Just added two full sized pistols to my LTC. What should I holster them in?

[Capybara]

I just completed my CCW renewal and in the process, added two full sized pistols to my carry roster, my SA 1911-A1 Loaded and my Glock 17. I shoot both of these pistols more accurately than my Shield, P64 or CZ82. I carry my Shield in a Crossbreed SuperTuck in horsehide, have been generally happy with the holster. I have a no name Kydex for the CZ82 that is just okay and a leather cheap IWB IWI holster for the P64.

I was thinking of ordering an Alien Gear neoprene holster for the Glock 17 and not sure what the best choice would be for the 1911-A1? Both of these guns are a lot larger and much heavier than my Shield 9. I am 6' 1", 175lbs so not fat or super skinny, just average. I almost always only carry IWB at 3:00 carry with a slight forward cant. I prefer Kydex with leather or neoprene, are there any other reasonable priced holsters I should be considering in the price range of the Alien Gear?

[grantar2]

Cappy, I personally think your carrying the shield in the wrong holster. Having said that, I would suggest that you will be happy with the Alien Gear Clock Tuck 3.0 for the 1911, or a Stealth Gear. The Alien Gear will be more flexible in that you can change shells if you so desire. The AG will make the 1911 more comfortable to carry than some other holsters.

The G17 I would offer will work fine in the 3 0'clock position with a Cooks Kydex that he makes to my spec.

There is a gun show in OC next weekend. I know it's a long drive but if you come down bring the G17 and 1911, stop by see me and try some holsters on.

[Capybara]

Thanks Grantar. Unfortunately that is about a three hour drive each way for me. I ordered an Alien Gear 3.0 for each, we'll see how they work. Why is the Crossbreed Supertuck the wrong holster for my Shield, it's been great, super comfortable, half the time I almost forget I am carrying. I got the horsehide version and other than edge curl, it's been flawless. Just wanted to try something newer and cheaper for my two full sized.

[grantar2]

Cappy if your happy with it and you never find yourself saying na not going to put the gun on I am just going to XYZ, never had a problem. But the reason is you don't want to put the holster and gun on then it would be wrong, or if you have to buy clothes to fit the bulk. I find for the Shield, Sig 238,938, and LCP, etc that a hybrid is too much holster. However if your happy it's right. The quality is certainly there.


Were talking about adding Ventura to our gun show list next year, if we do, hope to get the chance to say hi.

[GlockN'Roll]

Cappy if your happy with it and you never find yourself saying na not going to put the gun on I am just going to XYZ, never had a problem.

But the reason is you don't want to put the holster and gun on then it would be wrong, or if you have to buy clothes to fit the bulk.

I find for the Shield, Sig 238,938, and LCP, etc that a hybrid is too much holster.

However if your happy it's right. The quality is certainly there.


Were talking about adding Ventura to our gun show list next year, if we do, hope to get the chance to say hi.

The large hybrid holsters are typically overkill for smaller pistols.

Several of my unused holsters simply added too much bulk/thickness to my IWB bound pistols.

My current primary carry G43 was bought to reduce IWB bulk, adding it back in the form a holster seems silly.

I have never carried my 1911 or Glock 21 in an IWB holster, and yet they have seen plenty of OWB holsters when circumstances warranted it.

A double strap/hook hybrid holster will definitely spread out the weight of a large holster, if your pants allow for it...

[GlockN'Roll]

I don't think it's a good idea to rotate between guns...

I don't think it's a good idea to rotate between guns with 2 different manual of arms.

I'm not sure I could always remember which gun I had strapped on that day when the balloon goes up.

JM Custom Kydex makes the best purpose-driven holsters out there for concealed carry.

I've seen multiple Crossbreed holsters come off the belt during the draw in pistol classes. One student couldn't get a full firing grip due to the frisbee sized leather sweat guard. I was shooting with a member of my local PD a few months ago and his off duty Galco clip on holster come off the belt and stay on the gun during he draw. I don't think clips are sufficient for a concealed carry rig; soft or hard loops would be better.

And this is why I only carry Glocks...

[downdiver2]

Are you opposed to OWB. For 1911 try Mernickle PS6.

