Always have used a holster outside on a belt. but looks an "inside waistband" type is on a friend's wish list. Help from the many of you experienced with various concealed carry holsters will be good. For a medium to large frame semi-auto pistol, and considering security/safety, ease of quick access, durability, carry comfort, etc. - what do you know and recommend? Thanks.

I use both a Crossbreed and the Galco King-Tuk both are good. Comfortable, retain well, and you can reholster one handed. I got the horse hide on the. Crossbreed, and it creaks a bit. I slightly prefer the Galco. Because it's quieter.

Old70

You're gonna get a gazillion different replies & recommendation as holster selection is a very personal kind of thing & lots of different preferences.

My choice for a medium to large semi is Brommeland.

They are thin, stiff & very high quality, patterned after & an improvement on the Sparks Versa Max II.

Their delivery time can be a bit spotty depending on how busy they are at any given time & the specific gun that you need a holster for.

Brommeland Leather

Another really good choice is R. Grizzle Leather, a little cheaper, sometimes faster service.

R Grizzle Leather

MM

I'd like to report that my Crossbreed horsehide backed holsters are, but their "two week" lead time has been a month so far.

Anything from Milt Sparks is proven, high quality, and worth the wait.

I carry my HK P2000 in a Galco Stow n Go. Pull a t-shirt or jacket over it and you can't tell I'm carrying, it's also very comfortable.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...the-waistband-holster-right-hand-leather

I'm not usually into "cheapy" shooting supplies, but honestly, the most comfortable and practical IWB holster I have ever used is the BLACKHAWK! Inside the Pant holster. I believe they are like a neoprene-type material.

At less than $20, I have one for each auto I have (I've never used them with revolvers) and I carry one daily (including at work,) from the time I get up in the morning to the time I go to bed at night, usually with a full-size auto (Size 3, I believe:) Beretta M9, HK USP 45, Springfield XD-M, etc. They're so comfortable, for me anyhow, that I forget they're there, they add no weight, and are the only way I can carry a gun anymore all day long without my sciatica acting up after years of wearing a duty belt and sitting in a car for 12 hours. Of course your mileage may vary...

I have a few nice leather IWB holsters, and to be honest, I rarely use them anymore.

These are what I am talking about...

http://www.cabelas.com/product/BLAC...hShabp4xN56caApj98P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

There is a waiting list, but I and my sons have had good performance out of Kramer Leather for IWB holsters

I also own and favor Mitch Rosen and Milt Sparks leather. These would be my top three recommendations.

I second the Crossbreed

In hot weather, It's hard to beat a Stealth Gear ventcore IWB.
Leather can get rather sticky.

I've been through many years of experimentation with this subject (going back to the 1980s). For many years, I had happily settled on the offerings from Milt Sparks, their VM-II and Executive Companion models. They work great, and you will likely not be disappointed if you take the plunge and buy one. However, I must say that (on the suggestion of Kevin Gibson, here at the Fire) a few years ago I tried the El Paso Saddlery C-Force, and now I never use my Milt Sparks holsters anymore. The C-Force is that much more comfortable and functional, even though they are much simpler and less refined in manufacturing process. They cost less, too, but that's never been much of a consideration for me, as when it comes to something as important as concealed carry, I'm willing to pay for the best. Just a lucky happenstance that the C-Force is a good bit less costly than the most popular IWB offerings from Milt Sparks.

Check out White Hat Holsters while you are looking.

That's the same one I have for my 45 Shield.

I still think highly of Sam Andrews holsters. I have yet to find a better made product, or a holster that works better

www.andrewsleather.com

Milt Sparks Criterion. Beats anything I have tried, and I have tried a lot, including a Mitch Rosen Express Line similar to the C-Force mentioned above. I would post a picture of mine but it is too confusing right now.

he will have to try several before he finds the one comfortable for him.

HERES a link to the Criterion.

Milt Sparks SS2 for spring/fall IWB carry & Badger Concealment Kydex IWB during summer months. Winter time is a Milt Sparks 55BN on the belt.

I don't think they are particularly heavy.

Tried a bunch, Crossbreed was pretty comfy but on the warm side. Problem with leather holsters is moisture, and your gun can pay for that in rust. Skip any all kydex holsters, they are painful unless you plan on appendix carry and enjoy the risks of blowing your ballls off. I recently bought a Black Arch holster and absolutely love it - stays dry and in place with adjustable tension and muy comfortable. Carrying is very personal, just keep that in mind.

https://www.blackarchholsters.com/collections/holsters

I've had kydex that was uncomfortable but my latest is a kydex for my G43. It's a Vedder LightTuck. It's the most comfortable holster I have including a Stealth Gear Mini that I bought for the 43 at the same time. The Stealth Gear is like a Supertuck except that the part against your skin is a breathable nylon. Anyway the Vedder is very compact, adjustable in depth,cant,and retention. It has a very strong clip and is comfortable. I wear it all day just nearly every day against my skin.

I've tried a lot of holsters. My favorites come down to two. The Crossbreed and the Mitch Rosen Express Line. The only knock on either is that I've broken a few of the J hooks on the Mitch Rosen, in 12 years. I don't think you can find a more comfortable inside the belt holster than those two.

As anticipated - lots of great experience here and well-written replies. Very helpful - somehow we will get it sorted out. Thanks a bunch.

Any more out there?

Try Alien 3.0 or Tulster

Bianchi 100 Professional IWB

I use this on a daily basis, easy on easy off, quick draw and secure enough to go quad riding and not worry about it falling out.

Funny, I often default back to those for IWB carry. Keep a few on hand as they do fall apart quickly. But they work better than some of my leather ones as they are thinner.

