Kramer IWB
 

Id like to order a Kramer holster for IWB carry but am having some diffuclty deciding on which one.

Weapon is HK USPc 45.

Im leaning towards the #3 in horsehide.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advcance-

Holsters are a pretty individual choice, and there has been a pretty substantial "Pro Kramer" mood expressed here in the past. Find the one that fits you best and go with it. Of course, bear in mind that if you play with guns long enough; you Will end up with a Footlocker full of holsters (I've got one and I'm only 24)

Good times,
Blake

I have both Kramer HK .40c/.45c and fullsize HK holsters IWB and outside. I now wear outside all the time. IWB, for me , was a bit uncomfortable thus limited use.

TS

Understood.

My state has a general carry law so I can carry inside or outside and Im considering both (perhaps all states do?).

To be discreet Id like to carry IWB for awhile until I learn to dress around the gun better and see what works for me.

Im leaning towards the #3 as the accompanyiong text states it places the grip closer to the body. Do either of you have an opinion regarding this?

How does the public react to you carrying outside especially when in restaurants or stores? My feeling is that most arent even aware enough to spot things like that,

TS, What outside holster do you like?

THanks for the comments-

I believe that he means outside the pants holster, not outside unconcealed.

TR

Having been with TS where he lives, he carries both ways. When in the Grocery with the Blue Hairs, he carries Concealed so as to not upset the other patrons, but outside in the Gas Station, it is in the open, both legal in Az. The Concealed does require a Permit where the fully exposed does not.

Later
MArtin.

I would like to carry in the open someday at some point. Nex I will be getting an outside the pants holster but first will be the IWB-

Thanks again for the comments

Contrary to Popular belief, IWB is not the only option for Concealed carry. I carry a Glock 17 Daily, and I find IWB to be comfortable enough and very easy to conceal, but I do occasionally carry in a standard belt holster (Del Fatti SLP II) with a light cover shirt or a hoodie/jacket in the winter. Like I say, the only real way to know what will work best for you is to try as much as you can. IWB, OWB, Pocket holster, Ankle, Shoulder rig, fanny pack, appendix carry, Small of back, Mexican carry, hell if you're feeling nostalgic, give the old OSS String loop a try. Not everyone is going to be able to comfortably carry the same way; find what you are most comfortable with and you will be most likely to carry it. Carrying concealed is a pain in the ass, and a good rig can minimize this significantly, making you more likely to put on a gun even though it would be easier to just grab your keys and run to the store right quick.

HTH, YMMV.

Good times,
Blake

Actually I carry all three ways.... ;)

IWB, OWB and open carry.
Usually I carry IWB and OWB, both concealed carry.
I enjoy all of Kramers holsters but OWB (concealed) is now my favorite.

TS

I carry Sig 229 in a Kramer IWB #3 for a minimum of 8 hours a day. It is the most comfortable IWB holster I've ever owned and I've owned alot. It does what Kramer says as far as keeping the butt of the gun tucked in nice and tight.

Blade-Tech makes a new IWB that lets you tuck a T-shirt in, just a few inches. But it doesn't have the padding like a Kramer.
Just like when they made seat belts mandatory. After awhile you just get use to having the thing on and don't notice it anymore.

Yep Ive heard good things about the Bladetechs and theyre very affordable too.

Ill go with the Kramer #3 to start with and use that to establish a baseline.

I truly appreciate the comments guys as you are the pros-

I have been looking at getting a Kramer Thomas Perfectionist for my .45 XD. Did a search here and nothing showed up. I'm finding very little reviews or feedback on it on the internet in general. If someone has used the holster I would like to hear the pros and cons.

Thanks
72W

IMO, you can't go wrong with any type of Kramer holster. I have (2) on the belt types, one for an H&K USP and the other for the H&K P7M10 (.40 Cal.)

The most comfortable Kramer I have is a 'pocket' holster for a S&W 422. It's not only comfortable it's handy for those times you have to 'dress-up' or make a quick trip to the store or walk the dog, etc. Just slip the holster and gun into your pocket and your out the door. Of course it makes a great BUG, as well.

I just have never found an IWB or shoulder holster that was all that comfortable for me. I have had both and have worn them. (In that footlocker ;))

Of course, in many parts of my LE career, I worn civilian clothes a lot, mostly slacks & shirt and tie with a sport coat, which made it easy for me to wear an on the belt holster.

