Review: PJ Holster Kydex IWB and Pocket Carry

[JBarbaresi]

For more information on PJ Holster or to place an order you can visit the website here (http://pjholster.com/) or email Paul at pjholster@gmail.com.

The title on the website's homepage pretty much sums it up-"Simple, practical, affordable kydex holsters." When I purchased my Kahr CM9 just a few weeks ago I was looking for a small, lightweight, thin, easily concealable self defense handgun that could fill the reliability role of my Glocks but also go places the larger framed pistols could not. The last thing I wanted when considering holster and carry options was bulk, defeating the purpose for which the CM9 was intended. After searching around on this and other forums I found out about a company called PJ Holster, and after reading all the positive reviews and seeing pictures of his holsters, I thought they fit the bill.

After confirming he would be able to make something for the CM9, I placed an order for an IWB with J-hook belt attachment as well as two magazine pouches for my Glock. The holster was $40 and the two magazine pouches were $25 combined, shipping costs included in the price. It only took 2 days from the time I placed the order until the time everything shipped out, and that was during Labor Day weekend. Just a few days later these arrived.

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0015.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0016.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0018-1.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0056.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0058.jpg

Initially I was very impressed with the quality and simplicity of the design, and was very delighted at how thin and light this holster actually was. It literally added almost no thickness on top of the gun's width and dissapeared into the waistline. The fit and retention were perfect and required very litttle break in, if any. The mag pouches were equally simple and provided excellent fit. For the prices of both, it would be hard pressed to find a better deal out there for a quality kydex holster.

After a couple days of wear, I realized that I didn't necessarily care for the J-hook belt attachment because it placed most of the weight of the gun on my pants instead of on the belt. Even with a light gun like the CM9 I found this to be slightly annoying. It was not a flaw in the holster, but rather in my decision to go with that particular method of attachment. After emailing Paul he assured me that it would be no problem to remold the J-hook into a clip on style attachment for me, at no extra cost. He was also able to "tweak" the ride height and cant angle to better fit my preferences. So off the holster went back to PJ Holster for some slight modification, and what should have been a 2 day delivery time turned into an 8 day delivery time thanks to USPS. I was certain they had lost the package, but I must commend Paul on his patience with me and keeping me informed throughout the process. During the wait, I also decided to place an order for one of his front pocket holsters.

To my delight and surprise, the same day the holster was finally delivered back to Paul he "fixed" the clip and mailed it back the very next day along with the pocket holster. Again, a few days later they arrived (pictures in next post). There were no surprises with the IWB holster, since I already had a chance to play around with that previously. I used a hair dryer to CAREFULLY put some curve on the clip so it would better contour my size 30 inch waist. Now the customized fit and comfort level of the holster is absolutely impeccable. The only problem was I didn't have the skill to reshape the bottom of the clip like Paul does, so I had to improvise a little. I am pretty happy with the results, security on the belt is not compromised and my end design also helps with easy on and off attachment. Enough said about the IWB holster, it is simply great.

I have found that my favorite method of carry with the CM9 is in the pocket when my wardrobe allows it. The simple and thin design of the front pocket holster from PJ Holster makes pocket carry comfortable and fully concealable. Retention is light, as it should be with a pocket holster, but still tight enough to keep the gun from moving around in the holster until presentation is necessary. Unlike with some of the nylon pocket holsters I've tried, I don't feel like I'm walking around with a small pillow in my pocket. Just like with the IWB, the extremely thin design of the kydex adds zero thickness and bulk to the width of the gun itself. The holster "hook" catches every time and allows for a very quick, , precise, and smooth presentation from deep concealment. During a 300 round shooting session yesterday I had a great time practicing self defensive shooting drills using the pocket holster for a majority of those rounds, it is very nicely designed and fun to use. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a nice pocket holster, and it's only $35 so do it right the first time and get something that works and will last a long time.

Obviously if you can't tell by now I am very pleased with my purchases from PJ Holster. If you are like me and looking for a great holster at a great price, definitely give them a hard look. I feel compelled to also mention that as great as the holsters and magazine pouches are, I was even more floored with Paul's personal customer service and desire to go the extra mile for the sake of his customers. In my experience he will do his absolute best to make your holster exactly the way you want it and make sure that in the end you are completely satisfied. If you have a special request, just shoot him an email and expect a very prompt, honest response.

