Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC Holster Review - 1yr Update

[ske1eter]

I think there are some holsters that have an optional moisture barrier. I'd hesitate to add anything like beeswax or shoe polish to one. There is a better than average chance you'll have problems with transfer... either onto your gun, or your self/clothing.

Milt Sparks makes some with the moisture barrier. I've got their Heritage 1H holster for a 1911 and G27 but not for my M&P yet.

[DoubleJ]

Does anyone have any experience with the 5 hole clips versus the 3 hole clips?

yes.
Mine has 5 holes and I enjoy the versatility.

[kd5zex]

Does anyone have any experience with the 5 hole clips versus the 3 hole clips?

yes.
Mine has 5 holes and I enjoy the versatility.

Thanks, it seems like my XD rides a little to high and with not enough cant. I think I will pick some 5 holers up and a Beltman belt as well. DId yours come with the 5 hole clips? I just purchased mine about 2 months ago and it came with the 3 hole style.

[DoubleJ]

came with the 5 holers. they are the less expensive clip style. the default, what comes on the holster clip.
yeah, I use this holster with a 1911, and like to have the entire grip up above my waistline. and the clips allow that, with a nice amount of forward cant.
enjoy.

[camjr]

I purchased the Minotaur last night for my XD40 Service Model (4"), and will keep everyone posted on production and shipping time. The acknowledgement e-mail said 8 days production time as an estimate, but this thread leaves me encouraged it will be quicker. We'll see.

I went back and forth between this and the Crossbreed Supertuck. The only reason I went with the Minotaur was that I could purchase different kydex shells for different guns should I wish. Both appear to be fantastic products, and a unique approach to a difficult problem. Everyone that buys either seems to swear by thier choice.

Right now, the XD rides in a relatively cheap DeSantis Tuck This, but it moves a lot, doesn't allow one handed re-holstering, and isn't very comfortable without an undershirt. Because of those issues, I normally have just gone with a S&W 642 in a pocket holster. Now that it's finally starting to cool off, I decided to buy a "big boy holster" and make a more concerted effort to carry the XD.

I'll provide a review once received and adjusted.

Cheers!

[DoubleJ]

Shewt, with that MTac, by the time it heats up, you'll be so used to wearing it, you'll find yourself wearing it year-round!

[Wildscar]

Shewt, with that MTac, by the time it heats up, you'll be so used to wearing it, you'll find yourself wearing it year-round!

I was able to carry this rig all thought the summer. Even on days when the temp were above 100 degrees. You shouldn't have a problem.

[camjr]

I purchased the Minotaur last night for my XD40 Service Model (4"), and will keep everyone posted on production and shipping time. The acknowledgement e-mail said 8 days production time as an estimate, but this thread leaves me encouraged it will be quicker. We'll see.

I went back and forth between this and the Crossbreed Supertuck. The only reason I went with the Minotaur was that I could purchase different kydex shells for different guns should I wish. Both appear to be fantastic products, and a unique approach to a difficult problem. Everyone that buys either seems to swear by thier choice.

Right now, the XD rides in a relatively cheap DeSantis Tuck This, but it moves a lot, doesn't allow one handed re-holstering, and isn't very comfortable without an undershirt. Because of those issues, I normally have just gone with a S&W 642 in a pocket holster. Now that it's finally starting to cool off, I decided to buy a "big boy holster" and make a more concerted effort to carry the XD.

I'll provide a review once received and adjusted.

Cheers!

I received it tonight, 7 days after ordering online. That's service (and thanks for the candy!!).

I didn't need to adjust the retention screws on the kydex portion of the holster, but did adjust the front belt-clip one notch so the entire top of the kydex portion rides above the top of the pants. This thing is already the most comfortable IWB I've had for a full size pistol, and the leather is still needing to be broken in.

Great job, Comp-Tac

[Nintao]

Being that Wildscar and I grew up together I had to go with this holster and now that I have my CHL it gets some decent use and overall I have no problems out of it. I use it for IDPA at least once every 2 months and I now have their 2 mag pouch as well. I carry a full size S&W M&P40, but I must say I am still toying with the adjustment on it. I like the cant as far back as it can go for concealment, but that makes it harder to grab to draw (wierd angle for wrist, plus I have a severly broken right clavicle). Right now it is somewhat in the middle and that seams to be working. I was worried about the butt of the gun causing a print, but when I ask those around me if it shows, they always answer "negative". My main source of transportation is my Harley so my legs are always bent and forward while riding. It is totally comfortable while riding down the road. I now need to move my keys to a different pocket as it can get crammed on my right side. It came with the 3 hole clips, but I got the 5 hole ones to try them out and to be able to play with the adjustments more. Never any worry about loosing my pistol or mags, I trust the retention 100%.

The only downside that bothers me is getting into and out of the wife's car (driver and pass seat). I do have to adjust myself getting in to the car as to not catch my carry on the seat etc. It is a smaller car (Suzuki Forenza), yet getting into and out of a friend's Fox Body Mustang (again driver and pass seats) it is nowhere near as noticable. Or it could be that the wife always has the seat too far forward :)!

