I have never believed in the “universal holster†concept nor the “best holster for all applications†theory. I think that is why I own so many pieces of handgun leather, much to the dismay of my wife. I quickly point out her collection of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Coach bags and the argument ends until my next purchase.
Anyway, over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the OWB high-ride designs as this keeps the muzzle from digging into the rears while seated, especially in a car. Given my body geometry (i.e. shorter arms), I find I can easily draw my weapon w/o contorting my body, even with the butt riding high up the sides. For drawing from a seated position, especially in a car, the butt is high and forward enough not to get buried in the seat back or under the seat belt. The high placement on the belt also allows me to get away with shorter covering garments, and does a better job of concealing as I bend down, reach across and generally move about.
One of my all time favorite OWB high-rides is Spark’s 60TK – simple design, comfortable fit, and the perfect height and angle for the majority of my concealment needs. However, there are times when situations call for an IWB design, usually during the warmer months. For such needs, I’ve relied upon Spark’s/TK’s Executive companion and VM2. Love both designs and both have worked well for me.
However, always for searching for something different, I contacted Josh Bulman over at Bulman Gunleather to see if he could create something different for me, adapted to my specific needs and requirements. I generally tend to secure my weapon of choice around the 3 0’clock position; anything beyond the 3:30 – 4:00 position usually aggravates my backside and kidneys, especially when seated. Also, this tends to print as I bend over – I know, I should bend at the knees to pick things up. Anyway the problem with this position is that any outboard belt loops/snaps (forward mounted) tend to be more visible with unbuttoned shirts or fleece vests. So using Josh’s IWB TSAT holster as a foundation, which is designed to ride higher than his other models, I asked him to modify it by adding a rear ‘wing’ that could accommodate another belt loop up near the bottom of the trigger guard. The purpose of this was two-fold. First, pull the butt of the gun in tight against my back (remember, sitting at 3 o’clock, the butt may protrude a bit more rearwards) for concealment, and secondly, provide a 3rd point of attachment to the belt for consistent presentation and stability on the waist, especially with an all steel 1911.
By virtue of the close relationship of the split-double loop and the 3rd single rear loop, I have enough flexibility to fine tune the position of the handgun on the waist w/o interference from a belt loop that falls right under a loop on the holster. Nevertheless, I usually end up re-positioning the right belt loop on my pants with a little needle and thread if the position is just not ideal, placing them so that it sits in between the split-double loop – this keeps the rig from shifting fore and aft. Combined with the third rear loop that keeps the angle of presentation consistent, I have a stable platform from which my firearm presents.
The photos below clearly demonstrate Josh’s skill and craftsmanship – his ability to take ideas and design requests and turn them into finished products must be seen and worn to be believed. He made me 4 versions of this modified TSAT – 5†1911, 4.15†1911 (Wilson’s Elite Professional), a Sig 228 and Sig 229. Whether an all steel 1911 or double-stack Sig, all seemingly disappear in the waist. All three loops keep the weapons stable at all times while using minimal real estate on the belt. Sitting, standing, driving, walking and laying about, the weapon is always pulled tight and I never have to ‘grab’ and re-position as the weapon does not rotate inside my pants – the ‘through the shirt/covering garment grab’ and ‘adjust’ is usually a dead giveaway that one is carrying concealed.
My primary choice of carry – Wilson Combat Elite Professional.
(note, I cropped out my belly)
Anyway, I thought I would share his beautiful work with you and tell you that Josh is a fine gentleman and a pleasure to work with. He even went above and beyond what was expected and made me some double-mag carriers at no charge after the post office lost the first package. I told him that things happen and I didn’t mind waiting (you can’t rush perfection), but he felt compelled to make things right even when the mistake was not his.
To those who are sitting on a fence about your first order with Josh Bulman, he’s up there with the top holster artisans and you can be assured of a fine product worth every dollar.
Dave.
…more pictures…
5†1911 – SA Pro wearing Ahrends double diamond grips made from macassar ebony.
backside of holster with SA Pro.
Two Sigs in my current carry line up – 228 two-tone and 229 (.357 sig) all stainless.
backside of sig holsters.
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