owb

Cold War Concealment OWB Holster

THE MIGHTY TITAN

  Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is a holster, a holster that I fell in love with as soon as I opened that package. I was contacted by Clif over at Cold War Concealment to see if I would be interested in reviewing one of his holsters. I thought why not, I am a sucker for a free holster. I am just like any gun guy out there and have a box, drawer and tote full of holsters that all were the latest and greatest at the time. But just keep reading it gets better.

  I told Clif to send me one for my Sig P 365 in an OWB configuration, he said no problem. In a couple days he contacted me and said here is your tracking number and it was on the way. I started really looking at the holsters he had on his website and he really focuses on the popular Glock, S&W, Springfield, Sig, Taurus, Ruger and smaller Walther models. This is something I found impressive. For some of these models it is hard to get a good quality holster for a, let's say, lower priced firearm. They offer holsters for IWB, OWB, semi autos and a wide array of the popular J frame revolvers. 

  The owner of the company is retired from the Airforce and is located in North Carolina. The process that is used to make the holster is a taco style, that is vacuum formed over a CNC mold that is cut for your particular firearm. It is then heated and formed together to complete the taco shape. All of the edges are nicely radius to reduce snag and pinch point. The sight channel is large to run suppressor height sights. It has a single adjustment/tension screw below the trigger guard that really makes adjustments and personal tension a snap. The belt loop that came with the holster has numerous adjustment angles and has two slots on each side to fit belts from 1.5” to 2”. I wear a 1.75” belt and it works out great. The OWB holsters are also available with the Safariland QLS fork mounting system. 

  The day I got the holster I made an IG post that I was going to go ride horses with my new holster. Well I was riding right up until the time I was bucked off, hung up in the stirrups and dragged down the gravel driveway. But hey I wasn't “KILT IN THE STREETZ". Anyway when I gathered myself up, wiped the blood from my face, found my glasses, straightened my cowboy hat back up, the gun was still retained in the holster. The holster had some wear, scratches but it was still in great shape. A few weeks later I took the holster with me on a bear/hog hunt and carried it while climbing up the side of the mountains. After coming out of the briars and laurel bushes the pistol was still retained. I also did some drills at the house on my range in the backyard, the holster sits just perfectly right in front of the hip bone. The mounting system keeps it close to the body, but not to close where my love handles get in the way. I was able to draw and reholster without any issues. 

  In closing we all have had holsters that we rave about, wear for a bit and then find another one and put that one aside and forget about it. Some we get, have so many attachments on them, you need to be an engineer just to figure it out. I am a K.I.S.S method person, keep it simple stupid. If you are in the market for a holster that is comfortable, reliable, no frills, top quality, family/veteran owned, this is the holster for you. I want to make one point, yes i got this holster for free, this did not sway my decision for writing this article. I write about how things work for me. I am placing an order for an IWB and mag holder this week. I believe in supporting small businesses that make great products, this is the American way. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

American made

Great construction

Reliable

Horse approved

Durable

Ease of care

Adjustable cant

Target Market:

Anyone needing a holster for a compact semi auto or revolver

CCW  use

Americans

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • American made

  • Adjustable cant

  • Ease of use

  • Great quality

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different patterns and colors available

IWB

OWB

Claw

No claw

Optic cut

Link to other reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ikF2FT5YU

Price point:

MSRP = $50.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Cold War Concealment

They have them available on their website.

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Simple

  • Comfortable

  • Rides great

  • Retains the firearm

  • Can get with QLS Fork

Cons:

  • Maybe a tek-lok mounting option

Score: 9.50 Amazing

Rough Cut Holsters RHAEGAL IWB

  Anyone that carries a pistol, should have a good holster. It doesn’t matter if you conceal carry, or just open carry. The point is, everyone needs a holster. This brings us to Rough Cut Holsters. They sent me one of their Rhaegal inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, with a few asked for modifications. This holster is nicer than I was expecting.

  The Rhaegal holster is one of Rough Cut’s IWB holsters. This particular one is for a Kahr CM9. They make this holster for a number of common pistols like Glocks, Sigs, Smith & Wessons, etc. The Rhaegal is a taco style holster. Meaning that it is one piece of kydex wrapped around the firearm. It’s a common type of IWB holster, especially for concealed carry.

  I asked for some options on this holster. One of them was a small “claw”. It adds like $5 to the price. But I really wanted to see if the claw would help conceal the small pistol better. Rough Cut told me it probably wouldn’t, and guess what? The holster maker was correct. The point is, they will let you do options, even if it doesn’t make much sense.

