Holster Recommendations for the SA EMP 40

[RockingRook]

I have been carrying my EMP 40 around the house trying to get the feel for the thumb safety and so far I like it
except for my holsters.

Carrying the EMP and following my daily routine I notice that the gun can bounce around [probably due to the holster]
the holsters are not for that particular model, the gun fits but it is a bit loose.

I went on-line looking for a holster that I want and it is a little difficult to find.

I want a left hand, strong side/cross draw holster that has a leather backing [sweat shield] and also has a retention strap that I
can carry the gun "cocked and locked". Galco writes that all their retention straps are for carrying in Cond 2 which is not a safe mode of
carrying the 1911. I have found a few others but none of which match what I want and since I am in no hurry I want to get
the holster that I want.

I know you can safely carry the EMP or any 1911 without the strap but I would like one.

I already have 4 holsters. I do not want to get a "mistake".

I presently have an email out the El Paso Saddlery asking them the questions above and also wanting to know
if their "Double Duty" will fit the bill. I am awaiting their response.

As of today I have put about 500 rds through the EMP and it is flawless and accurate. I really like the gun and want
to alternate it with my Ruger SR 9c and Beretta PX4 SC as my carry gun.

I also notice that the EMP 40 although small and compact it is heavy therefore a holster with a single belt clip is not
the best. The holsters with the spread out belt loops would be better to spread out the weight of the gun.

I carried the full size govt. Colt 45 for a few years in the Far East many years ago but the choice of holsters
were few actually there was only one choice. Whatever the AF had at the time to be carried on a web belt. The holster had
a cover/flap and it was probably all made from canvas. I was issued the K-38 and the .45 was a better choice.
In case you are wondering many of the pilots carried .45s and EOD was called out to downed AC. Many of the pilots in the mid '60s
had .45s

I wish I still had that 1911 .45. I had ivory grips put on them and it was nice but inaccurate as hell. I
was told that I could get it worked and that was my plans but the guns never made it to the US. I think it made it
but in some Col's luggage.

So, if any of you have good constructive suggestions for a holster please pass it on to me.

Chuck

[AEA]

I carry my EMP 9mm in any leather holster designed for a .45 1911 with the 3" length of course. No problems wiggling. I would guess the .40 would fit the same.

[CJATE]

Get a leather holster for that gun.

I dig sparks for leather

Nice guns get leather holsters, plastic guns get plastic holsters.

[AEA]

Get a leather holster for that gun.

I dig sparks for leather

Nice guns get leather holsters, plastic guns get plastic holsters.

I had to edit my post after seeing yours....

I only think leather myself and did not spell it out in my op.

[thelurker]

Are you looking for IWB or OWB? Also, are you dead set on a retention strap? What if you found THE holster, with perfect retention that doesn't have a strap?

[Jumping Frog]

I'd strongly recommend you consider Dan at Zlogonje Gunleathers. He is reasonably priced and is a real artist who started his gunleather business last January. Since then, he has made a lot of raving fans of his high quality products, especially his following on the Ohioans For Concealed Carry forums in this thread: http://www.ohioccwforums.org/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=49702" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Both of the links above are very picture-heavy, and showcase his work well.

He took great care of me when I ordered from him, and last I heard he was running about a two week turnaround. He'll make exactly what you want.

[RockingRook]

Thanks to everyone!! I always planned on a leather holster. I will check out those links.

Chuck

[thelurker]

RockingRook, sent you a pm.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I would suggest the QUICK SLIDE BELT HOLSTER from Galco. It is a pancake holster but made to where all the molding is on the front of the holster (Forward Molding). This allows the holster to be flat on the body and hold the gun closer to the body. See attached image.

Which is better, forward molding or traditional pancake style?

Galco offers several models for each of the two belt-holster design styles. Although holsters have been made in the pancake style for decades (and we still make them) we have found forward molding to offer some advantages over the more traditional design, assuming one uses a proper holster belt of sufficient thickness and a well-made full-grain holster.

On a traditional pancake design, the belt weaves in and out of the holster, causing considerable belt bulging both in front of and behind the holster, thus inhibiting good concealment. The pancake holster can also be difficult to put on the belt and thread through pants loops. This will eventually be minimized with many hours of wear, and the issue reduces proportionally with a larger waist, since the larger the circle the flatter any fixed length on the circle becomes.

A forward molded holster does not require as much cinching to eliminate the belt bulge. The lack of bulging and a more narrow side profile results in better concealment. Some will argue that molding on one side results in a thicker holster and thus a less concealable profile than having half the molding on each side. However, if one adds the thickness of the gun and the thickness of a piece of leather on each side of the gun, then simple math shows that the overall thickness of the gun/holster combination doesn’t change, which invalidates this argument.

As for comfort with a forward molded design, the curved and smoother surface on the rear of the holster (as opposed to a molded center area for the gun as found on a traditional pancake) is generally more comfortable – especially on those individuals who do not carry their own “built-in padding.”

Concealment is enhanced with the forward molded design, because it tends to pull the butt of the pistol closer to the body than a traditional pancake design, as seen in the illustration below.

Forward molded holsters require more work to design and construct. The vastly different shapes and sizes of the front and rear pieces of leather take additional time and skill to glue and stitch prior to molding. This added labor results in additional cost, but the forward molded design’s increased concealability and comfort over the traditional pancake holster make these costs justifiable to many.

[RockingRook]

RockingRook, sent you a pm.

Yes, I got it and answered, thanks!!

As I said in the reply your holster looks like a really nice one but I have already ordered
a holster. If I would have seen it I probably would have taken you up on your offer.

I failed to mark this thread to notify me of any additions therefore I did not see your post
until you PMd me.

You should be able to sell it. Problem is being left handed. I know the feeling. Few others around.

Thanks again!!

Chuck