Crossbreed / Kholster
I use either Crossbreed Holsters "Supertuck" or a Kholster. I prefer the Kholster. Why?
A) I like being able to tuck my shirt between the gun and the clips. This means that you can wear it with pretty much anything. I don't have to tuck in when wearing a jacket or sport coat.
B) The kholster has a huge paddle that protects your ribs from being rubbed raw.
C) They both have many adjustments to tilt the gun forward or backward, or anywhere in between. The kholster will adjust from a radical forward sweep, to almost flat (grip upward for small-of-the-back carry)
D) They are both fitted to your strong side.
Other options:
1) Waist packs- they are ok, except for, just like shoulder holsters, you sweep everyone around you and yourself, too.
2) OWB holsters: Leather is ok, but after a while, leather breaks down and soft leather can get into the trigger guard.
Kydex, plastic, etc: Paddle holsters are great, but not very conceal able. They 'print' very badly.
3) Underwear / Thunderwear-type holsters are great in concept, but its tough to present and especially when sitting down (on your couch, in the car, etc)
Things to avoid:
1) Shoulder holsters, especially horizontal "Miami Vice" type. When you present the gun, you sweep anyone behind you, anyone to your 'gun side' (and probably your own arm). It takes more time by almost 3/4 of a second. (yes, we use a timer to get these numbers.)Straps look like bra straps through a shirt or light jacket. For the ladies, this is ok. For men....you get the point.
2) Cross-draw holsters. Same reasons as above.
3) Cheap flimsy nylon holsters and cheap flimsy leather holsters. The holster collapses inward when you present the gun. One guy shot himself in the leg because the soft leather collapsed inward into the trigger, thus pressing the trigger and BOOM! I'm looking for the article for you. Cheap holsters are attractive when you are on a budget, but saving a couple of bucks isn't worth an accident.
4) Ankle holsters- Takes too long to present. You need to stop moving, bend over, roll up your pant-leg, release the strap, stand back up, then present the gun. How many steps is that? Too many!
5)T-shirt holsters: Great concept- but make sure you read about shoulder holsters above. Also, think about having a COMPETENT tailor change a button-down shirt to snaps and sewing the buttons outside the snaps. The shirt LOOKS like it is buttoned, but you can rip the snaps open to access your gun. Read about shoulder holsters above.
Considerations:
* Look at your wardrobe-
1) for IWB carry, you will need to buy pants a size or two bigger than usual, or those with elastic waistbands.
2) Shirts- It is not considered a good idea to wear light-colored shirts, whether IWB or OWB holsters. Dark shirts camouflage the grip better.
3)Shirts / jackets- If you leave your shirt un-tucked, make sure the tails are long enough to cover the gun.
-I wear a lot of sport coats- They work with non-printed (no graphics) t-shirts, polo shirts, and dress shirts equally well and look nice. I buy my sport coats with a larger cut, so as not to "print" through a sport coat (any shirt or jacket) that is tight. Shirts, jackets, etc should be "generous" fit.
I consider myself to be well-educated because I have hundreds of dollars invested in crappy holsters I'll never use again. I would like to save you money by sharing the lessons I learned the hard way (expensive way). Don't waste money on crap!
I hope this helps someone somewhere...