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When i turn 21 i want to open and conceal carry a firearm. And i have no idea what to do for holster options. I like the blackhawk level 3 but i have heard that if dirt gets in those the will be useless. Any tips carry options are appreciated.

I run with Safariland and Galco, but there are plenty of high end leather companies on the market.

I would advise against open carry. Nothing says "shoot me first" like someone who carries in the open.

Safariland paddle back and a coat.

Well you're 17 I wouldn't worry about it for now in 4 years they'll probably have new stuff out and this information will be out dated.

You can't really go wrong with Safariland, Bianchi or Galco holsters.

almstevill_665 said:

C_Repine said:

You can't really go wrong with Safariland, Bianchi or Galco holsters.

I looked at a few Safariland holsters, they look great. only thing is price, Galco too. But i guess if you skimp out on price, you gonna get crap quality. I've heard that Fobus holsters can shatter....not good.

Also, Does anyone know anything with the Clipdraw devices....they look pretty good but do they hold up? Are they reliable? Because they are something like $15.

Black hawk, safariland and galco are all pretty good

jcsaathoff said:

Well you're 17 I wouldn't worry about it for now in 4 years they'll probably have new stuff out and this information will be out dated.

I run Safariland both off and on duty. I've got the Model 6280 for a duty holster and I run a paddle back high ride (personal preference for concealed carry) holster that is similar to the Safariland Top Gun Duty holster. A lot of it has to do with personal preference. I went through a TON of holsters before I found the right one for ME. What might be right for ME might NOT be right for YOU.

I got a Blackhawk CQC SERPA level 2. I am getting into IDPA and after trying different holsters, i decided that the Serpa was the best for me. Am my draw is no slower with that than with a level 1.

C_Repine says ...

My Nat'l Guard unit issues the Blackhawk drop-leg holster for the Beretta M-9. It's not too bad until you have to go prone during quals with it and M-16 and other weapons. It traps a whole bunch of dirt in with the weapon and acts like sandpaper on the Berettas. Im sure glad it's not my personal weapon.

I was given the tip to keep it clean when i got it. And i shouldn't have to go prone with it for IDPA. I have heard that dirt in the level two catch can either relese the pistol or lock it in.

GTS197 says ...

almstevill_665 says ...

C_Repine says ...

My Nat'l Guard unit issues the Blackhawk drop-leg holster for the Beretta M-9. It's not too bad until you have to go prone during quals with it and M-16 and other weapons. It traps a whole bunch of dirt in with the weapon and acts like sandpaper on the Berettas. Im sure glad it's not my personal weapon.

I was given the tip to keep it clean when i got it. And i shouldn't have to go prone with it for IDPA. I have heard that dirt in the level two catch can either relese the pistol or lock it in.

Hate to always be the guy with the bad news, but you WILL be going prone in IDPA.

haha, well i guess i'll just have to keep it nice and clean.

klamm143 says ...

ccso8462 says ...

I'm pretty fond of Safariland products, but whatever you buy, get top-of-the-line quality from a well-known manufacturer.

You get what you pay for...determine your type carry and usage before selecting ANY holster. They are all holsters of course, but some better serve particular types of carry, body types, etc.

The holster im useing now fits me well, i have it on a far foreward cant so when it's on my belt with the pistol in it it fits right next to my body, i am able sit comfortably, and it fits to my "unique" body shape. i.e. under my love handle HAHA. and when i cover it with a loose button down shirt you can't see it. (BTW, when i do experiment with carry, i don't carry out anywhere, just around my house.)

chiefmonroe says ...

Can anyone suggest a nylon concealed carry holster for duty? Message me.

Well can you be a little more descriptive? Do you want a stiff nylon or a looser "pouch' style? Blackhawk makes looser holsters, but Bianchi (i think i spelled that right) Makes a nylon holster with a finger released retention unit, and that rides right next to the body. Then i think they make an ankle holster also.

What do you plan to carry in it if i may ask.

whitew says ...

Like the others, you cannot go wrong with a high end holster from a major manufacturer. I have used a Safariland 295 since day one in 1999. That is what we had in the academy, so maybe I like it because of that. I use Blackhawk, Don Hume, Mitch Rosen High Noon, Fobus, Galco, and Uncle Mikes for off duty carry, depending on what I am carrying and wear (full size v. Mini Glock, ankle, shoulder rig, paddle, IWB, Hip, etc.)

Right now, i have my Blackhawk for a Glock 17. and i love it. But i quickly learned that when i get multiple pistols....i will need multiple holsters. I like small nylon ankle holsters for a little J-Frame, But when i worked with a friends 1911, that sat well IWB.

After trying so many options, i see that my question was VERY unclear, because it seems like every application requires a different holster.

Also, how do the Safariland level three hoods differ from Blackhawk level three hoods? Do you have to actually push the hood down on the safarilands? i think the Blackhawk level three's hoods are automatic. I may be wrong, my Serpa is a level two.