the belster

9035 Views 46 Replies 18 Participants Last post by BeltsterMan, Jan 29, 2006

CombatEffective

Discussion Starter · Jun 25, 2005

http://banderagunleather.com/index.html

What do y'all think of this:

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Prospector

· #2 · Jun 25, 2005

It looks like a good "concept", but it appears to me that after much use, the leather would stretch to the point of not keeping the firearm secure while bending over and such. Perhaps a tension screw would help for a while, but there just doesn't seem to be enough leather there to maintain a long term snug fit. :redface:

Eric Larsen

· #3 · Jun 25, 2005

Well at first I heard goog things about them, recently there has been some so so reviews on them. Some like em, some dont think they work.
They are innovative...I made one years ago but never liked the way it worked for me. You pays your monies and you takes your chances........
Shoot well.

KC135

· #4 · Jun 25, 2005

I'll pass again...as I did several years ago when I first saw them.

MechE

· #5 · Jun 25, 2005

I tried this type of holster several years ago and only had one problem with it. It was so comfortable that I almost forgot the firearm was there. I sat down in a cast iron chair with arm rests at a public resturant. The muzzle of my pistol hit the arm rest and popped it right out of the holster (or beltster). I stopped it from hitting the floor only because I was quick enough to pinch it between my forearm and side. The rest of the evening I was nervous as hell because I thought everyone saw what happened. This happened a second time at home when I sat down at my office chair in front of my computer desk. The handgun just hit the carpeted floor with a thud. I took the holster off and just chucked it in the trash. Didn't even make it to my box of sad and lonely holsters. This is a very comfortable holster but you just have to keep an eye on your pistol so it does not decide to jump out at the most embarrassing moment.

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CombatEffective

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 25, 2005

MechE said:
I tried this type of holster several years ago and only had one problem with it. It was so comfortable that I almost forgot the firearm was there. I sat down in a cast iron chair with arm rests at a public resturant. The muzzle of my pistol hit the arm rest and popped it right out of the holster (or beltster). I stopped it from hitting the floor only because I was quick enough to pinch it between my forearm and side. The rest of the evening I was nervous as hell because I thought everyone saw what happened. This happened a second time at home when I sat down at my office chair in front of my computer desk. The handgun just hit the carpeted floor with a thud. I took the holster off and just chucked it in the trash. Didn't even make it to my box of sad and lonely holsters. This is a very comfortable holster but you just have to keep an eye on your pistol so it does not decide to jump out at the most embarrassing moment.

Thanks for the firsthand review. Did you have the 1.5" or the 1.75 inch model?

Also, thanks to others for their comments. I wonder if it would work better for smaller autos and small revolvers than for service sized pistols. A J-frame would probably work well in it as most of the frame would be covered by the width of the belt.

MechE

· #7 · Jun 25, 2005 (Edited)

I think it was 1.5" but it wasn't the beltster...or maybe it was. I bought it off some vendor at a gun show back in 92-93. It was the exact same thing though.

GGL

· #8 · Jun 26, 2005

MechE hit the nail right on the head; and the same thing can happen with pretty much any holster that doesn't cover the muzzle.

SSKC

· #9 · Jun 26, 2005

Judging by the picture, and having never handled one, I'd say:

-Inadequate trigger cover
-No one-handed re-holster
-Inadequate retention
-For a 1911, or any weapon with a safety, inadequate "protection" of the safety lever.
-Inadequate protection of the weapon from plain old bumps and dings

SSKC

P95Carry

· #10 · Jun 26, 2005

No way Jose! :smile:

Bumper

· #11 · Jun 26, 2005

SSKC said:
No one-handed re-holster

I can hear it now, "Excuse me officer, but would you reholster my gun for me?" :biggrin:

SARR001

· #12 · Jul 3, 2005 (Edited)

Betster

I've been carrying my 1911 in the 1.75" model for more than 6 years without any issues. Totally comfortable and because the belt pushes the pistol into your side, it doesn't print at all. I am 5'7" and about 165, so my frame doesn't do much to hide it.
I've met the owner/designer, Scott Key, and he makes a great product. I'm not affiliated with this company, just giving my humble opinion.
Check it out:

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CombatEffective

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 3, 2005

Thanks for the pic and firsthand repsonse.

SARR001

· #14 · Jul 5, 2005

No problem. I like the rig and all can see that the trigger is covered.

QKShooter

· #15 · Jul 5, 2005

san antone rr

Well, if that's the same belt/holster that you've worn for 6 years then I would say that it has held up pretty well & it still looks quite functional.
A picture is worth 1,000 words. :wink:

SARR001

· #16 · Jul 5, 2005 (Edited)

QKShooter said:
Well, if that's the same belt/holster that you've worn for 6 years then I would say that it has held up pretty well & it still looks quite functional.
A picture is worth 1,000 words. :wink:

Yup. Only ever bought that one. The stitched holster is on the inside of the belt, so it doesn't stretch. It's been through 4 1911's without any issues.

BeltsterMan

· #17 · Jul 10, 2005

Hey guys, thanks for the input! I'm the guy who makes the Beltster, right here in Bandera, Texas. Been at it for 8 years now, making a full-time living, having "invented" the thing while living in New Orleans, where I really NEEDED to carry. I'd like to invite one and all to banderagunleather.com. Please see "Notes on the Beltster" and read the testimonials. I'd be pleased to answer any questions. As for the retention issue, this is only the second time I've heard of a gun "jumping out". As for longevity, I've been wearing and using the same Beltster for 4 years, and it's as good as the day it was made. All trigger areas are covered, though with some guns the sides of the trigger show a bit. All in all the Beltster integrates the carry of a pistol into one's life better than anything else on the market. Granted this is just my opinion, but I have seriously studied the problem. If you've not read it, John Bianchi's BLUE STEEL & GUNLEATHER is required reading for anyone seriously interested in holstering modes. My favorite quote from this book is: "The least leather that will do the job is often the best". So it is with the Beltster.
But it is also true that no one carry mode is perfect, nor right for everyone.
I'd like to thank Steve for inviting me aboard, and look forward to lively discussion re guns and carry. Best regards, Scott

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CombatEffective

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 10, 2005

Glad you coud join us. It's always good for the consumer and producer to interact like this. It can only help the development of quality products that the consumers want and that sell well for the producer.

QKShooter

· #19 · Jul 10, 2005

Hi BeltsterMan

Thanks for registering on CombatCarry.com
I hope that you'll be active here on the forum. You could contribute a lot.
Be sure to add a link to your site in the Related Links area.
Your Beltster rig is an extremely innovative holster idea.
From a "Fellow Leather Guys" Point Of View ~ I sure can't see any reason why it would not work out just fine as long as there are no retention issues.
I'll hafta see what specific firearms it's available for.
It certainly is very minimal & nobody (for sure) could call it bulky! :smile:

P95Carry

· #20 · Jul 10, 2005

Scott - good to see you join us. Look forward to your input on many aspects of carry. :smile:

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