[Capybara]

I actually put the 1911 and G17 on my renewal CCW for options for carrying in car, backpacking, etc. I will probably hardly ever just carry them daily. For that I will still carry my Shield, it is just too comfortable to carry. I am surprised that carrying it in a full sized hybrid is such a big deal, I've carried it in the Crossbreed Supertuck since day one. The size of the holster seems fine to me. I try to do live fire run and draw drills and stationary drills as often as possible, I have never pulled the holster off accidentally. I have a cheapo single clip, IWI leather holster for my P64 that I have done that with but never the Crossbreed.

[baggss]

As to the question posed by Capybara, I've found that as in most things in life, if you are willing to spend a bit more you'll generally be more satisfied. I've tried the Alien Gear CT 2 and the CT 3 as well as some other no name IWB holders that I've found and while they all work, none of them actually met my expectations of making me enjoy carrying when I've used them. My advice is look at the more custom holster market and be willing to pay $100 or $200 or maybe even more for a holster that will last you forever.

I bought a nice IWB custom leather (with elephant hide) holster for my PX-4 from TT Gun-leather and haven't looked back. I like it so much that I recently ordered another IWB that has clips instead of belt loops for everyday carry when I may have to remove the weapon and holster several times during the day for secure storage while I'm at work. Yes they are pricey (the first one was $225 with all the trimmings and took 6 weeks to be delivered, the second was $150 and I am awaiting delivery like a kid at Christmas. They are all made to order with few exceptions) but I fully expect the second one to be as satisfying to use as the first. Additionally, while my PX-4 isn't a very heavy gun, I would think a custom holster would probably stand up longer to a heavier weapon.

If all you can afford or are willing to spend money on brings to an Alien Gear, then that's cool, they make decent stuff. But if you are like me and realize that you have spent a lot of time, effort and money to get your CCW, and to get good firearms, isn't it worth a little bit higher cost to buy a holster that will last and that you'll actually enjoy? Since you live somewhere close to me, if you'd like to see my current holster and perhaps the new one when it comes in so you can judge the quality vs price of them when compared to an AG or another brand, feel free to hit me up and we can meet some weekend and I can show you what I am talking about.

I don't think it's a good idea to rotate between guns with 2 different manual of arms. I'm not sure I could always remember which gun I had strapped on that day when the balloon goes up.

Agreed 100% My instructor for my initial CCW only carried 1911s since they all worked the same for him. At least standardizing on one system allows you to train more efficiently, build skills better and have better "muscle memory" than having to think about which gun you are carrying when/if the SHTF. Those seconds and that confusion can mean someones life or death, perhaps your own.

And this is why I only carry Glocks.

...and is why I only carry Berettas...

My SA 1911 is also on my CCW, but I've never carried it. I'm considering putting my XD9 on my renewal, but I doubt I'll every carry it either. I consider them as backups in case my Beretta goes down for some reason.

[GlockN'Roll]

I will probably hardly ever just carry them daily...

I actually put the 1911 and G17 on my renewal CCW for options for carrying in car, backpacking, etc.

I will probably hardly ever just carry them daily.

For that I will still carry my Shield, it is just too comfortable to carry.

I am surprised that carrying it in a full sized hybrid is such a big deal, I've carried it in the Crossbreed Supertuck since day one.

The size of the holster seems fine to me.

I try to do live fire run and draw drills and stationary drills as often as possible,

I have never pulled the holster off accidentally.

I have a cheapo single clip, IWI leather holster for my P64 that I have done that with but never the Crossbreed.

I found that the metal clip on many IWB holsters is formed wrong.

The angled bottom the clip makes for easy attachment.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Ntd%2B6EF%2BL._SL1500_.jpg

Having that same angle underneath the belt, rather that a flat surface which catches the bottom edge of the belt, allows the holster to easily slip off the belt when drawn.

A little adjustment with a vice and pair of vicegrips fixes this tendency...


Having that big gun on your LTC, even one with a different manual of arms is not the end of the world if you practice with it (them).

I can see the attraction for camping and/or heavy winter clothes...

Areas where I would most like carry my G21, are typically out of state where my CCW choices are not limited to a specific list of weapons.

