Posted: 9/11/2009 1:50:01 PM EDT
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I currently use a Milt Sparks VMII for every day carry and love it. I'm switching my carry weapon for various reasons, and was planning on getting another VMII. In fact I ordered one, but now I'm not sure if I want to wait 6 months. I've heard a lot of good things about Comp-tac IWB holsters, and considering they only have about a week run time, I'm thinking of trying one out. Worst case scenario is I hate it, but can switch to the VMII whenever it is done. What's the concensus, are these good holsters? Also, which models are most folks using? I've heard the c-tac mentioned, what about the mtac?
Secondly, I'm also in the market for a OWB holster. How are the Comp-tac belt holsters? I bought a blade-tech many years ago and was very underwhelmed. Since that point, I've been a bit weary of kydex holsters with no retention devices. So how do comp-tac belt holsters perform with regard to weapon retention? |
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With a good belt and the retention screw properly fitted (right level of tightness desired) they aren't a security holster, but the gun's not going to fall out on you either.
I've worn a C-Tac for years. Haven't tried the newer rigs (Infidel, M-Tac) since I've been overseas, but the C-Tac is basically a Kydex VM-II in general design, so it will fit similarly. When adjusted how you like it, it's very comfortable. I've worn mine over 24 hours straight on several occasions where i had to, and for about the first 22 hours it was not even noticeably "there". |
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I found that after extended carry, the CTAC can be unconfortable due to pressure points - really a fault of all-kydex design and not a bad thing about the CTAC itself.
I am a huge fan of hybrid IWB holsters, including the Minatour/Comp-Tac MTAC. I use Comp-Tac belt holsters a lot for USPSA and IDPA-esque competition. For carry, though, I'd prefer some active retention for an OWB. I prefer them over the Blade-Tech belt holsters for the same purpose; in fact, the only reason I have a Blade-Tech right now is that I wanted the option of the DOH attachment. |
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I found that after extended carry, the CTAC can be unconfortable due to pressure points - really a fault of all-kydex design and not a bad thing about the CTAC itself. I have had this same experiene with the CTAC. Good holster but gets a little uncomfortable after a while. I am a huge fan of hybrid IWB holsters, including the Minatour/Comp-Tac MTAC. The MTAC is the most comforable holster with which I have ever carried. With the right belt, you really can forget it's there. I use Comp-Tac belt holsters a lot for USPSA and IDPA-esque competition. For carry, though, I'd prefer some active retention for an OWB. I prefer them over the Blade-Tech belt holsters for the same purpose; in fact, the only reason I have a Blade-Tech right now is that I wanted the option of the DOH attachment. I've got a Comp-tac paddle holster that I like a lot. I've no need for a greater level of retention so I can't comment here. |
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Is the MTAC worth the extra money over, let's say, the infidel w/ belt loops? Which one will be more durable? I'll be concealing a full-size M&P 9. Not really comparable - they are different platforms. The "upgrade" of an Infidel would be a CTAC - i.e., another all-kydex platform, not a hybrid. If you're looking at hybrids but want to keep price down, there is the Spartan - it is made from only a single thickness of leather and does not include any covering over the back hardware. (The MTAC is made from two pieces of leather without any exposed hardware on the back.) Whether or not the MTAC is worth the difference over the Spartan is a tough choice. While I had my doubts about exposed hardware, my CrossBreed Supertuck - which also has exposed hardware and uses a single thickness of leather - hasn't given me any issues whatsoever, which makes me lean to saying that a Spartan would be a better deal. And then again, I have a MTAC and can say that the thing is very comfortable and seems to be very durable - I can't say that much about the latter, though, as my current EDC is in the Supertuck (instead of buying another MTAC or a separate body, I decided to try something different and bought the Supertuck). |
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Is the MTAC worth the extra money over, let's say, the infidel w/ belt loops? Which one will be more durable? I'll be concealing a full-size M&P 9. Not really comparable - they are different platforms. The "upgrade" of an Infidel would be a CTAC - i.e., another all-kydex platform, not a hybrid. If you're looking at hybrids but want to keep price down, there is the Spartan - it is made from only a single thickness of leather and does not include any covering over the back hardware. (The MTAC is made from two pieces of leather without any exposed hardware on the back.) Whether or not the MTAC is worth the difference over the Spartan is a tough choice. While I had my doubts about exposed hardware, my CrossBreed Supertuck - which also has exposed hardware and uses a single thickness of leather - hasn't given me any issues whatsoever, which makes me lean to saying that a Spartan would be a better deal. And then again, I have a MTAC and can say that the thing is very comfortable and seems to be very durable - I can't say that much about the latter, though, as my current EDC is in the Supertuck (instead of buying another MTAC or a separate body, I decided to try something different and bought the Supertuck). So would you recommend the Supertuck? The MTAC, CTAC, and Supertuck all look good. Which would you go with? The Supertuck looks pretty good. |
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So would you recommend the Supertuck? The MTAC, CTAC, and Supertuck all look good. Which would you go with? The Supertuck looks pretty good. I'm very torn between the CrossBreed Supertuck and the Minotaur/Comp-Tac MTAC. Both have their pros and cons. The MTAC offers slightly more comfort due to its double-layer design. It is also likely that it could have an edge in long-term durability due to this construction as well. The MTAC is modular, so you can buy a bunch of half-bodies to fit all of your guns - but the Supertuck is available with the "combat cut", which is where the leather backing is cut to exactly match the profile of the pistol's backstrap, for best grippage on the draw. The Supertuck has a slightly wider footprint than the MTAC. Comp-Tac clips seem to be easier on/off, but CrossBreed clips seem more durable. Both holsters are made by great companies, and both have a similar turnaround (Comp-Tac is usually 1~2 weeks, while CrossBreed is on the longer end of that range). CrossBreed does offer a lifetime warranty, if that matters to you. I haven't really carried with my MTAC enough to say which I personally like better. They are both excellent IWB holsters. |
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I use Comp-Tac belt holsters a lot for USPSA and IDPA-esque competition. For carry, though, I'd prefer some active retention for an OWB. Other than someone physically removing the gun from your holster, do you feel your Comp-Tac would retain the gun in most other circumstances? For example, I'm sure you are on the move in your competitions. Can you envision any physical activities (running, jumping, whatever) that you wouldn't trust with that holster? I've been looking at different kydex holsters, and I can't find one with a retention system I like so far. |
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I use Comp-Tac belt holsters a lot for USPSA and IDPA-esque competition. For carry, though, I'd prefer some active retention for an OWB. Other than someone physically removing the gun from your holster, do you feel your Comp-Tac would retain the gun in most other circumstances? For example, I'm sure you are on the move in your competitions. Can you envision any physical activities (running, jumping, whatever) that you wouldn't trust with that holster? I've been looking at different kydex holsters, and I can't find one with a retention system I like so far. In most normal circumstances, no, I could not see the gun removing itself from the holster. The exception would be something like hanging upside down on monkey bars swinging around or something. And of course, tension is adjustable, and I have mine set pretty light for competition use. Just enough to keep it in place during normal walking, running, and associated movement. I actually have carried OWB with one of my belt holsters and didn't feel at all uncomfortable in any way. I wanted to run out after an IDPA match, so I just kept my holster on and loaded up a mag (and the gun) with Ranger-Ts and went about my business. Concealed under an unbuttoned camp shirt (my usual casual attire, and my cover garment for IDPA too). Pistol in that case was a Beretta 92FS. |