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View Full Version : thoughts on a paddle holster



biglou
08-03-2012, 01:49 PM
Hi Guys

Here is my deal. I live in NY so the only time I can ccw my CW9 is to and from the range. The range I belong to is in a not so nice neighborhood so I want to be armed in case anything happens. I need a holster. I don't wear a belt and most of the time I'm wearing either shorts or wind(track) pants. Several people have told me a paddle is the way to go with my wardrobe. I don't need ultra concelment because of the limitations of my handgun permit. I just need to get to my CW9 if there is a problem. What do you guys think? I'm not crazy about pocket holsters..

Thanks

kb2wji
08-03-2012, 02:01 PM
When mowing the lawn, I wear gym type shorts. I draw the drawstring pretty tight and use an IWB holster. It's not ideal, but allows fairly easy draw, and conceals perfectly. The new Galco model is cheap and works great.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3291&GunID=277

Bawanna
08-03-2012, 02:02 PM
If you dont wear a belt the paddle is really the only option. I'm not a fan of paddle rigs, never could find one that was comfortable. I do use a paddle mag pouch. Even with a paddle holster it relies a lot on a good belt.

A better option in your situation might be a fanny pack, a decent one with a dedicated holster inside. Easy on, easy off and much better draw and retention.

Shorts or elastic waist bands will most likely have you presenting your gun and your holsters. It'll still work for one shot usually but doesn't look cool and you lose a lot of the intimidation factor. I've done it, I know.

OldLincoln
08-03-2012, 02:03 PM
Gonna be tough to CC around the waist without a belt and with soft pants. Might think about that ultra conceal thing that hangs in the middle front.

BEARDOG
08-03-2012, 03:13 PM
My advice,
1.Move to another state.

2.Till then, get a Remora "clipless" IWB holster.
http://remoraholsters.com/

A paddle holster should have a belt to anchor it to your waist. Most likely if you try to draw from one with no belt, you will either pull the gun and holster out together... Or you will not be able to break the retention that a OWB holster should have, because your waistband will be stretching too much.

I actually make my own leather holsters (all types) and still find the Remora useful at times when wearing sweats and other pants without a belt.
As a bonus it also serves as a great protector sleeve while the gun is not on you like in a drawer or glovebox, etc.

Longitude Zero
08-03-2012, 03:32 PM
Paddles are not my favorite but I have used them occasionally. Weapon security and having the holster come out with the gun are my fears.

chrish
08-03-2012, 05:04 PM
I've had paddles and can't stand them. I only have 1 now for my Sig P250 for range use and I even hate that one, but I'm not gonna invest in an expensive holster for the range.

You might want to check out remora and sticky and see the reviews of people that are putting them in sweats, shorts w/ no belt, etc. Seems lots of people are doing that and seem very positive. Most stay they stay put even under that type of use. I don't think you are gonna be able to run in a pair of loose shorts or sweats w/ one on, but just to get in and out of the car and walk in and out of the range, should be fine.

biglou
08-04-2012, 04:03 PM
Thanks for the replies. I mentioned to my 17 year old son that I might get a fanny pack type holster and he begged me not to. It seems they are out of fashion. I told him I might get a hawaiian shirt to match and just had this look. Anyway, I'm going to look into the rumara as well as a fanny pack. I don't need the holster being drawn as well as the gun. You guys saved me some money.

chrish
08-04-2012, 04:15 PM
biglou, if you end up going w/ a fanny pack, unless it's designed for a gun and protects the trigger...you might also want to look at raven concealment's vanguard or vanguard 2. It would at least give you trigger protection. basically, it's just a kydex clip over the trigger guard w/ a piece of paracord to tie to your belt, fanny pack webbing, or whatever so that when you draw, it pops off. or you just yank it of by hand.

just make sure whatever you do you protect the trigger. don't want something getting inside the guard or snagging on the trigger and causing you to shoot your big toe off!

yqtszhj
08-04-2012, 05:50 PM
A better option in your situation might be a fanny pack, a decent one with a dedicated holster inside. Easy on, easy off and much better draw and retention.


I think the B-man nailed it right there.

Tinman507
08-04-2012, 05:57 PM
http://rlv.zcache.com/european_shoulder_bag_messenger_bag-r0c645c6a9182415e9153df42a21b6120_2iz1s_210.jpg

JFootin
08-04-2012, 06:02 PM
I picked up a small, well made fanny pack at a flea market for $3! :D It will hold my CM9 in the large compartment, sitting on it's muzzle and the mag base which angles the gun perfectly for a quick draw. It is so small that it doesn't shout "GUN!"

