Help me pick 3 Appendix holsters to try out

[Amurr]

Hello,

I have read P-F.com quite a bit ever since i started following Todd and his P30 torture test at hkpro.com. This site is a great resource on all things pistol and i really appreciate it. So thanks to Todd and the mods etc.

Interesting personal fact. I think i actually invested the term V4 LEM "Todd Green Special" in this thread back in 2010 ! !! (not 100% sure that is true, but it is the first time i ever heard of it, I edited the title after i coined it on page 2);););):confused::D:D

http://www.hkpro.com/forum/hk-handgun-talk/125577-about-embark-lem-v2-vtgs-todd-green-special-conversion-2.html


I decided to register and make a post because I am going to try appendix carry and I knew if i had any questions, this would be the place to go.

Here is the background:
1) I fully understand what AIWB carry entitles and have read thoroughly the vast amount of info and material here on this site
2) I am tall and Skinny/Athletic (6'5" 215)
3) I shoot and carry a HKP2000 in LEM V4TGS. (same one i originally changed to LEM back in 2010 in 40 and now a 2nd one in 9mm as i am trying to shoot mostly 9 now)
4) I understand that all holster and especially AIWB holsters are personal thing and to really know what you like you will most likely need to try 3-4 and find the one that worst best for you.

So my question is NOT "whats the best AIWB holster" because that will be different for everyone, but rather, if my plan is to buy 3 AIWB holsters, what 3 would you suggest are good set to start with.

After i buy 3, i will give them all a go and sell the ones i dont like

Here are the ones from my research i am currently considering:

1) Raven VG2
2) Shaggy
3) JM Custom
4) Dark Star gear
5) 5 shot leather
6) Keeper Concealment
7) DF Archangle
8) G-Code- INCOG
9) Other

Please let me know what 3 you suggest for an initial try at AIWB carry not which is the best but which 3 are the best starting place for the great AIWB holster search of 2014. Again, I understand this all very subjective, just trying to narrow down my selection with some end user feedback.

Thanks,
Amurr

[breakingtime91]

I personally really like JM custom for my appendix holsters. I would get a JM an see how you like it. Then if it doesn't work out, invest in another. I know it takes a lot of time to get the holsters but buying three at once is expensive. Also the owner of JM custom is an awesome guy to work with.

[jholen]

I personally really like JM custom for my appendix holsters. I would get a JM an see how you like it. Then if it doesn't work out, invest in another. I know it takes a lot of time to get the holsters but buying three at once is expensive. Also the owner of JM custom is an awesome guy to work with.
+1

As the OP mentioned, it's all based on each individual, but I'm planning on starting off with a JM Custom after all the reading and exchanging of emails I've done. Probably will try a JRC after if the JM doesn't fit the bill.

[1slow]

Keeper GL17
Shaggy with leather heat shield GL 17, HK 45
Archangel GL17, GL21

I am 6" 185lb. I like all 3. 1st 2 tuck butt in a little better.

[pangloss]

I've used a DF Archangel Glock 19 holster for carrying my G26 for a bit over two years now. I've been pleased with it but am very curious about the JM Custom holsters. Before the DF, I used a Garrett Industries Silent Thunder. They've made some modifications to that holster and how have one specifically for AIWB. That holster might be worth adding to your list. There's one review of it HERE (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?120-AIWB-(Appendix-Carry)/page47) in the AIWB holster thread.

[YVK]

Think conceptually, in design terms.
INCOG and Archangel are relatively simple rigs that depend on low profile for concealment; works for some, not for others. Get one of these (DF has more rep) to see if this design works for you.
JM, Shaggy, DS, Keeper all use wedges to conceal. Works for most, others feel like colostomy bag. Get one of those. Shaggy fits me a bit better than JM, but both work well. Hoping to check out DS soon, right, Tom?
5 Shot is the only leather on your list, might wanna try it. Leather rigs carry differently and more durable than kydex. Other leather options are Kolbeson TX2 and Garrity Invictus, if you can get them.

[DocGKR]

I'd try out the DF Archangel, JM, and CCC Shaggy or Keeper. The Keeper is nice, but the lead times are FAR too long. VG2 is not really the same type of holster.

[Up1911Fan]

JM Custom, JRC and a Shaggy.

[JAD]

I've only owned a few aiwb holsters but have trouble imagining a better one than the SME. I'd start there, maybe get an archangel to tide you over during the wait.

[ADKilla]

Appendix carry is a very personal thing; what may work for me may not work for you. That being said, my suggestions would be the 5-Shot SME, JM, and the JRC.

