that I was using as a dress holster. Since a Milt Sparks VM-II with sharkskin trim made just as good a dress holster as the deluxe Galco, I went ahead and sold the latter too, and thought nothing of it... until this morning.Apparently the nap I took on Friday afternoon had me lying on the gun in a funny fashion. My back, just above my right butt cheek, was so sore yesterday that I thought for sure that I must have a huge 1911-shaped bruise, but the mirror said otherwise. Bone bruise? Sciatica? Who knows. Whatever the cause, by last night, I was moving gingerly and groaning theatrically. Things felt a little better this morning, but as I pulled on my jeans and the holster nudged the spot, I knew that I'd only make things worse by carrying there again today.
No problem, just go with the Galco Concealable! Only not. Because I sold it, thinking I wouldn't be needing it again.
I was left with the following choices:
- The two ¡Blackhawk! rigs I picked up last summer. Except I haven't trained with the SERPA lock and don't entirely trust it. Meanwhile, the standard holster, while adjustable, is currently set up for a vertical carry and maximum drop and I don't have time to monkey with it, since Shootin' Buddy will be here by eight.
- A G-Code kydex paddle. It's set to ride high and at a slight cant, but I cordially dislike paddles. They may work for some people, but they just don't feel steady to me. I haven't used this one for CCW since... 2002?
- A Galco SOB. Even if worn correctly, offset to the right so as not to risk spinal injury if I fall down and go boom, this parks the gun right over the aforementioned tender spot. Now that I've confessed to owning it, anybody want to buy it?
- A GI flap holster and a Safariland thigh rig. Hahahahahahahaha!
Note To Self: Acquire another leather OWB pancake type holster, just in case.
Hope you get better. And I'm the sucker that is interested in the SOB holster. If I'm on my back, I'm done for anyway. ;) I'll continue the conversation over E-mail.
ReplyDeleteAnd didn't Magnum carry his handgun in the small of his back? Did he even have a holster? I'll have to watch some episodes and see.
You will have to pry my Galco Concealable from my cold, dead body. I use one for everyday carry and LOVE IT. It is comfortable, reasonably secure, and stylish, whether wearing a suit or blue jeans.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to get one in black though. Brown just clashes with some things. :)
I'll second the motion on the SERPA. Got one for the G17, didn't care much for it until I had to attend a two-day class and the only ammo I had laying around was 9, so both the 17 and the SERPA were pressed into service.
ReplyDeleteAfter about a zillion "draw and engage" drills and a long IPSC match I'm used to it. I notice, though, even when the index finger goes to the release my thumb is still looking for the leather holster thumb break.
Falling asleep on a 1911 is impressive...
ReplyDeleteYep, have to agree with NNM1AFAN, on the degree of commitment to the 1911. I carried one for eight years on patrol until forced to carry a Glock.
ReplyDeleteIbuprofen is your friend. :) That and big doses of vitamin C for your bruise.
ReplyDeleteBlade-Tech has a new pancake OWB for sale - looks nice. Or, if you'd like, I can send you a genuine Askins Avenger by Bianchi for free.
Al T.
Go all "Magnum P.I." and carry without a holster! Shermlock, you remembered correctly -- no holster for Thomas Magnum. He just stuck in his waistband behind his back.
ReplyDeleteWent to gun skool with a Serpa. Sold it when I got home. 98 of 100 draws were fine, those last two sucked rocks. As a civilian, concealment beats retention.
ReplyDeleteI strongly discourage students from using SERPA holsters in my classes. Too many agencies I deal with have banned them or otherwise dealt with accidents related to that whole "push your trigger finger towards the trigger while drawing" thing...
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of folks who love the SERPA, I just don't see the benefit being worth the risk.
Don't know how tall you are, but have you considered Appendix IWB? It's fast, secure, concealable, and perfect for naps on the couch.
Train hard & stay safe...
Tam, I have found that when you get to be our age Aleve becomes the fifth food group.
ReplyDeleteShoot me an e-mail, and I;ll cobble something up for you, gratis.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy dropping in on your your blog.
Rob Leahy
simplyrugged.com
Well that generous offer sure beats a 30 year old Askins Avenger all to crap! Grins!
ReplyDeleteIf you have been taking Aleve without problems, it probably will not hurt you. But if you have not, don't start. My cardiologist would have it black labeled, by 'scrip only. As it is over most of the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteGood pain reliever, though. As I found out - just before the arrhythmia.
Stranger
The capcha is carnes. Meats. How appropriate!
For a nice leather pancake holster check out Rob Leahy's Cuda or Tribute holsters. His site is www.simplyrugged.com. I have a couple and think they're fantastic. I wrote this up before he posted his offer - I'd HIGHLY recommend taking him up on his offer!
ReplyDeleteTam:
ReplyDeleteDrop Rob an e-mail. He's a stand up guy, and he makes nice holsters. I've got a couple of his holsters for 4" Official Police revolvers (Go team Colt!), one early early, one a little later. The first one is great, the second one is great and pretty.
I currently use a blackhawk for my 4in 1911.
ReplyDeleteAhh, SERPA lock is differnt. Mine's more of the nylon and snap strap over the hammer.
BlackHawk is okay, especially if you have an oddball gun, but they take time to fiddle with so they work.
Rob's a good guy and makes a dandy holster - rocket scientist that I am, I'd take him up on the offer.
ReplyDeleteWasn't going to comment, I'm beat, but WV of ovednerv just trips my imagination on your pain in some strange way.
ReplyDeleteI have a Galco 1911 SOB holster gathering dust too. Mine has an extra mag holster as part of it. Besides the obvious back issue if you fall, you can't draw sitting a chair or car seat(never mind the comfort issue when sitting in a car). They clunk every time you sit down or shift in a chair. Bend over and you flash your piece. Scary thing is: it's the most comfortable SOB holster I've ever used. That in itself tells you how they all work, sorry to say, a Hollywood hype thing. They do look cool in the movies or TV but real world, they suck. The old school leather thong threaded on the belt works about as good as any of them. Like you, as much as I wanted it to work, I gave up on the concept long ago.
+3(or is it 4) on taking Rob's offer, he makes good stuff.
Ha!! I got THREE GI flap holsters - two from WWII for the one Colt, and one from 1917 for the 1909 New Service... :-)
ReplyDeleteRob of Simply Rugged made me an excellent pancake holster for my Ruger Security Six for a great price. Great guy, great people working with him. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteDon't you have a Gozillion Revolvers?
ReplyDeleteSurely you MUST have a holster for one of them that contacts a different part your your body than the bruise.
When I'm not rocking my 1911 It's a J-Frame in the front pocket.
Does that small-of-the-back holster have tribal boning or a butterfly imprinted in it?
ReplyDeleteGood post.
ReplyDelete