I look forward to hearing feedback from everyone else who is pleased with their PJ Holster products. Thanks again Paul for the great products and contributions to the gun loving world!

When time permits I plan on taking and posting a few pictures showing both holsters in use.

[JBarbaresi]

IWB

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0064.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0066.jpg

zero bulk!

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0069.jpg

Pocket Holster, so simple and thin. I love this thing.

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0060.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0061.jpg

[Husky44]

Great writeup, but I'm having trouble believing it wasn't written by a professional marketing guy... Never met a Ranger that could string that many words together coherently, unless it was a profanity-laced tirade.

You've got a 30" waist? Freak.:D

:behindsofa:

[1911master]

I will agree that Pauls work is first class. I ordered the OWB hi-ride for my PM9 and had it within a week after placing the order. For me it is a perfect holster. I will be ordering more. Great product at a great price.

[JBarbaresi]

Never met a Ranger that could string that many words together coherently, unless it was a profanity-laced tirade.

i had to do quite a bit of editing to make the post "family friendly", the review was originally about 3 times as long :D

[JFootin]

A+ is my rating for Paul and his holsters! I ordered mine exactly like yours, except left handed and with the shirt tucking option. Also, my conclusion concerning the J-hook is the same. But I decided to convert it to Velcro attachment, cutting the curved portion of the J-hook off and leaving a flat panel with a Velcro hook patch on it, and a 4" wide strip of Velcro loop on the inside of the belt where I wear it. I found some 3/4" wide Velcro at Walmart. I wanted black, but all they had was white. :mad: I took it, though, because it would have cost me twice as much to order some in black with shipping. When I am wearing it, the Velcro doesn't show, so I can live with white. It keeps the holster stuck to the belt well, and allows me to adjust the cant somewhat.

I sent the holster back to Paul once because it was way too tight. I'd give myself a wedgy trying to draw the gun, but to no avail! :eek: I would have to take it off and wrestle with it to extract my gun. I tried backing out the tension adjustment screw, but it would come unscrewed way before loosening the holster enough. (I advised Paul that those adjustment screws need to be longer.) At any rate, he reheated it and got it loosened up enough.

I should have asked him to reshape my hook like he did yours, but I hadn't reached that conclusion at that point. I think I will end up getting another one from him, without the tuck option (which I don't think I will use very much) and with the over-the-belt hook like your modified one, with the finger recess that makes it easy to pull it out when putting the holster on or taking it off. Just another $35. That won't break me. :)

I also intend to get one of those Blade-Tech Kydex reinforced leather gun belts - the Looper (http://www.blade-tech.com/Blade-Tech-Looper-Belt-Series-1.5-wide-pr-1250.html). I have a thick 1 1/2" Amish made leather belt. But no matter how thick it is, unreinforced leather stretches and gives way when trying to keep a holster and gun up tight against your body. I like the Looper because it is real leather on the outside and is not too thick, but it is backed by Kydex that will never allow the belt to stretch or deform. Plus, the price is about half what other reinforced gun belts cost, and many of them are 1/4" thick because of a reinforcing layer between two fairly thick layers of leather—overkill in my opinion, and too thick.

Sorry, no pics. My white Velcro mod isn't pretty, anyway. :o

+1 on the 30" waist! Freak! :D After 6 months of dieting, mine is still 43"! :32:

[JFootin]

I have posted this other places, but it is worth repeating here. My PJ holster is the only holster I have ever tried that literally goes weightless when I wear it! After wearing it for hours, there is no discomfort, and in fact I have to reach down there and feel behind my hip to assure myself that the gun and holster are still there! Whether sitting, or standing or walking, there is no sensation of the mass or weight of a gun being there. Maybe it has somewhat to do with it being behind the belt, but also I think the thinness and compactness of this holster have something to do with it, too.

This is a holster that is perfectly comfortable for all day carry. I tried another (unnamed) IWB holster of high reputation, and found it to be well made, but much thicker, much heavier, much longer and much stiffer than the PJ. Also, the shape of the sweat shield dug into my love handle and became uncomfortable in short order. A holster that, BTW, costs more than twice as much as the PJ. Just saying, you won't go wrong investing $35 in a PJ!

[Bill K]

Sounds like a good person with which to do business.

