dmorris68

I'll be in the market for probably one of these soon. I hope to buy a Kimber Pro CDP II next month as a lighter-weight upgrade to the Combat Commander I've carried for the past 10 years, and want a nice comfortable IWB for it. Even if I don't score the Kimber, I may get one of these holsters anyway for my Commander.

I had already tentatively decided on the Max-Con V. From all my research, it seems very well made and popular, but I'm seeing order fulfillment still seems to be a problem with Brommeland -- I don't care to wait 1-2 years. However, CCA sometimes stocks the Service Grade Max-Con so I could get lucky.

The VM2 is also highly popular, has "only" a 5-6 month backlog by comparison, and has a few dealers who also stock them that I might also luck out with. As a bonus, they also have optional kydex clips to make the VM2 tuckable, another attractive feature I may be interested in (and would love any testimonials as to how well it works -- the clips sound a little funky in their operation).

Given all that, I'm leaning towards the VM2 now instead of the Max-Con. I'm sure I'd probably be happy with either, but I'm interested in hearing any advice and opinions from first-hand experience, as well as similar alternatives I may not be thinking of (I have seen some similar knock-offs from other mfgs).

Bonus question: Would the molding/boning of a 4.25" Commander and the 4" CDP in either of these holsters be similar enough for either pistol to be reliable used in the same holster? I'm guessing possibly not if they mold for each specific model since the CDP has slightly different frame dimensions and melting treatment, extended safety, etc. that my Commander doesn't have, but wasn't sure if these guys made such distinctions between mostly similar 1911 models. So far I've just seen their 1911 models advertised for different barrel lengths, but not other variations (short of a custom order at least). If it turns out they are interchangeable, I could go ahead and get my order in now for the Commander model, and then use it with the CDP should I get it.

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David

Kimber Pro CDP II • Colt Combat Commander • Glock 26 GNS • Ruger Mark III 22/45 • Kahr CW9 (sold)

JerryM

I am not sure what the differences in dimensions are between the two mentioned.

I have a couple of SA compact 1911s with 4 inch barrels. I also have a Kimber Classic Compact with the 4 inch barrel.
With my holsters from Sparks, and Brommeland both fit tightly. I think it is due to the fact that their holsters are made very tight.
I recently got a holster from another maker and it fit my SA, but was too loose for my Kimber. The sight track was OK for the Kimber, but too tight for the SA.

Accordingly, I would call the maker and present the situation. He will be able to advise you.

I do not have either of the holster you are considering so I cannot help there.

Regards,
Jerry

HammerheadFL

Check out the Dakota Defender by K&D Holsters Florida. I just picked mine up recently and it is by far the best tuckable holster I have ever worn.

slimjim

There are considerable differences between the MC-V and VM2. Very different holsters. I'll point a few out:

1) The VM2 rides higher on the belt than MCV
2) The MCV has more extreme cant (25 degrees) vs VM2 (~15 degrees)
3) The MCV is considerably "thinner" in regards to holster profile. The MCV leather is esp. less bulky in the belt loop area
4) The VM2 has a reinforced mouth, the MCV does not. BTW, I have no problem with one handed reholstering with either.
5) The MCV has that "sciatic flap" or "comfort tab" which really helps with comfort and preventing muzzle from digging into the hindside

I can attest there is no problem using a 4" 1911 in a MCV made for a Commander. Hope this helps.

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torrejon224

I own both and rarely use the Brommeland. The Sparks is a much better made product IMO and they people there will not BS you or lead you down the wrong road. Same thing cannot be said for Brommeland. Do a search using his name and you'll see what I am saying. Personally my all time favorite is Mark Garrity's In Cognito Deluxe. The suede backing makes all the difference in the world when your carrying a heavy gun for 14-16 hours daily.

dmorris68

Thanks, I just looked. It doesn't seem to market itself as tuckable, or at least never mentions it in the description. But looking at the picture, it does appear to be tuckable as long as you use the clips. From the description the loops are attached at the top and so would not be tuckable I assume. The price is decent, so I'd certainly keep this in mind.

This would be okay with me, I don't really like a very low ride. Since the seat of my pants tends to fit tighter than my shirt in that area, I'd be afraid that too much holster below the belt line would be more likely to print with a short outer garment, while bending over, especially when using in a tucked scenario without an outer garment.

This is good to know -- 25 degrees seems a bit much, I'm more accustomed to the 15 degree range. So the VM2 is looking even better for me.

I'm a pretty big guy (6'2" 260#) so I don't think the difference in thickness will be as big an issue as it would be with a smaller person. However I do see what you mean in that the outer reinforcement strip on the VM2 does make it look pretty thick compared to the MCV.

I think I'd prefer the reinforcement myself, but then again I've never considered one-handed reholstering to be a dealmaker. From your experience it sounds like a non-issue anyway.

Up until this point you had made the case for the VM2 as far as I'm concerned, but this was a dealbreaker -- I must have that flap! I could have sworn I saw it on a VM2, and sure enough, it's apparently available on some. Note the brown holster in this image, vs the black above it:



It doesn't appear to be quite up to the hammer level though, but does barely reach up to the slide. I take it yours does not have this? Or were you just referring to it being too short to be effective?

EDIT: Oh wait, nevermind -- I missed where you said "muzzle," and I note the tab design at the bottom of the MCV now. None of the IWB's I've tried before have this tab either, so I'm not sure that's a dealbreaker for me, but something I'll keep in mind.

Thanks, this is good to know too. With an open top holster and what I believe is a slightly thinner profile on the CDP, I was concerned about retention. I still wonder if carrying the thicker Commander for a length of time would possible make it too loose for the CDP, but JerryM's experience also seems to suggest it might not be an issue either. Perhaps if I intend to use the same holster for both pistols, I should look at an adjustable retention design.

Thanks all for the input so far!

__________________
David

Kimber Pro CDP II • Colt Combat Commander • Glock 26 GNS • Ruger Mark III 22/45 • Kahr CW9 (sold)

rodc13

I'd vote for doing business with Tony Kanaly and Milt Sparks. By everyone's account they are dedicated to producing products of the highest quality while maintaining ethical business practices. They make honest appraisals of what to expect and then keep their promises, without making excuses.

Just browse through the "Where's my holster?" thread and make your own judgements.

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Cheers,
Rod
"We're paratroopers. We're supposed to be surrounded!" Dick Winters

dmorris68

Yeah, I had done that, which is exactly what led me to reconsider dealing with Brommeland. Even if I found stock at CCA, by buying his stuff I'd be complicit in supporting his business, and given the complaints and his apparent lack of customer service and business skills lately, I'm no longer sure that's something I want to do.

At this point I'm all but convinced to go with the VM2 over the MCV, but am still open to more opinions and alternatives!

__________________
David

Kimber Pro CDP II • Colt Combat Commander • Glock 26 GNS • Ruger Mark III 22/45 • Kahr CW9 (sold)

orangehole

I don't own any Brommeland leather but just judging from the pics I have seen and the many Sparks holsters which I own that there is no comparison. Sparks makes a better holster. Brommeland at CCA is now up to something like $169 and although there might be immediate delivery, you could buy a VM2 plus mag carrier for the same price. The stitching and details on Sparks are much nicer.

JimmyC4

Well said, my thoughts exactly.

I have been extremely pleased with my VMII as well as the other holsters I've gotten from Sparks.

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