ripley16

Follow up post...
I just purchsed a Mitch Rosen Premier in the express line. This is a nice holster, but not cheap at $90. I had to do some fitting and stretching to get the pistol, a Kahr P45, to fit properly. It is molded to fit on the hip nicely, has quality hardware and seems up to the job. I like the holster and will probably use it as my daily rig.

However...
When I compare this holster to my Galcos there is a clear difference. The Galcos are finished better, the stitching is cleaner and nicer looking, I never had to adjust a Galco for fit, they have all been perfectly molded to the gun, ready to use from day one. Overall on a scale of one to ten I'd rate the Mitch Rosen a Seven and any of my Galcos a Nine. There is a difference.

allenruger

ripley16...Wow, that's kind of surprising to hear. See, I've honestly never had any problems with the quality or fit of my Galco or Desantis holsters so I was wondering if these custom items were THAT much better. To this guy, the wait times are just ridiculous. I think that is the reason that they have been kind of put on a pedestal a little bit. "I had to sacrifice and wait 6 months for this holster, it has to be awesome." I have to wonder if these companies increased their staff by a dramatic amount, so the holsters could be shipped out in a couple of days, would the demand be this great in a couple of years. Hey, they might JUST be that good. I have no experience with them at all. Everyone has their thing I guess. Thanks for everyone's input!

__________________
Allen

-"I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, 'cause it's going to be empty." -Clint Smith

longo244

I purchased an XD 45 4" Service Model when i turned 21. I did my homework, I handled one, I shot one, I talked to people with similar pistols, and I read every review/critique I could find. I must say, it's been a great gun minus it's CCW qualities. It's a bit too large for daily concealed carry for my tastes (or so I thought). I have since purchased a Glock 27 which I carry daily in a Galco IWB. This past summer, however, I made a promise to myself that I would find a holster in which I could comfortably carry my XD. Once again, I did my homework and settled on a Milt Sparks VM-II. Well, it took 6 months to arrive but I must say the wait was well worth it. The holster arrived earlier today and I've only worn it for a few hours but I must say that it is everything I could possibly want in an IWB holster. It supports the gun very well, there is almost no noticeable bulge with an untucked t-shirt, the construction is unparalleled, it's a work of art. I can't feel the gun at all. Looks like the G27 will be taking a break for a while. I am looking forward to putting the XD to use finally. So.....to answer your question.....YES....a custom holster was the only way to go in my situation. The minute I fastened the holster to my belt and holstered my gun it was more than evident why Milt Sparks charges what they do and why they have such a long wait...they are worth it. I'm only upset that I didn't order one for my 27 when I ordered for my XD. If anyone out there would like to sell a VM-II for a Glock 26/27/33 I would be more than happy to buy it.

Eric Larsen

If I can add my 02$...this is a great thread. Like the other makers have stated..simply put use what works for you. Tony says that there are more Galco holsters out there than all others combined...Id put money on that one!

As far as a SS (stacked loop IWB) VS a VM2 (offset loop IWB) and which is better....all your really doing is moving the holsters mass around for a different result. The inherent nature of the offset loops design is its thinner, more stable for most people and more flexible. The "it takes up more belt room" statement doesnt make any sense to me..but thats just me. Look at a SS style IWB from the top down and look at the bulk and then do the same for the VM style holster. There is a big difference in the thickness and thats what most people notice...and most find them more comfy.

The two biggest markets that I get are 1) the new guy who just wants a little help figuring out what style may best suit his needs and I do that everyday.
2) the guy thats carried for years and knows exactly what he wants and can tell me exactly how to build it!

Great thread.....Shoot well and god bless

__________________
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice..........Rush

allenruger

Eric...Thank you very much for your input here. We always appreciate it! I did notice on comparison pictures that the VM style holster is certainly thinner and I totally understand what you are talking about when you say that this tends to be more comfortable. When I recover from the "Christmas financial blues" I'm going to order one of these for my G26 and give it a test drive. I've really heard nothing but good things and I'm sure that I won't be disappointed!

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Allen

-"I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, 'cause it's going to be empty." -Clint Smith

dgg9

What I mean is this: a "stacked loop" holster is usually substantially less wide ("wide" ... as opposed to "thick") than the "spread loop" style, so you can shift it forward and back easier. The spread-loop style is often 6" or so from belt loop to belt loop, which is the "belt room" I was referring to. When the two holster loops are so far apart that they jam right up next to your own pant's belt loops, it's harder to move the holster forward and back to find the right spot. It's also harder to get the holster on.

Eric Larsen

allen...hey...just yell when you are ready.

dgg...I understand but one thing that kinda makes both styles of holster a toss up in that department is the number of loops and there locations vary greatly from one maker of pants to another.

I wear a stacked loop IWB with my 1911 at times and CANNOT wear it with one pair of my favorite pants because it just doesnt work with the loop location. I honestly find I have more "moveability" with the wider splayed loops with the pants I wear typically.

To each their own.....thank god we are all different. Life would be very boring if all of the same stuff worked for everyone.

Shoot well and god bless

__________________
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice..........Rush

SpringerXD

I haven't read this entire thread, but here's something that always occurs to me when this topic is brought up. Even if a holster is bought from a custom holster maker, it's not necessarily a "custom" in the classic sense. Take the Milt Sparks VMII, for example. It's as nice as any holster you'll see anywhere, but I would be hard-pressed to call it custom since it's a standard production model.

There's nothing wrong with that, either. In fact, I think that's the best way to go about things; find an excellent design and stick with it. Why reinvent the wheel? And the handmade quality and craftsmanship that goes into a Milt Sparks gives you the best of both worlds; a proven design that you're assured of being well made.

So I think the real issue here isn't so much "custom" vs. "mass produced." It's the way it's made, whether it's handmade with lots of attention to detail, or mass-produced by machines.

As for the original question, I would personally gladly pay a few bucks more for a Sparks, Brommeland, Del Fatti, or Alessi than to save a penny on junk.

__________________
"I practice the ancient art of Klik Pao."

-miklcolt45

K-Man

Are you saying that you own a 1911? When did you get it? I love the 1911 platform - lots of cool variations.

matdicdad

I have a Ron Graham pocket holster(pale horse leather) for a Seecamp .32. It is about as good as I can imagine as you could get. You can't see my Seecamp or holster when I carry. My only indulgence was shark skin trim. For the money I spent I can't imagine anyone being better. I love it.