I also prefer the regular belt clip over the "J" hook but then again I've never tucked.

Personally I don't favor sweat shields as I want my thumb in grip position on the gun as I start my draw.

[JBarbaresi]

Sounds like a good person with which to do business.

I also prefer the regular belt clip over the "J" hook but then again I've never tucked.

Personally I don't favor sweat shields as I want my thumb in grip position on the gun as I start my draw.

i am also big on being able to get a proper purchase during the draw without having to shift around grip. the sweat shield on my IWB doesnt interfere with the thumb at all. however, if you dont want a sweat shield Paul will make it for you that way.

[royal]

I couldn't be more impressed with Paul's work and communication. I ordered an IWB for my PM9 with belt clip, it showed up in 3 days, and I've been wearing it all day. You cannot go wrong with these holsters for 35-40 bucks. I tightened up the tension alittle with a few rotations of the screw and a hairdryer on the trigger guard area. Snaps in and out perfectly now.

If you want a "rig" get a MTAC or CBMT, but if you're looking for a simple, light, no frills kydex holster look no further.

[bonjorno2]

yeah, paul does good work... i own 3 of his holsters and hope everyone tries they out!

[Cornhusker]

Pauls holsters are hard to beat for price, quality and comfort (not to mention Customer Service), when carrying. I have his over the belt clip and the new C clip, both for my cm9. They're more comfortable and concealable than any I've tried yet.

[3one5]

Pauls holsters are hard to beat for price, quality and comfort (not to mention Customer Service), when carrying. I have his over the belt clip and the new C clip, both for my cm9. They're more comfortable and concealable than any I've tried yet.

Witch on do you where more? Why 2? Sounds like time to sell one!

[falcondriver]

I have a new CM9 and looking at getting one of these holsters. My question is does it wear on the finish after a year or so of use?

Thanks FD

[Markis82]

I have a new CM9 and looking at getting one of these holsters. My question is does it wear on the finish after a year or so of use?

Thanks FDI have been using an IWB PJHolster for my CM9 daily for 8 months or so. I have seen NO wear on the gun's finish at all. I have said it before and I'll say it again, "My PJHolster is best holster I have ever had." Including the Silent Thunder which did not impress me.

[knkali]

Paul's work is good, affordable, practical, light and functional. I have recently used his stuff in my combat pistol class and it had the snot kicked out of it and performed well. I like his work ad rec it to anyone interested.

[falcondriver]

Thanks and time to buy one. I think getting just like Jbararesi did " after the modifications" will work great for me.
FD

[onegun]

I don't like kydex but tried one of Pauls J clip IWB for my P9. I was amazed at the comfort, stability and ease of 'on & off.' Perfect for a grab & go type gun. I liked it so much I ordered an over the belt clip on for my heavier SIG P239. Just got word today it's in the mail. Based on our emails back and forth his customer service is superb!
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t201/IkenI_photo/012-1.jpg

[bboswell]

I just received my IWB tuckable and I am slightly disappointed in the bulk that is added due to the tuckable feature.

Based on this write up I will send it back to Paul and have complete confidence he can tune it to fit my needs

[BrewerGeorge]

After several months of everyday carry, I've noticed no wear on the finish at all from this holster - and I have Cerakote on my slide, too. Paul's holsters are not a super-tight form fit like, say, a Fobus or others that have to flex apart on the draw and therefore stress the gun's edges. The PJ grips just enough to hold the gun in place, and your pants and belt provide the final pressure to lock it down.

[PYROhafe]

Well.... I've been extremly torn on a holster for my cm9 because of it being my first gun and holster. I think you guys just made up my mind for me. Any recommendations on set up for a noob like myself? I know I want iwb n probably the sweat shield (it gets hot n muggy here in sc) but I'm not sure which type of clip to go with. Ill be ordering a gun belt asap to go with the holster n like the idea of easy on n off but don't want something that's gonna shift around. Any tips?

