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View Full Version : Putting Out an APB for an IWB -- in L E A T H E R



blackscot
03-17-10, 07:50
I'm really liking the gun-to-hand fit (along with numerous other aspects) of the CZ 75B SA I got last December (pic below). Only a 1911 fits my hand as well. Every few days I get back out the G19 that I shot regularly and carried daily for the past 3 years, and increasingly wonder "How did I ever handle this?". I still think the G19 carries great and is superbly reliable. Holding the CZ versus the G19 though, is like having your hand covered by a glove versus a cardboard box.

Since its acquisition, the CZ has served me very well at a couple of IDPA matches, riding in a traditional leather pancake OWB (Galco Combat Master), which for general range use is fine. I would now really like to try carrying the CZ though, for which in my case an IWB is the way-to-go. I am foregoing here an exhaustive argument of IWB versus OWB versus whatever else -- been there/done that. Just take as given that the IWB choice is made.

Likewise (as the title of this thread indicates) on the leather versus kydex debate. Each has it ups and downs -- but for this gun -- again, the decision is already for leather.

For those unfamiliar, this is a very full-sized all-steel pistol -- as manly as any 5-inch 1911. Whatever holster selection is made must keep that in mind. Unfortunately, not nearly as many holsters are made for it as 1911's, Glocks, etc.

Lastly, the only other consideration I need to keep is for easy on-off capability, especially while seated behind the wheel. Between work, home, and running errands, whatever gun I am carrying gets moved around a lot. I just don't have the time or latitude for a lot of fiddling around with clumsy belt loops, etc.

Thanks for any recommendations.:)

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/sa/1.jpg

TOrrock
03-17-10, 07:58
Suck it up, spend the money, cry once, and the holster will last you 15 years or more of daily use.

www.kramerleather.com

I'm a fan of his #3 IWB.

Call him up and tell him you want one for a single action only version and he'll make it for you.

ralph
03-17-10, 08:39
Check out High Noon holsters.. They're a small company and they do excellant work prices aren't bad, www.highnoonholsters.com

Dragon Slayer
03-17-10, 11:45
Suck it up, spend the money, cry once, and the holster will last you 15 years or more of daily use.

www.kramerleather.com

I'm a fan of his #3 IWB.

Call him up and tell him you want one for a single action only version and he'll make it for you.

+2 for Kramer, in leather in my opinion it is the best and get it in horsehide.

lindertw
03-17-10, 14:11
Alessi PCH

awm14hp
03-17-10, 16:21
Suck it up, spend the money, cry once, and the holster will last you 15 years or more of daily use.

www.kramerleather.com

I'm a fan of his #3 IWB.

Call him up and tell him you want one for a single action only version and he'll make it for you.

I love the #3 also good stuff I have carried some big guns in mine that and good belt your good to go

JonInWA
03-17-10, 16:59
The #3 is my favorite of all of Kramer's IWB designs-another recommendation for it. You also might want to look at Matt Del Fatti-I was extremely impressed with a OWB holster that I had from him for my previous CZ75B, in terms of both function and comfort. Another recommendation would be for Galco's Royal Guard IWB.

Best, Jon

David Thomas
03-17-10, 17:01
HBE Speacialty Leatherworks OS Pro is a great IWB holster.

The last order I placed with him was filled in a matter of weeks.
I never tried the OS Pro for a CZ, but think I remember seeing several examples on his website.

The Nossar Valovak is still my favorite, but the HBE OS Pro is a very good holster. The HBE is also cheaper and faster to get.

I have carried a full size 1911 in both the OS Pro and Nossar Valovak and both are very comfortable and concealable with a 1911 on me.

Alpha Sierra
03-17-10, 17:31
Sideguard Holsters (http://www.sideguardholsters.com/holsters/IWB_Holsters.htm) has what you need.

M4arc
03-17-10, 17:37
I love my Milt Sparks VMII but would love to try a Kramer #3.

moyler
03-17-10, 17:59
The #3 is my favorite of all of Kramer's IWB designs-another recommendation for it. You also might want to look at Matt Del Fatti-I was extremely impressed with a OWB holster that I had from him for my previous CZ75B, in terms of both function and comfort. Another recommendation would be for Galco's Royal Guard IWB.

Best, Jon

Kramers' #3 looks pretty good.

IF Del Fatti is taking new orders, the wait on my last was 24+ months.

DocGKR
03-17-10, 18:38
Milt Sparks Heritage #1 is my favorite leather IWB holster.

Alpha Sierra
03-17-10, 18:40
If you can deal with leather loops with snap buttons, my all time favorite leather holster is the FIST #20 adjustable.

Super comfortable, stays open and retains like kydex.

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/JRossy/guns/DSC00610.jpg

sevin8nin
03-17-10, 20:03
check out http://www.ubgholsters.com

They are actually pretty comfy. I've been using one of the 'striker' IWB holsters for a couple years now on a commander size 1911 and it's very comfy. The clips are also pretty easy-on easy-off which has been helpful in a couple situations.

They come from him pretty tight, and at first it almost seems impossible that it was made for your gun. My procedure with his stuff thus far as been to put the gun in the holster with some light oil on it, and let it sit there overnight, and then try wearing it around for a day and it will break in.

