasping of the grip when drawing (the large circular piece of leather covers your body nicely, but not having a relief cut made acquiring a firm grasp on the grip prior to the draw difficult- I probably could have gotten better with more practice, but that's my off-the-cuff experience)

So my overall opinion would be for a bit more money (moving from the $65 range of the SuperTuck to the $100 range) you can get an Adam's Holster, Occidental, Broomland, etc and probably be in a better holster overall. For a bit more ($125+) you can get in to a VM2 which seems to be one of the best out there, and it's certainly been my favorite and that's why I've worn one for 8+ years now.

munch520

06-03-11, 11:56

makes me want to get one...I would think the loops being further apart would make it fit better (vs close loops on SSII)

Rusty Brass

06-03-11, 12:20

I would highly recommend checking out John Ralston's "5 Shot Leather". Their IBS (Inside Burton Scabbard) is excellent!
http://www.5shotleather.com/ibs.htm

SteepandDeep

06-03-11, 17:47

I am about to put in an order for a simply rugged holster. I don't have one for a 1911 yet, but I do for a 4" ruger gp100. I am a small dude and it hides it on me well. You can switch them between OWB and IWB. Kydex doesn't feel good on the skin. All about leather. Skin on skin.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/

Big Bronze Rim

06-04-11, 20:43

For the last year and a half I have been using a CompTac MTAC and absolutely love it. It is one of the most comfortable IWB holsters I have ever worn. It gets worn from when it is put on in the morning until I go to bed at night. It has plenty of clearance for the hand to access the grip during the draw and is easy to take on and off (not as easy as some OWB holsters) and allows me to tuck in shirts if I need to. While the leather does take a set to the gun that rides in it, the kydex panels are interchangeable and could be configured for another gun if desired.

jmoney

06-04-11, 20:56

MTAC from comptac...only thing I use for nearly any pistol IWB

lebowski

06-04-11, 21:25

I would highly recommend checking out John Ralston's "5 Shot Leather". Their IBS (Inside Burton Scabbard) is excellent!
http://www.5shotleather.com/ibs.htm

I saw that ibs on the heirloom website and it looks interesting. The main thing that keeps me from trying the summer special is the snaps, I'm not a big fan of snaps on my holsters.

Web Architect

06-04-11, 22:32

I'll have to second the Crossbreed SuperTuck. And I'd add the Velcro clips (V-Clips). Nothing is left showing protruding over the belt or under when your shirt is tucked in. Of course, that may not matter to you.

Note that I own the company that built and maintains their website, but I used a SuperTuck long before they were a client.

Alpha Sierra

06-05-11, 10:30

Brommeland Max Con V

DeltaKilo

06-05-11, 10:37

Milt Sparks VMII, MaxCon V, or Occidental Gunleather's Stronghold IWB.

ptmccain

06-05-11, 16:24

I've got a brand new Crossbreed SuperTuck, used only one time, for sale in the EE. Here's the link. (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=82399)

HAMMERDROP

06-06-11, 09:30

www.shopleatherworks.com
Josh is easy to work with on whatever type of IWB you want leather/kydex/lined kydex and usually has a few ready to ship if not its just a few weeks wait not months.

Michael

Uglyguns

06-06-11, 15:36

I would highly recommend checking out John Ralston's "5 Shot Leather". Their IBS (Inside Burton Scabbard) is excellent!
http://www.5shotleather.com/ibs.htm

I waited 7 months without hearing anything from him, so I gave up and went RCS and couldn't be happier.

V/r
Uglyguns

DeltaKilo

06-06-11, 15:46

I waited 7 months without hearing anything from him, so I gave up and went RCS and couldn't be happier.

V/r
Uglyguns

Who?

And as for the IBS from 5-shot, might as well save your cash and get a Milt Sparks Summer special, or the Galco equivalent royal guard. Cheaper, and you get the same basic holster. I'm not a huge fan of the loops-on-top-of-gun design and narrow cut because they do little to spread the weight and impact of the gun out over the hip to prevent digging in, and having the loops on top of the gun just add to the overall thickness of the scabbard inside the waistband, making it stick out more.

