Raven Concealment Vanguard 2 Advanced Kit - Initial Impressions

[ssb]

Product Description

The VanGuard 2 Advanced Kit is a capability upgrade to our venerable VanGuard 2 minimalist IWB holster. Unlike traditional IWB holsters, the VG2 covers only the trigger guard of your weapon. This unique design eliminates the bulk of a traditional holster, while providing a level of safety and security not attainable by simply sticking a pistol in the waistband of your pants. The VG2 Advanced Kit’s inclusion of the RCS CLAW takes this system’s concealability to the next level, by leveraging the grip of the pistol close to the body, while still allowing for a clean, repeatable draw.

The VanGuard 2 Advanced Kit with the RCS CLAW can be equipped with either a Tuckable strut with overhook or Tuckable strut with soft loop, to allow you to choose the best belt interface system for your carry and mission type. This combination is adjustable for ride-height and cant, is fully ambidextrous, and is the ultimate in deep concealment technology when combined with our proprietary tuckable struts.

Store Page (http://raven-concealment-systems1.mybigcommerce.com/vanguard-2-holster-advanced-kit/)

Background

When I was just starting out, I knew enough to know that how my dad carried his guns (strong side hip, OWB or occasionally IWB in a hybrid-type holster) didn’t work for me. I came to the conclusion that AIWB was the best way to go for me for concealment purposes, so that’s where I headed.

The VanGuard 2 was the first holster I bought. I liked it because I was more than a little nervous about stuffing a live gun down the front of my pants. The reholstering method mitigated that fear. The VG2 remains one of my favorite holsters despite its down sides – convenience comes at the price of requiring a low ride height due to a lack of grip tuck features.

Why I Bought It

Despite the Eidolon not working out for me, the claw feature on that holster worked rather well on my frame. My thought was that the addition of the claw would minimize the biggest downside of the VG2 (ride height vs. concealment compromise), and if nothing else it allows me to have a potentially good backup holster as well as something that’s easy to carry when I’m being lazy. Also, I’m a self-confessed Raven junkie, I think they make some cool shit, and the Advanced Kit is new and exciting.

Initial Impressions

With the caveat that I've only had this thing for a day...

It’s a VanGuard 2 with a claw bolted on. The retention feels exactly like my original VG2. The soft loop is of the typical RCS quality. It gives a tight fit on both of my G19s, as expected. Fit on my SIRT pistol is slightly looser once attached.

To adjust ride height, Raven has moved away from the VanGuard 2’s system of holes on the strut in favor of a long slot. What that means is that the user is no longer stuck with a series of pre-determined ride heights. If that’s not enough adjustment, you can also move the strut down another quarter of an inch (just as you could with the Eidolon’s belt attachments). One notable difference with the VG2 Advanced Kit is that the lowest ride setting basically allows for a full-firing grip. This does come at a slight cost in the concealment department. However, despite this, the VG2 Advanced Kit seems to conceal better than the original -- especially when moving around. Using the claw to push the grip into the stomach makes a noticeable difference. It looks like the claw could be retrofitted to existing VG2 shells. However, a new soft loop strut would be required.

Belt bulge is basically non-existent, which can be important for those with smaller frames. Comfort seems good with the caveat that I've only been wearing this thing for a few hours. The original VG2 will sometimes poke the inside of my right thigh due to the one-handed belt-hooking feature. Fortunately, this holster shows no signs of doing that.

As with the original, the VG2 Advanced Kit lacks a tuck feature. On my body it's no substitute for, say, a JM Custom Kydex AIWB or a Keeper when it comes to concealment. Having said that, it still does its job -- a tuckable, easy-on-easy-off holster -- quite well. As compared to the original VG2, I really like not having to sacrifice concealment for a full firing grip.

Comparison Pics

For reference, I am 5’7 and 165lbs with a bit of a gut. The polo is relatively tight-fitting. Gun is a G19 with OEM 15rd magazine inserted.

http://s23.postimg.org/8o02c8gfb/vg2_lr.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/8o02c8gfb/)

http://s23.postimg.org/ob0ih38yv/vg2_lr_2.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/ob0ih38yv/)

Original VG2, soft loop at the top-most position (lowest ride).

