Please critique my IWB holster design for function...

[gavingear]

Here's a design I'm working on for an inside-waistband holster for my Keltec PF-9, looking for functional feedback! Thanks!

[dbusarow]

Here's a design I'm working on for an inside-waistband holster for my Keltec PF-9, looking for functional feedback! Thanks!

First, your pattern sure looks a lot more professional than mine do!

It looks like you have a full coverage sweat shield on the inside. Personaly I'm not a fan of any sort of sweat shield but folks seem to like and expect them. A full one like you show is likely to cause problems gripping the gun.

The wing for the rear belt loop also looks like it will also get in the way of your fingers when establishing your grip. I suggest making a larger cutout near the trigger guard and having it swoop up at the back for the loop attachment.

How did you do the pattern? I'd like to be able to do something that nice.

Dan

[CodeJockey]

I agree. I would make the sweatshield only cover the slide but leave the grip w/out one. It will make drawing it significantly easier in my opinion.

[Jordan]

Sweat guard will definitely pose a problem getting your hand around the grip, your thumb would have get between the leather and the grip. From what I gather the goal is to have the same grip on the weapon throughout the entire process of drawing it, that way more speed and less fumbling under pressure. Also the rear belt attachment as noted by Dan would probably benefit from a slight redesign so it will not interfere either. Looks good though, have fun with the design and build and be sure to post photos.

[gavingear]

Thanks all for the suggestions!

The primary reason for full grip coverage is to have a layer of leather between the grip and my skin for comfort purposes. I did think about the implications on draw/grip.

I'll have to decide whether I want more comfort, or better accessibility and speedy draw action...

[CodeJockey]

FWIW, I carry IWB every single day, and I have absolutely no discomfort from my grip. I have a sweat guard that protects agains the slide (to keep moisture off the metal). I literally cannot even tell it's there, and mine is a fairly large gun for IWB carry. I have a Glock 30.

[dbusarow]

I'll have to decide whether I want more comfort, or better accessibility and speedy draw action...

I still want to know how you drew that pattern!

Dan

[Shorts]

Well, I'm going to be a nerd here and say that drawings only go so far

Build it and wear it - the true test of function

I will say though I echo the comments about cutting the sweat shield too far to the grip. You will have trouble on the draw stroke. I know you said you want it for comfort, that's fine. That's why they are there. I wear mine with the normal sweat shields to cover the thumb safety and slide and the thing is comfy all day long. Now wearing ANY holster and gun, if you lean over to that side real far, it'll be uncomfortable

The rear loop, that will be hit or miss on whether or not it will interfere with the grip. Much will matter how the leather is contouring on your belt line. If it contours back, the grip will be unobstructed.

Build it and he will come...

[DCKNIVES]

I agree with the others about the sweat shield. I generally prefer not to use any forward cant in my holsters unless requested which is rare.I have many friends in Law Enforcement and gun instructors and they all almost without exception dislike the forward cant.Can't wait to see the finished product.Dave

[Twosons]

I agree with the others about the sweat shield. I generally prefer not to use any forward cant in my holsters unless requested which is rare.I have many friends in Law Enforcement and gun instructors and they all almost without exception dislike the forward cant.Can't wait to see the finished product.Dave

I have been in LE for about 11 years. I like a slight forward cant. It seems to make the gun sit better on my body. As for the draw, I think it is a wash between forward and straight.

[gavingear]

OK, I modified the design for better draw, and keeping some comfort

Here's the updated design, I'm the process of building a holster from this design:

More updates when the holster is done...

[MADMAX22]

I like that new design much better. It is very nice IMO.

Also Im no leo or anything but I do carry on a pretty regular basis and I like having a little cant like that because for me it makes it more comfy, I have had one straight up before and I found myself allways trying to lean it forward a bit. But thats just me.