I'm not a big fan of 'plastic' holsters; however, I just bought a Blackhawk Serpa belt slide/paddle holster for my Glock 27. I tried both ways and decided to use the paddle on the holster. So far, I like the holster and it's retention devices. It is also the best paddle holster I've tried so far. I've been tempted to order a Kramer Paddle holster for it, but so far have resisted the urge. The Blackhawk only cost 35.00.

I have come to the point that unless on the range, I pretty much just carry inside the wasteband via Mexican style with no holster at all, just a kramer double thick horsehide belt through the belt loops.

Ive been using the Kramer #3 FBI tilt daily and love it.

The only time I dont use a holster is in bed-

I am beyond the point where I am comfortable wearing an IWB.

The Kramer MSP paddle holsters are my favorite CCW holsters, and the Kramer quality and construction are superb.

Anyone who has the Kramer holster, but not the belt is missing out on half of the equation. I wear a double thick horsehide 1.5" every day, and love it.

The Blackhawk Serpa has some design issues that are addressed elsewhere on this board.

TR

I have about 6 Kramer OTB holsters, no belts.... or MSP paddle holsters....

I'll be ordering them shortly.

TS

The double thick belts allow you to carry some pretty heavy hardware without sagging. I like the horsehide leather better, but it is more expensive.

The MSP comes off quickly when you need to remove it without having to unbuckle your belt or thread anything, and goes back on equally quickly. It holds the butt of the weapon in close to your body, though not quite as tightly as the IWBs (and I have several of those as well). Essentially, you are trading a bit of concealment for a significant increase in comfort and ease of wear.

I think you will be very pleased by the Kramer belt and MSP.

TR

Sir
Ditto.

I use the wide horsehide belt as well and love it.

My holster is also horsehide-

I've recently started carrying a PSP in a Kramer #3 between belt and pants with an older Milt Sparks belt. I find it far more comfortable than IWB and nearly as well concealed.

I received my box from Kramer this week. I followed the advice here and stuck with a tried and true #3 IWB, ordered a double thick horsehide belt as well. The XD .45 is my first experience with concealed carry pistols, as well as Kramer holsters. Is there anything special I need to do to the holster? I don’t want to ‘break it in’ so to speak, I rather like the fact at how secure the pistol is inside the holster. I don’t have to worry about it falling out at an inopportune time. (Like there would be a good time for that to happen!)

Thank you for all the information and feedback on the Kramer holsters.
72W

Clear the weapon, put all ammo and loaded mags away, and practice draw strokes and dry fire, with your normal clothing. A mirror is useful to check for printing and concealment issues. Do not use it to find the weapon or to help draw it.

If you think it is too tight when you finish, you can degrease the pistol and apply a light coat of car wax, but you seem to be happy with the retention as is. It will loosen slightly over time.

Enjoy!

TR

Guess what I just got in my email today? A 10% off Kramer products.....;)

TR, Thanks for the tip about the car wax, I would have never thought to try that.

72W

I would like to thank everyone on here for directing me towards the IWB#3. I haven’t had any problems with it in the slightest of ways. The double magazine pouch however is a different story. Combining the magazine pouch and a double horsehide belt makes a lot of leather on leather creaking sounds. Similar to a saddle, I’ve sent an email to Kramer and I am waiting to hear back from them on the matter. Just thought I would see if anyone here had any recommendations on how to make the noise quieter or go away.


Sir, have you experienced this with your belt? The only other thing that comes to my mind is that this is happening because I am breaking in all three things at once.

I might be a little over sensitive to the matter as this is my first experience with concealed carry. In a moderately noisy environment it is not noticeable, the sound does not travel far at all. However in a quiet room it is a very noticeable odd sound to the uniformed non carrying community. To those that do carry concealed with good quality leather holsters I think they would recognize the sound immediately. Something I wish to avoid if it is possible. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

72W

Edit: This is part of an email I received from Will Kramer. "As for the creaking sounds from the leather - this can be fixed by taking denatured alcohol on a cloth and rubbing the excess wax polish off the surfaces that touch on the belt and mag pouch loop areas, this usually fixes that problem."

Thanks to all on this board for recommending Kramer.

I received my #3 IWB a few days ago and it is the heat!!!

Thanks again, everyone.

Glad that Will answered you, mine does not squeak.

TR

Perhaps The Reaper or another Kramer #3 user can answer this, but how (un)comfortable is this holster when sitting on your caboose all day?

My Tucker Gunleather "The Answer" holster has a nice flat soft leather piece that sits against your skin, keeping the signature of the gun from pressing into your side.

