Do you all feel that the pancake style above is better for a G19 than a classic loop and tunnel design like this?
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Yes…
+1
Pancakes are the only OWBs that I can hide well.
I wondered about that and called the company to ask their recommendation. I was told that the owner and son both use the Askins style model. The reasoning for this choice as I understand was because of the smaller surface area of the Askins. I was more concerned about how tightly it carries next to my side. If it does not do well for me I can always go with the pancake next.
As far as Im concerned, a holster with a “smaller surface area” just means its not as likely to distribute the guns weight as well.
The Askins design makes a great holster for open carry or for range games, but Ive yet to meet anyone that liked it for a serious concealment rig.
I prefer Kramer’s horsehide beltscabbard. Its thinner, and holds the gun very close to the body.
Agreed. And I should add that I have not found a kydex OWB holster that does not stick out like a sore thumb unless I wear ridiculously oversized shirts.
Bruce Nelson designed the classic “loop and tunnel” scabbard that’s widely copied (authorized and unauthorized) by several makers. Col. Askin didn’t design this holster, Bianchi stuck his name on their interpretation of the Nelson rig. Milt Sparks and Lou Alessi are the only two companies that Nelson officially passed the torch to after he couldn’t keep up with the demand.
Thanks you all for the sage advice. I did change the order to a pancake like this.
No doubt pancake holsters conceal the best because they pull the grip section in tight against the body.
No doubt pancake holsters are the least comfortable of the two because they pull the grip section in tight against the body.
Standby for a review (getting enuff carry time on it to do it) of the Raven Concealment Systems kydex rig. I think they are on the right track to a concealment kydex rig. For OWB, I’m still a fan of my Kramer belt scabbards but the RCS rig may turn out to be a viable alternative if you prefer kydex.
Buy one of these:
You can wear it any way you want. Best holster I have tried. I can comfortably hide my M&P 45 under a light shirt.
Akoni–
I missed your post and your reference to RCS holsters. I would recommend purchasing the “wings” for $15 when you place your order. They would convert the holster to a pancake type and would pull the weapon in even closer.
I have several of the various available attachment options that I’m trying out.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was skeptical at best about RCS (Raven Concealment Systems) holsters. I wore a Kramer horsehide holster for the better part of a year practically every day while doing PSD work in Iraq.
I am now wearing the RCS Phantom and their dual magazine pouch. I’ve been back in country (Iraq) almost a month now and I find their gear very comfortable, it conceals extremely well and find the the holster holds my weapon well, but when I draw it, there is a very clean release for lack of a better term. There’s not the drag that I’ve found with other holsters.
A key thing that has not been mentioned is the modularity of RCS. You can add a flashlight scabbard to the magazine carrier. They can also make a backup gun holster to mount to the mag carrier. I know of two people (one a very prominent firearms instructor and another who is also well known) who have either requested or already have RCS S&W J frame holsters to mount to their mag carries.
Finally, if you want to carry a weapons light on your pistol, the RCS Phantom does a great job of doing this.
I’m not slamming the Kramer belt scabbard at all, I still have it and it beats the hell out of the Uncle Mikes injection molded holster we were/are issued. But my recommendation to someone who is looking for a true concealed carry holster (as opposed to an IDPA approved holster) would be to give the RCS very serious consideration.
I don’t think either design is inherently better than the other. The gun, overgarment, carry position, preferred draw stroke, your body type, and quality of construction are all considerations in selecting a holster. The type of holster should be dictated by them, not the other way around.
All holsters are not created equal. Some tunnel & loop designs pull the butt of the gun in just as well as a pancake design. The pancake typically takes up more space on the belt.
FWIW, when I wore leather holsters, I was partial to Kramer and Milt Sparks.
I’ve heard enough good things about Kevin Manley’s holster over on Defensivecarry.com that I have ordered two Cochise Defenders, one for a S&W 637 and one for a S&W 915. I will probably order one for my K frame as well.
I am also thinking of ordering a Laredo Defender for all the above guns.
Cochise Defender
Laredo Defender
The holster came in today, looks good, feels good (has shield not evident in image) and rides well against my side. It has too much retention now since it is new.
Will silicone spray make the inside slicker for break in or is there a better product? The inside is pretty smooth but unlined.
Do NOT use a silicone spray, it will ruin the holster :eek: :eek:
Mitch Rosen has a product called Leather Lighting & Rusty Sherrick has a product called Hyde Glyde that’s cheaper than the LL and ya get more in the bottle. I’ve got both and while they are about the same I’d recommend Hyde Glyde as ya get more for your $$$$