As for the 2 mag pouch holster: When I shoot IDPA, I have to make sure I pull upward and not outward to get the mags out easily. If you pull away from your body it is much harder. I have a decent leather belt (1.5") from Harley that does have a small amout of give to it and that I can notice, but it is acceptable. I did loosen the screws for ease of removing the mags for IDPA and have left them loose for daily carry with no problems. It can be frustrating to take off as the mag holster wants to wrap around and grab the belt (a good thing).

I did see that they have a mag type holster for flashlights and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I would like to use the 2 mag holster and attach the flash light one as a 3rd. I know it seams a bit much, but all my brethren usually have lights on them, so I need to be prepared too :).

I do 2nd Wildscar's Review!

[Gemiar]

I just recieved my Florida CWP this last weekend and have been searching for a nice holster. After reading the reviews posted here and on other sites, I think I have made my decision. I was wondering, has anyone used this holster with it in the small of the back instead of the hip? Pros / cons to either position?

Thanks for all the helpful reviews.

[fisher_of_man]

I just recieved my Florida CWP this last weekend and have been searching for a nice holster. After reading the reviews posted here and on other sites, I think I have made my decision. I was wondering, has anyone used this holster with it in the small of the back instead of the hip? Pros / cons to either position?

Thanks for all the helpful reviews.

Hey Gemiar,
welcome aboard the forum . I don't have an MTAC from Comp-tac, but I do have a Crossbreed SuperTuck from Crossbreed Holsters http://www.crossbreedholsters.com. They are pretty much the same beast...just some differnt features/points of importance. I'd recommend you give it a look before you make your final decision. Many end up with the final two choices of the MTAC or the Supertuck...and you probably can't go wrong with either...just a slight differnce in product. However, the Supertuck comes with a two week "trial period"...you don't like it for any reason, you send it back no questions asked. Plus I like that doing business with Christian businessmen/companies. not as pretty as the MTAC, but it's in your waistband - no one will see it anyway, right? but possibly more comfy and thinner (to prevent printing). and I think the supertuck may be a little bit cheaper. Anyhow..on the crossbreed sight, they actually have a SOB holster and don't really recommend using the supertuck (MTAC rival) as a SOB holster.

hope all this helps some...I'm sure more will be along to give more opinions. Like I said...doubt you'd go wrong with either though.
FOM

[agbullet2k1]

I just recieved my Florida CWP this last weekend and have been searching for a nice holster. After reading the reviews posted here and on other sites, I think I have made my decision. I was wondering, has anyone used this holster with it in the small of the back instead of the hip? Pros / cons to either position?

Thanks for all the helpful reviews.

I see that is your first post, so welcome. Lots of info here if you browse around. As far as small o' back, the biggest drawback I've heard is not from comfort or concealing, but from safety. If you were carrying there, and then took a heavy blow there (fall down stairs, trip and fall on curb, etc.) you could really mess yourself up when otherwise you could probably just brush it off with some scrapes and bruises. It is however, very easy to conceal there with most body types. Just make sure that when you draw that your muzzle does not point at any part of your body.

I'm assuming (since this is your first post here and you just got your FL CWP) that you're probably concerned with the gun showing through clothes on your hip. You can do a search on this site and find dozens of forums with new people concerned about such things, and the general consensus is that the general public doesn't notice. With cell phones, pagers, etc. dangling from most people's hips these days, gun is not usually the first thing people would think when noticing a bulge (if they even care to notice one). Carry it however is comfortable for you, and if you're concerned about people spotting it, don't be.

[Wildscar]

I just recieved my Florida CWP this last weekend and have been searching for a nice holster. After reading the reviews posted here and on other sites, I think I have made my decision. I was wondering, has anyone used this holster with it in the small of the back instead of the hip? Pros / cons to either position?

Thanks for all the helpful reviews.

Welcome to forum. I have not tried to carry in the small of the back so I would not be able to asnwer your question. I can tell you that carry the way I do works for me. No one will notice as long as you dont draw attention to it. If I can conceal my Beretta this way then you should be able to carry just about anything this way.

One more thing to consider about SOB carry is that when you sit down in a car you are bascially sitting on it and it can be a pain to get to. I have found that 3 oclock carry for me work. This way I can reach it with either hand while sitting or standing or flat on my back. If you can get to it intime you might as well leave it at home.

[Gemiar]

Thanks for all of the helpful post, guys (and gals if it permits). The forum has been a great help. Like I said, I just got my CWP and while I have had plenty of shooting experience, carrying is very new to me. Reading here and other places it seems like people prefer to carry at the hip. I guess I figured that it would be concealed better in the back, but after reading it sounds like it isn't an issue. Thanks again for all the tips and I'll let you know what I decide.

[Gemiar]

Another question I came up with while looking at the different styles that Comp-Tac offers: What is the difference between the MTAC and Spartan holsters? I can't seem to tell the difference.