An OC observation.

[IndyGunner]

Just picked up a new galco fletch holster for my glock 22. Anyway, I've had an opportunity to OC it for a few days and noticed a HUGE reduction in stares/questions/etc. in comparison to when I OC with my blackhawk serpa. Not that they were prevalent before, but certainly enough to be noticeable.

Anyone else notice this phenomenon? I wonder if it just hasn't been enough time yet, or if the leather makes it look "official". hahaha

 

[williamnewman1]

i love my serpa (maybe i'm just used to it ?) but it seems to stick the gun out there and give it a larger profile. I would bet though that the leather holster makes you look more like an off-duty LEO ?

 

[IndyGunner]

There must be something soothing about a leather retention strap... LOL

 

[Double T]

Probably just you.

 

[jgreiner]

Just picked up a new galco fletch holster for my glock 22. Anyway, I've had an opportunity to OC it for a few days and noticed a HUGE reduction in stares/questions/etc. in comparison to when I OC with my blackhawk serpa. Not that they were prevalent before, but certainly enough to be noticeable.

Anyone else notice this phenomenon? I wonder if it just hasn't been enough time yet, or if the leather makes it look "official". hahaha

Leather is more friendly.

 

[IndySSD]

Honestly leather looks less "Tacticool". Tacticool draws stares...

If you OC you're under constant scrutiny and unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who try to be something they are not and many of them choose polymer OWB or Drop leg holsters as their primary "Display" for their "tool".

Leather is generally lower key, more comfortable and doesn't scream "LOOK AT ME I HAVE A GUN" like a big bulky polymer OC holster can.

 

[Merrixs]

…serpa… seems to stick the gun out there and give it a larger profile. I would bet though that the leather holster makes you look more like an off-duty LEO ?

I think it's a combination of both. This has been my observation as well.

 

[blamecharles]

I carry in a Serpa and I don't care if anyone is looking, i have a lot more people open the door for me and say sir when i OC, but that is about the only difference i notice. In the year that i have been carrying(mostly OC) i have had 1 negative carry encounter and many positive encounters so i will continue to OC whenever possible.

 

[Boost Lee]

Is your Galco Fletch holster black or cowboy leather?

Either way... I don't think it looks any less official than a Blackhawk Serpa...
But your new holster probably rides a little closer to you than your Serpa did so it's a little lower profile.

 

[IndyGunner]

Is your Galco Fletch holster black or cowboy leather?

Black sir.

I carry in a Serpa and I don't care if anyone is looking.

I didn't mean to sound like I had anything against the serpa. I have several and still use them. Just noticing a difference in the perception of people based on the type of holster I wear.

 

[9mmfan]

I am also of the opinion that leather (tan/black) is 'lower' profile. The Galco belt slide I use for my G19 holds it VERY close to my body. The Serpa's hold it slightly away from your body. I find leather holsters more comfortable and there is no handgun 'bounce'. Definitely notice a difference when driving a car.

 

[blamecharles]

I didn't mean to sound like I had anything against the serpa. I have several and still use them. Just noticing a difference in the perception of people based on the type of holster I wear.

I didn't think you did. And heck you just gave me an excuse to buy a new holster.

 

[IndyGunner]

I didn't think you did. And heck you just gave me an excuse to buy a new holster.

Glad I could help!

 

[Kaardomos]

Leather is generally lower key, more comfortable and doesn't scream "LOOK AT ME I HAVE A GUN" like a big bulky polymer OC holster can.

Well, this is easy enough enough to test. All we need is 2 volunteers, one with a serpa and one with a leather holster. We'll call them A and B. Now, along with a 3rd person(C), A and B goes and OCs at the zoo. Idealistically, to make things easier, A and B go to different exhibits. Now C listens to a scanner(or scanner app) and counts the number of MWAGs referring to each exhibit.

I'd volunteer, but I'm more of an exotic leather sort of guy, so that might skew things.

eclipse1 by Steven Berry, on Flickr

 

[youngda9]

You look all grown up now that you have a leather holster !

More sophisticated and refined than any old schmoe with a plastic holster. Get a real metal gun and everyone will think you're on the up and up.

 

[IndyGunner]

Im in the market for an sr1911 haha

 

[ryan3030]

Well, this is easy enough enough to test. All we need is 2 volunteers, one with a serpa and one with a leather holster. We'll call them A and B. Now, along with a 3rd person(C), A and B goes and OCs at the zoo. Idealistically, to make things easier, A and B go to different exhibits. Now C listens to a scanner(or scanner app) and counts the number of MWAGs referring to each exhibit.

I'd volunteer, but I'm more of an exotic leather sort of guy, so that might skew things.

eclipse1 by Steven Berry, on Flickr

Is that ray skin?

 

[Kaardomos]

Is that ray skin?

Yep, I carry my gun in a fish(and also my money as I have a matching wallet). Andrews Custom Leather exotic skins

 

[Tydeeh22]

Honestly leather looks less "Tacticool". Tacticool draws stares...

Leather is generally lower key, more comfortable and doesn't scream "LOOK AT ME I HAVE A GUN" like a big bulky polymer OC holster can.

what about kydex? say.. a hooch holster? am i being too tacticool?

all in know for sure is that when i leave the house, it is on until i get home. wear it all day at work, at the grocery, and in the vehicle. mighty comfy.

 

[whoismunky]

You know, I'm actually surprised by this. I've never really thought about it, but I would have guessed the opposite on looking 'official.' To me, leather would look more 'civilian' (and civilized xD) and kydex would seem more 'police.' Interesting observation, though