Question Navigating 1st Holster for IWB and OWB

[Gawernator]

Get a box ready… most have a box of holsters they thought would work but didn’t lol

I'm lucky, I like all of mine except the serpa

 

[jayson_b24]

Yeah I use a OWB T.Rex Ironside holster for my Glock 26 specifically for the CCW renewal class. My vender I use has similar requirements to what you mention.

T.REX Ironside Holster | T.REX ARMS

OWB concealment holster with adjustable retention, fits 1.5" or 1.75" belts with suppressor height sights. Comfortable 3-5 o'clock carry under jackets. Made in USA.

www.trex-arms.com

I bought some generic ones that work just fine. For my oddball setups, I'll be making some. That Ironside looks legit though!

 

[jayson_b24]

Get a box ready… most have a box of holsters they thought would work but didn’t lol

Does research. Finds holster. Loves it. Orders it. Receives it. Hates it. It now lives in "the box". Maybe, just maybe, one day it'll be tried again.

 

[Enthused]

I bought some generic ones that work just fine. For my oddball setups, I'll be making some. That Ironside looks legit though!

Yeah it works good. My vender always does like a 2 hour live fire training course on the range right at the beginning and I just simply run this holster and a Glock 26 to keep things simple. I pretty much never even carry my G26 when I CCW, but it's a great gun to use for the live fire training we do. If I didn't have the ability to add 6 guns on my permit I probably wouldn't even add my G26, but since I can I do.

 

[Roxerz]

Whatever you do, get a holster that's made specifically for your gun and for the type of carry you intend--unless you're the sort who is happy with one-size-fits-all shoes, pants, and shirts.

I prefer leather. Milt Sparks and Ryan Grizzle are my go-tos. But before you commit to the high price and wait times, get a less expensive off the shelf holster to find out what you really like. Galco makes nice holsters that aren't exorbitantly priced. I'll leave it to the Kydex boys to make recommendations for plastic holsters. In some ways, that can be a better way to go.

Yeah, at first I was thinking a one size fits all OWB holster but I think I am just going to focus on building around the Hellcat Pro Comp and going for that specific holster OWB and another one IWB.

You can really go down a rabbit hole with this stuff. How serious do you want to take it? Learning what you like and dislike is a journey... iwb vs owb, position, neutral cant vs rake, shield vs without, ride height, and on and on... my body type prefers owb, 3-4oclock, moderate ride height, and an abbreviated sweat shield. My preferences include leather and a neutral cant.

Kydex - JMCK, Black Arch, and Safariland

Leather - Milt Sparks, TT Gunleather, Mitch Rosen, Kramer, Ryan Grizzle

Oh believe me, I got like 20+ Chrome tabs open filled with vendors, Youtube vids, etc trying to figure this stuff out. It is a bit overwhelming but I am learning a lot quickly. A lot of terminology and systems I've never heard of.

Military Issue M12 Holster (For M9 Berretta) - Devil Dog Depot

This Military Issue M12 Holster (For M9 Berretta) is standard issue holster for the U.S. Armed Forces and has seen combat from Panama to Afghanistan and Ira ...

www.devildogdepot.com

you can shove just about any pistol G19 or larger without a light in here to get you bye. i’ve used to for my Berettas, 1911, Hk’s, etc. Then start getting specific holster to fill out what you want.

Yeah, this was the initial plan but now just gonna focus on the Hellcat Pro and build around that.

I agree with a lot already stated. Keep in mind that you may buy a holster, not care for it, and need something else. Also understand that (especially for IWB) it's just plain weird and uncomfortable to have a holster on. Give it time before you decide you hate it and can't live with it. Like two weeks. Be prepared to have an ever-increasing pile of holsters you no longer use. However, also keep in mind that someone else may want what you don't and post it up for sale in the classifieds.

Generic holsters will provide generic results: the trigger might not be covered fully; your firearm might rattle around inside as you move. If you're only planning on using them for your CCW training, rattling is fine; an uncovered trigger? Not so much. Be sure to check with the vendor you plan to take your CCW training through, to see if they have any specific holster requirements (no nylon; active retention; etc.)

Firearm fitment within the holster is pretty important. The two firearms you listed are substantially different in size. I'm not saying that you need an individual OWB holster for each: I have a generic 1911-size holster; a generic 4"-size holster (fits XD, SD9VE; G19, etc.); a generic micro 9-sized holster. These are fine enough for the one day, every couple of years I need them. For daily, AIWB or IWB, each gun has its own, specific holster designed exclusively for it and it's accessories. No rattling, no safety issues, non-negotiable.