Holsters like the VMII, occidental Stronghold, and Brommeland Maxcon V with the loops ahead and behind the gun reduce the thickness, and increase the ability to conceal.

Steve2237

06-06-11, 17:44

One more vote for the Sparks SSII.

Tigereye

06-06-11, 19:14

IWB favorite is the Crossbreed and OWB is Tucker Silent Thunder.

SGB

06-06-11, 20:08

The VM II is well worth the $$ and the wait.

Uglyguns

06-07-11, 20:32

Who?

John Ralston, the guy who runs 5shot.

V/r

Uglyguns

DeltaKilo

06-07-11, 20:42

John Ralston, the guy who runs 5shot.

V/r

Uglyguns

No no, who is RCS.

Jason Burton

06-07-11, 23:14

And as for the IBS from 5-shot, might as well save your cash and get a Milt Sparks Summer special, or the Galco equivalent royal guard. Cheaper, and you get the same basic holster.

For IWB rigs I much prefer something along the lines of the Summer Special or 5 Shot IBS so I could be a bit biased here... but it almost seems unjust to make an equivalent comparison between the work of John Ralston and the holsters from Galco. Having owned and used all of the aforementioned holsters, I would submit that the Galco Royal Guard is hardly up to the standards of either the Sparks Summer Special or the 5 Shot IBS. In my experience the Galco Royal Guard is similar in its basic design but not much else.

samuse

06-08-11, 22:39

^True statement. They may look the same in pics on the 'net, but stick it in your pants with three pounds of steel in it and the differences will become apparent.

FWIW, I'm a die hard VM-II guy. I carry 1911s, Hi powers and Glocks in 'em.

DeltaKilo

06-09-11, 07:13

For IWB rigs I much prefer something along the lines of the Summer Special or 5 Shot IBS so I could be a bit biased here... but it almost seems unjust to make an equivalent comparison between the work of John Ralston and the holsters from Galco. Having owned and used all of the aforementioned holsters, I would submit that the Galco Royal Guard is hardly up to the standards of either the Sparks Summer Special or the 5 Shot IBS. In my experience the Galco Royal Guard is similar in its basic design but not much else.

Jason, you're right.

5shot

06-09-11, 09:51

I waited 7 months without hearing anything from him, so I gave up and went RCS and couldn't be happier.

V/r
Uglyguns

Well, I certainly apologize. I am a one man shop and I don't just shove stuff out the door. I am know for high quality, custom gear, and that comes with a wait. I also relocated this past year (300 miles) and was without a shop for many months, and my order records are not computerized (and were all packed up).

I wish you would have called or emailed to check on the status of your order - I hate to lose a customer.

Who?

And as for the IBS from 5-shot, might as well save your cash and get a Milt Sparks Summer special, or the Galco equivalent royal guard. Cheaper, and you get the same basic holster. I'm not a huge fan of the loops-on-top-of-gun design and narrow cut because they do little to spread the weight and impact of the gun out over the hip to prevent digging in, and having the loops on top of the gun just add to the overall thickness of the scabbard inside the waistband, making it stick out more.

Holsters like the VMII, occidental Stronghold, and Brommeland Maxcon V with the loops ahead and behind the gun reduce the thickness, and increase the ability to conceal.

That is not entirely correct. The design is similar, but much more stable than a rig with snaps. Also, even if I do say so myself, I would put my rig up against a Galco ANY day - it's not even close.

There is a great fallacy about loops on top adding bulk - and that is all it is. I have measured the amount of "Bulk" between a wide spaced loop holster and a Summer Special Style, and the SS style is always less bulky - unless you go with a wide spaced loop rig without a mouthband, and then they are the same. Either way, you are usually talking about about 1/8" difference.

The rigs that use wide loops also move around a lot if you stand up/sit down often, requiring you to adjust the holster, as the rear loop gets pulled down by your pants and belt.