  Rough Cut also has various pattern and color options for their holsters. As we know, everyone likes to somewhat personalize their gear. I opted for a zombie green topo kydex with zombie green washers. It’s an IWB so nobody really sees it anyways. But if you want options, they can give you options. They also will do custom holsters. If they don’t have your firearm, they have some options for that also. 

  There are many great features to the Rhaegal holster:

 First up, it comes standard with the Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) monoblock clip. This is the clip that attaches it to your belt, and the DCC is the best in my opinion. You can wear the holster straight up and down, or adjust the DCC clip to give you a 20 degree cant. Both holes are pre-drilled in the holster. I use the 20 degree cant as I feel it hides the butt of the pistol better. With this clip, the Rhaegal holster doesn’t move at all on my belt, it just stays where I put it! There is also an option for belt loops, if that’s what you like. I did ask for them to include holes to mount an UltiClip or another type of DCC clip, Rough cut supplied the extra holes. I did try it out using a single DCC clip and it works fine. This actually made the holster ride farther down the waist, and helped conceal the holster a tad bit better. It does make it slightly harder to get a good grip when drawing the pistol. So I went back to the way the Rhaegal came. But if you need ultimate discrete carry, that may be the way to go.

  Next up, is the quality. For the price you pay, I have never had a holster with as much attention to detail put into it. The Rhaegal is made from 0.080” thick kydex or boltaron. The thickness keeps the holster stable when drawing or reholstering. It also gives the pistol a positive “click” when holstering or when drawing the firearm out of the holster. The Rhaegal’s design gives it an undercut trigger guard feature. This undercut makes it easier to get a full grip, on the pistol, when drawing. But yet it still covers the trigger guard completely. The edges on the holster are the smoothest I have seen. Rough Cut explained how they do this. All I heard was, “lots of time is taken to do this”. The Rhaegal also came in a nice little cotton bag, just another little touch that Rough Cut adds in.

  Last up, is retention. I already mentioned the “click” when holstering and unholstering. But you also get adjustable retention. The 2 screws, in front of the trigger guard area, can be tightened or loosened to your liking. I have mine set somewhere in between tight and loose. I still get really good retention, in fact, if I hold the holster and shake it, the pistol stays in the holster. But yet it still has a really smooth draw to it.

  I literally have been wearing the Rhaegal everyday since it arrived. It took about a week for me to get used to it. It just rode in a different spot than my previous holster. After that initial week, I don’t even know I am wearing it. I wear it at 3 O’clock, but it can also be worn appendix also. Practice draws are way smoother than my previous holster. Reholstering is also super smooth. I have lots of practice draws with it, they are just as smooth today as when I first received the holster. The Rhaegal’s high sweat guard is rounded in a way that I do not notice it pushing on my side. This is a big plus, as I shy away from high sweat guards because I have not had good luck with them in the past. It is hard to put into words how well this holster carries and works. So you’ll actually have to trust me on this, it just does everything one would want a quality holster to do.

  One of the reasons to get an IWB holster is concealment. Well, since I am using a small pistol, the Rhaegal/pistol combo just disappears. I literally can wear this combo with shorts and a T-shirt. The comfort also helps. Since the combo is small and uses a DCC clip, I can wear it without a belt. I don’t recommend this, but I have done it without feeling like my holster was going to fall out/off. 

  Rough Cut Holsters did a great job with the Rhaegal. They make a bunch of other holster styles also. So if this little IWB rig isn’t what you want, well, they probably have you covered with something else. Their prices are very reasonable, especially when you see the quality you are getting. So far in my review career, this is the first holster company that I will be buying another holster from. So if that doesn't tell you how I feel about Rough Cut Holsters, I don’t know what will. Definitely go check out Rough Cut Holsters, and maybe tell them we sent you over.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality Kydex Inside the Waistband holster

Target Market:

Concealed Carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 0-20 degree adjustable cant  

  • Positive “CLICK” when holstering

  • Undercut Trigger Guard

  • Over-cut Open-face to Accommodate Threaded Barrels 

  • Accommodates Suppressor Height Sights 

  • Full Length Sweat Guard  Standard, others lengths are optional

  • .08 Kydex or .08 Boltaron

  • Multiple clip styles available

  • Optional patterns or colors

  • Optional optic cut

  • 100% Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Plenty, check out here - https://roughcutholsters.com/

What others are saying?:

Jesus A.  5 stars on https://roughcutholsters.com/

Best holsters

Had a hard time finding holsters to fit my P80. These are perfect.