I carry AIWB and prefer a straight drop designed to allow a full firing grip made from kydex w/ a strong simple metal clip. My favorites are Center of Mass and Bladetech. I carry a Glock 19 all day, every day.


mike r

+2 on the Blackhawk or Uncle Mikes neoprene holsters. They are very comfortable, provide a full grip, reasonably durable, lightweight, don't break the bank, and if you need to customize them a bit, all you need are scissors. I have several other more expensive holsters and still find myself going back to these; at least for my lighter weight compact pistols.

The only con I can think of is they collapse on the draw requiring two hands to re-holster. I don't consider that to be a serious ding; if I really need to draw the pistol I don't think I'll be in a rush to re-holster.

The alienwear tuck 3.0 is what I went with. Everything about it is adjustable. Got the spare mag holster as well. So far so good. I am new to CC so don't read much into my choice.

"Best" is very subjective and can vary due to the type/size of pistol one is trying to conceal carry. I recently bought a S&W Shield and Ruger LCPII for concealed carry. I bought the Vedder Light Tuck (kydex holster) for the Shield and (for me) it is uncomfortable for long term use, especially if lots of sitting is in order. I ended up with the DeSantis Inside Heat leather holster for the Shield and it is comfortable, reasonably priced and secure. For the Ruger LCP II I find the kydex holsters like the Vedder or Concealment Express to be comfortable due to the small size of the pistol. I opted to buy the Concealment Express IWB and can find no fault with it and it was very reasonably priced. However, most of the time I will pocket carry this little pistol in a BORAII kydex pocket holster, which is perfect for pocket carry.

Galco King-tuk

I've tried several of the expensive versions but have found simple is usually better. Like others have mentioned I have several of these or similar versions. I usually cut the belt clip off, the gun ain't going anywhere with a belt on anyway. The neoprene sticks to you pants and body. I've used the belt clip when wearing gym shorts with elastic waist band. Other wiseit isn't needed and I can get the gun lower without it. I don't recall the brand, but I've seen them with no belt clip and in flesh tone colors.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/BLAC...hShabp4xN56caApj98P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Depending on the gun these work well too. A G26 or G43 are what I usually carry, but occasionally a G29. I won't carry them with a clipdraw and a loaded chamber. That is why I prefer the neoprene style. But if you for most other guns this is a good option.

http://clipdraw.com/

I've tried a bunch for many years and most did not please me. The Milt Sparks VM II is one of the very best and the long waiting period testifies to it. Last year I tried an El Paso Saddlery C-force and was surprised that I like it more than the VM II. Price was reasonable and the waiting period was shorter than the Sparks product.

Tried the Crossbreed and was not happy with it. Body shape and clothing preferences will affect your opinion.

I have found that the soft IWB holsters defy regular practice due to difficult reholstering. Accessing and presenting your pistol for a <1.5 second 1st shot is important to me and requires about 50 reps/week to maintain.


mike r

Thanks for that.

Distracted typing can create similar damage to the English language as distracted driving can to a Buick.

I corrected my post.

The best ISWB holsters I've ever used are from Milt sparks and Mitch Rosen. A good leather holster is heads above anything else.

Alien Gear, 'nuff said

I just got a Vedder. I like it

I might have to try one of the Milt Sparks, but I honestly can't like IWB, so other than Mexican carry, I don't do it.

I have a Stealth Gear USA holster for a G19. The "Ventcore" fabric supposedly alleviates discomfort from sweating as well as, or better than, other materials.

I haven't used it extensivley enough yet to give it an unqualified thumbs-up, but so far I am very satisfied with it. I also have a horsehide Crossbreed holster for another pistol that works well.

Here is a link to the Stealth Gear website. They have many different styles:

Stealth Gear USA

Milt Sparks Watch Six.

Stealth gear for me.

I have a couple of TT Gunleather Slim XC holsters that I like, but don't care for IWB anymore. I carry OWB most of the time in a Highnoon Slide Guard with a baggy shirt.

Lots of good recommendations. IME the Milt Sparks Nexus and Criterion holsters have been the best IWBs I've used. If you know anyone who has them, try them and see which you like best. There is a waiting pariod and they are more expensive than some of the recommendations given, but well worth the money and the time.

I have a definite preference for the Criterion as my EDCs are 1911s and BHP, so they fit very well, are comfortable and make the pistols easy to carry all day, even for the occasional all steel Gm.

Galco Summer Comfort.

Another Broomeland Gunleather advocate. Many great holster makers today, might be able to find one as good as a Gary Broomeland product......but you won't find one that is better in my view. Example.......... I carried a 1911 Commander for 20 yrs. in the Florida heat in an IWB Cheeta model, then in a fit of dumb fuquery tried to bend the retaining clip to fit a new riggers belt, and promptly broke the steel clip. Called Broomeland , and Gary answered, confessed to the destruction, he said" send it to me, I'll see what I can do". Bout a week later I get a call on a Sunday, it's Gary..........says it is fixed, "no charge", This s a holster that is 20yrs. old at least. Few days later I get the holster back w/note that he also refinished it!!! So I stuff the Commander in it and turn it upside down, give it a few shakes and the pistol sticks right there, won't fall out!!!!. On the draw stroke there is an audible click when the pistol releases, and this is a slim leather IWB holster. I also ordered the Def Con OWB, and another IWB, as I said many great leather smiths today, but you will br hardpressed to find one better than Broomeland Gunleather...............buntingmiester

Well, much thanks - to well-experienced folks. We may have info overload, but that is way better than the previous ignorance. Now we will get it done.

Just got an Alien Gear cloak tuck 3.0 for my 9mm shield. So far it is good. Not sure long term though since I just got it.

That's a real gun. 1911 should be a 45 ACP