DeltaKilo

06-09-11, 10:21

Well, I certainly apologize. I am a one man shop and I don't just shove stuff out the door. I am know for high quality, custom gear, and that comes with a wait. I also relocated this past year (300 miles) and was without a shop for many months, and my order records are not computerized (and were all packed up).

I wish you would have called or emailed to check on the status of your order - I hate to lose a customer.

That is not entirely correct. The design is similar, but much more stable than a rig with snaps. Also, even if I do say so myself, I would put my rig up against a Galco ANY day - it's not even close.

There is a great fallacy about loops on top adding bulk - and that is all it is. I have measured the amount of "Bulk" between a wide spaced loop holster and a Summer Special Style, and the SS style is always less bulky - unless you go with a wide spaced loop rig without a mouthband, and then they are the same. Either way, you are usually talking about about 1/8" difference.

The rigs that use wide loops also move around a lot if you stand up/sit down often, requiring you to adjust the holster, as the rear loop gets pulled down by your pants and belt.

John,

I certianly apologize about repeating my misconceptions as facts. I made assumptions based on observations, not on experience, and for that I truly do apologize. Please don't hate me. :)

5shot

06-09-11, 10:28

You are sooooo hated....:jester:

skipper49

06-09-11, 11:44

All I know is, A friend gave me John's IBS (new) for a five inch 1911, and I just don't see needing another IWB holster for my five inchers for a long time. A truely good holster!

Skip

lebowski

06-10-11, 08:14

You are sooooo hated....:jester:

What's the current lead time on an ibs? I've got a Wilson CQB on order but it's about 20 wks out. Looks like heirloom has the ibs in stock for a few bucks extra.

5shot

06-10-11, 09:27

What's the current lead time on an ibs? I've got a Wilson CQB on order but it's about 20 wks out. Looks like heirloom has the ibs in stock for a few bucks extra.

Call Heirloom - I am at least 6 mo out on new orders, and I am still trying to catch up on orders from last year due to my move.

Uglyguns

06-10-11, 21:42

No no, who is RCS.

Raven Concealment Systems (RCS):D

V/r
Uglyguns

Uglyguns

06-10-11, 22:17

Well, I certainly apologize. I am a one man shop and I don't just shove stuff out the door. I am know for high quality, custom gear, and that comes with a wait. I also relocated this past year (300 miles) and was without a shop for many months, and my order records are not computerized (and were all packed up).

I wish you would have called or emailed to check on the status of your order - I hate to lose a customer.

Your ****ing with me right? You don't shove things out, eh? Well depending on weather or not you even send it out, right? You could have the best product in the world, but id never know because you never shipped my order. I don't mind waiting on a product. I waited more then the anticipated time for my RCS and I'm waiting on my Jones cobra belt right now. Only difference is RCS emailed me and let me know what was going on and they were just all around better people to deal with. You on the other hand were in the wind. You have piss poor business practices. You moved or whatever and never went back to process the orders from people who placed orders before you moved. I gave you my CC number and all my info and you didn't process my order, plane and simple. You didn't think enough of me as a costumer to take the time to sort me out. That's a lack of respect for me as a customer, cut and dry. You expect me to call after 7+ months with no communication? Why?

Matter of fact I never called to cancel my order so where is it? Oh.. you still haven't processed it. Please, in the future the correct answer is " I messed up and I have no excuse".

Wishes:

I wish you would have processed my order.

I wish you would have been man enough to apologize without the extra BS trying to justify your **** up.

I wish it wasn't so humid in V.a, Here to wishes...... :suicide:

V/r
Uglyguns

5shot

06-10-11, 22:37

charmcitycop

06-11-11, 10:36

.......

samuse

06-12-11, 23:39

I'm pretty fond of the Sparks VM-II myself.

I have one for my Glock 19, 5" 1911 and Hi Power.

They work well with my body type and clothes. I'm pretty picky about my holsters because I usually wear one for 100+ hours a week.

Everyone is different and IWB is a very personal choice, so finding the perfect holster may take some trial.

I have had leather from Milt Sparks, Gary Brommeland, Nick Matthews, Tim Thurner, Mitch Rosen, El Paso Saddlery, and some cheapies (Galco, Don Hume). I've also tried the Comp-Tac M-Tac and C-Tac.