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $45.00

Retail as tested = $63.00 

  • $13.00 for graphics

  • $5.00 for “claw”

I need it now! Availability:

Rough Cut Holsters

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Price

  • 0.080” Kydex

  • Super smooth edges

  • Great retention

  • Straight or 20 degree cant

  • DCC clip comes standard

Cons:

  • Pistol selection is limited for now

Score: 8.50 Great

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MatchPoint Ultimate Holster pack

  When I was searching around for a holster, I ran across MatchPoint USA. MatchPoint has a hybrid, adjustable holster system that looked interesting. Instead of just sending me the holster system, the sent me the Chest Carry Holster pack and some extras. I’m only going to review the Ultimate Holster Pack, as I don’t use chest holsters. The Ultimate Holster pack really is only missing the straps and a mounting plate, when compared to the Chest kit.

  The MatchPoint holster system is a hybrid style holster. That means that it has a backer system and then a shell that attaches to the backer. The shell is basically ¾ of the holster and is compression molded from Boltaron (a brand of kydex) . It then mounts to the backer using Chicago screws. The MatchPoint Ultimate holster system comes with two backers. One is a smaller size, think just slightly larger than the holster. The second one is larger, like is typically seen with most hybrid style holsters. For inside the waistband (IWB) carry, the system comes with a FOMI belt clip and 2 overhook belt clips. If carrying appendix, only one of the overhook clips is needed. These overhooks are also intended to be used on the larger backer. Also included are their Infinite Carry Loops, these allow using the system for outside the waistband (OWB) carry.

  If you want adjustability in your holster, the Ultimate holster pack is for you. The backer is made from a proprietary material that has the life properties of injected molded plastics, but with the flexibility of leather, they call it Comfortuf 420. My favorite thing about the MatchPoint system is it’s almost infinite options. Because the backers, both the small and large, are made with holes everywhere, you can adjust the holster as you see fit. If you want it to ride higher, lower, have more or less cant, just move the shell and/or clips to a different position on the backer plate. One could literally spend hours adjusting the system, I did.

   I’ve had the MatchPoint holster for about three months. I have carried off and on with it using a TimberWolf small framed pistol (it uses Glock holsters). Both using the wider/larger backer as a standard style hybrid holster, and the smaller backer. I didn’t  try it appendix. Both ways of carrying worked fine. The large backer was a little longer than I liked, but one could always cut the backer to a smaller size and then hit it lightly with some heat to smooth it back out. I ended up using the small backer to carry it strong side IWB. I started with the FOMI clip, but then ordered some of MatchPoints “Push to Lock” soft loops. Soft loops don’t conceal as well, in my opinion, but they work better than the FOMI clip for me. As for concealment, the Matchpoint isn’t the most concealable. It is not bad, just a little “blocky” for my taste. When I had the holster in the “hybrid style” with the large backer, it did conceal a little bit better. I think the lack of concealability is due to the squareness of the outer plastic shell. The carry loops for OWB worked well. I think they would shine on a solid kydex OWB holster. 

  With the Ultimate Holster pack, came some other extras. The kit included an “accessory mounting plate” or “A.M.P.”. This plate has 1.5” belt loops at both ends. It’s a little over 6” long and a little over 2” wide, but it includes numerous holes, just like the backers. The accessory plate, and the other things discussed in this paragraph, are all made from Tufmax 720. The Tufmax is much stiffer than the Comfortuf, but still has a little flex to it. The A.M.P. can be used to mount mag pouches, a knife sheath, a tourniquet, or anything else you might want on your belt. Not included in the Ultimate pack, but included in the Chest kit, is the “tactical mounting plate” or “Tac-AMP”. This is also another multi hole adapter, but this one is made to hook onto MOLLE/PALS webbing. It measures 5”x3” and has 200 holes. The Tac-AMP attaches with a cool slot system, so no tools are needed to get it on or off. This slot mounting system is very secure, and can be a pain to get on and off. I mounted a kydex holster to the panel, and then installed it in a backpack that has MOLLE inside it. Even with a full size pistol in the holster, the Tac-AMP system doesn’t move. One can also put some shock cord on the Tac-AMP to attach items to it, like a pen, flashlight, etc. MatchPoint also sent me a TAC-Book. The TAC-book is 2 Tac-AMP plates with hook and loop wrapped around 3 of the attachment slots, thus making a book. I personally haven’t found the perfect use for it yet, but MatchPoint has some good ideas on their website.

