BehindBlueI's
Grandmaster
- Oct 3, 2012
- 25,897
- 113
Any collapsible holster is a serious trade off. You're losing the ability to safely reholster, especially one handed. You're almost certainly flagging yourself when you holster unless you remove the holster, put the gun in it, and then replace it. That's an option for administrative handling, it's not always an option in a real confrontation.
I did get my wife a Remora since many women's clothing choices demand such trade-offs and she's definitely a light duty carrier. Just be very aware of what you're giving up to go to one.
So, somewhat on topic, somewhere on this forum I have a thread about a truly top notch holster. I had a horse hide holster made to my specifications after collaborating with a custom maker. My idea was to make a holster that lets you comfortably carry a 6" N-frame S&W revolver. I did this for two reasons. One, I don't believe in having guns that can't be put into a defensive carry role if required. Two, for when people say "I can't carry anything bigger than *insert micro-pistol* here. This holster was made specifically for me and specifically for one model and barrel length of gun, taking the properties of each into account. To my knowledge, only two of the product exist, mine and then one other fool like me wanted one. Not a commercial success, but wasn't intended to be.
I borrowed rather liberally from the High Noon "Tailgunner" holster (which, btw, I would also consider a fine product if they are still made today like they were 20 years ago but since it's been that long since I bought one, I can't say if that's the case or not). I spec'd out a holster that let the cylinder ride just above the belt. That'd be difficult, probably foolish, with a shorter barreled revolver since it would be very hard to stabilize and to tuck the butt in. With a 6" with a large flap of leather trailing the muzzle end (see the tailgunner) that solved the stability problem. The cylinder sitting above the belt made the thickest part of the revolver no longer line up with the belt, reducing overall bulk and increasing concealability. I had a fairly aggressive cant, enough that you could probably wear it cross draw, but for my build it was perfect for a clean draw stroke and comfort while standing or seated. The sweat guard completely covers any metal portion of the revolver and the maker elected to cut a window for the cylinder in the outboard side leather that protects one's clothing from the hammer. This also reduced bulk and also added a bit more retention. Horsehide is thinner then cow leather, more water/sweat tight, and holds it's shape better. I am not a maker, but the guys who are say it's tougher to work with and dye, though, so expect to pay more.
Now I'm not recommending a 6" N-frame as a carry gun unless you're Dirty Harry, and even then IWB is probably not the way to roll. This was an exercise in excess for it's own sake and for proof of concept. In short, it works very well but that's a side effect and the main purpose behind the collaboration was the fact it amused me to do. You could buy probably 3-5 Alienware holsters and have them a couple of months earlier then having something like this done if you can find someone to do it...but when you do and get something truly custom you know what top shelf is. If anybody gives a crap I'll try and take some new photos since apparently photobucket died and ate my old ones.
I did get my wife a Remora since many women's clothing choices demand such trade-offs and she's definitely a light duty carrier. Just be very aware of what you're giving up to go to one.
So, somewhat on topic, somewhere on this forum I have a thread about a truly top notch holster. I had a horse hide holster made to my specifications after collaborating with a custom maker. My idea was to make a holster that lets you comfortably carry a 6" N-frame S&W revolver. I did this for two reasons. One, I don't believe in having guns that can't be put into a defensive carry role if required. Two, for when people say "I can't carry anything bigger than *insert micro-pistol* here. This holster was made specifically for me and specifically for one model and barrel length of gun, taking the properties of each into account. To my knowledge, only two of the product exist, mine and then one other fool like me wanted one. Not a commercial success, but wasn't intended to be.
I borrowed rather liberally from the High Noon "Tailgunner" holster (which, btw, I would also consider a fine product if they are still made today like they were 20 years ago but since it's been that long since I bought one, I can't say if that's the case or not). I spec'd out a holster that let the cylinder ride just above the belt. That'd be difficult, probably foolish, with a shorter barreled revolver since it would be very hard to stabilize and to tuck the butt in. With a 6" with a large flap of leather trailing the muzzle end (see the tailgunner) that solved the stability problem. The cylinder sitting above the belt made the thickest part of the revolver no longer line up with the belt, reducing overall bulk and increasing concealability. I had a fairly aggressive cant, enough that you could probably wear it cross draw, but for my build it was perfect for a clean draw stroke and comfort while standing or seated. The sweat guard completely covers any metal portion of the revolver and the maker elected to cut a window for the cylinder in the outboard side leather that protects one's clothing from the hammer. This also reduced bulk and also added a bit more retention. Horsehide is thinner then cow leather, more water/sweat tight, and holds it's shape better. I am not a maker, but the guys who are say it's tougher to work with and dye, though, so expect to pay more.
Now I'm not recommending a 6" N-frame as a carry gun unless you're Dirty Harry, and even then IWB is probably not the way to roll. This was an exercise in excess for it's own sake and for proof of concept. In short, it works very well but that's a side effect and the main purpose behind the collaboration was the fact it amused me to do. You could buy probably 3-5 Alienware holsters and have them a couple of months earlier then having something like this done if you can find someone to do it...but when you do and get something truly custom you know what top shelf is. If anybody gives a crap I'll try and take some new photos since apparently photobucket died and ate my old ones.