The good guys make good stuff and the quality is top notch across the board. All of the designs are a little different and will work better for some than others.

mlazarus5388

06-14-11, 00:41

I was lucky enough to get a 5 shot holster from Jon Ralston right after he moved. I have the VM2, SS and several others from well known makers. Like most of us, I carry every day. Full size, all steel 1911. They are all good and for IWB, the VM2 is my go to holster. However, the 5 Shot is the best made holster I own.
M.

mikeyd501

06-14-11, 10:23

I carry my full size 1911 Mexican most of the time. I have some very nice custom holsters but find Mexican works fine for me 85% of the time. Lets face it, how many times are you pulling out your pistol during the course of a normal day?

No long lead times or decisions on which maker. Just a good stiff belt!

Try it.

charmcitycop

06-14-11, 11:02

.......

40Arpent

06-14-11, 14:39

Lets face it, how many times are you pulling out your pistol during the course of a normal day?

How many times I am going to pull my pistol out in a day has nothing to do with why I carry in a holster. It's about retention, safety, security, efficiency, and comfort....all of which are compromised with Mexican carry.

Uglyguns

06-14-11, 14:40

lebowski

06-15-11, 06:55

mlazarus5388

06-15-11, 09:32

I have not used anything better than the vm2 for iwb carry. I run it with a stiff belt and my full size, all steel 1911 disappears. Everyone has different body shapes and might not find that is the case for them.

mlazarus5388

06-15-11, 09:35

40Arpent

06-15-11, 12:06

Lightning Arms Sports (http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm) typically has VMIIs in stock

Since this post is so old, let me apologize if it's been said elsewhere already, but I just discovered that Lightning has ceased all dealings with Milt Sparks.

The only MS holster I have is a govt-sized SS, but I love it for warm weather carry. I just ordered another, commander size, from Brownells, and placed an order with MS for two VM-II's (time to step up from the lesser-quality stuff I have been using in the winter).

mikeyd501

06-16-11, 00:04

While I have carried Mexican from time to time it has usually been for brief periods in a controlled environment i.e. From the locker room to my office.
I seriously question the wisdom of Mexican carry "on the streets" as it were.

And that is your opinion. So what kind of "street issues" have you had?

mikeyd501

06-16-11, 00:08

Please don't.

:bad:

V/r
Uglyguns

Do tell. :secret:

Uglyguns

06-16-11, 05:16

Do tell. :secret:

Trying to convince someone the Mexican carry is just plan wrong is counter productive to this forum, because for the most part, people here are smart enough to know that's a dumb thing to do. So coincidentally its for the most part a non issue because most of us here use holsters. While I can go into length about how it's dangerous and offers no retention in case of a fight or trip and fall or a wardrobe malfunction most here know it's just a plane bad idea so I wont. You can fix a lot of things, but you cant fix stupid. So if you want to Mexican carry knock yourself out. I hope nothing bad happens and you can continue to sing the praise of walking around with a loaded firearm pointed at your junk secured only with a belt. Be well.

V/r
uglyguns

mikeyd501

06-16-11, 09:05

Trying to convince someone the Mexican carry is just plan wrong is counter productive to this forum, because for the most part, people here are smart enough to know that's a dumb thing to do. So coincidentally its for the most part a non issue because most of us here use holsters. While I can go into length about how it's dangerous and offers no retention in case of a fight or trip and fall or a wardrobe malfunction most here know it's just a plane bad idea so I wont. You can fix a lot of things, but you cant fix stupid. So if you want to Mexican carry knock yourself out. I hope nothing bad happens and you can continue to sing the praise of walking around with a loaded firearm pointed at your junk secured only with a belt. Be well.

V/r
uglyguns

Thanks for sharing. Who schooled you on Mexican carry? I won't go into all the reasons I think you are wrong. I will just point out one. No one said anything about appendage carry. I carry at the 4 O'clock. Just like I do when I choose to wear a holster.

