What is a Good Holster?

richardoldfield

richardoldfield

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Someone asks what is the right holster to use and I read all the responses. Seldom do I see that the better leatherworkers are on a level playing field. Just about every holster maker makes a holster that is similar to those made by others. When I first discovered Ken L. Null’s UNS holster I thought it was unique. Was I wrong? You had better believe it, both Lou Alessi and Milt sparks make similar holsters and the quality of their products equal Ken’s work.

Why do I tend to buy more holsters by Ken L. Null than from other holster makers? The reason I tend to use Ken’s products are the quality is excellent, his delivery time is short, and his holsters do not require a break in period. Are Ken's holsters better than the holsters made by other premier leather workers? No, but they work for me.

If anyone doubts my knowledge of holsters, I am sure I own over $3,000 worth of holsters for various handguns. I own holsters by Uncle Lou and the Alessi crew, Galco, Jerry Lee Evans of Haugen Handgun Leather, Eric Larsen of HBE, Andy Arratoonian of Horseshoe Leather, Greg Kramer, Tony Kanaley and his crew from Milt Sparks, Eric Larsen, Mitch Rosen, etc. I would like to try the products of Matt Del Fatti, Bob Mernickle, and a group of unknown leather workers.

My point is one holster is not best for everyone and it is a learning process to find what works well for each of us. Your comments are welcome.

Regards,

Richard :D

Ken L. Null UNS:
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Good post. Choosing the right holster is more personal than is choosing the right gun. Good material is not much good without a good design, a good design is not much good without good material, and neither a good design or good material is much good if the individual wearing the holster can't draw his gun.
 
Is Ken L. Nulls a Canadian? I'd like to get a leather holster and would prefer a good quality one made in Canada.
 
SCULLY said:
I doubt it , Richard is in Michigan. The photo he shows is a concealment ( IWB ) holster for CCW. Not much market for that in Canada :D
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Actually I want an IWB holster for IDPA competition. Good catch on the Michigan location though.
 
SCULLY said:
I doubt it , Richard is in Michigan. The photo he shows is a concealment ( IWB ) holster for CCW. Not much market for that in Canada :D
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Canfire, my mother was Canadian, does that get me off the hook? Ken L. Null is in Georgia, he answers his own phone, and you have your product in very short order. The downside is Ken isn't cheap but he, like the others I mentioned, does great work. His site is http://www.klnullholsters.com/. This photo is his Gibralter Speed Scabbard Holster and it is also a no nonsense gem.

Regards,

Richard :D

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RichardOldField said:
Canfire, my mother was Canadian, does that get me off the hook?
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Except for the envy I have for your second ammendment rights, I don't have anything against Americans! With the ever increasing restrictions on firearm related commerce coming from both sides of the border though, I would prefer to buy a Canadian-made holster just to foster some local talent. It's questionable whether or not a holster (considered a firearm accessory?) worth more than $100 would even be legal to export from the U.S. without obtaining special permits. As Scully pointed out though, there isn't much of a market for concealment holsters in Canada so I may just have to buy a <$100 American-made holster off of eBay.
 
CanFire said:
It's questionable whether or not a holster (considered a firearm accessory?) worth more than $100 would even be legal to export from the U.S. without obtaining special permits.
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actually it's not questionable at all. it is perfectly legal. doesn't matter if it's a black tactical ninja iwb or a john wayne cowboy special with fancy leather tassles. it's not a part of a firearm.
 
I've probably spent around $2500 on holsters of various types and kinds, from carry stuff for IDPA (and when I've been places I could carry), to race rigs. When it comes to leather I'll only use Milt Sparks. I just feel their final finish and look to be the best, in my opinion.
 
I've owned holsters by Bianchi, Galco, and Kirkpatrick, but for those interested in a wilderness carry holster check out those made by Simply Rugged owned by Rob Leahy in Alaska. I'll post pics when mine arrive. I've ordered the Alaskan Pancake with a retaing strap for my SBH, and the Long Hunter for my Smith.
 
I've probably spent around $2500 on holsters of various types and kinds, from carry stuff for IDPA (and when I've been places I could carry), to race rigs. When it comes to leather I'll only use Milt Sparks. I just feel their final finish and look to be the best, in my opinion.
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I don't have a ton of holsters, but when I do fork out the cash I get the best I can buy. I'll second the vote on the Milt Sparks, once you've had it in your hand you can just tell it's quality. Same goes for the 6004, it just works they way it should.
 
What is nice by dealing with the custom makers is that you can have your own ideas incorporated into your holster. This can be as simple as having the belt slot cut to a specific width, or it can include a variety of features unavailable from many of the bulk producers. On my holsters I prefer a retaining strap, an open muzzle, and both strong side and cross draw carry options on each holster.
 
Im happy with my Galco... but wouldnt mind getting a nice set in Alligator... so as to be the pimp daddy on the range..
 
Another vote for Milt Sparks. A 55BN, a Nelson Legacy or a Summer Special are top quality leatherwork.
 
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