I need help picking a holster

[VanLogan]

Here is what I have it narrowed down to

http://www.brigadegunleather.com/m-11.html

http://www.comp-tac.com/ct_ctac.html

http://www.kdholsters.com/basefile/iwb-defend.html

If anyone has any thoughts or opinions I am open to hear them.

Thanks

~VL

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by VanLogan

Here is what I have it narrowed down to

http://www.brigadegunleather.com/m-11.html

http://www.comp-tac.com/ct_ctac.html

http://www.kdholsters.com/basefile/iwb-defend.html

If anyone has any thoughts or opinions I am open to hear them.

Thanks

~VL

I don't like plastic, so that leaves me with the brigade. The one shown looks like a close copy of the Milt Sparks VM2. I have never heard of brigade nor have I ever seen one. Now that does not mean much, since I am not the holster guru.
It is hard to tell the quality, fit and finish of a holster without at least trying it. A picture on my computer is not enough.
The boning of the brigade looks really good though. You may be very happy with it. For the price of $95 I personally would not take the chance.
In case you order one please let us now what you think.

[ChrisG]

I've been using the CTAC exclusively since I've been carrying. No complaints; conceals well and is very comfortable.

[OCResident]

Since I've been buying and trying a few holsters lately, I'll give some advice.

Looks like you've already chosen IWB. Good, it's the most popular route and the one I'd recommend to try first before moving on.

Next is the choice between plastic and leather. Everyone has an opinion, and it's almost a religion one way or the other. Personally, I have both and like both for different guns and different purposes. Keep in mind:

• Leather lasts longer
• Leather is softer (think IWB)
• Kydex is said to be a little faster to draw from
• Kydex can be here in 3 days, leather sometimes takes months from the popular makers

I see alot of holster recommendations, method of carry recommendations, but what I don't see often enough is the consideration as to body type. I'm of the larger sub-species, and I was very excited to get my hands on the holy grail of holsters - the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 - then to find out that while being very confortable, it didn't conceal well on my body type (although I'm going to try it with a pants size up). I found that a Summer Special tended to blend in with my...ahem...body shape since it held the weapon a little lower. I'd suggest that riding high works better for a smaller build and riding low may work better for a larger one.

Don't be afraid to spend money on a good holster. You'll have a box full of holsters like everyone else if you start cheap and try to work your way up. I would suggest, rather than going out and ordering an expensive holster that's probably going to take a long time to arrive, either ask to try on holsters from some other CCWers, or pick them up used off of GlockTalk, CalGuns, SigForum, CombatCarry, etc. There seems to be quite a market for used holsters, particularly the good ones. Sometimes you pay more than the maker charges, but you can avoid a 4 month wait (in the case of Milt Sparks, for example). You can then resell it for near the same price if you don't like it.

If you tuck in your shirt, the Brigade isn't going to work well, but the other two look tuckable. You'll probably be happy with either of the 3, unless you find the Kydex uncomfortable (some do).

Guns & Sushi swears by his Cochise Defender. I'm a big fan of Milt Sparks - particularly the Summer Special/Heritage, although I can certainly appreciate the Versa Max II even though I may need to lose some weight to do it justice. Others love Comp-Tac Kydex. It really comes down to personal preference - which is why I made the recommendation to try before you buy (or try and sell until you keep).

[More Cowbell]

I do love my Cochise Defender. Secure. Easy on and off. Adjustable.

[Greg-Dawg®]

+1 on the Brigade.

[VanLogan]

I think I am set on getting the brigade. Do you recommend I get the 1.75 loops even though I am using a 1.5 inch belt?

Thanks

[VanLogan]

I oredered the brigade holster for these reasons:

I called and got excellent customer service
I spoke to the owner
20 day return policy
all leather
Money was not a factor
5-6 week delivery (this may sound long but others were 3+ months)

Logan

[TTH]

Originally Posted by VanLogan

I oredered the brigade holster for these reasons:

I called and got excellent customer service
I spoke to the owner
20 day return policy
all leather
Money was not a factor
5-6 week delivery (this may sound long but others were 3+ months)

Logan

It was nice talking to you also. I will try and visit as often as possible to this board to answer questions or offer advice about holsters.
-Troy

[DocAmentler]

Originally Posted by TTH

It was nice talking to you also. I will try and visit as often as possible to this board to answer questions or offer advice about holsters.
-Troy

Troy,

Welcome to the board. I look forward to your input on holster questions.

[peanutlover]

My vote is for the Lou Alessi Bodyguard. It's a horizontal shoulder holster with 2 mags on the tie-down side. It's almost undetectable and is very comfortable/comforting.

[Apeman88]

Originally Posted by VanLogan

5-6 week delivery (this may sound long but others were 3+ months)

Logan

I just got my VM2s after 17 weeks!! And I was quoted 20! Well worth the wait!

[VanLogan]

Originally Posted by TTH

It was nice talking to you also. I will try and visit as often as possible to this board to answer questions or offer advice about holsters.
-Troy

Thanks Troy,

I think you joining this board is another testament to the great service I have recieved already.

Thanks
~VL

[SierraNevadaCCW]

Any "coupon code" for the Brigade for CalCCW members?

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by VanLogan

Here is what I have it narrowed down to

Brigade Holsters- Leather Gun Holsters & Accessories

Comp-Tac C-T.A.C.

Inside Waist Band Defenders - K&D Holsters

If anyone has any thoughts or opinions I am open to hear them.

Thanks

~VL

GO FOR THE M-11!!!!!

(Like we are concerned how good an IWB is gonna look on you)