ltwguns.com

OK so here is probably a fairly stupid question but how do you go about choosing / ordering a holster? Skipping over the obvious of going with a quality maker such as Alessi how do you choose which option and know that once it gets to you, you will be happy with the fit and cant etc? Obviously if one looks in the for sale area there are plenty of "new holsters" regularly posted that didnt quite fit the owners needs so curious how to avoid being in that situation in the first place? Since most of us arent close enough to an Alessi or someone to stop by, shoot the sh$t, look at a couple of different items we are relying on a picture and description to make our decision.

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I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - John Bernard Books

Order (at least) one of each.

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

CT Brian, Wow! What great advice! And not even from a holster-maker!
Thanks!
Seriuously though, the best advice I can give as a holster-maker is to check with others at the range or gunshop who have been carrying regularly and see what they prefer, or if they'll even let you try their rig out.
Holster selection is as personal a thing as selection of the firearm and it's various custom options, or even ones choice of clothing or vehicle. Because everyone has different physical builds and different comfort levels, what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. I carry and usually recommend IWB carry, but some people just cannot stand IWB. It is really a trail and error process. That's why it may be best to find someone who will let you try their's. Unfortunately, this is why all of us who carry on a regular basis usually end up with a drawer or box full of various holsters. It's also why some of us, myself included, started making our own.

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

No problem, Mark. I may not be a holster maker, but I've supported a few for several years.........

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

Re: The Sharkskin rig you had made reference to in another thread: I phoned Lou Alessi up and told him what I wanted in a holster. (I am always hesitant in calling holster makers, custom smiths, etc, because it takes up valuable shop time, literally money out of the custom gunsmith or holster makers pocket, but with what Sharkskin costs, I thought the call was prudent). He was dead nuts on when I got it, it is my favorite holster. I am waiting on some of Lou's PCHs now.

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John Del Pinto

Guess I might as well throw in my 2 cents worth....

I think it works best to think about how you want to use the holster (other than just "to carry a gun") and create, either mentally or physically, a priority list of the things you want of the holster. For example, what is your intended use for the holster? concealment or field and range wear? If concealment, is the need only for "casual concealment" (if someone sees the weapon, it's not the end of the world) or is it at the top of your priority list (I'll lose my job if it's seen)? Casual concealment opens the door to several types of outside the waistband holsters. For most people, critical concealment means it has to be an inside the waistband type holster (assuming a gun that apporoaches service size). What, if any, modes of carry have you tried? How did they work for you? What is the handgun you wish to carry? How do you typically dress when you will carry? Is rapid removal and remounting a high priority? How many hours in a stretch do you intend to carry? Have you tried positioning the pistol/revolver on your waist to help determine a good muzzle rake? What is your waist size?

Anyhow, you probably get the point. If you're able to provide answers to those sort of questions, you'll be alot closer to finding the "right holster for you" the first time. The question, "What should I buy?" asked of anyone will only help you determine what THEY like. If there is a holster made that answers all or most of your needs, and it's a good quality holster, then buy it. If not, your choices are to buy a holster you don't like or have one built to your specs by a true custom shop.

Good luck

Mr. Del Fatti's tutorial, following on Mr. Garrity's comments, is very instructive.

The part about "what's most important to you?" is one that's important to get right. At a recent school I attended, the instructor recommended for everyday CCW a strong side belt holster of Kydex, similar to the training holsters that many of us were wearing, adding that it's little trouble to conceal it with a light jacket, and was fast on presentation.

The problem with that generic advice is that it fits his situation, but not everyone's situation. He's a retired LEO who could easily deal with an accidental discovery of his pistol, and he lives in a temperate climate where light jackets are fairly common.

But if you're a civilian who lives in a hot climate like Florida (as I do), the game's a little different. When carrying a 1911, I carry IWB exclusively because it does the best job of concealing the pistol, while still making it readily accessible. The butt can be concealed by as little as an untucked T-shirt or polo shirt. In either case, it's a lot more discreet than an OWB holster, and a cover garment that might look out of place for its environment. Absolute speed of presentation is not as important to me as absolute discretion of carry.

YMMV, but then, that's the point.

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NRA Endowment Member

Excellent points, Matt (How ya been, anyway?).
Another often overlooked point when discussing concealment holsters:
A holster/pistol combo that is absolutely invisible with your favorite pair of jeans and an untucked shirt may print dramatically with a different wardrobe. Just using different pants and the same top garment can change the way a holster conceals, since most dress pants and khakis have a higher waistband than jeans, the gun will be riding higher. And belt loop placement on different pairs of pants can dictate where you place your holster, and this too changes from one pair of pants to another. This is why it can actually more difficult to conceal under a suit than a casual wardrobe.
Much like Pointman pointed out (forgive me for that one) when asking for holster suggestions, check out the wardrobe of the person your asking and see if it's close to your own. If he's wearing the ubiquitous photo-journalist's vest and your wardrobe is suit and tie, his carry options may not work for you.

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

Finer'n frog's hair and busier'n a two peckered billy goat! How about you? I suppose you're as tan as a buckeye, huh?

I think it's harder to conceal with the suit because it is tailored to fit you. When I HAD to wear a suit, I would always bring my gun, holster and mag pouch, light pouch, OC spray holster and hand cuff case with me and have the suit tailored to fit. There use to be a great tailor across the street from Parker Center, he could make any gun disappear under a suit coat.

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John Del Pinto

Thank you for all the suggestions unfortunately the one about trying a few out first is impractible, being in CA the only one I know who can carry is good old John Del Pinto if you arent LEO you cant carry here pretty much. Guess I will just take a plunge.

But I have already learned a valuable lesson, I was thinking of a OWB for comfort and to save me getting all new pants a size larger but now I suppose for ultimate concealment I really should go the IWB route.

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I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - John Bernard Books

The larger trouser size is not necessarily true. It depends on which pistol ypu're going to carry and the holster ypu select. I carry some sort of 1911 IWB all of the time and did not change sizes. Don't buy any new size trousers until you get your carry rig sorted out.

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Sic Semper Tyrannis

trial and error will work best........I carry quite a bit, and that is what I concentrate on for holsters. Even a holster I use at the range has to be something that I'd use for carry as I want the draw ingrained to my soul. I have tried lots of holsters for my carry guns and simple trial and error (i.e. finding what I like and dislike) has served me best..........but it has cost me

Simon,
I would go to as many IDPA matches as you can find. You will see about every holster type and maker represented and most guys will talk your ear off about what they like and don't like from the different makers.

Remember, you always need two of everything and as far as quality goes there are no free rides.
Walt

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I don't wear horsehide leather, my horse won't put up with it!

The nice thing about trial and error is , at least when buying from one of our more esteemed holstermakers and for a 1911 , you can wear a rig for a while , order another , wait until it's arrival and determine if it's going to be at least servicable , and of you're so inclined sell the previous one very easily at minimal loss . Eventually you'll find the ones you just can't part with .

I haven't mastered the art of selling them yet , and could open a small holster shop . I've found that while I like certain maker's work best , actually in most cases I could find several rigs from different craftsmen to fill my needs , but I'm REALLY fussy about belts .

Due to some very good advice from Jason Burton and Craig Chadwick , I started with an Alessi CQC-S for an OWB , a Sparks VM-II for an IWB , a Bulman QFDS for a range holster , and an Alessi belt . While I've acquired many other holsters , and found some that I liked better than the first ones I had , the original choices are still among the best and I haven't sold one of them . Learning the subtle qualities and differences between them all has been half the fun and I've grown to like leather almost as much as guns , and it's nowhere near as expensive ...Tom