sgtjosh
12-02-11, 20:11
Like many people who carry a pistol concealed on a daily basis, I am always looking for a good concealed carry holster. In that regard, I complicated the issue by opting to mount a Streamlight TLR-1 on my issued Heckler and Koch P2000. On duty, I use a Safariland ALS holster. Although I am able to mount my ALS to a paddle, this setup is less than concealable, as it rides too far from my body.
In the six months that I have been posting on M4carbine.net, I had seen many rave reviews for Raven Concealment. Roughly six weeks ago, I went online and ordered a RC holster…As of this writing, I have 10+ weeks to go. I have no doubt all the love for RC is justified, but until then I wait.
Enter 101 Holsters.
Through another website, a fellow LEO recommended 101. He told me it was as good as RC without the wait and for less money.
According to the website:
“I started making holsters for my upcoming deployment, I needed a holster that would withstand the rigors of combat, did not mount on my leg or chest. I also wanted to remain fresh on my dry firing practice (Chest or Thigh carry is not how I conceal carry) Once the other Captains saw my holster they naturally wanted one, then one day a tech savvy dude suggested that I sell them online and so 101 Holsters were born.”
As a proud Army veteran, I like the idea of supporting the business endeavor of an active duty service member.
I was also impressed by their warranty:
“All my holsters come with a 2 week money back guarantee and a life time warranty. Use the holster for 2 weeks and if you are not 100% satisfied then send it back and I'll refund your money. If the holster ever breaks, I'll replace it for free, if the belt loops ever break I'll replace those also.”
I was happy to find that they indeed made a holster for my pistol and light combination. The holster was $50 and adding the light was an additional $15. That seemed like a good deal to me. I ordered.
10 days later, I had a holster.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_17-05-20_852.jpg
Holster options
Holsters are available in black, coyote tan, and OD green. The black and OD Green is constructed from .08 kydex. The tan is made from .093 kydex. Right and left handed holsters are offered. Belt loops are available in 1.5, 1.75, and 2” widths. The holster can be made with a full slide guard or without. Cants can be set at 0, 10, and 15 degrees. 101 will also accept special instructions beyond the previously mentioned options.
Payment is through PayPal.
My Holster
The holster is constructed of .80 black kydex. I chose 1.5” belt loops. Further, I opted for a full length slide guard and 10 degree forward cant.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-12-44_176.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-12-56_694.jpg
Fit/Finish
The holster to weapon fit is snug. The holster will retain the loaded weapon (full magazine no round in chamber for safety) when held upside down. Only vigorous shaking along a completely vertical axis will dislodge it.
The holster edges are smooth with no sharp/rough areas. The corners are rounded smoothly and professionally. I have made knife sheaths with kydex and I really wish I could produce these results.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-13-10_294.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-13-23_53.jpg
Carry/Comfort
I carry every day, every time I leave the house. Generally, my mode of dress is shorts or jeans, a loosely cut cover shirt with an undershirt. My belt is a Safariland 1.5” dress belt. I generally carry my pistol in the 3:00-4:00 position. On my support side, I usually carry a Safariland Model 573 magazine/cuff case. I am 5’8” tall and weigh about 180 pounds.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-1339-1322875791298.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-2484-1322875805026.jpg
Threading my belt through the loops is a tight fit, which I regard as a good thing. When wearing the holster it does not shift around on my belt. Although the belt loops hug the belt tightly, I am able to position the holster to its desired location. From there, it stays put.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-16-20_242.jpg
I have carried the holster for about two weeks. The holster rides nice and high. I never felt like I was printing or about to expose my weapon, even when out shopping and having to reach, squat, and bend down to secure purchases from shelves of varying heights. The holster has never been uncomfortable. While driving, I have never felt that pressure in my hip bone or the pistol butt dig into my kidney. I have even come home and forgot I was armed until I had to undo my belt to attend to natures business.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-1686-1322875773390.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-2416-1322875749059.jpg
Draw/Re-holster
The draw is smooth and snag free. Re-holstering is no issue. Like my on duty light bearing holster, I find it easier to insert the light into the holster and then rock it forward rather than reholster straight up and down.
Personal observations
The pistol does not “click” into place. The only retention is the friction between holster and the pistol. For me this is not an issue, as this holster is reserved for concealment, where I do not worry about a gun grab. After all, if someone knows you have a gun, it is not concealed. If I have to carry exposed, I will use a QLS modified Safariland ALS holster with a similarly modified paddle attachment.
