What kind of OC belt holster do you use?

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Prompted by a discussion on retention holsters on a different thread, I'd like to know what brand of holster is most popular for OWB open carry here. The poll is multiple-choice, so if you have more than one brand of holster for your main OC handgun(s), choose all that apply. If your holster brand is not represented (the poll is limited to 10 options) choose what material it is made from.

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I'm currently using an Uncle Mike's holster with level I retention. I'm looking for something with level II retention, but find it difficult to find holsters for a Glock 30.

I'm thinking of getting a level III retention holster further in the future for work use (I'm a security guard).

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I have a drawer full of holsters!

This was mostly trial and error along the path of finding which holsters work best for varied circumstances, eg., time of year, whether I'm wearing a suite or something more casual - not to mention I now I have 3 different pistols.

I have a Fobus ankle holster for my Glock 26, plus all the nylon and velcro gizmos that come with my 5.11 parka and jacket.

I have a Bianchi molded nylon OWB belt holster for the Bersa 380, which is the current "trainer" pistol for my lady friend. Also a custom leather belt slide holster that came with the pistol - no idea who made it, but it's a piece of crap anyway.

I have 2 different Safariland leathers - a pancake / belt slot style for a Glock 19 which my nephew now has, and a nice leather paddle for my Beretta 96. That's what I normally use when in suite and tie mode, unless I'm carrying the small Glock on my ankle. I also have an Aker leather flatsider, another belt-slot style with level - I retention for my Beretta.

I also have a Galco Jackass Shoulder rig for the Beretta. Normally a fall / winter wear piece.

Let's see - what else is in the drawer.... an Uncle Mike's IWB which I hate. A custom leather IWB from Backwoods Leather, which was very nice when new. I've gotten away from IWB so I never use it anymore. A no name stiffened nylon belt slide which is a piece of crap, an elastic belly band that I got for the lady friend - she can't stand it. A Kramer T-shirt rig with elasitc holster bands under the arm pits - novel idea but sucks in practice. And a thunder-wear crotch holster. Again - novel idea but I quickly realized this was a stupid idea and horribly uncomfortable if you had to sit for long periods of time.

Here's the biggest thing I've learned about holsters. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. A cheap holster is a cheap holster - period. Good holsters certainly cost more money, but they're worth it!

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Serpa.

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I have a couple of Serpas (and a thigh rig for them), and about half a dozen different Galco leather holsters, on of which is a Miami Classic.

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Desantis Yaqui Slide

I'd like to try one of the leather pancake-style molded holsters for a little more secure retention. With the Yaqui slide my gun tends to flop a little bit (especially if I try to move at any faster than a walk).

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Blackhawk Serpa......








Walker

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I make my own holsters and have for some years now. They are leather, usually strong-side, high ride, butt to the rear. They fit close and tight and I can cover the gun with my elbow. I usually have a over the hammer thumb break, but a couple are simply fitted tightly and I have an adjustment to retain.

Most all of my open carry type - and most of my hideout - holsters are carved in some decorative pattern. To me, it's like having decent grips and a good finish on the gun, clean clothes and shined shoes. It just seems proper.

For commercial holsters, I used to favor Don Hume. But it was owned by Don Hume in those days. I haven't seen much commercial stuff lately. Most of what I've seen is either plastic, mass produced or both. I'm an old grump and the new stuff really doesn't impress me much.

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I've got a Bianchi or two, a Desantis, and three from El Paso Saddlery.

My favorite, but rarely worn:

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JesseL

That is a really nice picture you posted of you and your kid. Man you look so happy there! Awesome!!

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Thanks Alwayspacking!

I do tend to enjoy being out with the little guy.

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OldManMontgomery wrote:

I make my own holsters and have for some years now. They are leather, usually strong-side, high ride, butt to the rear. They fit close and tight and I can cover the gun with my elbow. I usually have a over the hammer thumb break, but a couple are simply fitted tightly and I have an adjustment to retain.

Most all of my open carry type - and most of my hideout - holsters are carved in some decorative pattern. To me, it's like having decent grips and a good finish on the gun, clean clothes and shined shoes. It just seems proper.

For commercial holsters, I used to favor Don Hume. But it was owned by Don Hume in those days. I haven't seen much commercial stuff lately. Most of what I've seen is either plastic, mass produced or both. I'm an old grump and the new stuff really doesn't impress me much.

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Wow. Is this a hobby for you, or a business? Can you post a pic or two? I'd like to see your handy-work...

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I use a Serpa.

I'm surprised that Safariland isn't on the list...

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I justbought a Bianchi Ranger Shadow (nylon) to try out. EDIT: ok the rangershadow I'm happy with. Pulls the gun tight like the accumold belt slides I have, but it covers the muzzle of the gun which I like.

I have a belt loop accumold I got, didn't like how it attached to the belt (didn't ride close enough for my liking).

Got an accumold paddle, liked it, but I'd have to pull my belt tighter, or else the gun wouldn't ride close enough for my liking...not to mention the two screws that attach the paddle to the holster would pull though the plastic slots (plastic too flexible) if tugged on hard enough. While trying to reinforce that one with a piece of aluminum sheeting, it got busted with a hammer. Gave me an excuse to go all out with reinforcement. Replaced the original screws and stuff with bolts twice the diameter using nuts instead of screws. That sucker ain't going nowhere now!


I do have two accumold belt slide holsters which I like, rides close and doesn't need my belt tightened any more than normal.

I have a Blackhawk serpa for my XD45 and it's great.

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MetalChris wrote:

I use a Serpa.

I'm surprised that Safariland isn't on the list...

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The forum software limits polls to only 10 choices. If I left your particular brand out, I apologize.

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anybody have a preference on iwb carry? i like the serpa padel for owb, seems to fit nicely.

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Sourdough Pancake holster from simplyrugged.com

Best revolver holster going, especially for smaller guns like those with 3 inch barrels.

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opspecial wrote:

anybody have a preference on iwb carry? i like the serpa padel for owb, seems to fit nicely.

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I'm a huge fan of the Kramer IWB holsters http://www.kramerleather.com/

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You wouldnt know where I could find a quality leather holster for an XDM would you?

I have found tons for the XD but none for the XDM yet. Any help would be appreciated, thanks

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Fobus pancake. Really rides easy both OC and CC. Glock 21.