[BoppaBear]

I carry a P30 or an sk in a Shaggy, and have good luck with both. Ran the P30 in a course a month ago, and the leather backing did a good job of keeping the heat down.

OP,

Unless something has changed since I was at G-Code's site last (which is possible; been a month or so), they don't make an INCOG for any HK pistols...if they change this, I'd love to give one a try 😬

[GJM]

You have narrowed the selection to most of the better holsters out there. There are also considerations like one holster might conceal better, and another be faster, which is why I have more than one.

Given how sensitive appendix carry is to body shape, at some point this exercise is almost like picking the best fitting jeans for your friend's girlfriend, who you haven't yet met.

[LittleLebowski]

VG2 really shouldn't be on the list. Not if you plan on training with your holster.

[JodyH]

VG2 really shouldn't be on the list. Not if you plan on training with your holster.
I've asked multiple times, Raven won't make a VG2 for the P2000.
:(
I've tried pretty much everything on your list and my favorite is the Kolbeson TX2, but I would not order another because of his horrible delivery times.
The CCC Shaggy would be my choice out of the ones you listed.

[LittleLebowski]

I'm a fan of Dark Star Gear, JRC (for leather that doesn't cost an arm and a leg), and JM Custom with high ride and extra tuck.

[MDS]

What a great approach! And great feedback so far. I have 2 and 4-6, and any of them would do. I expect #3 would do as well. I think you can't really go wrong picking any 3 from your list. If we're into picking nits, I'd prefer the sme or jrc because I like leather. The keeper conceals best for me. I rotate between the default sme, the keeper with tighter shirts, and the jrc (or dark star if you prefer kydex) for dressing tucked.

Good luck!

[Dagga Boy]

I'm running the TT Gunleather AIWB for both my P2000 and HK45C. It is probably my favorite of the custom leather stuff.

The Safariland #27 (probably the best of the "figuring out AIWB" rigs for my P30's and G-17's and a SME for "dress" stuff.

Also running the Desbiens for a Gen 2 chopped G-17

Just got an older JRC for my HK45 that is going in the rotation this week as I am wearing a little heavier clothing. I love the holster, but may talk to Jim about the attachment.

The Keepers is exceptionally good, but doesn't work for me.

I also have some Bulman's for both P7's and HK45C's, but those may as well be Unicorn tears.

I also love the VG2 from Raven which I run with my P2000SK. I don't think these are normally available, and are definitely a custom from Raven.

[JHC]

For GODSAKES do not even try a VG2!!!! (Consider yourself warned!) ;)

I would try a Dark Star too. I find the design feature rich JM with extra tuck over engineered for what an AIWB has to do on my bod.

If you want to try a completely different approach - sewn clamshell instead of the folded kydex method; the FIST model 1K in thin kydex or ultra thin (almost paper thin) is very flat.

[ToddG]

1) Raven VG2

First, it's not a holster. Second, it was originally intended for a very specific purpose that has almost no applicability CONUS and then simply got pimped by people who thought the purpose was cool. Third, you cannot really practice with it effectively. I gave mine away. Zero interest from me.


2) Shaggy

The gold standard for many years and probably the single most copied aiwb design on the market. Always a good starting place for an aiwb journey. Personally, I highly recommend getting the leather backing as it improves comfort and concealability.


3) JM Custom

This is the aiwb holster I use currently when I'm running an aiwb.


4) Dark Star gear

Haven't tried one but I know many who swear by it. The guy who makes them participates on this forum and shoots regularly.


5) 5 shot leather

The best leather aiwb ever made. Price is high and wait time is long. But if you don't like it you can sell it for what you paid the next day without breaking a sweat because the demand is so high.


6) Keeper Concealment

I find it ridiculously uncomfortable even after multiple design tries. Others I know think it's the most comfortable aiwb holster on the market. To me, the Keeper is a reminder that personal fit is just that: personal. This is another holster that you could buy, try, and if it doesn't work you can sell it without losing a cent.


7) DF Archangel

Do not like. Absolutely no tuck and for some ridiculous reason it has a "wrap around" shirt guard that prevents you from using the holster in many 1-handed manipulations (which is one of the benefits of an aiwb holster). This is one of those holsters that, when someone tells me they love it, I ask two questions: (1) what other aiwb holsters have you tried, and (2) did you get an actual Archangel or did you get a "custom" holster that he just calls an Archangel because it's aiwb?


8) G-Code- INCOG

Haven't tried it. At first glance it looks like it may have the same issues (lack of tuck, lack of ability to reholster backwards/at slidelock) as the Archangel.

