Holster question for Canada - IWB ok?

G37

G37

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So,
I am thinking about buying a holster (bladetech).

Ideally I'd like to buy an IWB (IDPA-Approved) holster... however, would I run into any problems here in Canada if I was wearing one on the range? Are they even allowed?

Since we are on the subject of holsters, are the thumb-break retention devices required?
Will I be limiting myself in the choice of pistol related activitied I can do based on the holster I buy?

The pistol is going to be a stock Polymer .40S&W gun.
I basically want to be able to do the most for the least amount of money... which configuration in holster should I get?

Thanks.
 
In most cases, you wouldn't be allowed to carry in a holster unless you're at an IPSC/IDPA match, practicing for those matches and after passing the Black Badge course. Even then it'd be unloaded with the mag out only.
 
G37 said:
So,
I am thinking about buying a holster (bladetech).

Ideally I'd like to buy an IWB (IDPA-Approved) holster... however, would I run into any problems here in Canada if I was wearing one on the range? Are they even allowed?

Since we are on the subject of holsters, are the thumb-break retention devices required?
Will I be limiting myself in the choice of pistol related activitied I can do based on the holster I buy?

The pistol is going to be a stock Polymer .40S&W gun.
I basically want to be able to do the most for the least amount of money... which configuration in holster should I get?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Best way for you to find out if they are allowed at your range is to ask someone there.

I highly recommend you take a course on how to use a holster. Poco gun club offers some different avenues to do this. I don't care how easy it looks, it's important to have training in order to safely draw a loaded firearm.

Uncle Mike's makes a generic holster for large frame semi-autos that include loops for OWB and a metal tang for IWB.

I use a kydex holster for my 1911. $25 and it's all you need.
 
If you are new to using a holster you should probably not go with an IWB. Not only are they a bit trickier to learn to use safely, but you end up scoring mall ninja points using it in most of the local competitive games. Stick with a belt slide holster and invest in a good rigid belt. Avoid paddle type holsters. The only shooting games around here that involve retention systems are some of the PPC disciplines. IPSC and the local sort of IDPA type game that we play out at Abbotsford are pretty flexible with their retention requirements. All that is needed is a strong side holster that will cover the trigger guard and prevent the handgun from falling out if you are moving around. As mentioned above, getting proper training on holster use is extremely important in order to prevent shooting yourself.
 
IDPA rules regarding holsters are well defined, and IWB holsters are alllowed, provided they are worn in a proper position (strong side, concealed). The full rulebook is online at idpa.com. I've never been to a range that wouldn't allow IWB holsters, if the shooter was holster qualified (and I'd find another range if your range is that uptight). Usually the only holsters that aren't allowed are cross-draw and shoulder holsters, which put the muzzle in an unsafe position during the draw. We've used IWB holsters in IPSC for years without any problem, and now for IDPA. They are not "mall ninja" gear...they are the most comfortable and secure way to carry a full size pistol concealed (and that is what IDPA is all about).
 
guess i'm a mall ninja...lol

i bought a milt sparks versa-max2 and it's mega comfortable. it's iwb and i haven't gotten any strange looks or negative comments at my local range. go with whatever you think will suit your needs best. and practice draw/ re-holster with a "safe/empty/triple-checked" firearm until you get it down.
 
Nothing really all that mall ninja about about using an IWB, it's just that the local IPSC crowd are mostly using fancy race rigs. It might be different in your neck of the woods, that's just what it's like around here.
 
Unless you are going to shoot IPSC while taking the Black Badge course is good to do it is hardly manadatory. If you haven't got enough brains in your head to practice safe handling of a handgun and the use of a holster you probably ought not to own a handgun IMHO. Next thing you know somebody will suggest we all take the Black Badge course before getting a PAL/POL. You just can't have enough regulations...cuzz nobody is responsible for their own actions.

Take Care
 
The real key in the BB course and being safe with a holster is that the only time a live firearm is put in the holster is under close supervision of an RO and only for a very brief time prior to commencing a course of fire.

The rest of the time it is a cleared double checked visually and checked safe once (dry fired) firearm in the holster.
 
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