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http://s14.postimg.org/g2f3u5sst/vg2a_lr.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/g2f3u5sst/)

http://s15.postimg.org/wbtbx3pvb/vg2a_lr_2.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/wbtbx3pvb/)

VG2 Advanced Kit, soft loop at the top-most position (lowest ride).

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http://s22.postimg.org/osjjaru31/vg2_ffg.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/osjjaru31/)

http://s2.postimg.org/pto3mrmd1/vg2_ffg_2.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/pto3mrmd1/)

Original VG2, soft loop set up to allow a full firing grip with the soft loop in the hole second from the top.

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http://s4.postimg.org/6m9ktvz2h/vg2a_ffg.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/6m9ktvz2h/)

http://s27.postimg.org/pjh6l6sv3/vg2a_ffg_2.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/pjh6l6sv3/)

VG2 Advanced Kit, soft loop set up to allow a full firing grip with the soft loop in the hole second from the top.

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http://s10.postimg.org/kstdvo0bp/kc1.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/kstdvo0bp/)

Keeper set up how I like it (lots of tuck, about an inch of clearance between the grip and my belt).

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http://s9.postimg.org/grvtlgfmj/vg2a_beltbulge.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/grvtlgfmj/)

VG2 Advanced Kit, belt bulge

[Up1911Fan]

Somewhat interested in one of these. I've had a VG2 for a few year's and can count on one hand the number of time's i've used it. For me, a G17 or 19 conceal's much better in an actual AIWB holster, even though it's bulkier. With a smaller frame I really need the tuck. Mine mostly goes with me when I travel as something to carry a gun in should my primary holster become damaged.

[orionz06]

I love it. I always keep a VG2 in my vehicles, in bags, etc. Most of the time I have one within arms reach in case I need it. This certainly enhances its use to carry a gun but not enough consideration gets made as a trigger guard cover.

[MGW]

On got the email on this the day my Eidolon was delivered. I don't have enough time with the Eidolon yet but the VG2 advanced is on my buy list. I don't know if they'll ever build one for a j frame or 43 but I would be interested in testing one for each.


Sent from my grey matter using telepathy.

[Gray222]

Thanks for posting.

I decided to not buy one, yet, specifically because I want to focus on getting the Eidolon(s) that I have used and reviewed.

While I like the "claw" - if that's what we are calling it - I do not like it on the Eidolon at all.

[MD7305]

I'll echo that I find the VG2 super versatile. Anytime I travel I pack it as I've found it useful in situations that my Eidolon won't work for me. I primarily use my VG2 in business casual mode when I need to were slacks and a tucked shirt. My biggest complaint about the VG2 is the lack of a way to tuck the pistols butt in and the Advanced seems promising in that regard. I've got one ordered. The claw on the Eidolon makes a huge difference for me that other quality holsters can't seem to provide for me personally. I wish RCS would expand the gun makes and models these are available for, G43, Sig P239, Shield for instance.

[Gray222]

That's not what we are calling it. That's what Raven calls it on both the Eidolon and VG2.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/69/a9/fe/69a9feb13dd72ceddfaba1f5bba161cb.jpg

[ssb]

One thing re: the VG2 as a trigger guard cover.

As a nightstand gun, I really don't like leaving the gun with their trigger exposed. One thing I do with the VG2 is add a small loop of paracord to it. This allows me to clip a flashlight to the sheath (you can do it on the soft loop as well but it results in a very inconsistent "draw"). This does two things for me: 1) protects the trigger, and 2) makes me put a flashlight in my hand to get the gun working.

They work great for carrying guns to/from the range as well. Since I have a practice gun I pretty much never unload my carry gun. Take the carry gun off, snap the VG2 on, put it in my bag, and start working with my practice gun out of my carry gear.

I don't know that the claw is a substitute for a good belt wedge for me, as the Keeper hides better on me even if I take off the foam tuck wedges. It does tend to keep my stomach from pushing the grip outward as I move around, however, which was the biggest problem with the VG2 for me. But again, on my frame, the amount of tuck is still less than on a holster with a good belt wedge.

[LittleLebowski]

I see no reason to have this over say a JM Custom with the new belt loop that doesn't require threading. Custom Carry Concepts also has this clip.

[LOKNLOD]

As a nightstand gun, I really don't like leaving the gun with their trigger exposed. One thing I do with the VG2 is add a small loop of paracord to it. This allows me to clip a flashlight to the sheath (you can do it on the soft loop as well but it results in a very inconsistent "draw"). This does two things for me: 1) protects the trigger, and 2) makes me put a flashlight in my hand to get the gun working.