  If you are into adjustability, or just want something with all the options, the MatchPoint Ultimate Holster Pack might be right up your alley. But, only if you are right handed and have a Glock. The Ultimate holster would work good for someone who likes to experiment, or those not sure how they want to carry. The options with this system are endless, as are the options with most of MatchPoint’s products.  Go visit their website, they have a lot of good information on these holster systems.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Multi adjustable holster system

Target Market:

Those wanting a comfortable holster with any option they can think of

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Multi adjustable holster system

  • Flexible backing

  • Mounting holes everywhere

  • OWB loops

  • FOMI clip

  • Overhook belt clips

  • 2 different backers

  • Accessory Mounting Plate 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

All parts available individually

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found worth noting

Price point:

MSRP = $49.95 as reviewed

Retail = $34.95 - $79.95

I need it now! Availability:

MatchPoint USA

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Made in USA

  • Multi adjustable

  • Price

  • Impervious to oils or sweat

  • Flexible backing

  • Open holster design for different barrel lengths

Cons:

  • Shell / Holster is a little bulky

  • Only fits right hand Glock style pistols, for now

Score: 7.00 Good

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KnightFall Customs OWB Teklok holster

I was looking around for an outside the waistband (OWB), competition-ish style holster when I ran across KnightFall Customs. Since they made one for Polymer 80 style pistols, I sent off an interest email. I hadn’t found many holster manufacturers’ that made the style holster I was looking for. KnightFall Customs sent this one for review, and it is appreciated.

  As one would guess, this is a molded Kydex holster. The OWB holster KnightFall sent was their OWB Teklok / Paddle, in black, but other colors are available. The holster is nicely molded. So much so, that it flows nicely around the contour of the pistol. There are no really sharp edges. If you like polished edges on your kydex, you can get it as an option. It is also open at the bottom so that longer / compensated pistols will fit. The molded in sight channel is very tall and will allow for “suppressor height” sights.  Lead times can vary, but they are still usually fairly short compared to some other holster manufacturers. 

  Now for the real reasons I wanted to try out the holster. First, it could be had with a TekLok belt mount. The Bladetech TekLok, is adjustable for different width belts, and then it actually has a little fold up lock to keep it on your belt. Mounting a TekLok, on a holster, also sets the holster farther away from your body. I’ve used the TekLok before, and so for a “competition style” holster, this was great. The zero cant was also a feature I was looking for. I like straight draws when using a holster for competition. Since I have a mini red dot on this particular pistol, I needed a holster that had an “RMR” option. The KnightFall has an RMR option, which cuts out the front of the holster to allow for the sight. This also can make the pistol presentation quicker, by allowing the gun to clear the holster sooner. This holster also has 2 tension adjustment screws. A nice feature for someone running different pistols in the same holster, like me. 

  This KnightFall holster is for a Polymer 80 PF940v2 with a 17 slide. Basically a fullsize pistol. Being that it has an open bottom, I was also able to fit my compact Polymer 80 in it, with the compensator. It also fits without the comp. I would have liked the holster to come with more drop, but that’s me. The holster makes the pistol ride about halfway above, and halfway below the beltline. I didn’t have any problems using it this way, just a personal preference.

  I really like the function of the Knightfall holster. Draws are super smooth, partly because of the adjustable retention. The pistol “snaps” in and out no matter where the retention is set. A testament to the molding process. I have shot 2 steel matches and one other match with the Knightfall. During these matches I carried the gun for at least 5 hrs. At no time did it feel uncomfortable, nor did I worry about the pistol falling out if I bumped up against it. I am also able to get a full grip on the pistol before the draw stroke. There is no extra kydex in the way, and the holster is cut upward a little too allow for the P80’s undercut trigger guard. 

  KnightFall Customs makes other style holsters also. If you’re in the market for this style of holster, or any other style, I would go check them out. Prices are on par with other places and the quality is top notch.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Outside the Waistband holster with Teklok mounting

Target Market:

Competition shooters, Tactical Carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Kydex

  • Teklok belt mounting

  • Options for Polymer 80’s

  • Straight Cant

  • Optic sight cut

  • Adjustable retention

  • Made in Alaska

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Patterns, Colors, and Cuts

What others are saying?:

Adam at Knightfall Customs 5/5 stars

MY FAVORITE HOLSTER FOR OWB

I was having a hard time finding a holster for my P80 build with a compensator, then I saw these and thought I'd give it a try. Customer Service was very responsive, and even did custom mounting holes for the Safariland QLS system. Very happy with it, will be buying another soon for a G34 P80 bild.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found for this particular holster