Since I wear pants with a belt there are no wardrobe issues. Your milage may vary depending on how fat you are and the type of pants you wear.

I really hate debating close minded children. It brings me down to their level. Keep buying holsters and misinforming others.

Live long & don't scrape your knees.

Uglyguns

06-16-11, 14:22

Thanks for sharing. Who schooled you on Mexican carry? I won't go into all the reasons I think you are wrong. I will just point out one. No one said anything about appendage carry. I carry at the 4 O'clock. Just like I do when I choose to wear a holster.

Since I wear pants with a belt there are no wardrobe issues. Your milage may vary depending on how fat you are and the type of pants you wear.

I really hate debating close minded children. It brings me down to their level. Keep buying holsters and misinforming others.

Live long & don't scrape your knees.

Oh... In that case:rolleyes:

No debate here, it's stupid. Listen, however you want a classify your modified Mexican carry and justify it as a viable and adequate solution to a problem most here have already solved is fine with me. I'm not here to get into this and derail this thread. Like I said I hope everything works out for YOU.

V/r
Uglyguns

mikeyd501

06-16-11, 14:49

Uglyguns I don't know you. I'm sure you are a nice guy to people that you know. Why would you tell someone that something is dumb or stupid? There is merit to the type of carry option that I mentioned. Just as there is with a holster. People will disagree on which is the best holster for IWB carry as evident by this thread. Mexican carry is not for everyone period. I know that.

Your ad hominem on my suggestion was uncalled for. Your straw man claim that people here think this or that is putting words in other peoples mouths to support your claim.

If it does not work for you, don't use it. Don't act like a politician and try to make it sound that you speak for all on this forum and please stop stealing Ron White's material.

Here's your sign :jester:

40Arpent

06-16-11, 15:44

There is merit to the type of carry option that I mentioned.

Mikey, respectfully, would you care to expound on exactly what merit mexican carry has over holster carry? If you didn't notice my previous reply to your first post, I believe that the only advantage mexican carry might have is convenience. Not here to argue, just want to hear more basis for your opinion.

Thanks,
Pete

mikeyd501

06-16-11, 16:48

Mikey, respectfully, would you care to expound on exactly what merit mexican carry has over holster carry? If you didn't notice my previous reply to your first post, I believe that the only advantage mexican carry might have is convenience. Not here to argue, just want to hear more basis for your opinion.

Thanks,
Pete

Pete,

It requires no wait time. No breaking in period. No changing of belt loop locations to make the holster fit. You can switch from strong side to support with out purchasing a second holster. One size fits all. These are some of the advantages.

There are down sides as well. If you are a ninja doing dynamic rolls into every building, Mexican carry may not be for you. If are are a klutz falling over your own two feet every time you walk, Mexican carry may not be for you. If you get into fist fights everywhere you go, Mexican carry may not be for you. If you wear baggy pants and no belt, Mexican carry is not for you.

It's not the only way I carry. But I do carry that way more often than not. Now just to be clear, I don't carry a Desert Eagle .50 cal like some here. I carry a full size 1911 & I do have a nice collection of custom IWB holsters as well as some production models too.

I hope this helps or at least gives some here more fodder.

Mike

40Arpent

06-16-11, 21:24

Thanks Mike, much appreciated. I am none of the examples you cited (although I do trip over stuff from time to time...LOL), but I am too fanatical about the attributes of holster carry that I mentioned previously (particularly the safety aspect, keeping the trigger protected) to consider mexican carry as a viable mode of carry. And I don't recognize any of the advantages you listed as significant, personally speaking.

On the aspect of safety, do you Mexican carry in condition one?

SCB 57

06-17-11, 01:12

Spark's SS II here.

Rinspeed

06-17-11, 05:40

There is merit to the type of carry option that I mentioned.

Really, like what.

40Arpent

06-17-11, 06:51

Really, like what.

He addressed that in his most recent post. Scroll up.

theJanitor

06-17-11, 11:26

He addressed that in his most recent post. Scroll up.

