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Just got my White Hat holster!

StreuB1

By StreuB1
in Gear

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StreuB1 Member

StreuB1

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I asked around and seems there are just about as many opinions on concealment holsters as there is with competition holsters and rifle glass. I am not suprised though as it is a piece of gear that you must live with all the time; its good attributes and of course, its bad. Several people suggested White Hat so I looked a little into this small company.

 

First off, a bit about me and the gun I plan to carry. I am 35, 6'4", 240lbs, kinda athletic.....but got some extra in the middle. My gun is an M&P 9c with the 12rnd mag with pinky extension. I am really finicky about how things poke, prod, rub, sit on, adhere to me. I cannot wear jewelry of any type and anything touching me that can get clammy, sweaty or anything bothers the heck out of me. So, an IWB holster is a bit of a possible double edged sword. But, I know it is one of the best and most secure ways to carry concealed.

 

Things I liked:

 

Small Company and most items are made to order due to their nature

Hand crafting

Authentic old school "rustic" look

Made in America

Natural materials often feel best on the body

 

 

So I gave them a try. I spent the obligatory week to fully vet out my $80 purchase ahead of time. Oddly I spent $950 on my ACOG at the drop of a hat....anyone figure out why it's like that yet??? I Youtubed it until my daily suggested videos were about holsters or something pertaining to "White Hats." I googled the heck out of it. And spent 2-3 days on their site just deciding on what backer I wanted and what Kydex....and of course the clips and screws. I mean, I might want nickel plated screws as opposed to the standard black.

 

I was intrigued by the horse hide vs cow hide and combat cut vs standard cut.

 

I ended up purchasing the MaxTuck in Antique "Cowboy" Black Horsehide with standard black Kydex, standard screws and standard clips. Picking out horsehide vs cowhide spent me and I had nothing left so opted for standards the rest of the way. lol.

 

I placed the order on 4/18/2013 and it was delivered on Saturday the 1st. Exactly 2 weeks to the day that I ordered it.

 

I am just wearing it tonight and when I opened it today finally, I was a bit skeptical regarding how it would feel on me. More on that in a second. First off, this thing is worth every bit of the price. It is a gorgeous GORGEOUS piece of gear. I am not a leather person but my god, its nice. Its really shiney and the grain is really nice looking and the open grain of the back is really nice and even and smooth. Its hard though.......and not very flexible. So I was worried how it would conform to me. I tried it firstly to the side.....it didn't really fit there. Maybe with a guy thats a bit deeper front to back it would fit better. But for me, not so much. So I sput it around to apendix....yeah didn't like my pistol jamming me in my junk when I sat down. Belly kinda gets in the way also. So, I got worried and looked online again at how you wear "HOLSTERS!"

 

I then had a revelation......wearing it off to your rear side. Its flatter but yet still accessible for a good side draw stroke. Tried it there and............wow, winner winner chicken dinner. I am sitting in my computer chair as I type and barely know its there. Its so strange how you can move so naturally with it there and still draw perfectly. On a comfort level, leather feels awesome. Not surprisingly since its skin....but the open grain isn't cold on you and it is really soft. You can real around and grab the holster and pull it up and down and its not uncomfortable at all. Its actually REALLY REALLY comfy!

 

 

One suggestion.......GET THE COMBAT CUT!!!!!!!

 

You really cannot get a full handed grip without it. I find myself reaching around with my right hand, getting a 3 finger grip on the hand grip and a thumb over the top of the rear sight to draw it. During the transition to barrel facing downrange, transition the thumb around the grip. Its really not a big deal to get used to but if I had a choice now, I would get the combat cut. It is probably a bit less comfortable but I think the better draw stroke would more than make up for it. I will try and get some pics or a small video to show what the combat cut would yield regarding the draw stroke.

 

 

Will post more pics and thoughts as the days go on.

 

All in all right now, this thing is one bad mammer jammer. And it looks super nice. I would love to open carry with it just to show it off!!!

StreuB1 Member

StreuB1

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Just went down and grabbed my M&P Pro9 (5" slide) just to see if it fits the same Kydex cutout. The compact and Pro are the same in the frame areas so I figured they would.