Finally: the material your holster is made of comes down to a few things, but mostly personal choice. Brand of holster? You'll only really know after you start trying them. (Though there are some good brands mentioned already). See if a buddy will let you try theirs. There's just so many factors: comfort; concealability; adjustability; hardware; material... it's hard to say: "this is the be-all, end-all". Find a company that makes a holster that fits your setup (gun, dot, light) and go from there. And if you're one of those weirdos with odd handguns that no one makes decent holsters for? Well, that's why I started making my own.

TL;DR: holster choice is exhausting.

Well, finding classifieds for lefty stuff might be harder but I'll look into it. I think I'd be more comfortable with IWB and getting a custom kydex holster. Luckily, I chose a common enough firearm to have a lot of good options so I'll be shopping around and yeah, I am already exhausted lol.

I'll just add that I would highly recommend considering a class that covers holstering and drawing from holster, to make sure you cut off any bad habits before they develop. I'm pretty sure self-inflicted gunshots from negligent/uncommanded discharges are often due to people screwing up their re-holstering.

I'll be taking the certification class at FT3 soon.

I love the lighttuck for IWB strong side https://www.vedderholsters.com/collections/springfield-armory/hellcat-pro-9mm/

I was google searching prior to seeing this message and was eyeing the same page. This is what I was highly considering since I would feel comfortable at 4 o clock I think but have to try it to find out I guess. AIWB seems appealing but I really don't feel comfortable with the barrel pointing at my goods.

 

[Gawernator]

Yeah, at first I was thinking a one size fits all OWB holster but I think I am just going to focus on building around the Hellcat Pro Comp and going for that specific holster OWB and another one IWB.



Oh believe me, I got like 20+ Chrome tabs open filled with vendors, Youtube vids, etc trying to figure this stuff out. It is a bit overwhelming but I am learning a lot quickly. A lot of terminology and systems I've never heard of.



Yeah, this was the initial plan but now just gonna focus on the Hellcat Pro and build around that.



Well, finding classifieds for lefty stuff might be harder but I'll look into it. I think I'd be more comfortable with IWB and getting a custom kydex holster. Luckily, I chose a common enough firearm to have a lot of good options so I'll be shopping around and yeah, I am already exhausted lol.


I'll be taking the certification class at FT3 soon.



I was google searching prior to seeing this message and was eyeing the same page. This is what I was highly considering since I would feel comfortable at 4 o clock I think but have to try it to find out I guess. AIWB seems appealing but I really don't feel comfortable with the barrel pointing at my goods.

I prefer 3.5- 4 o clock because I work in the field constantly, and drive a lot. I don't see the advantage of AIWB really except maybe draw speed

 

[Roxerz]

I prefer 3.5- 4 o clock because I work in the field constantly, and drive a lot. I don't see the advantage of AIWB really except maybe draw speed

Understood. So many things to consider with carrying position and the pros and cons with them.

I tried to write/describe my situation discreetly for the last 10+ minutes but it sounded pretty awkward. I work in a casino so there is armed security and metal detectors thus I would have to store my CCW (once I get it) in my vehicle while working and transfer it on my person once I get back to my vehicle. I deal mainly with cash at night time so an easier target once I'm off their property. I've been followed home (short distance) so I need to navigate the most advantageous setup for my scenario. I change driving routes to try to avoid anyone tailing me now.

 

[GeeQ87]

Understood. So many things to consider with carrying position and the pros and cons with them.

I tried to write/describe my situation discreetly for the last 10+ minutes but it sounded pretty awkward. I work in a casino so there is armed security and metal detectors thus I would have to store my CCW (once I get it) in my vehicle while working and transfer it on my person once I get back to my vehicle. I deal mainly with cash at night time so an easier target once I'm off their property. I've been followed home (short distance) so I need to navigate the most advantageous setup for my scenario. I change driving routes to try to avoid anyone tailing me now.

now that’s crazy man, clock out and turn into Jason Bourne

 

[Gawernator]

Understood. So many things to consider with carrying position and the pros and cons with them.

I tried to write/describe my situation discreetly for the last 10+ minutes but it sounded pretty awkward. I work in a casino so there is armed security and metal detectors thus I would have to store my CCW (once I get it) in my vehicle while working and transfer it on my person once I get back to my vehicle. I deal mainly with cash at night time so an easier target once I'm off their property. I've been followed home (short distance) so I need to navigate the most advantageous setup for my scenario. I change driving routes to try to avoid anyone tailing me now.

