TexasCHLforum.com

I want three things from a holster; comfort, security and concealment. I carry a Sig P239 in .357 Sig and one extra magazine.

I'm on my second MTAC holster, and I have to say I'm disappointed. With the first holster I found that maximum forward cant gave me the best concealment, and it was quite comfortable as well. Unfortunately, over time the leather deformed to the point that there was a huge bulge near my pocket that was very difficult to hide. The plastic clips also deformed and caused bulges. I discussed the issue with a CompTac employee, and he told me that the holster couldn't take the weight of the gun being canted that far forward. That was a big disappointment. If canting the holster forward causes the leather to deform, why does CompTac offer positions on the clips that allow that much cant? He couldn't answer that.

I ordered a second holster. I haven't canted it at all. I've had it about three months, and the leather is already deforming, and the clips are bowing and causing bulges that are obvious to me, although I know most people are so unobservant they would never notice. I won't be buying another CompTac MTAC.

I've also tried the Kangeroo Carry (didn't like it - it rode up under my arms and was very uncomfortable), the ActiveProWear Defender belly band (bunched up and re-holstering was a pain, the Butscher's IWB holster (the metal clips defaced my belt pretty quick, and it was really hard to put on) and I have ordered a Tactipac Fusion that I have high hopes for, but we'll see.

The biggest problems I've noticed with carrying are 1) figuring out what to do with the gun and holster when going into public bathrooms. (I usually try to pick the last stall so that no one will be to my right.) 2) Problems with the interaction of the holster and gun with my clothing; poor concealment, difficulty of handling pulling the pants back up, problems tucking after holstering up, etc. For me personally, I would prefer for the holster and gun to be independent of my pants. I may eventually go to a leather shoulder holster, although those are pretty expensive and drawing the weapon can be a problem.

I haven't tried OWB holsters, but I'd have to wear my shirts untucked, and that won't work for me at the office. So I'd have to wear a cover garment, which is a problem in the summer heat. I'd also want retention on an OWB holster, because it's too easy, IMO, for someone else to grab the weapon.

I think it would be a lot more helpful if each of these reviews was in its own thread. That way folks could reply about the specific holster and readers could read the review as well as the replies and get a good sense of whether the holster might be the one for them.