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Howdy gang, I'm new to the forum and glad to meet y'all.

I need some holster suggestions for a Sig 226 w/o rail. Originally, I was going to buy a (IWB) Sparks VM2 as it seems to get great reviews. However, after talking with a member of this forum, he suggested I join and post a question for leather holster suggestions and consider YOUR advice. I was told the Alessi is really really nice and carrying owb is much more comfortable than the alternatives.

Here's the deal: 1) I'm 6' 2", 235 lbs. 2) Haven't carried a pistol for many many years. 3) I don't plan to carry it on a daily basis, but who knows...I may carry frequently. 4) Will holster for CCW...some driving (I prefer comfort while behind the wheel so I'll probably be looking for a soft case (suggestions welcome) to keep gun in console...whatever, or even in the home. 5) Don't know if an IWB would be comfy given the size of Sig 226. 6) Live in the midwest where we enjoy 4 seasons including cold winters and hot/humid summers (shorts and t-shirt a must).

That's my story. Any suggestions??? Is the Sparks all it's cracked up to be and would it fit my needs? What about the Alessi??? I'm interested in leather but it better be comfy in those summer months. Also, I'm told I'll want/need a gun belt to go along with the holster. ANY BELT SUGGESTIONS? Thanks for all your ideas.

Until about a year ago my everyday carry was a Sig 220. I carried it mainly in an Alessi ACP-S which is an OWB holster. The ACP carried the 220 real well and concealment was never a problem with a untucked polo type shirt. I also have a Milt Spark VM-2 for those times that I carry IWB, another great holster that works well. About a year ago I swithced to the 1911 as my main carry gun and feel that most holsters that carry the 1911 would work with the Sig 226. Up until the middle of June I was using a Del-Fatti OWB holster that works great and a Alessis PCH that works great. I moved back to uniform duties on 6-15 and so most of my carrying now is with products made by Safariland and its not concealed too well. I agree that a belt is the main ingredient in carrying a pistol especially a full size pistol. You should be served well ordering one from any of the artist that frequent these boards.

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And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers' Green.

The following is all said with the understanding that what I like...you may hate...and vice versa.

While it would seem that OWB would beat IWB in comfort in every way, I don't find it to be so. Sure, you have that metal shoved down your pants, but there's more to it than that. Comfort can be affected by many things.

1- When I carry OWB, I find the gun bangs into more things- door frames, elbows, chairs (especially chairs). Having most of the gun pinned under pants keeps that much of it secure and protected, and the rest of the gun is held close to the body by the nature of the holster.
It's very rare that I "bump the gun" when carrying IWB.

2-The weight is spread out more with an IWB holster. It's usually said that an OWB holster is supported by the belt, and is dependent upon that belt to hold the weight. I believe that some weight is also supported by your hip as the holster is pressed against it.
I think the IWB spreads the weight better, because it is basically supported on all sides.

3-Some don't like the gun/holster to shift around. I don't mind it so much, and actually like a little movement so the gun moves with me just a little bit.
I think IWB holsters hold their position better since they are "pinned" between you and your pants. Some might say the OWB has more tendancy to "flop out" from the body, but a proper belt will fix most of that.

Myself- I carry a Govt-size 1911 IWB (Sparks Summer Special) all day, everyday. I put it on when I get up, and don't take it off until bed.

Now, your questions in order:
1- I'm smaller than you, at 5-8/180. I have a back injury also, so I whine about anything uncomfortable.

2-Not having carried in a few years, you'll probably find any mode of carry awkward at first. I lived in a non-carry state for seven years, and when I moved back, got my permit, and started carrying, I thought it was clumsy and heavy...even though I carried before for several years.
You'll just have to give it time. It's worth your while.

3- You might carry it more than you think. I used to carry off and on. I found it easier to carry it all the time. It's better to get used to it than to feel like you're carrying for the first time each time you do carry. You just get used to it, and it's better to know it's there all the time.
Coming home and walking into a break-in one day when I DID have a gun also convinced me to always carry.

4- I use the same holster for everything, but some will have a dedicated "car holster". When they get in the car, they put the gun in that holster. But, when driving, I have taken my "backup" out and located it for better access.
Check local laws, etc.