You'll want something like this locked to your car https://www.sigsauer.com/vaultek-sig-lifepod-2-0-portable-adventure-safe.html

You might be in more danger than me then lol, definitely don't be afraid to carry a bigger gun like compact size. Right now micro 9's are really hot but they honestly aren't the best, just easy to carry lazily due to tiny size and weight

 

[Roxerz]

now that’s crazy man, clock out and turn into Jason Bourne

Just imagine Jason Bourne but on a silly e-scooter getting away from the bad guys. Often times near home parking is terrible and I have to park a quarter mile away in a very dark area so I bust out the scooter or keep driving around til its less sketchy.

You'll want something like this locked to your car https://www.sigsauer.com/vaultek-sig-lifepod-2-0-portable-adventure-safe.html

You might be in more danger than me then lol, definitely don't be afraid to carry a bigger gun like compact size. Right now micro 9's are really hot but they honestly aren't the best, just easy to carry lazily due to tiny size and weight

Yeah, I had told casino staff which then we reported to security which then pretty much said that once I'm off their property, nothing they can do.
I think I need something more of a permanently bolted/welded into my car but then again I don't think I'd have anything of value in my car except when at the casino parking lot.

 

[Gawernator]

You can’t be John wick with an e bike. You need at least a motorcycle come on. You’re in luck, I teach the CHP CMSP class

 

[GeeQ87]

You can’t be John wick with an e bike. You need at least a motorcycle come on. You’re in luck, I teach the CHP CMSP class

 

[Roxerz]

You can’t be John wick with an e bike. You need at least a motorcycle come on. You’re in luck, I teach the CHP CMSP class

I was forced to take something to the effect of Advanced Sport Bike training 15+ years ago in the AF. I think I just threw my back out just thinking about getting on a motorcycle and the biggest obstacle would be getting a bike past my wife. I'll have to lose out on style points since I'm now what my younger friends now call "unc".

 

[9mmContagion]

I'm lucky, I like all of mine except the serpa

Girl, same! Only holsters I have in the parts box are holsters acquired through PPT pistol purchases. I learned early on to buy quality holsters specified to the pistol and its use.

I have OWB range holsters for all of my pistols regardless if they are intended for CCW or range fun. No multi-fit holsters here. The only holsters that house multiple guns are my 2011 holsters. Since all of my 2011s have Surefire lights, the holster retention is on the light. I purchased the holster for the largest 2011, all other 2011s with Surefire fit like a glove.

People are often scared off quality holsters by the price, and opt to pay half for the mainstream garbage. “Buy once, cry once!”

 

[Gawernator]

Girl, same! Only holsters I have in the parts box are holsters acquired through PPT pistol purchases. I learned early on to buy quality holsters specified to the pistol and its use.

I have OWB range holsters for all of my pistols regardless if they are intended for CCW or range fun. No multi-fit holsters here. The only holsters that house multiple guns are my 2011 holsters. Since all of my 2011s have Surefire lights, the holster retention is on the light. I purchased the holster for the largest 2011, all other 2011s with Surefire fit like a glove.

People are often scared off quality holsters by the price, and opt to pay half for the mainstream garbage. “Buy once, cry once!”

I was forced to take something to the effect of Advanced Sport Bike training 15+ years ago in the AF. I think I just threw my back out just thinking about getting on a motorcycle and the biggest obstacle would be getting a bike past my wife. I'll have to lose out on style points since I'm now what my younger friends now call "unc".

Some drown while others die of thirst I guess. My wife is from Colombia and loves moto, I actually am the one groaning about riding my street bike with her since I don’t really like normal riding. I only really have a street bike these days because it’s a requirement to stay licensed with the state.

Can still be fun sometimes especially when the weather is nice. If I had a serious commute I’d still ride just to lanesplit

@9mmContagion I’m not a female.

 

[Roxerz]

I love the lighttuck for IWB strong side https://www.vedderholsters.com/collections/springfield-armory/hellcat-pro-9mm/

After an insanely long deliberation going back and forth I ended up getting this one^ (comp). I looked at many brands and many had options for Hellcat Pro OSP but not specifically the compensated version. I don't know if it would actually make a difference but some brands specifically have holsters for it and most don't. Then the other issue was lefty version which most provided options.

I almost ended up buying the Comfort Tuck. I was thinking I would be wearing it around with no firearm in while at the casino then when I get back to my trunk, I would holster the firearm. The situation seems to kind of defeat the purpose but then again all of this will be new to me. I realized it was a hybrid and not fully kydex all the way around so that was another reason against that holster.