True, but he only addressed the economic and effort savings of the Mexican carry method. He did not address any topics like safety, retention, speed, and efficiency.

mikeyd501

06-17-11, 12:44

True, but he only addressed the economic and effort savings of the Mexican carry method. He did not address any topics like safety, retention, speed, and efficiency.

You are correct. I have never been in shoot out with someone where clearing leather faster than my opponent was what saved my life. Please keep in mind that I am just a citizen. I'm not in a profession where my job takes me in harms way on a daily basis.

Please tell me your last shoot out and how your holster saved your life or that of your loved ones. I can't wait to hear. Otherwise I'm offering a way to carry. A way that you or others may not see value in. That's okay. But please stop with the B.S. of speed, retention etc. Try situational awareness. Much more important than the kind of holster you are wearing.

I know many professionals who carry without a holster at times. They do it for a variety of reasons.

If you are a gun carrying citizen with training under your belt you should be able to figure this out. It is a way to carry. It's for some and not for all. Like I said before, I have many rigs and do wear them but not always. I have no issues getting a solid grip and drawing my pistol. I will try it on a shot timer vs. my Brommeland Max-Con V.

charmcitycop

06-17-11, 12:52

........

mikeyd501

06-17-11, 17:34

He did, when he mentioned ninja rolls and daily fist fights in a sarcastic tone.:rolleyes:
It may come as a shock but some of us do get it fists fights and foot chases almost daily.
Even if you don't, you need to carry a gun "safely" because you never know if you might have to jog to catch that subway or cab.
Ever tried to use a urinal while carrying Mexican?

I'm guessing from your screen name that you're LEO. If that's your job, I want you using a holster. I also want you using situational awareness too!

Sorry, where I live, no subways and nobody takes a cab on purpose.

As far as the urinal thing, you're not you the guy who stands there with his pants around his ankles are you? :eek: I keep my pants up when I go. Mexican carry still works when I'm pissing.

cdunn

06-17-11, 17:35

I have one of these for a 226 and like it
http://www.gouldusa.com/products/productLine_catType.php?type=Inside+Trouser+Holster&line=Gold+Line+Concealment+Holsters%2C+Belts+%26+Accessories

40Arpent

06-17-11, 19:41

Alpha Sierra

06-17-11, 20:05

tried a lot of them and have found "it" with the Secret City leather Isotope

+1 Incredible holster.

mikeyd501

06-17-11, 22:30

Mike, you didn't answer my question about carrying in Condition One. Assuming you do, are you not concerned with an inadvertent bump of the safety with an exposed trigger? No contest, just curious at this point....

Thanks,
Pete

Pete,

Condition One is how I carry. No worries about the safety ( I have no use for ambi safeties on my 1911's ) or the trigger as it (the trigger) is not exposed. It sits even with my belt (covered by my belt) at the 4 o'clock.

To be honest, I will not carry a Glock with one in the pipe in this manner. That scares me. 1911's have all the built in safety redundancies I look for to carry Mexican.

Mike

40Arpent

06-17-11, 23:05

Gotcha Mike, thanks.

Steve S.

06-18-11, 00:00

So do you not carry the Glocks Mexican or just keep the round unchambered?

double-d

06-19-11, 11:02

Well, I did mess up, and my delivery time greatly exceeded my estimate. I am working on orders that are well over a year old right now. Yours, unless it was totally lost, is still in the pile. But since you didn't call or email to inquire (and you haven't given me your name) I can't really tell you. Also, I don't take CC info up front and I don't charge customers until their product is ready to go.

Wishes:

I wish you a good day sir, enjoy the RCS

No dog in the fight but found this post lame. Still have piles of orders to get to and no calling your customer on status? Could purchase two Sparks holsters each with the six month wait in that time frame. No flame, just MHO
I wish you continued success with your business model.

5shot

06-19-11, 11:57

No dog in the fight but found this post lame. Still have piles of orders to get to and no calling your customer on status? Could purchase two Sparks holsters each with the six month wait in that time frame. No flame, just MHO
I wish you continued success with your business model.

