Brimstone
11-29-11, 11:18
I was looking for a new kydex holster recently, but I was not prepared to wait for the much celebrated RCS holster. After doing some research, I decided to give Crown Holsters (http://www.crownholsters.com/store/index.php?index&sid=kligsls0jp44n6ft9h9i37c600) a try. I placed my order on November 5th and received the holster on November 25th. With weekends and the Thanksgiving holiday thrown in, that puts the leadtime right at the ten business days that they list on their website.
I would also like to mention the excellent customer service that I received during the order process. I was looking over their website on a Friday night and had a question. I sent an e-mail via their "contact us" button at around 11:00pm. I received a response back from Chris a few minutes later. I was fully expecting to wait until Monday for a response, so I was pretty surprised. Communication continued to be excellent throughout the process.
After removing the holster from the box, I was immediately impressed by the overall finish of the holster. I have seen several different non-RCS kydex holsters that did not have the professional finish that the Crown holster. The cut of the kydex was perfect. One of the things that I was looking for was a minimal footprint. This holster used the minimum amount of kydex to get the job done.
Some pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9491.jpg
This holster has their "combat cut" which is a zero degree cant and a reduced sweatguard. I like the reduced sweatguard because it allows for a better grip during the draw. I always wear an undershirt, so the missing sweatguard is less of an issue for me than it may be for others.
You will also notice the small raised crown. This is a nice little trademark touch that Crown adds to their holsters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9492.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9493.jpg
The holster features kydex belt loops. I have heard some complaints about kydex loops, but these seem solid so only time will tell if they last with continued use. Crown has a solid warranty, so I am sure that Chris will stand behind this product if there are any issues with these loops.
Crown Holsters are made by hand, one at a time in Northern Michigan, USA with 100% American parts.
Every piece is guaranteed for life. If it's not perfect, we'll fix it. If it breaks, we'll replace it - Free of charge.
Here are some shots with the S&W M&P9FS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9494.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9495.jpg
The fit with the M&P was perfect. It gives you a solid "pop" when the pistol locks into place. It allowed for a quick draw while still providing very solid retention. I was able to hold the holster upside down and shake it repeatedly without dislodging the firearm.
Now, on to fit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/crown1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9507.jpg
As you can see from this picture, the Crown Holster fits extremely close the body for an OWB holster. It was a snug, yet comfortable fit. This holster will be my EDC holster.
Concealment:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9508.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9510.jpg
I felt that the concealment properties were very close to that of my Comp-Tac Minotaur while being much more comfortable. I did not opt for the IWB clips, but I can see this holster being very usable as an IWB holster as well. While it would not be as comfortable IWB as a Crossbreed or Comp-Tac, it could easily do double duty IWB/OWB comfortably.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised with this holster. It has an extremely appealing price point, quick delivery, great service and a quality product. It isn't often that a company gives you everything without compromise. I will most likely be giving them more of my business and adding a version of this holster that is TLR-1 light compatible for my M&P.
Crown Holsters (http://www.crownholsters.com/store/index.php?index&sid=kligsls0jp44n6ft9h9i37c600)
I would also like to mention the excellent customer service that I received during the order process. I was looking over their website on a Friday night and had a question. I sent an e-mail via their "contact us" button at around 11:00pm. I received a response back from Chris a few minutes later. I was fully expecting to wait until Monday for a response, so I was pretty surprised. Communication continued to be excellent throughout the process.
After removing the holster from the box, I was immediately impressed by the overall finish of the holster. I have seen several different non-RCS kydex holsters that did not have the professional finish that the Crown holster. The cut of the kydex was perfect. One of the things that I was looking for was a minimal footprint. This holster used the minimum amount of kydex to get the job done.
Some pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9491.jpg
This holster has their "combat cut" which is a zero degree cant and a reduced sweatguard. I like the reduced sweatguard because it allows for a better grip during the draw. I always wear an undershirt, so the missing sweatguard is less of an issue for me than it may be for others.
You will also notice the small raised crown. This is a nice little trademark touch that Crown adds to their holsters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9492.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9493.jpg
The holster features kydex belt loops. I have heard some complaints about kydex loops, but these seem solid so only time will tell if they last with continued use. Crown has a solid warranty, so I am sure that Chris will stand behind this product if there are any issues with these loops.
Crown Holsters are made by hand, one at a time in Northern Michigan, USA with 100% American parts.
Every piece is guaranteed for life. If it's not perfect, we'll fix it. If it breaks, we'll replace it - Free of charge.
Here are some shots with the S&W M&P9FS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9494.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9495.jpg
The fit with the M&P was perfect. It gives you a solid "pop" when the pistol locks into place. It allowed for a quick draw while still providing very solid retention. I was able to hold the holster upside down and shake it repeatedly without dislodging the firearm.
Now, on to fit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/crown1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9507.jpg
As you can see from this picture, the Crown Holster fits extremely close the body for an OWB holster. It was a snug, yet comfortable fit. This holster will be my EDC holster.
Concealment:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9508.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/underlourd/DSC_9510.jpg
I felt that the concealment properties were very close to that of my Comp-Tac Minotaur while being much more comfortable. I did not opt for the IWB clips, but I can see this holster being very usable as an IWB holster as well. While it would not be as comfortable IWB as a Crossbreed or Comp-Tac, it could easily do double duty IWB/OWB comfortably.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised with this holster. It has an extremely appealing price point, quick delivery, great service and a quality product. It isn't often that a company gives you everything without compromise. I will most likely be giving them more of my business and adding a version of this holster that is TLR-1 light compatible for my M&P.
Crown Holsters (http://www.crownholsters.com/store/index.php?index&sid=kligsls0jp44n6ft9h9i37c600)