Where to try out concealed carry gear in Salem/Corvallis/Portland area?

[GuyBMeredith]

I'd like to try out a couple of candidates for concealed carry--probably the S&W 642/649 and the Ruger LCR among others. Also I get the feeling that a whole lot of people have gone through several purchases in finding the "perfect" holster and I'd like to be able to avoid a succession of purchases by trying some out before purchase.

Any place/venue around that provides serious evaluation before purchase? Maybe rental range with good holster selection available for trial? It would be great if our club could arrange for sessions with interested members, but I don't think that is likely.

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[G1GRANDEUR]

you will not find many good concealed carry holsters in store, just universal fit holders.

 

[GuyBMeredith]

I tend to agree, though I've seen some commercial brands mentioned as possibles. For starters I'm looking for a concealed holster for a S&W M66 until I find my "ideal" carry weapon.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

search on the "google" and read threads.

https://www.google.com/search?q=S&W...g&biw=1366&bih=668&sei=6rjkUbWuAoiviQLciYCoCQ

most top brand holsters are pretty similar, it's just matter of you want leather or kydex.

 

[Hawaiian]

Ted Blocker makes some good holsters and they have a show room in Tigard you can go in and try them out. Nice belts also.
http://www.tedblockerholsters.com/about.html

 

[GuyBMeredith]

Thanks. I'll check that out. I really am into the touch and try kind of shopping and get totally lost trying to sort out online descriptions.

 

[pokerace]

check this thread.

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/firearm-gear-accessories/26607-handgun-holster-manufactures-links.html

 

[Certaindeaf]

Do what the Hawaiian said.

 

[Stomper]

LOL.... you WILL go through a succession of holsters no matter how hard you try, because there are so many dress scenerios that you'll come accross... IWB, OWB, belly band carry, shoulder carry, pocket carry, ankle carry, "mexican" carry, etc, etc, etc.

I've gone from a CC shoulder rig in the '80/'90's (1911 & Beretta 92F), to belly band, to OWB, to currently IWB and pocket carry (PT145/Glock 30)... now I'm considering a nice leather OWB rig for other certain dress scenerios I find myself in more and more from CC to OC.

It'll never end...

 

[oknow]

Just find some people around you that have holsters and try those for a day. I'm sure there's a couple people on Northwest firearms that are close to you And would be willing to let you try a holster out.

 

[DeanfromOregon]

This is why, no matter how much we try not to, all of us who carry have a drawer full of old holsters.

 

[pokerace]

Take a look at the Don Hume JLT Slide. This is the one I have settled on for most of my guns. It holds a gun in tight and they don't cost an arm and a leg. There is a guy that shows up at the gun shows once in a while selling them..

Concealment Holsters : Don Hume Leathergoods, manufactures high quality leather and nylon goods.

 

[tanzuki]

IMO those Ted Blocker and Don Hume holsters are over priced and not near as good as a hybrid style holster assuming you are looking for IWB conceal. I have a SHTF Gear IWB hybrid for my XD-9 subcompact and absolutely love it. They sometimes have special discounts too.

 

[razormanxx]

Good luck, maybe show up at an idpa shoot and ask for a show and tell.

 

[Hawaiian]

Don't cheap out on a holster or belt. If you do, it will end up in a drawer or box somewhere. You will save $ in the long run if you buy a proven quality holster and belt. The most popular IWB holster is the Milt Sparks VMII. There is a 26 week wait because of the demand. Buy quality and only cry once.

 

[udoggie]

Plan on having multiple holsters. Depending on what I'm wearing, I use one of three holsters.

My crossbreed supertuck is my favorite, but your mileage will probably vary.

UD