Hmm I kind of like that idea.



They work great for carrying guns to/from the range as well. Since I have a practice gun I pretty much never unload my carry gun. Take the carry gun off, snap the VG2 on, put it in my bag, and start working with my practice gun out of my carry gear.


Yep this similar to my typical use for the VG2 as well.


One thing I really like about them is it gives me a cheap option that could work as a left-handed holster in a pinch if I ever incapacitated my right arm/hand, without a need to purchase a dedicated lefty holster that I hope to never use.

[Trajan]

I see no reason to have this over say a JM Custom with the new belt loop that doesn't require threading. Custom Carry Concepts also has this clip.

Does everything an athletic build needs in an AIWB without a huge bulge on the waistline.

Eidolon didn't work for me, but I love this thing.

Original VG2 tucked the gun in (note the claw on the strut), but since I'm not fat anymore I really just need the butt tucked. This does the trick without having a giant suppressor sight channel printing like the Eidolon (which was worse when the pad was removed; catch 22 as the pad hurt to wear).

I'm going to convert all of my strutted VG2s to this config.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I see no reason to have this over say a JM Custom with the new belt loop that doesn't require threading. Custom Carry Concepts also has this clip.

I think you need one of those for training at minimum.

I can see one serious reason, personally, to want a VG2 claw kit for carry: no colostomy bag, tumorous belt growth sticking out. I'm not skinny. I've got the over-30 and doesn't try too hard small roll, and even a less aggressively wedged holster will often give me the ugly belt bulge.

It's not a huge deal, the gun is totally hidden... But the bulge annoys the kitten out of me.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Sasage]

Supposedly they are going to sell kits to retro the original Vandguard 2.

They claw also happens to fit the Phlster line of holsters, so I will probably take that for a spin when available.

[JHC]

One thing re: the VG2 as a trigger guard cover.

As a nightstand gun, I really don't like leaving the gun with their trigger exposed. One thing I do with the VG2 is add a small loop of paracord to it. This allows me to clip a flashlight to the sheath (you can do it on the soft loop as well but it results in a very inconsistent "draw"). This does two things for me: 1) protects the trigger, and 2) makes me put a flashlight in my hand to get the gun working.

They work great for carrying guns to/from the range as well. Since I have a practice gun I pretty much never unload my carry gun. Take the carry gun off, snap the VG2 on, put it in my bag, and start working with my practice gun out of my carry gear.

I don't know that the claw is a substitute for a good belt wedge for me, as the Keeper hides better on me even if I take off the foam tuck wedges. It does tend to keep my stomach from pushing the grip outward as I move around, however, which was the biggest problem with the VG2 for me. But again, on my frame, the amount of tuck is still less than on a holster with a good belt wedge.

Cool tip. Dude, you have crushed this thread and it's not to 3 pages yet.

[LittleLebowski]

Does everything an athletic build needs in an AIWB without a huge bulge on the waistline.


I'm 5'11 and 194lbs and the JM Custom George disappears on me. So does the Shaggy.

[BobLoblaw]

I see no reason to have this over say a JM Custom with the new belt loop that doesn't require threading. Custom Carry Concepts also has this clip.

Queue time is zilch and the belt bulge is almost nothing. That's about it. The advanced kit allows me a higher ride and master grip vs the original. On my frame it conceals a 19 better than most (don't carry one though). I've had issues in the past with loops printing but a small single loop is negligible IME. It's a niche item for me.

ETA: I have a George and I love it but the belt bulge is even smaller with this thing. Also, I have another George on order because they're a better all-around holster.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Trajan]

I'm 5'11 and 194lbs and the JM Custom George disappears on me. So does the Shaggy.

BF%?
You've got 15 pounds on me. Isn't the George a minimal wedge design?

How do you get rid of the belt bulge? Chest and waist measurements? What size shirt do you wear?

[ssb]

I was able to work some live fire draws with it this morning. Nothing super awesome. Target was the black zone of an NRA B-8 bull at five yards.