I will be testing out some new/different pistol options (not on my CA LTC list) while visiting the Pacific Northwest next month.

[rlewpolar]

Just added two full sized pistols to my LTC. What should I holster them in?

Started carrying my Glock 20/21 (Glock 20 with a Glock 21 upper) which is the biggest gun I own. Ordered an Ozark IWB kydex holster for it. $55 and believe it or not, I can comfortably carry this gun at my 4:00 all day. I've walked for 6 hours recently with it and was really quite surprised at how comfortable thus set up is, even when driving. You never quite forget that you are carrying it but there is zero discomfort and no fatigue. A good belt is key also, I use a Beltman. Go custom kydex, you won't regret it. Ozark is so reasonably priced, not sure why you'd go off the shelf.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lonestargrizzly]

As to the question posed by Capybara, I've found that as in most things in life, if you are willing to spend a bit more you'll generally be more satisfied. I've tried the Alien Gear CT 2 and the CT 3 as well as some other no name IWB holders that I've found and while they all work, none of them actually met my expectations of making me enjoy carrying when I've used them. My advice is look at the more custom holster market and be willing to pay $100 or $200 or maybe even more for a holster that will last you forever.

I bought a nice IWB custom leather (with elephant hide) holster for my PX-4 from TT Gun-leather and haven't looked back. I like it so much that I recently ordered another IWB that has clips instead of belt loops for everyday carry when I may have to remove the weapon and holster several times during the day for secure storage while I'm at work. Yes they are pricey (the first one was $225 with all the trimmings and took 6 weeks to be delivered, the second was $150 and I am awaiting delivery like a kid at Christmas. They are all made to order with few exceptions) but I fully expect the second one to be as satisfying to use as the first. Additionally, while my PX-4 isn't a very heavy gun, I would think a custom holster would probably stand up longer to a heavier weapon.

If all you can afford or are willing to spend money on brings to an Alien Gear, then that's cool, they make decent stuff. But if you are like me and realize that you have spent a lot of time, effort and money to get your CCW, and to get good firearms, isn't it worth a little bit higher cost to buy a holster that will last and that you'll actually enjoy? Since you live somewhere close to me, if you'd like to see my current holster and perhaps the new one when it comes in so you can judge the quality vs price of them when compared to an AG or another brand, feel free to hit me up and we can meet some weekend and I can show you what I am talking about.



Agreed 100% My instructor for my initial CCW only carried 1911s since they all worked the same for him. At least standardizing on one system allows you to train more efficiently, build skills better and have better "muscle memory" than having to think about which gun you are carrying when/if the SHTF. Those seconds and that confusion can mean someones life or death, perhaps your own.



...and is why I only carry Berettas...

My SA 1911 is also on my CCW, but I've never carried it. I'm considering putting my XD9 on my renewal, but I doubt I'll every carry it either. I consider them as backups in case my Beretta goes down for some reason.

We both carry the PX4 daily, while it can be a bit of a chore, I think it's worth it. Just have to get the right holster. Alien Gear works for me. In heavy clothes I can pull off wearing the Desantis Thumb Break OWB holster.

[Capybara]

Have you used the Crossbreed in a pistol class, match, or other scenario where you're being timed or watched by a group? That can add adrenaline that you wouldn't get by dry/live firing by yourself. "It's never done that before" is what I hear every time.

I have used it doing run and draw/shoot drills in a tactical class while being timed, and during my timed CCW qualification shooting for my renewal. My only holdup has ever been having my loose shirt get caught up in the pistol when I neglected to be deliberate in moving it out of the way with my left hand as I presented the pistol with my right hand.

Not saying a SuperTuck cannot come undone, obviously it can, but I seem to have the correct fit belt and cinch it in such a way that the SuperTuck has never came off. I just received the Alien Gear holsters for the 1911 and the G17 and I like how their nylon retaining clips have the hook at the bottom to wrap around the belt. It seems they would be even more difficult to accidentally rip out along with the pistol? If I like them on the full sized pistols, maybe I'll get one for the Shield as well. I wear a heavy duty, plain Bullhide belt, it's been really great.