I might pick up a Kramer #3 though if they're comfy enough (I carry a full-sized XD-45)

Thanks in advance,
Jake

I've never been a fan of Taurus firearms but when I checked out the PT145 Millennium Pro I was impressed and purchased one. It is now my concealed carry weapon. I wanted an MTAC holster for it but unfortunately they haven't made one as of yet. Well my 2nd choice was the Cross Breed holster which I"m VERY pleased with.

Like it was said before what is comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another. Unfortunately you'll most likely have to spend some money trying out various holsters unless you find the one that works for you on the first try.

Both the Cross Breed and the MTAC are tuckable. I wear the Cross Breed daily now.

Here's the website for the Cross Breed and the MTAC

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog/prod...ducts_id=95but

I've heard good things about the "Beltman" belt. Here's a link: http://www.thebeltman.net

Jake:

The #3 is IWB, which I no longer utilize.

I prefer the MSP paddle holster for CCW.

TR

Another Cross Breed Holster user
 

Also went the Cross Breed route that Alelks went with (few posts back).

I recently picked up a Cross Breed Holsters Super Tuck IWB holster and its the bee's knee's. Looking at it the bare holster one may say "ick" compared to a Kramer or High Noon holster, but I take functionality over aethstetics anyday. I have tried a few different holsters and this one carries the best for me, its comfortable even when sitting and allows me to wear a t-shirt and not worry about "printing".

This particular holster is for a Springfield XDm 9mm. I ordered the regular horsehide super-tuck, but I ended up cutting it down to match the "combat cut" that one can get from the company. The cut came out great, I can get a really good grip with minimal effort. I was doubtful of the kydex clips at first, but I have done approx. 70 test draws so far and all that comes out is the pistol, not the holster. The kydex comes pre-formed to your specific pistol, but included directions allow you to safely and easily fine tune the molding with a hair dryer. I molded mine a little tighter after doing some jogging with the holster, and retention is exactly were I want it: secure yet smooth on the draw. The areas that I molded were around the ejection port and trigger gaurd. Super easy.

If I were to get another CBH for my 1911, I would not get the combat cut due to the presense of a hammer and larger grip.

The price is right too, worth a look if your in the market for an IWB. Lifetime warranty.

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/beltslide.htmlhttp://www.crossbreedholsters.com/beltslide.html

I've worn my Kramer #3 all day with my Glock 32 and have found it to be very comfortable.

Another Cross Breed Holster user
 

I have to add, that I have tried many IWB, and not being svelte anymore....
makes most of them uncomfortable. A Milt Sparks Summer Special had been the most comfortable until I tried the CrossBreed Super Tuck. The CrossBreed is the single most comfortable IWB I have ever used. I currently have 4, for four different handguns... (1911, Sig P220, HK USP Compact, and Walther PPK). You can wear this holster all day, and almost forget you have it on.

And with the LIFETIME warranty in addition to the 2-Week-Try-it-Free gaurantee!

How can you go wrong. What other maker will let you wear it for two weeks, and return it if you don't like it.

Just my $0.02...... YMMV

Kramer Handgun Leather in horsehide
 

Have any of you users of multiple Kramer products noticed if one finish is more susceptible to scuffs and other undesirable signs of wear than the other? They have black, mahogany, and tan - for an extra $20. I like the tan, but I'd hate to ruin it if I bust my ass on an icy path somewhere.

This will be for the MSP paddle holster, if that matters.

The wear just gives it character. It isn't a pair of jump boots for inspection.

I have a black MSP that is over ten years old, and IMHO, it still looks great.

TR

What TR said..

If you do want pretty.. black leather can always be waxed and shined back to new, as can most colors.

Ruff out, suede, or natural not so easy,, you live with the patina..

Additionally, Most manufactures put a sealer coat on the hide. This can limit what you can do down the road.

:munchin

Calm down, its OK to scuff leather.....really.

Grasshopper, you need to let go of your "shiny patent leather days" ;)

Team Sergeant

Thanks, all. I figured that age and handling would mature it like a well-worn leather jacket. Glad to hear that a little rough handling won't diminish it's beauty. Wish I had the belt coming too, but it will have to wait a few months.

Hope I age as gracefully during the probable two month wait for the holster... :munchin

The only issue with my Mahogany MSP that I ever had, and Mr. Kramer helped me take care of it, was the color from the paddle bleeding through to my clothing in Fort Leonardwood summer heat.

My IWB #3 did not do this at all. Switched to black - no problems.

Eagle