Rio Vista Slim
Member
Many of the "baby boomers" in this group either have, or have had the proverbial "box 'o holsters" lying in a drawer or closet. Some have worked, most have not, and a few make us wonder what we were thinking when we bought them.
In an effort to help those on the forum with questions about which holster is best for their particular side arm, I'll offer up a couple of thoughts.
Every person is different. What fits me and my pistol/revolver might cause you complete agony, and vice-versa. Decide which material you want your gun to ride in. There are numerous arguments about whether kydex, leather, nylon, etc. are the greater villains when it comes to finish wear. Only you can make an informed decision, based on frequency of use, number of draws from the holster, activity level when carrying, and so forth. I own kydex rigs, cowhide and horsehide holsters, and even a couple of IWB nylon pouches. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. I prefer leather holsters, but I am far from an expert.
A good holster from a custom maker (such as Milt Sparks) will not cost a great deal more than an off-the-rack holster from someone like Galco. Throw in a belt, some method to store extra ammunition, and fancy tool work, and you will be shelling out quite a sum of money. You will also be waiting for a considerable period of time for your new holster combo to arrive at your doorstep. I will admit that my custom holsters fit my guns better than the Galco and Bianchi rigs, but those high production companies do a mighty fine job creating functional, reliable holsters. It all depends on what you are willing to spend, and how long you're prepared to wait.
Inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), shoulder holster, FBI cant, vertical drop, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Here is where the real dilema begins. I bought one of the finest IWB holsters currently available. It was a beautiful piece of work, fit my pistol like a glove, and was excruciatingly painful to wear. It is a holster that is recommended above most others by many satisfied customers. I gave mine away!
No matter how you choose your holster, you have to be aware of your own body type, how the gun will be carried, ease of gun accessibility, and most of all, comfort. It's said that carrying a gun is suppose to be comforting, and not comfortable, but if it's hurting you, you won't carry it.
In the area of leather, cowhide or horsehide? There are positives and negatives to both sides of that argument, but it is generally agreed that horsehide is tougher than "bossy's" skin. Your color choice of dyes will be limited with horsehide, so keep that in mind. I own both types, and generally prefer cowhide holsters. Once again, my opinion only.
If you should choose to have a custom holster maker create a rig for you, be sure to investigate whether that maker has a good reputation with the consumer public. If you begin to get antsy over the waiting period, it's comforting to know you can speak with the maker and be reassured. However, in the case of one-man operations, remember that every time he answers the phone, or checks his e-mail, is time he's NOT working on your holster.
In the final analysis, I've only thrown out a few ideas, with no recommendations. So, here's the recommendation.
Listen to what others say about their favorite holsters, but temper their views with the reality that one size truly does not fit all. Decide on mode of carry, material that the holster is to be made of, how the holster secures the gun, and how those features relate to you and your body type. If possible, try some various styles before buying. Since that rarely happens, it falls to you to study, read, and study some more. Look at web sites and catalogs. Perhaps you won't drop a C-note on a rig that ends up gathering dust in your closet.
Belts?
That's a whole 'nuther ballgame!
In an effort to help those on the forum with questions about which holster is best for their particular side arm, I'll offer up a couple of thoughts.
Every person is different. What fits me and my pistol/revolver might cause you complete agony, and vice-versa. Decide which material you want your gun to ride in. There are numerous arguments about whether kydex, leather, nylon, etc. are the greater villains when it comes to finish wear. Only you can make an informed decision, based on frequency of use, number of draws from the holster, activity level when carrying, and so forth. I own kydex rigs, cowhide and horsehide holsters, and even a couple of IWB nylon pouches. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. I prefer leather holsters, but I am far from an expert.
A good holster from a custom maker (such as Milt Sparks) will not cost a great deal more than an off-the-rack holster from someone like Galco. Throw in a belt, some method to store extra ammunition, and fancy tool work, and you will be shelling out quite a sum of money. You will also be waiting for a considerable period of time for your new holster combo to arrive at your doorstep. I will admit that my custom holsters fit my guns better than the Galco and Bianchi rigs, but those high production companies do a mighty fine job creating functional, reliable holsters. It all depends on what you are willing to spend, and how long you're prepared to wait.
Inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), shoulder holster, FBI cant, vertical drop, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Here is where the real dilema begins. I bought one of the finest IWB holsters currently available. It was a beautiful piece of work, fit my pistol like a glove, and was excruciatingly painful to wear. It is a holster that is recommended above most others by many satisfied customers. I gave mine away!
No matter how you choose your holster, you have to be aware of your own body type, how the gun will be carried, ease of gun accessibility, and most of all, comfort. It's said that carrying a gun is suppose to be comforting, and not comfortable, but if it's hurting you, you won't carry it.
In the area of leather, cowhide or horsehide? There are positives and negatives to both sides of that argument, but it is generally agreed that horsehide is tougher than "bossy's" skin. Your color choice of dyes will be limited with horsehide, so keep that in mind. I own both types, and generally prefer cowhide holsters. Once again, my opinion only.
If you should choose to have a custom holster maker create a rig for you, be sure to investigate whether that maker has a good reputation with the consumer public. If you begin to get antsy over the waiting period, it's comforting to know you can speak with the maker and be reassured. However, in the case of one-man operations, remember that every time he answers the phone, or checks his e-mail, is time he's NOT working on your holster.
In the final analysis, I've only thrown out a few ideas, with no recommendations. So, here's the recommendation.
Listen to what others say about their favorite holsters, but temper their views with the reality that one size truly does not fit all. Decide on mode of carry, material that the holster is to be made of, how the holster secures the gun, and how those features relate to you and your body type. If possible, try some various styles before buying. Since that rarely happens, it falls to you to study, read, and study some more. Look at web sites and catalogs. Perhaps you won't drop a C-note on a rig that ends up gathering dust in your closet.
Belts?
That's a whole 'nuther ballgame!
You and me both, although mine is not as cluttered as it once was.
