Holsters

[adaman04]

Hey fellow members, I was thinking today about all the holster variations out there, and was curious as to what type/brands of holsters use guys use. I bought a tactical thigh holster today at a local gunshop for 20 bucks! I have looked over a lot of them lately, and this one was one of the most well built I have handled. Made right here in the USA believe it or not. Has the extra mag pouch, dual leg staps with quick release buckles, all the goodies. I also have a Fobus paddle holster, Uncle Mike's paddle, a soft IWB, and a Bianchi Accu-Mold. Something for whatever need arises. Anyway, I hope to hear some replies. Good shooting.

[punchie]

I think I have most variations except a western rig and a tactical. Most are leather (of one kind or another) with a few kydex or kydex sheathed but I don't have any of the nylon gun bucket types.

[kkina]

I have an Uncle Mike's holster for my Sig P228, however I modified it so it can be used with a Blackhawk BTS belt. That way I can attach it to my regular pants belt (which is an Instructor's Belt), or to a full wraparound tactical belt.

[Old Judge Creek]

I have a plastic tub that I keep my holsters in..... the ones NOT hanging on my gunbelt "tree":

Hunter Bearcat
Hunter 4" S&W K-Frame
Bianchi 5BHL S&W N-Frame
Bianchi 5BHL S&W J-Frame
Bianchi 55L S&W J-Frame
Bianchi Ranger Cross Chest N-Frame
Bianchi Ranger 4000 #3 S&W K-Frame
Bianchi Ranger 4000 #4 S&W N-Frame
Bianchi Ranger 4001 #3 Cyclone II C/D S/D J-Frame
Bianchi Ranger 4001 #8 Cyclone C/D S/D S&W N-Frame
Bianchi N-Frame belt slide
Bianchi 7L Askins Avenger full 1911 Frame
Fobus Kimber Kimber/Para full 1911 Frame
Safariland Shoulder 4" S&W K-Frame
USA 1946 full flap full 1911 Frame

As you can see, I am VERY partial to Bianchi products. They simply work for me. In general, I prefer a strong side hi-ride holster.

The Bianchi Ranger series of holsters are every one, the 1980s vintage ballistic nylon covered closed cellular foam. They are no longer manufactured by Bianchi, but generally for sale (cheap - by those who don't have a clue) at gun shows and on E-bay. Put on your "Bambi-eyes" face, mumble something like, "I'm not at all sure this will fit my gun", and offer / hold out to 'em a $5 bill...... works every time.

For revolvers, the 5BHL is my favorite. For long barrelled handguns (7" - 8" - 12") I prefer a crossdraw - especially so when riding a horse or ATV. For snubbies, again, I prefer the 5BHL worn either just in front of my strong side kidney or if it's a Bodyguard or Centennial frame, simply carried in a pocket.

For 1911s, I prefer the Bianchi 7L. The Fobus works beautifully in the desert but I simply cannot get used to it - my problem, not the product. After dark - or even occasional daytime investigatory excursions over on the ranch might see me with my 1911 slipped into my waistband in the venerable Mexican carry. It works and is surprisingly comfortable.

So there you are. I did not discuss my cowboy holsters - I simply stuck to "biz".

[benji]

only 2. both I made myself, both are of Kydex. One is a reversible, left or right hand, pocket pistol rig, secured in the pants or coat pocket with a velcro swatch.

The other is a belt rig for the 1911. It's reversible for right or left hand use. A strip of velcro around its top lets me position it anywhere I want on the belt, at any angle.