Holster Review - Brigade M11

[Rob P.]

I ordered a standard Brigade M-11 w/o options back on August 31. I did it over the internet and charged it to my CC on a Saturday. On Monday I got a return email saying that they had received my order but they would have to make it because they don't stock holsters for most guns and mine in particular (S&W 6906). They also said the wait would be around 15 weeks.

Well, I got the holster last week and it only took 5 weeks. Wonderful customer service and turnaround. I think the workmanship is top notch. Good even stitching, and straight lines. The edges were rubbed and smoothed too. It looks like the holster was hand boned to form it and done very nicely. The ONLY complaint I have is that the leather seemed a bit dry. I have many many saddles and I KNOW what good leather should feel like. The holster leather was dry and almost brittle especially on the belt loops. A quick rubdown with some neatsfoot cured the problem.

The holster feels good. MY pistol is held securely even without a thumbreak but allows a smooth draw without hangups. I had to punch a couple of extra holes for the belt loop attachment screws to tilt the holster a bit more for my taste but other than that it's great.

The holster holds my carry weapon in tight to my body. It also turns the butt towards my body instead of letting it hang out in the breeze where everyone can see it.

It's NOT comfortable to sit with for long periods of time as the butt of the gun hits my kidney (typical at 5 o-clock position) but when standing I don't notice it at all. Nor do I have to "hitch" my pants up when standing. It also prints very strongly when I bend over (again, typical of waistband/belt carry rigs).

At $103 (incl shipping) it wasn't cheap. However, it holds my gun, FITS my gun (most don't) and is comforting to have on. I'd buy one except I already have one

I recommend this maker and holster for anyone who appreciates good workmanship and quality. (Hey, we need a "bullseye" smiley so I can give 4 bulleyes instead of "stars".)

[hygyliac]

Is there a website that we can access so we can see what these holsters look like? I'm always willing to research another holster manufacturer just incase! You are writing about an OWB, do they also produce IWB?

[Rob P.]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

Is there a website that we can access so we can see what these holsters look like? I'm always willing to research another holster manufacturer just incase! You are writing about an OWB, do they also produce IWB?

Sorry if I wasn't clear enough. The M-11 is a IWB holster and not paddle, pancake, or OWB style.

Brigade Holsters- Leather Gun Holsters & Accessories

[ttsail]

Looks like a nicely made holster but be careful with the neatsfoot oil it can break down the wet molding and make the holster soft and possibly collapse. Usually the maker will apply a topcoat sealer on the holster to prevent water or oils from doing this and dye rub off but some do not. I make leather holsters so I have some experience with in trial and error.

[hygyliac]

Thanks Rob P. They look like a holster that I will have to add to my collection.

[X-ffdo]

Looks similar to VMII

[hygyliac]

I contacted them earlier this week. I beleive that because of its shape and configuration comfort would be along the lines of the Milt Sparks or its Alessi counterpart. Unfortunately they responded that they only have metal clips instead of the kydex or plastic/resin ones. I'm afraid that the metal will abrade some of my belts. If someone, who has actually worn one, could please chime in and give us their input. They do look to be a very quality belt.

[Rob P.]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

I contacted them earlier this week. I beleive that because of its shape and configuration comfort would be along the lines of the Milt Sparks or its Alessi counterpart. Unfortunately they responded that they only have metal clips instead of the kydex or plastic/resin ones. I'm afraid that the metal will abrade some of my belts. If someone, who has actually worn one, could please chime in and give us their input. They do look to be a very quality belt.

My M-11 has leather loops for attaching to the belt. The loops are attached to the holster with screws and "T" nuts. There is no metal/plastic-to-belt-attachment.

I use a std leather 1 1/2" 2-ply belt avail at most all western outfit stores. Works fine and supports the holster perfectly. The holster is extremely comfortable even sitting on my living room sofa. It's not that comfortable when sitting in my desk chair because that's more form fitting. It would probably be the same in bucket seats in a car but I can't say since I'm not allowed to carry my weapon in it's holster while in the car (yet).

Recommend: Get the thumb break retention strap if you order one of these. Especially if you're the extreme active type like I am.