[joshh]

i can offer a tip for a U.S. made belt thats heavy duty leather for $28, but no tips for iwb because i pocket my pm9 and havent decided on a iwb yet but am leaning towards the same as the op's. (i have a black version of this but for some reason its not on their site right now)
http://www.gussetclothing.com/openroad-reg-brown.html
http://gussetjeans.com/images/product/brown_rolled_edge.jpg

[JFootin]

Well.... I've been extremly torn on a holster for my cm9 because of it being my first gun and holster. I think you guys just made up my mind for me. Any recommendations on set up for a noob like myself? I know I want iwb n probably the sweat shield (it gets hot n muggy here in sc) but I'm not sure which type of clip to go with. Ill be ordering a gun belt asap to go with the holster n like the idea of easy on n off but don't want something that's gonna shift around. Any tips?

I'd go with the over the belt clip IWB (http://pjholster.com/?page_id=37) from PJ Holsters. It is easy on and off and stays put. Get it with FBI cant and wear it at about 4:00, which is the sweet spot where it will be so comfortable that it will disappear from your perception of it being there at all.

[Hkp7nut]

I have been using an IWB PJHolster for my CM9 daily for 8 months or so. I have seen NO wear on the gun's finish at all. I have said it before and I'll say it again, "My PJHolster is best holster I have ever had." Including the Silent Thunder which did not impress me.


Hi there. Can you tell me what you didn't like about the Silent Thunder holster? Which one did you try?

[340pd]

Hi there. Can you tell me what you didn't like about the Silent Thunder holster? Which one did you try?
Here is a link to a post I made comparing the two holsters.


http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=10992

[BrewerGeorge]

Here's my new C-clip tuckable that arrived today.


http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/420998_196231517145317_100002754103524_247142_1035 201032_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/417349_196231450478657_100002754103524_247140_5452 94203_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/404312_196231477145321_100002754103524_247141_1957 977883_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/424282_196231533811982_100002754103524_247143_2582 05540_n.jpg

[Markis82]

Hi there. Can you tell me what you didn't like about the Silent Thunder holster? Which one did you try?I had the regular IWB Sllent Thunder with the standard belt clip. I found it constructed very well. It should wear like iron and last a lifetime. But, it didn't work for me. It was too thick, bulky, and heavy. No matter what I did, it was uncomfortable and cumbersome. Because of its construction, the several layers of materials made it bulge, stick out, and weighed me down. In contrast, the PJ is thin, light, and completely disappears.

[Cornhusker]

i can offer a tip for a U.S. made belt thats heavy duty leather for $28, but no tips for iwb because i pocket my pm9 and havent decided on a iwb yet but am leaning towards the same as the op's. (i have a black version of this but for some reason its not on their site right now)
http://www.gussetclothing.com/openroad-reg-brown.html
http://gussetjeans.com/images/product/brown_rolled_edge.jpg

How thick are their belts?

[JFootin]

I had the regular IWB Sllent Thunder with the standard belt clip. I found it constructed very well. It should wear like iron and last a lifetime. But, it didn't work for me. It was too thick, bulky, and heavy. No matter what I did, it was uncomfortable and cumbersome. Because of its construction, the several layers of materials made it bulge, stick out, and weighed me down. In contrast, the PJ is thin, light, and completely disappears.

That was exactly my experience with the Silent Thunder. Too thick, too heavy and uncomfortable. And for me also, the PJ is thin, light, and completely disappears. If you ran them both over with a truck, the PJ might break and the ST might not. But for all day comfort and concealability, I go with the PJ. Plus, you can buy two PJs for different guns or uses and still have enough left over for a steak dinner, for what you would pay for one ST.

[ltxi]

How thick are their belts?

Single ply belt, but from the picture it looks thick enough for light duty carry. I'm going to try one....for $28 I'll take a chance.

[JFootin]

i can offer a tip for a U.S. made belt thats heavy duty leather for $28, but no tips for iwb because i pocket my pm9 and havent decided on a iwb yet but am leaning towards the same as the op's. (i have a black version of this but for some reason its not on their site right now)
http://www.gussetclothing.com/openroad-reg-brown.html
http://gussetjeans.com/images/product/brown_rolled_edge.jpg

If you want a comparable thick single layer belt with roller buckle similar to this, but in black or brown, plain or eagle embossed print at $28, look at these Amish made belts: http://www.hanksclothing.com/amish_belts_eagle_print_black_buy.html

They are discounted if you buy more than one.

[PYROhafe]

I know this threads been dead for a while now, but I was wondering if anyone had more info on Pauls pocket holster? So far I love the iwb pj holster, and wouldnt mind a nice pocket holster for the cm, but how does that one look in a pocket, and I dont quite understand how the draw from it works.