5-A P226 should be fine if you do carry IWB. I carried a P220 quite a bit, which is about the same size. The 1911 I carry now is a bit bigger overall, though it's a touch thinner.

6- I'm in the Midwest also. Another plus for the IWB- it works with every season/type of clothing.
I used to change carry modes with the weather, and even changed guns- I would carry a full-size gun in winter and a smaller one in summer.
I don't know when I did it, but at some point I realized that I had gone to IWB and full-size gun year-round. Things are a lot simpler with one gun and one mode of carry.
If I have to wear something that won't allow the 1911 to conceal, I will change guns. It doesn't happen often, but it can happen with some clothing. I go to a smaller gun, but stay with an IWB holster, in the same location.

My favorite IWB holster is the Sparks Summer Special (although I got an older Alessi Hideout for a HiPower recently that I like), and my favorite OWB holster is the Alessi CQC/S.

I consider IWB holsters to come in two basic variants (these are my defintions only, others may hate them)-
Narrow, like the Summer Special and Alessi Hideout, with the belt loops close together (or just one loop) and a minimal amount of leather in the holster.
Wide , like the Sparks VersaMax 2 (VM-2), with widely spaced loops and a broad holster body.

The wide IWB holsters are meant to do two things- spread the weight of the gun, and put a loop at each end to make it more stable.
The narrow IWB holsters put less material into your pants, and the narrow loops may be the best choice for small-waisted people who don't have a lot of belt space.

I like narrow ones. It's less to shove in my pants, I don't find the width to be needed to support the weight, and find the wide spaced loops TOO stable.

OWB, I like the Alessi CQC/S. It's the king. It's amazing how stable it is, and the fact it's done with snap-on loops is even more incredible. I prefer IWB, but I also have a CQC/S for each gun I carry.

Wow, Barry!

Great post!

I'm 6'5" about 270. I change guns with the seasons, going smaller in summer when shorts & Tees are the uniform du jour. Carrying a Walther PPK/S in a Galco IWB or a Centennial Smith in a Safariland pocket for summer carry. I also find IWB to be less gun bump prone and more stable. Carry a Beretta 96 in a Don Hume IWB or a BHP in a VMII for cooler months(more clothes/cover.)

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Redeemed

thanks barry and others.

lots of great information and best yet, it makes sense to me. seems pretty tough to get a sparks summer special for a sig 226 w/o rail...unless i'd like to wait months and months. if i could...i'd buy it as this sounds like my best choice. i have found a sparks vm2 for my 226 with 1 1/2" loops. i may have to "settle" for this as i can have it in a couple of days. that said...does the 1 1/2 loop absolutely require a 1 1/2" belt for best performance/comfort? Stupid question? You bet!!!

As for a belt, got any suggestions for a good belt to go with the vm2 (and/or SS) without spending the big bucks? any suggestions where to find a Sparks SS....and again, would it have 1 1/2 loops? I'm not liking the idea of buying multiple belts to fit a couple of holsters....that's if i can find the SS without the wait. as for the alessi owb....sure looks like a 3rd holster for me...in the making. ugh!

Richard,

I think that most would agree, for you to get optimal performance from your holster, you need to use a belt that corresponds w/ the size of the loops of you holster. If you don't the holster has the ability to move vertically when trying to draw or reholster.

As for inexpensive routes for belt carry there are a few options. In my experience I use two different types of belts for carry. I will use a wilderness instructor's belt w/ the 5 stitch option for ridgidity or a double thickness gun belt. Although I love the idea of matching rigs, I have yet to break down and spend more that a hundred bucks for a gunbelt. The instructor's belt costs about $40 if you have a relatively standard sized waist. Rafter S gunleather sells a nice double thickness belt for under $50 for a cowhide belt, I've never seen a better price than that and the quality is quite nice. I have a holster on order from Mark Garrity and his belts start at around $75 I think.

There are definitely some reasonably priced options out there, just have to do some homework.

Oh and the great thing about the VersaMax 2 if you buy it... you can replace the loops w/ different sizes for only $17 a pair direct from Milt Sparks. If you already have a good belt in another width just buy yourself a new pair of loops and save yerself some money.