The screws that secure the belt loops to the holster body came loose after a week of carry…simple fix. As is continually preached on this and other forums…if it screws, loctite it. That was my mistake. It has since been rectified with some blue loctite.
Customer Service
The owner of 101 holsters, J.T. has promptly answered every email I sent. He was happy to answer all of my questions. When I inquired about the lack of “click” when re-holstering, this was his response.
“… the click happens with holsters without the light, it is more hype than anything else. You get the click because the trigger guard has an open space between the front of the guard and the trigger. The kydex is molded around the trigger guard forming a bump on either side. When you reholster the front of the guard presses in between the 2 kydex "bumps" then they snap back together.”
I found that to be a more than satisfactory explanation, besides I purchased the holster for concealment use. If I want extra retention, I will use a holster designed for that.
Conclusion
Is it Raven Concealment quality? Hell, I don’t know. I still have another 10 weeks to go before I find out. Until then, I have a quality holster that only cost me $70 including shipping. I am very happy with my purchase and will not hesitate to recommend it to anyone that cares to ask.
JT summed it up pretty well in his last email.
“I think the main reason I sell a lot of holsters is my price point and wait time. Basically, people have to ask themselves are my holsters as good as a Raven Concealment? In a perfect world the Raven is better. But in the real world is a Raven $50 and 20 weeks better? I say no and most people who have bought one from me think so and that is the main reason why I sell a lot.”
This holster has certainly met my expectations in terms of build quality and carry comfort. Further, it has exceeded my expectations as far as customer care, value, and lead time.
101 Holsters also produces pistol magazine pouches, AIWB holsters, various optional belt attachments, rifle magazine pouches, including a rifle magazine pouch for the Brokos Battle Belt that is specially designed to only occupy 2 MOLLE rows.
Total Charges
Holster $60
Light upgrade $15
Shipping $5.95 (USPS First Class with Delivery Confirmation)
Total $70.95
Order/Shipping Timeline
Holster Ordered 11-7-2011
Holster Shipped 11-14-2011
Holster received 11/17/2011
Contact Info
http://gonetraining.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/101-Holsters/140848765984813
gonetraining@gmail.com
In the six months that I have been posting on M4carbine.net, I had seen many rave reviews for Raven Concealment. Roughly six weeks ago, I went online and ordered a RC holster…As of this writing, I have 10+ weeks to go. I have no doubt all the love for RC is justified, but until then I wait.
Enter 101 Holsters.
Through another website, a fellow LEO recommended 101. He told me it was as good as RC without the wait and for less money.
According to the website:
“I started making holsters for my upcoming deployment, I needed a holster that would withstand the rigors of combat, did not mount on my leg or chest. I also wanted to remain fresh on my dry firing practice (Chest or Thigh carry is not how I conceal carry) Once the other Captains saw my holster they naturally wanted one, then one day a tech savvy dude suggested that I sell them online and so 101 Holsters were born.”
As a proud Army veteran, I like the idea of supporting the business endeavor of an active duty service member.
I was also impressed by their warranty:
“All my holsters come with a 2 week money back guarantee and a life time warranty. Use the holster for 2 weeks and if you are not 100% satisfied then send it back and I'll refund your money. If the holster ever breaks, I'll replace it for free, if the belt loops ever break I'll replace those also.”
I was happy to find that they indeed made a holster for my pistol and light combination. The holster was $50 and adding the light was an additional $15. That seemed like a good deal to me. I ordered.
10 days later, I had a holster.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_17-05-20_852.jpg
Holster options
Holsters are available in black, coyote tan, and OD green. The black and OD Green is constructed from .08 kydex. The tan is made from .093 kydex. Right and left handed holsters are offered. Belt loops are available in 1.5, 1.75, and 2” widths. The holster can be made with a full slide guard or without. Cants can be set at 0, 10, and 15 degrees. 101 will also accept special instructions beyond the previously mentioned options.
Payment is through PayPal.
My Holster
The holster is constructed of .80 black kydex. I chose 1.5” belt loops. Further, I opted for a full length slide guard and 10 degree forward cant.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-12-44_176.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-12-56_694.jpg
Fit/Finish
The holster to weapon fit is snug. The holster will retain the loaded weapon (full magazine no round in chamber for safety) when held upside down. Only vigorous shaking along a completely vertical axis will dislodge it.
