Holster problem!

[dale7570]

Hi everyone. I am new here on this forum, but have been lurking awile.
I have a cm9 and Lobo's enhanced pancake holster. It has been broken in and the fit is perfect. My problem is that when I use my stiff kydex reinforced gun belt it squeezes the holster making it too tight on the gun making it to hard to draw from. I look like Barney Fife. haha! When I use my normal belt I don't have this problem, however it allows the gun to flop outwards and prints badly. Anyone have suggestions? Do all pancake holsters create this problem or just because my belt is too stiff? Its like a hula hoop, but supports the weapon well and holds my pants up good too.

[BEARDOG]

You should double check with Lobo first on the use of a wax like Johnson's paste wax. I do believe that I have read he has mentioned using it on the inside of holsters to aid in drawing.

Also, with the belt and holster on, you can try wrapping the UNLOADED gun tightly in a single layer of plastic wrap, or better yet wax paper. Then insert and draw it out repeatedly that should loosen and slick up the draw. Just don't make it too loose.

[kahrnut1]

Galco sells a product called Draw EZ that works great.

[dale7570]

I appreciate the replies and good ideas. I never thought of lubrication. So, do most pancake holsters have this problem with squeezing the gun so tight? I never had this problem with the askins type holster.

[JFootin]

Welcome to the forum, dale7570! :) There is a wealth of valuable information in the New Member Area (http://kahrtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=56) and the Kahr-Tech (http://kahrtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27) sections of the forum.

And welcome to the CM9 Owners Club! :D Our official symbol is the wide grin smily because we are so happy with our purchase that we can't wipe the smiles off our faces!

Here is your club badge.
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Smilies/BigSmily.jpg

I have a LOBO Enhanced Pancake holster for my J-frame and I experienced the same thing with my thickest, stiffest gun belt. So I just use another belt with it and it is fine. I think this is an inherent shortcoming of the design, but it is a great holster with the right belt.

The best holster I have found for forget-it-is-there comfort 24/7 with my CM9 is the PJ IWB Holster (http://pjholster.com/?page_id=37). There are so, so many members here that will concur. Paul is a great guy and a real gun lover, and he performs magic with kydex - making the holster incredibly comfortable to where you can't tell it is there whether sitting, standing or moving about. It is like the mass of the gun disappears, becoming one with your body. I carry mine with a 15° cant just behind my hip - the sweet spot. I prefer the one linked above with the over the belt clip. I normally wear the above under a loose shirt.

[7shot]

I just ordered a PJ IWB holster for my k9, this is just what I've been looking for.:D

dale7570...I would just switch to the belt that works if the lub technics aren't for you or don't workout.

[Bawanna]

I keep a can of 6% silicone on my desk, I'll have to look to see exactly what it's called. It's just for new duty holsters. Just spray a little in the holster and work the gun in and out and usually your set.

It could be with a pancake the loops need to stretch out a bit and may do so over time. Stretching the holster part may not be a good thing when that happens. Kind of hard to tell.

[dkmatthews]

Lube is a good thing. ;-)

[Glock23]

I just ordered a PJ IWB holster for my k9, this is just what I've been looking for.:D

dale7570...I would just switch to the belt that works if the lub technics aren't for you or don't workout.

I hope you're prepared to wait, as Paul is a busy man these days. I ordered mine on February 20th and got it May 4th. :eek:

Well worth the wait, though, as that holster is pure perfection!

[340pd]

You just experienced why many of us have a "holster drawer" Nothing is perfect for everyone. The closest to perfect for me is PJ's for my semi autos. For my snubbies it is not nearly as good. Usually wearing them for a couple of weeks help resolve most of the issues.

[JFootin]

I just ordered a PJ IWB holster for my k9, this is just what I've been looking for.:D

dale7570...I would just switch to the belt that works if the lub technics aren't for you or don't workout.

Congrats on that magical holster, 7shot! :D


I keep a can of 6% silicone on my desk, I'll have to look to see exactly what it's called. It's just for new duty holsters. Just spray a little in the holster and work the gun in and out and usually your set.

It could be with a pancake the loops need to stretch out a bit and may do so over time. Stretching the holster part may not be a good thing when that happens. Kind of hard to tell.

Bawanna, as I said, this holster design interacts with the belt differently than a regular pancake, and the result is that the gun pocket collapses when you use a very stiff gun belt, making it very difficult to holster the gun. Lubing it won't solve a not staying open problem, nor would loosening the retention.

The right solution for me is a smaller, thinner, more flexible gun belt that I have. It strikes a perfect balance between my super stiff, thick gun belt and a regular belt. The other solution is that I won't be buying anymore of the Enhanced Pancake holsters, opting instead for a regular pancake.

[7shot]

I hope you're prepared to wait, as Paul is a busy man these days. I ordered mine on February 20th and got it May 4th. :eek:

Well worth the wait, though, as that holster is pure perfection!

yep, he said 8-9 weeks. that's ok, i have a cheap uncle mikes (iwb) and a nice desantis (owb) that will fill in until it arrives.

thanks JFootin...i'm pretty stoked about finally finding a iwb kydex holster that fits my k9.