[JV_]

Personally, I highly recommend getting the leather backing as it improves comfort and concealability.Note that there are 2 leather backings offered. One is for comfort and one is for heat. I generally prefer the one for heat - it's thicker.

[Dagga Boy]

The VG 2-I use this as "an emergency holster". I normally carry my P2000SK in a really small fanny pack. I have it rigged for the VG2 inside with paracord so that the trigger is protected and when I draw, the holster comes off and is hanging out of the pack. The way I rigged it, I can remove the holster and carry the pistol in a variety of IWB positions should I want it on-body. I like the concept of the VG for very specialized uses, but like many here I prefer a purpose built holster for most carry situations. I know a lot of folks who due to work and carry restrictions are using Vanguards in off body configurations inside of packs and bags and I think they are a must have for those who use this type of concealment a lot.

[antimatter]

I would also consider a Remora and a 3speed. I used a Remora for a G26-still do occasionally-and for an LCP. Then decided to get a Kahr CM9 and the 3speed holster for it. Its ONLY drawback is that you can't divest the holster to go into a NPE (govt building, post office, etc). You can remove the pistol from the holster and stow it until you leave the environment...:p

Matt

[JDM]

I would also consider a Remora ...

Matt

Using a holster that collapses upon drawing the gun s a bad idea. Using a holster that does not positively attach to the belt is a bad idea. These bad ideas are doubly bad when applied to an appendix carried gun/holster.

[duke77togo]

> After i buy 3, i will give them all a go and sell the ones i dont like

I hope this works out for you, but better plan to find what class of AIWB holster seems to work best for you, then trying a few kinds (with their different options) within each class, and possibly changing platforms, as your AIWB journey continues.

> 2) Shaggy
> 3) JM Custom

I would put these in the same category, and suggest trying this category first, because you can usually get these made and to your door in about a month. That gives you time to try more than a few iterations, too, as you wait for other holsters to be made. These holsters seem to be working for a lot of people, myself included.

The JMCK has a few more combos (with the extra tuck option and high-rise belt loop) and is what I carry most often. Shaggy is pretty close as far as comfort and concealment for me. I tried about 5-6 different JMCK holsters (bought new and in the used market) before I settled on the one that worked for me the best.

> 4) Dark Star gear

Never tried, but would love to try one day. Have a jframe AIWB holster from Tom that I really like though.

> 5) 5 shot leather

SME is great, conceals well for me. Probably the newest design with the leather "wing". Probably should plan for at least 6 months of lead time.

> 6) Keeper Concealment

I've been in the build queue since Sep 2012, look forward to trying this one out. Would be an example of the "foam wedge" category of holsters. I suspect this holster might work well for me, but I can't get my hands on one in the used market either. JRC holster, I think, would be in this category of holster too, but I don't have one of those either.

My body build is different from you, 5'11" 165lb, so I commented mostly about availability and maybe a little help with the categories. If you have an athletic build, that seems to help a lot with comfort and concealability.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your search.

[Amurr]

Really appreciate all the solid feedback. Love P-F.com

Here is where I am right now:

1) Raven VG2-OUT
2) Shaggy-
3) JM Custom- IN first holster I am going to order ASAP
4) Dark Star gear
5) 5 shot leather- IN will place my order for this while I try out some other ones and then give leather a try.
6) Keeper Concealment- OUT....not going to wait a year to try out appendix LOL
7) DF Archangle
8) G-Code- INCOG-OUT have heard mixed reviews and pretty sure it's not made for HK's

So
1. JM custom
2. 5 shot SME
3. ????

Shaggy- The legend but similar to the JM
Archangel- this holster seems to be the most loved or hated depending who you are. Worth trying the basic no nonsense kydex
Darkstar- try a tuckable?

[JodyH]

If you want to try a completely different approach - sewn clamshell instead of the folded kydex method; the FIST model 1K in thin kydex or ultra thin (almost paper thin) is very flat.
I love my #1K for small autos. I have Fist #1K's for my PM9, PPS and Shield.
Just a few days ago I ordered a Fist #17 leather with a kydex belt loop (zero cant) for my Sig P229R, I'm interested to see how the design works AIWB with a larger pistol.
For the P2000SK I'm still a huge fan of the HighNoon Hideaway clip in horsehide but that holster did not "scale up" to P2000 size very well.
The vast majority of my carry time is with the Hideaway/P2000SK or the Fist #1K/PM9.
Currently a "lefty" Hideaway/P2000SK because i'm a one-armed bandit for a few more weeks.