You are correct - however they have a monthly quota system which cuts off orders at a pre-determined number, and if you don't get your order placed within the first few days of the month, you have to try again next month. There are also 6 makers working at Sparks (Tony Kanaley runs the crew, as Milt himself is no longer with us). If Sparks runs late, I don't believe you will get a call from them either.

That is all I have to say on this matter, but thanks for your input.

manderson2228

06-19-11, 20:11

I carry condition 1.. Inside a milt sparks VMII... I love the holster it works well and is comfortable.

Paraclete comes

07-02-11, 10:22

I have a couple of the simply rugged holsters. One for my now MIA colt commander, Glock 23 and ruger LCR. They are all amazing and super tough. Used one in Afghanistan and would not ever go back. There simple and well designed and just beautiful. Rob over there made my last one out of shark skin, all I can say is wow! I went with the CUDA its inside our outside the waistband.

I am about to put in an order for a simply rugged holster. I don't have one for a 1911 yet, but I do for a 4" ruger gp100. I am a small dude and it hides it on me well. You can switch them between OWB and IWB. Kydex doesn't feel good on the skin. All about leather. Skin on skin.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/

DeltaKilo

07-02-11, 14:09

Condition 1 for me. As for IWB:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Mikaehl/Concealing/PICT0011.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Mikaehl/Concealing/PICT0012.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Mikaehl/Concealing/PICT0015.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Mikaehl/Concealing/PICT0016.jpg

masakari

07-03-11, 14:56

I currently have a crossbreed supertuck for my 5" Kimber, a Comp-Tac MTAC for my XD 45C, and just ordered a Tucker ''The Answer" for my 1911 to replace the CBST as it seems to have the best of both worlds.

mikeyd501

07-03-11, 19:38

Condition 1 for me. As for IWB:

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Mikaehl/Concealing/PICT0016.jpg

You may want to wait until the maid has cleaned the mirror in the bathroom before taking the self portraits.

Yucky, icky bad!

krm375

07-06-11, 08:03

Take a look at FIST INC I have a number of their holsters for my 1911, HK and Glocks. I have been using them for years and have never had any issues.

http://www.fist-inc.com/galeryholst.htm

Paraclete comes

07-06-11, 09:12

I cant even imagine carrying other than condition one to be honest. I have in military life needed my weapon so many times that I would hate to draw a weapon needing it urgently only to have to perform additional steps to make it condition one. I do know one friend that works at a gun shop and only carries condition three, blows my mind. I carry with my glock mainly and feel perfectly safe with it.

bodyarmorguy

07-06-11, 19:13

I carried IWB in the small of my back with a calvary style draw when I was a young man back in the mid 80's. Over the years I have tried many different IWB holsters for carry at the 3 and 4 o'clock position and never could find anything that I liked. The Sparks was probably the best but it still dod not work for me, the Galco, while I am a fan of many of their designs, was horrible.

I had all but given up on IWB carry until Jason Burton did a custom build for me and included a 5 Shot Leather IBS model to try. The hoslter, being brand new was very tight, practically impossible to draw from and I temporarily tossed it aside. With a little bit of break in, this became the my absolute favorite holster and a daily companion.

About 9 months after I started using the holster, again carrying everyday, I made a return to Police work and department policy required the carrying of the issued Glock 22. Wanting to maintain a consistency between on and off-duty carry until I reacquainted myself with the Glock platform, I needed an IBS for a Glock on the rush. A phone call to John Ralston, some begging and pleading and he was able to help me in a most expedient manner.

The holster is a great design (props to Jason for his input), John's craftsmanship is second to none and I found his customer service to be without reproach. I put this holster on at 0830 hours today and it is still comfortably tucked IWB as I type this at 2000 hours.

suhu

07-06-11, 20:42

Take a look at FIST INC I have a number of their holsters for my 1911, HK and Glocks. I have been using them for years and have never had any issues.

http://www.fist-inc.com/galeryholst.htm

+1

I've been carrying my G19 in a FIST ultra thin and it greatly reduces the "Block on my hip" feeling. It is also amazing how tight and strong the retention is for a holster so thin. Great product.