Price point:

MSRP = $69.99

I need it now! Availability:

Knightfall Customs

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Optics cut out

  • Adjustable retention

  • Open bottom

  • Teklok

  • Available for Polymer 80, Faxon, and Grey Ghost pistols

Cons:

  • Lead time can vary

  • $5 for polished edges

  • Would like more drop from beltline

Score: 8.00 Great

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Werkz M2 holster for Polymer80

 Werkz holsters is a small kydex company located in Princeton Idaho. I first heard of them on the Handgun Radio podcast. Werkz makes of variety of formed holsters and accessories. From custom to off the shelf, they have you covered. Werkz sent me one of their M2 IWB holsters for a Polymer 80 PF940c and a M2 magazine carrier for this review.

 The M2 holster is a taco style design with some other features. A taco style holster is one that is made out of one piece of material, then folded over a mold, hence the taco name. A feature that I didn’t think I would use was the ability to convert it to an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. I found this actually quit useful when I realized that this was the only holster I had for my Polymer 80 and needed it OWB. I switched the clip to the other side. To do this, one just removes the two screws holding the clip on, and moves it to the other side. The M2 has clip locations at two heights and an angled location also. I ran the holster IWB with it angled or canted forward. This resulted in the main dislike of the holster. The clip doesn’t completely rest against the holster. It hangs about halfway off. When wearing it in this config, I felt as if it didn’t have as much surface area holding onto my belt and was also easier to take the holster off of the belt. When using the M2 in the straight upright position, this was not a factor.

 I must admit, this is one of the nicest finished holsters I have used. The edges are smooth, and I mean real smooth. It has some sort of texture on the outside. The Werkz logo is etched or laser engraved into the kydex. There are bosses where the clip is screwed on. It is open at the bottom so that a longer, or threaded barrel, will fit. The sight channel is really tall to clear suppressor height sights. It is even clearanced for a micro red dot sight.

 I’ve worn the M2 on and off since receiving it. It holds the pistol very nicely with good retention. One can adjust the retention somewhat by tightening or loosening the tension screws. The M2 does seem to print some under a T-shirt, or any thinner shirt. That is why I only wore it off and on. If I had a jacket on, no problem, but I usually just wear a T-shirt as a cover garment. I mainly wore it at the 2:30 to 3 o’clock position. Angling the pistol/holster combo forward didn’t seem to make it print any less. After about 3 days of wearing the M2, my body adjusted and it was comfortable, at least somewhat. I like how the M2 only has one wide clip, it makes it easier to locate exactly where it is the most comfortable. The M2 is a small holster, Werkz even calls it minimalist, and I’d have to agree.

 As I also mentioned, I wore the M2 as an OWB holster also. This is also when I mainly used the M2 mag carrier. I wore the M2 at a local Steel Challenge match. I was concerned using it with just the single clip. After 25 draws and reholsters, I am no longer concerned at all. It performed well as an OWB rig.

 Now a little about the M2 magazine carrier. The mag carrier is also a taco style and holds the magazine vertically. It is currently only offered for 9mm/40 Glock style magazines. As with the holster, the mag carrier clip is also reversible for IWB/OWB. I never reversed the clip, I just turned the magazine around and it worked fine. The M2 mag carrier is of the same high quality as the M2 holster.

 If you are looking for a good quality, and inexpensive holster, give Werkz a look. If the M2 is in stock, it is one of the “quick ship” holsters. So you can have it quickly also. They will also do custom holsters, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Minimalist Kydex Holster

Target Market:

Those needing a decent holster

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • IWB - OWB convertible

  • Kydex

  • Adjustable clip height

  • 1.5” belt clip

  • Straight or canted

  • Adjustable retention

  • Useable with slide mounted optics

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

With or Without some rail mounted lights and colors

What others are saying?:

One holster to do it all. 5/5 stars on Amazon
By Dan S
Awesome holster. Ambidextrous carry options for every situation and adjustable retention. So far this is the only holster I could find that can AWIB and strong side OWB carry without replacing any parts, just moving some screws and bushings. Comfortable and has minimal printing. Also, you can't beat this price. Nearest comparable product from a reputable source is going to cost more for less features.

Link to other reviews:

None for this particular holster

Price point:

MSRP holster = $42.50

MSRP mag carrier = $30.00

Retail = $50.00 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Werkz or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great construction

  • Adjustable retention

  • Adjustable cant

  • Convertible between IWB and OWB

  • Price

Cons:

  • Holster prints

  • Clip

Score: 7.5 Good

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