[JodyH]

1. JM custom
2. 5 shot SME
3. Shaggy
Done...

[WDW]

The C&D Pardus is also a great AIWB kydex holster. It's what I use for my G23.

[Amurr]

Preferred loop method for the JM Custom?

soft loops or kydex?

I am going extra tuck I believe.

[Clyde from Carolina]

Done...

Yup, right on. What Jody said. Those three are spot on and the Shaggy is the logical beginning place. Went through this myself a few months ago; personal preference and so forth but those three are great and make a lot of sense as a start and the Shaggy was the first "gotta have it" appendix holster. It's very good.

JM is very fast to your door, and Shaggy isn't too bad in that regard either. SME can usually be found fairly often for common guns like Glocks and SIGs here on second-hand market while you wait for your order to be completed. ;)

I liked the extra tuck JM I had for my HKs and went with the fixed loops. I think they print less than the soft loops.

If I had to pick just one I think I would have to go with the SME. Love the comfort and concealment (and yes, quality) and I'm not speed demon enough to fret over any deficit in draw speed. Also appreciate the durability of leather. I've had to replace broken kydex, which is no big deal, but have slings and holsters made of leather going back to 1918 that are okay. Leather is bombproof with a little care.

[punkey71]

I have a JMCK with extra tuck for a G19. I tried to like the soft loops for the convenience but it just seems less stable. The gun rocked more on the belt line if that makes sense. Also, the soft loops can't be as easily moved around the clock of your waist so to speak - that 2 inches in either direction when you need to for whatever reason. With the hard loop I can easily move it ever so slightly for comfort when needed.

Harold


Preferred loop method for the JM Custom?

soft loops or kydex?

I am going extra tuck I believe.

[JodyH]

I had to mold the "extra tuck" out of the JM I have for my P229.
That tapered bump of kydex at the barrel end was not even close to being comfortable.

[JV_]

IME: The holster length plays a big role in whether the extra tuck bulge is comfortable. On the holster for the 17 (and 19) - it's meh, but it's great on the 34.

[Wendell]

What Jody said.

If I could only keep one holster, it'd be a CCC Shaggy. (But I haven't tried anything by Keeper's Concealment yet.)

[Trajan]

Just go get a VG2 regardless if it makes your top 3. It's $30 and probably the best deep concealment holster ever. Plus it's great as a first AIWB holster since you avoid the most dangerous part, reholstering a hot gun that's pointed at you.

And I HIGHLY recommend the Dark Star Gear AIWB. Can't say enough great things about that holster.

Archangels are really comfortable, but the one I have for a G19 prints pretty badly for me.

[taadski]

I had to mold the "extra tuck" out of the JM I have for my P229.
That tapered bump of kydex at the barrel end was not even close to being comfortable.


I'm in this camp too. I've only had a bumped version for one pistol, a 226, so I can't speak to how it'd work for a different length gun but I MUCH prefer the version without the "extra tuck" for the full sized Sig. It gives me more freedom in regard to lateral position too, as it doesn't HAVE to sit right in the inguinal crease like the bump did (at least on my body). I really can't tell a difference in concealability between the two either as both still have a good amount of "cant" built in and you can always add a little foam if you decide you do want some leverage on the barrel end.

t

[David S.]

Deleted

[lightning fast]

Preferred loop method for the JM Custom?

soft loops or kydex?

I am going extra tuck I believe.

I bought mine with soft loops and ditched them. They print like crazy (for me) and I didn't find them any more convenient (for me).
Split tunnel is my preference.

[David S.]

.

I'd say,
1. Shaggy or JM Custom
2. SME
3. Raven ACR. Just for something very different.

That would allow 3 significantly different styles.

[LittleLebowski]

Preferred loop method for the JM Custom?

soft loops or kydex?

I am going extra tuck I believe.

I'm not a fan of soft loops at all. The extra tuck works well for me on a G17.

[Up1911Fan]

Preferred loop method for the JM Custom?

soft loops or kydex?

I am going extra tuck I believe.

I've settled on the standard height split kydex loop. Best of both worlds for me.

[Guinnessman]

First off, buy a VG2 for $30 to see if AIWB may work for you. If you decide that AIWB works, I would highly recommend the JM Custom or CCC Shaggy.

They are both excellent holsters that are backed by EXCELLENT customer service. The Shaggy I have has the leather comfort backing. It is very comfortable and shows less bulk in the belt line than the JM Custom. The JM Custom tucks the grip better than the Shaggy, and the split kydex loop gives you more versatility in placement of the holster.

Good luck!