The holster edges are smooth with no sharp/rough areas. The corners are rounded smoothly and professionally. I have made knife sheaths with kydex and I really wish I could produce these results.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-13-10_294.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-13-23_53.jpg
Carry/Comfort
I carry every day, every time I leave the house. Generally, my mode of dress is shorts or jeans, a loosely cut cover shirt with an undershirt. My belt is a Safariland 1.5” dress belt. I generally carry my pistol in the 3:00-4:00 position. On my support side, I usually carry a Safariland Model 573 magazine/cuff case. I am 5’8” tall and weigh about 180 pounds.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-1339-1322875791298.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-2484-1322875805026.jpg
Threading my belt through the loops is a tight fit, which I regard as a good thing. When wearing the holster it does not shift around on my belt. Although the belt loops hug the belt tightly, I am able to position the holster to its desired location. From there, it stays put.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/2011-12-02_13-16-20_242.jpg
I have carried the holster for about two weeks. The holster rides nice and high. I never felt like I was printing or about to expose my weapon, even when out shopping and having to reach, squat, and bend down to secure purchases from shelves of varying heights. The holster has never been uncomfortable. While driving, I have never felt that pressure in my hip bone or the pistol butt dig into my kidney. I have even come home and forgot I was armed until I had to undo my belt to attend to natures business.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-1686-1322875773390.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g476/Green_Traffic/Holster%20Review%20Pics/photobucket-2416-1322875749059.jpg
Draw/Re-holster
The draw is smooth and snag free. Re-holstering is no issue. Like my on duty light bearing holster, I find it easier to insert the light into the holster and then rock it forward rather than reholster straight up and down.
Personal observations
The pistol does not “click” into place. The only retention is the friction between holster and the pistol. For me this is not an issue, as this holster is reserved for concealment, where I do not worry about a gun grab. After all, if someone knows you have a gun, it is not concealed. If I have to carry exposed, I will use a QLS modified Safariland ALS holster with a similarly modified paddle attachment.
The screws that secure the belt loops to the holster body came loose after a week of carry…simple fix. As is continually preached on this and other forums…if it screws, loctite it. That was my mistake. It has since been rectified with some blue loctite.
Customer Service
The owner of 101 holsters, J.T. has promptly answered every email I sent. He was happy to answer all of my questions. When I inquired about the lack of “click” when re-holstering, this was his response.
“… the click happens with holsters without the light, it is more hype than anything else. You get the click because the trigger guard has an open space between the front of the guard and the trigger. The kydex is molded around the trigger guard forming a bump on either side. When you reholster the front of the guard presses in between the 2 kydex "bumps" then they snap back together.”
I found that to be a more than satisfactory explanation, besides I purchased the holster for concealment use. If I want extra retention, I will use a holster designed for that.
Conclusion
Is it Raven Concealment quality? Hell, I don’t know. I still have another 10 weeks to go before I find out. Until then, I have a quality holster that only cost me $70 including shipping. I am very happy with my purchase and will not hesitate to recommend it to anyone that cares to ask.
JT summed it up pretty well in his last email.
“I think the main reason I sell a lot of holsters is my price point and wait time. Basically, people have to ask themselves are my holsters as good as a Raven Concealment? In a perfect world the Raven is better. But in the real world is a Raven $50 and 20 weeks better? I say no and most people who have bought one from me think so and that is the main reason why I sell a lot.”
This holster has certainly met my expectations in terms of build quality and carry comfort. Further, it has exceeded my expectations as far as customer care, value, and lead time.
101 Holsters also produces pistol magazine pouches, AIWB holsters, various optional belt attachments, rifle magazine pouches, including a rifle magazine pouch for the Brokos Battle Belt that is specially designed to only occupy 2 MOLLE rows.
Total Charges
Holster $60
Light upgrade $15
Shipping $5.95 (USPS First Class with Delivery Confirmation)
Total $70.95
Order/Shipping Timeline
Holster Ordered 11-7-2011
Holster Shipped 11-14-2011
Holster received 11/17/2011
Contact Info
http://gonetraining.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/101-Holsters/140848765984813
gonetraining@gmail.com