General Holster Review/Comments

[Chinook]

There are a number of threads regarding holsters but I can't find one that pulls a number of concepts together in one place.  Can this be the one?

I just ordered a very nice IPS (in plain sight) holster from Leather and Stuff.  However, it was not my first choice.  The R9 is a "pocket gun" and, as such, it seems to me it needs a pocket holster.  I thought I wanted a front pocket holster but I notice from many of the comments here that rear-pocket carry is also widely used.  Why would anyone what to sit on a gun?

It seems to me that the only difference between a front and rear pocket holster is the rear has leather over the whole rectangle of the gun whilst the front-pocket has a cutout.  Hence, I would think a rear-pocket design could be used for both front and rear but not vice-versa.

I know that holsters are very personal items and perhaps there will be no consensus in this thread.  But I'd appreciate different comments on front pocket vs. rear pocket, belt carry (IPS or other), do you prefer clips or paddles (whatever they are...), etc.  Please keep acronyms to a minimum as many of us who are new to holsters do not get them.

My objective is to determine what type and from whom my next holster should come.

Thanks

[ccoorreeyy]

I'll through in my 2 cents.  These are a few of the "top choice" holsters out there for the R9.
Top left = Dell Fatti PH3 (front pocket)
Top right = Dell Fatti BPB (between the pants and belt)
Bottom left = Hedley Merlin (front pocket)
Bottom Middle left = Hedley BP (back pocket that some use in front pocket also)
Bottom right = Hedley Classic (front pocket)(I use this one the most for pocket carry)




Even with all this awsome leather I still find that I carry my R9 in a Smart Carry quite often.  It just disappears in it and I find it completely confortable for all day (16 hrs) wear.

Corey

[Chinook]

Wow!  That is an awesome photo.  What is it about the Hedley Classic that leads you to use it most?

I  need to check out the Smart Carry.  From a first look, it seems to be pretty intrusive.

Thanks for the input..

[ccoorreeyy]

The classic makes for the smallest package in my pocket is why it is used the most.

People either love or hate the smart carry's.  I never thought I would like one untill a co-worker talked me into it.  Its just so easy.

[Chinook]

The difference between the Merlin and the Classic seems to be the little flap ahead of the barrel.  Is that intended to keep the assembly in a more upright position or is it to keep a better "line"?  Is that what's called a paddle?

Have you ever considered an IPS holster?

Thanks

[ccoorreeyy]

Depending on how large your pockets are the Merlin would help keep the R9 upright if wearing cargo pants or something of the like.

As far as a paddle goes I don't know.  Maybe someone else will chime in on that one.

I do like the looks/idea of the IPS but have never bought one.  I have thought of buying one for a Seecamp.  Let me know how you like yours once you use it awhile.  I wish the cover flap had edges to it where you could not see between it and the main body of the hoster at all.

[Chinook]

Without stitching, I'm not sure how you would put edges on the flap.  James Powell says (although he is careful to avow that he's not the authority) that he views these like a woman's purse.  A woman could have a handgun in a leather purse where the cover flap might allow a view of a piece of the gun.

I figure that even if I don't wear the IPS a lot, it makes a good storage place in my truck console...

[rod m1]

The classic makes for the smallest package in my pocket is why it is used the most.

People either love or hate the smart carry's.  I never thought I would like one untill a co-worker talked me into it.  Its just so easy.

What size smart carry are you using?

[Chinook]

Another question for Corey re the Smart Carry: Do you have or would you get new, the "security model"?  It looks like it could double for a "money belt" when traveling overseas (or where carry is not permitted).

[ccoorreeyy]

What size smart carry are you using?

I'm not sure on the size.  All I've done in the past was order from the web form.  It ask what gun you will be using and they pick which size you need.  I orginally ordered my first smart carry for a Kahr PM40 and it fits the Rohrbaugh well also.  Call up Charlie for additional information.   He is a super nice guy that will take the time to walk you through the order process.
Corey

[ccoorreeyy]

Another question for Corey re the Smart Carry: Do you have or would you get new, the "security model"?  It looks like it could double for a "money belt" when traveling overseas (or where carry is not permitted).

I have only bought the plain Jane models because I wanted it to be as small and compact as possible.  I have two SC's and my wife also has one.  We love them.
Corey

[ABNAK]

I'm looking for a holster I can use in my pocket that keeps the metal of the gun from contacting the leg-side of my pocket fabric. Yes, the rear of the slide too! I sweat like a pig and in the summer months my shorts pocket liners may become a bit damp. I don't want ANY sweat on the gun. Maybe Uncle mikes or something similar?

[Chinook]

Can different members supply specific contact information for their favorite leather holster makers?  I understand that the better makers have a perpetual backlog and many aren't accepting new orders.  I have emailed two asking if they would please notify me when new orders would be accepted and neither has replied.

This is not a criticism; these guys are in demand and would rather spend time making holsters (i.e., making money) than dealing with zillions of emails.

I'm willing to put down a deposit and wait but I need to "get on the list" with someone.  Can we produce a list of names and email addresses?

Kind regards,
James

[rod m1]

I'm willing to put down a deposit and wait but I need to "get on the list" with someone.  Can we produce a list of names and email addresses?

Kind regards,
James

Check out Hidden Holsters his quality is good took about 2 weeks.
 
http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Classifieds;action=display;num=1210602318

[Aglifter]

I think a paddle holster might be overkill for the pup.  One of the most important things is a belt intended for CCW -- even w. a pocket gun, I was surprised how much more comfortable it was to carry once I started wearing one.  I usually wear some from beltman.net, w. one from Wilderness tactical as my fishing belt.