 

To keep it short. It not only fits but you can't tell I am holstered.....in denim camo shorts and a polo. Even better.....my draw is faster and more accurate with this vs my Safariland paddle with a gunbelt on and my concealment vest (IDPA).

 

I honestly might try shooting a match with this IWB holster and just a shirt. I am totally blown away.

 

More to come...

patriot1776 Member

patriot1776

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Wow thanks for the info i have the same M&P's and thought that holster type set up might work . I just love one holster that fits different applications ( size ) weapons of the same model . Keeps everything the same, carry, location ,holster and re enforces muscle memory throughout draw , fire , reload and re holster.
3ddiver Member

3ddiver

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I just ordered a White Hat also. I have Crossbreeds but they are WAY behind so I thought I would try something new. I ordered it about a week ago and race to the mailbox every day when I get home. I know it is going to still be a while but I am like a kid at Christmas.
Yas Member

Yas

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I'm waiting on one also. I went with them due to Crossbreeds backlog on waiting time and whitehat is offering the holster for the oddball I'm looking to holster an P7. I'll have to see If I regret not getting the combat cut. Going with vintage brown horsehide and basic black. Nothing fancy. Thanks for posting. I'm looking forward to getting this.
StreuB1 Member

StreuB1

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Well, its 9am and I have been wearing my holster (empty) since 6am. Drive to work wearing it (1991 BMW 525i; bucket seats) which is an hour drive. No issues really but then again it didn't have my pistol in it. I will try it tonight when I get home to see how I sit in the car in the garage. I am at my desk (engineer) and as of right now, I can't complain other than I am not used to wearing a belt and its rather annoying. The belt that is, the holster is nearly non-existant other than it beign a noticable bulge.

 

The super smooth leather.............thats key I think. It is also slowly molding to my side. I pulled it out and noticed its no longer flat but now contoured and I think that is due to the pressure against the body and my body heat kinda molding it.

 

 

Pretty cool so far!! :D

StreuB1 Member

StreuB1

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Pics?

 

Will get some later today. I want to get pics of the gun on me as well as just the holster so you guys will have to wait till I get home.

 

I might just do a video since it will give you a much better idea.

Livewire18 Member

Livewire18

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I ordered one of the AlienGear Holsters yesterday. Will have it in about 2-3 weeks. I figured why spend $130+ on a crossbreed when I get the same thing with a forever warranty for $29! I'll let you know how it feels when i get it.
StreuB1 Member

StreuB1

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Pics?

 

Will get some later today. I want to get pics of the gun on me as well as just the holster so you guys will have to wait till I get home.

 

I might just do a video since it will give you a much better idea.

Any pics of the holster?

 

:geek:

azone5 Member

azone5

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Streu - thanks for the heads up on White Hat. I have lots of holsters from years ago and haven't looked at new products until recently. I'm really liking WH the best so far. I think Father's Day is coming up soon. Hmmmmm
azone5 Member

azone5

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Streu - thanks for the great video and review. I like it a lot. I couldn't detect any printing. Looks super.
  • 2 weeks later...
3ddiver Member

3ddiver

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I got mine today nut I cant seem to get a picture on here. I like it, very similar to Crossbreed but it may be even more comfortable. Hard to tell because the Crossbreed is for a XD45 tactical and the WH is for an XDS that should be here shortly.
samal Member

samal

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looks almost the same as my Kholster after I took a knife to them

 

http://images50.fotki.com/v393/photos/2/787792/9360390/photdffrf-vi.jpg

3ddiver Member

3ddiver

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I have been wearing my holster empty almost since I got it. I carried my XDS this weekend in a free state and you don't even know it is there. Nice set up, I will definitely recommend them and consider them for future purchases.
  • 4 weeks later...
spaceman-spiff Welcome New Member

spaceman-spiff

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StreuB1 - My White Hat holster came today. I carry a M&P Shield 9mm. The holster is the same hide and color as your's, but I ordered the combat cut. It fits best for me exactly where you have it in your video. I've tried the kydex only holsters, but they stick and poke. The White Hat's horse protects my skin from the poking. with my Beltman gun belt, the gun feels comfortable in just about every postion. I do notice it when sitting in a chair, but I'm getting used the feel.

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