Here's a picture of mine from his gallery page
http://www.ubgholsters.com/DSC00107.JPG

Pathfinder Ops
03-17-10, 20:31
Suck it up, spend the money, cry once, and the holster will last you 15 years or more of daily use.

www.kramerleather.com

I'm a fan of his #3 IWB.

Call him up and tell him you want one for a single action only version and he'll make it for you.

MAJOR +1 to this and as for customer service let me say....way +1 to these folks.

I ordered one of their #3's for my EDC 1911 and wanted it prior to my last deployment. There was pretty good wait time...(2 months) when I originally ordered. That was fine I knew it going into the order.

Go figure a week or 2 after I ordered I had a request to rotate in earlier than my expected date. I wanted the holster for my deployment so I called them and asked what the quickest turn around was. They stated that if could verify my departure date for them they would run the build on it immediately and have it delivered prior to my fly day.

I did that and not only did they have it in my hands 2 weeks prior to my departure but they discounted it significantly when they finally billed my CC.

I am extremely happy with this holster and the workmanship is amongst the best I've seen.

sparky241
03-17-10, 20:37
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=bianchi+professional&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=12148965659969279532&ei=6YChS43eJ6DaMfX6_OgM&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAkQ8wIwAA#ps-sellers

I have excactly the same problem. It goes on in the morning ,comes off before work, goes on after work and comes off the go to post office. What i use is the Bianchi professional. I have used the size 100 for the last 10 years and it has held up really good thrue all the sweat dirty and abuse. I just wipe the inside with leather cleaner every few months and its gtg.

blackscot
03-18-10, 06:19
Thanks for all the great replies folks.:D

Sure is a lot to look at here -- definitely a too-many-choices situation. Trouble with all the stuff on the web is that there is no way to see anything in-hand/real-world. Local gun store selections are extremely limited.

This is going to be tough.......

Erik 1
03-18-10, 07:03
If the reason for leather is because you want to preserve the gun's finish, the Tucker Silent Thunder (http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/sithky.html) is leather lined kydex, and a great holster. Very fast turn around time and great customer service too.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/rlcompanyusa_2096_7239215

I haven't used them, but the Cover Up (http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/coupfuli.html) and Half-Tac (http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/halftaciwb.html) look like good options too.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/rlcompanyusa_2097_20412124 http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/rlcompanyusa_2097_22481378

I didn't see the 75B on the list of guns the Silent Thunder is made for, but it is on the list for leather holsters. My experience with Tucker was great. Very responsive and really good to deal with.

TOrrock
03-18-10, 07:12
Thanks for all the great replies folks.:D

Sure is a lot to look at here -- definitely a too-many-choices situation. Trouble with all the stuff on the web is that there is no way to see anything in-hand/real-world. Local gun store selections are extremely limited.

This is going to be tough.......


I've got Kramer #3's for SIG's, Glock 19, and a 5" 1911 with a rail, so if you want to borrow one and wear it around a bit to get a feel for it, no problem.

Sam
03-18-10, 10:13
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/RichardTouch/Holster-porn001.jpg

Left to right: Milt Sparks Idaho Quick Mount (discontinued), Milt Sparks Watch 6, Alessi PCH, Milt Sparks Summer Special (original)

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/5shots_002.jpg

5shots Leather (John Ralston) IBS

Call those folks (Sparks, Alessi and Ralston) and tell them you need a rig for your CZ. I'm sure they'll make you one.

blackscot
03-18-10, 10:16
I've got Kramer #3's for SIG's, Glock 19, and a 5" 1911 with a rail, so if you want to borrow one and wear it around a bit to get a feel for it, no problem.

Hey thanks!

Alpha Sierra
03-18-10, 15:18
I carry my 226 in a Tucker Gunleather Secret:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/rlcompanyusa_2095_1689157

El Cid
03-18-10, 15:54
I recommend the McDaniel II from Andrews Leather. You can get it with a thumbbreak, body shield, or open top. It will not collapse when the gun is drawn. The belt loop can be unsnapped to remove or replace it w/o undoing your belt. The belt loop can also be adjusted to whatever angle fits your body/gun. Mr Andrews includes two size loops and you can buy a third if you need.

His craftsmanship is magnificent and he’s a great person to deal with. I have 4 of these IWB holsters (G22, 1911 5”, 1911 3.5”, HK USP45C) and it’s the only IWB I use. The 5” 1911 and G22 are full size guns, but disappear under even a t-shirt. The price is close to what you’d pay for a Galco product, but less than many of the other custom makers.

awm14hp
03-19-10, 13:18
I love my Milt Sparks VMII but would love to try a Kramer #3.


I got a Kramer #3 for a Glk 26 or 19 if you want to try it out some ?? I am only using my G17 this time a year.

El Vaquero
03-20-10, 00:26
Good thread with nice pics. A good IWB is always a tough decision.

vel525
03-20-10, 01:34
How about hazel leather at (http://hazelleather.com)? His work has gotten great reviews over at CZ forum and his prices are very reasonable.

I can't personally speak to his products because I'm a kydex guy, but I've been very tempted to try one of his IWB holsters for my P01.

Good luck in your search.