IMO, a much less expensive, thinner and well made pocket/AIWB holster is the Stays-Put Ultra (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html) - just $14.95 shipped! I have one for my TCP and one for my J-frame. The J-frame carried AIWB under a loose shirt, riding low and canted back a bit, with my cell phone case mounted just behind the grip to prevent any printing is my favorite carry setup. I carried it all day as I was out and about running errands and visiting friends last Tuesday. I never had to adjust it - it stays put! And nobody, even the guys at the gun store, knew I was carrying! :D

greyhoundafw
08-04-2012, 08:51 PM
http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o529/greyhoundafw/2CM9.jpg

Not bragging, but I make my own IWB from kydex. IWB with clip and no belt. Carried a glock g19 in shorts with no issues. My cm9 works even better.

JFootin
08-04-2012, 09:10 PM
http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/images/holster_9mm.jpg

Looks neat and appears to cover the magazine release button on the Kahr PM9 pictured on their website. Might have to try the "jeans fit" version for lounging around the house.

In your opinion, would the material Concealment Specialties uses offer as much or more body moisture protection than the DeSantis Super Fly?

Thanks!

They claim it does, as well as it breathing to prevent moisture collecting. It is microfiber on the outside and smooth pack nylon like many other holsters on the inside.

I think you'll find it minimizes printing so you can go outside the house with it. Of course, I encourage you to try it AIWB. It is perfectly comfortable and stays put all day long without having to adjust it (using a good belt, of course). And I love how easy it is to draw from there, sitting or standing. :)

JFootin
08-04-2012, 11:10 PM
Cool! Thanks.


Yeah, I have a couple of "Remora No Clip IWB" holsters that are also very good for that. Comfortable too. But, unless I am wearing a suit or sports jacket they seldom get used . . . even though the larger one woks well with a compact 1911.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/wuczc.futky/v/vspfiles/photos/Series12C-2T.jpg
Guess I am just a pocket carry kind of a guy. :rolleyes:

I tried the Remora. Didn't like it. YMMV, you know. The Stays-Fit Ultra is much thinner and much less annoyingly sticky. I found that a cell phone case on my belt just behind the gun made for no discernible gun printing with just an untucked colored T-shirt. The thinness of the holster helps, too. So no jacket required.

Theseeker
08-05-2012, 07:00 PM
People who carry a pistol for a living know you often need to change your outfit. I am certain you have a pair of regular pants or jeans you can wear on the occasions you go to the range and use any old belt holster.

CougarRed
06-13-2013, 09:08 PM
IMO, a much less expensive, thinner and well made pocket/AIWB holster is the Stays-Put Ultra (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html) - just $14.95 shipped! I have one for my TCP and one for my J-frame.

The J-frame carried AIWB under a loose shirt, riding low and canted back a bit, with my cell phone case mounted just behind the grip to prevent any printing is my favorite carry setup. I carried it all day as I was out and about running errands and visiting friends last Tuesday. I never had to adjust it - it stays put! And nobody, even the guys at the gun store, knew I was carrying! :D

Hey - I just got back from testing out a Concealment Specialties holster for my J-Frame AIWB with the gun handle canted back. Here's what I did:

1. walked down a flight of stairs
2. Got in my car
3. Sat in a driving position
4. Got out of my car
5. Walked into a restaurant
6. Sat down & ate

and then reversed steps 1-5. The gun did not move. :D

Longitude Zero
06-13-2013, 10:50 PM
Not a fan of paddles holsters for their well known lack of ability to stay put when they should. EVERY fanny pack I see screams GUN. Every bad guy automatically assumes a fanny pack is a gun holster.

IWB, under a shirt is best IMHO.

TheTman
06-14-2013, 11:36 AM
Watch out with the Remora holsters, Mine need to have a belt across them to hold them in place. I don't know if beltless pants would hold it. It sucks to have that thing slip down your pants leg.

JFootin
06-14-2013, 11:40 AM
IMO, a much less expensive, thinner and well made pocket/AIWB holster is the Stays-Put Ultra (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html) - just $14.95 shipped! I have one for my TCP and one for my J-frame. The J-frame carried AIWB under a loose shirt, riding low and canted back a bit, with my cell phone case mounted just behind the grip to prevent any printing is my favorite carry setup. I carried it all day as I was out and about running errands and visiting friends last Tuesday. I never had to adjust it - it stays put! And nobody, even the guys at the gun store, knew I was carrying! :D

Hey - I just got back from testing out a Concealment Specialties holster for my J-Frame AIWB with the gun handle canted back. Here's what I did:

1. walked down a flight of stairs
2. Got in my car
3. Sat in a driving position
4. Got out of my car
5. Walked into a restaurant
6. Sat down & ate

and then reversed steps 1-5. The gun did not move. :D

Hey, you can count on what I say about the Stays-Put Holster (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html)! :D I don't know a lot of stuff, but I am confident about my holster recommendations.

nksmfamjp
07-17-2013, 10:41 AM
I have a Comp-Tac paddle for my P40. It is a super holster, holds the gun well, stays put, and is pretty easy on/off. I use it with a belt. Not sure how it would be sans belt. Even if you tried it and thought it sucked, it would be easy to sell for what you have in it. I know most LGS brands can't be resold at full value easily...