VG2 Advanced:
1. 1.41
2. 1.39
3. 1.36
4. 1.39
5. 1.44

Compared to my Keeper:

1. 1.32
2. 1.35
3. 1.35
4. 1.31 -1 (high, approx. 1" above the circle)
5. 1.36

Small test, but I'm not seeing huge performance loss when using it. It's definitely more conducive to a consistent draw than a standard VG2 w/ low ride.

[BK14]

Supposedly they are going to sell kits to retro the original Vandguard 2.

They claw also happens to fit the Phlster line of holsters, so I will probably take that for a spin when available.

This right here is what has me excited. I've been carrying with a Phlster holster lately, and they could really benefit from some additional grip tucking.

[Sasage]

This right here is what has me excited. I've been carrying with a Phlster holster lately, and they could really benefit from some additional grip tucking.
If you follow him on Instagram he posted some pics.

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

[BK14]

He posted some pics.

Awesome! I hadn't seen that it was doable, I was just speculating it would work. I ordered some kydex to make my own version, but then Raven dropped these. I'll be ordering a few as soon as they're available. Thanks for letting me know about that.

[JonnyVain]

Does this thing attach to the inside only or inside and outside of the trigger guard?

For example, would it work on a Boresite Glock?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Up1911Fan]

My VG2 works fine with my ColdBore Glock.

[JonnyVain]

My VG2 works fine with my ColdBore Glock.
With trigger guard mods?

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[Up1911Fan]

With trigger guard mods?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Rounded and undercut.

[JonnyVain]

Just got mine.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5722/22069945218_c91643a73d_b.jpg

I wish they would have moved the clip closer to the pistol and enable about 1/8 inch lower carry. Otherwise it's very effective.

[JonnyVain]

So i was testing it out with my holster mold 17 last night. Yanked on the gun and bent the crap out of the clip. Fit is too tight and clip is too soft.

It wasn't a problem with my actual Glock but i don't know if that's because the mold is out of spec or because my trigger guard is modded.

Anyway, i replaced the clip with a drop clip from knifekits and its more stable.

I plan on molding some kydex around gun and VG so i can add a thin layer of padding on the muzzle and a mag caddy on the side.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[orionz06]

So i was testing it out with my holster mold 17 last night. Yanked on the gun and bent the crap out of the clip. Fit is too tight and clip is too soft.

It wasn't a problem with my actual Glock but i don't know if that's because the mold is out of spec or because my trigger guard is modded.

Anyway, i replaced the clip with a drop clip from knifekits and its more stable.

I plan on molding some kydex around gun and VG so i can add a thin layer of padding on the muzzle and a mag caddy on the side.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Your mold gun, unless it is a Blackhawk! one won't work well and any increased friction/tightness will result in the clip seeing more forces than intended.

[Yute]

Had the same happen with a blue gun. Not a holster issue.

[JonnyVain]

Still going to keep the aftermarket clip. I drilled the holes offset to move it closer to the gun. More stable and out of the way of getting a grip.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[JonnyVain]

Put a kydex wrap around it.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5634/22173526888_d856bf1cc5_b.jpg

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[MGW]

Put a kydex wrap around it.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5634/22173526888_d856bf1cc5_b.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

That's basically the way I have my Eidolon set up.

[JonnyVain]

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5716/21741767774_8bd19a6440_b.jpg

[Sasage]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/21/085a74d998e2b8de34bc9cac93f04c1b.jpg

Boom

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

[JonnyVain]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/21/085a74d998e2b8de34bc9cac93f04c1b.jpg

Boom

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Is the claw inside or on top of the kydex?

How much does it flex?

Adjustable wing height?

[Sasage]

It is on top of the kydex. I swapped the spacer on the Phlster Access with the claw. Very minimal flexion.

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[Gray222]

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5716/21741767774_8bd19a6440_b.jpg

I like this.

[EMC]

Just recieved a new VG2 advanced and am fleshing it out. I am using the new clips instead of the snap loop that I used previously on a regular VG2.

Initial inpression. It seems more comfortable. I think the possible reason is there is less movement or rolling with the stability of the small clip and the claw. The clip seems to make the gun sit closer to the beltline and I do hit my knuckles on the belt on the draw more than the snap loop as there is less upward play with the 1.5 clip. I may decide to use either the 1.75 clip or switch to the snap loop and see if that helps give a little more grip room on the draw. However, given the comfort and concelament properties of the 1.5 clip, it may win.