[JBarbaresi]

I know this threads been dead for a while now, but I was wondering if anyone had more info on Pauls pocket holster? So far I love the iwb pj holster, and wouldnt mind a nice pocket holster for the cm, but how does that one look in a pocket, and I dont quite understand how the draw from it works.

i tried a few different pocket holster including the pj holster and a few of the popular nylon pocket holsters on the market. the thin kydex of the pj holster is the least noticeable of them and adds pretty much zero bulk. i would say the cm9 is a little big to carry in a pair of tight fitting jeans, but i have no problem in cargo pants or carhartts. in fact i find that when carrying my cm9 i no longer carry on a belt at all and it usually ends up in my pocket which is why i'm selling my tt gunleather holster and mag carrier. i love the pj pocket holster, it just works. in terms of the draw, there is a hook on the bottom of the holster that grabs on the inside of your pocket as you draw the gun. the holster remains in your pocket and the gun comes out clean. here are some pics with some minor "fitting" i did.

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0060.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/jbarbaresi/Guns/IMG_0061.jpg

[JFootin]

Good to hear from you, JB! Glad to hear a review on Paul's pocket holster. I thought it had a thumb push place on it, but I don't see one on yours. Is the retension pretty loose, which I think is needed in a pocket holster?

[JBarbaresi]

Good to hear from you, JB! Glad to hear a review on Paul's pocket holster. I thought it had a thumb push place on it, but I don't see one on yours. Is the retension pretty loose, which I think is needed in a pocket holster?

i used a hair dryer to heat the kydex and remove the "thumb wing" on the inside, if that's what you're referring to. i found it created slightly more printing in my pocket because the holster couldn't rest completely flat against my thigh. yes retention is pretty loose by design but there is no amount of wiggle while holstered, i'd hate to have to draw the gun and have the holster come out with it!

[JFootin]

i used a hair dryer to heat the kydex and remove the "thumb wing" on the inside, if that's what you're referring to. i found it created slightly more printing in my pocket because the holster couldn't rest completely flat against my thigh. yes retention is pretty loose by design but there is no amount of wiggle while holstered, i'd hate to have to draw the gun and have the holster come out with it!

I had surmised that that "thumb wing" would do that, but I'm sure I can ask Paul to leave it off. Sounds like a perfect pocket holster for my newest gun, a Taurus 738 TCP 380—a real thin, neat little gun with a great trigger and amazing pointability. Thanks! :)

[pjholster]

Hey Guys,

I've finally updated my site with a special Kahr section. It shows a lot of examples of my tuckable, AIWB, pocket, C-Hook, and standard IWB holsters.

My standard pocket holster covers the mag release button, but it can be exposed if you like. The tab to push off with your thumb is also standard but can be removed if you prefer it that way. The pocket holster is made with the thinnest .060 kydex.

My tuckable holsters are becoming very popular lately. I make the body out of .060 kydex and the belt clip .080 so the holster is as thin as possible put still very strong.

http://pjholster.com/?page_id=610

Thanks for all of your support,

Paul

[aKahrt_and_p2KT]

I just received my IWB tuckable and I am slightly disappointed in the bulk that is added due to the tuckable feature.

Based on this write up I will send it back to Paul and have complete confidence he can tune it to fit my needs

tuckable is a great option but it is always going to add bulk to a holster due to the additional layer.

[JFootin]

tuckable is a great option but it is always going to add bulk to a holster due to the additional layer.

So true. There is no thinner tuckable holster on the market than the PJ. The only other option would be a belly band or a SmartCarry. But on the waist, that PJ is the best you're going to find.

[lowroad]

tuckable is a great option but it is always going to add bulk to a holster due to the additional layer.barely any, in this case. A whopping .080"

[PYROhafe]

Does the pocket holster print a little easier than some of the nylon type holsters? Just thinking that because the kydex is molded close to the gun, and maintains the shape, that it would be a little more likely to print.

[JFootin]

Does the pocket holster print a little easier than some of the nylon type holsters? Just thinking that because the kydex is molded close to the gun, and maintains the shape, that it would be a little more likely to print.

If you look at the pictures on page 4, you'll see that the outside of the holster is smooth, not molded to the gun, so it cannot print.