This is an amended review of the holster that I wrote for Amazon's site. Since I am editing this review due to boredom while in economics class, I can't take pictures of it, so I will instead post a link to pictures already online at the bottom of the review.
I purchased my Uncle Mike's ITP holster (size 16) approximately five months ago from Indy Trading Post to carry a Sig Sauer P225 single stack pistol and have worn it every day since then. The two places I am primarily are work and home. My pistol stays with me everywhere. I am not a LEO or in the military, this review is on my experience with the civilian application of the product. I walk or ride my bicycle just about everywhere I go, but that is typically the extent of activity I have in the course of my day. My clothing in the summertime (the time of this review being written) typically consists of cargo shorts with a thick leather belt and button down shirts or T-shirts in conjunction with a light windbreaker. In the winter it is sweaters/coats and other heavy garments that greatly aid in concealment.
While at the store, I tried out several other holsters including paddle holster, belt slide holsters, and other types of IWB holsters. I was attracted to the Uncle Mike's for several reasons. The first reason was the price. I am a poor college student who enjoys shooting (an expensive hobby!), and I can't really justify spending over $50 on a holster at this time. I believe I bought this item for $12 even. This price is low enough to suit even the most modest of budgets.
The second thing that attracted me to this holster was the material. The inside of the holster is soft nylon, and I don't have to worry about it marring the finish on my weapon. While on the subject of material, I will say that the clip is made of plastic and does appear rather flimsy. At first I was unsure how it would hold up over time, but so far it has worked just fine.
When I took this holster home from the store I put it on and tried some practical drawing. By practical drawing I mean I left my clothes where they would be everyday, and practiced presenting the firearm (unloaded of course!) in a shooting stance. For me, the draw was smooth and easy.
Wearing the holster: As stated earlier, I wear a heavy leather belt at all times. For the most part, this serves to reinforce the plastic clip on the waistband of my shorts. I wear the holster at the 5 o'clock position on my body, with a very slight cant forward. I do this to reduce the likelihood of printing while out in public. One feature that makes me prefer this over other holsters I've used with different guns is the extra bit of nylon designed to be between your body and your pistol (see amazon's picture). This being summer, I tend to sweat while walking and biking around. I keep an undershirt tucked in behind this nylon flap, but I like knowing that there is an extra layer of protection for my firearm from the corrosiveness of sweat. As the past two weeks have gone by, I haven't noticed any excessive shifting of the holster during my everyday activities.
I have read some complaints about this holster regarding the lack of retention. As I carry concealed and make an effort to be aware of my surroundings, I am not too worried about the notion of someone sneaking up behind me and snatching my gun from its holster (not trying to toot my own horn, just explain my reasons for not being concerned). As far as that goes, this holster is also sold with (I believe) a thumb break option. I don't care for it personally as I would prefer quick access to my firearm.
In summation, I have so far found this to be a perfectly adequate holster for my needs. While it is certainly nowhere near the best holster out there, it fits my budget and my purpose extremely well, especially considering it is carrying a heavy steel framed pistol. If you are using this for your job (LEO, military, w/e) or have a more active lifestyle, then you might want to consider something different. If you want a high value (most bang for your buck) product, then this could fit the bill.
http://www.unclemikes.com/products/inside_the_pant_holsters.html
http://http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Mikes-Off-Duty-Concealment-Holster/dp/B003R6LWLU
I purchased my Uncle Mike's ITP holster (size 16) approximately five months ago from Indy Trading Post to carry a Sig Sauer P225 single stack pistol and have worn it every day since then. The two places I am primarily are work and home. My pistol stays with me everywhere. I am not a LEO or in the military, this review is on my experience with the civilian application of the product. I walk or ride my bicycle just about everywhere I go, but that is typically the extent of activity I have in the course of my day. My clothing in the summertime (the time of this review being written) typically consists of cargo shorts with a thick leather belt and button down shirts or T-shirts in conjunction with a light windbreaker. In the winter it is sweaters/coats and other heavy garments that greatly aid in concealment.
While at the store, I tried out several other holsters including paddle holster, belt slide holsters, and other types of IWB holsters. I was attracted to the Uncle Mike's for several reasons. The first reason was the price. I am a poor college student who enjoys shooting (an expensive hobby!), and I can't really justify spending over $50 on a holster at this time. I believe I bought this item for $12 even. This price is low enough to suit even the most modest of budgets.
The second thing that attracted me to this holster was the material. The inside of the holster is soft nylon, and I don't have to worry about it marring the finish on my weapon. While on the subject of material, I will say that the clip is made of plastic and does appear rather flimsy. At first I was unsure how it would hold up over time, but so far it has worked just fine.
When I took this holster home from the store I put it on and tried some practical drawing. By practical drawing I mean I left my clothes where they would be everyday, and practiced presenting the firearm (unloaded of course!) in a shooting stance. For me, the draw was smooth and easy.
Wearing the holster: As stated earlier, I wear a heavy leather belt at all times. For the most part, this serves to reinforce the plastic clip on the waistband of my shorts. I wear the holster at the 5 o'clock position on my body, with a very slight cant forward. I do this to reduce the likelihood of printing while out in public. One feature that makes me prefer this over other holsters I've used with different guns is the extra bit of nylon designed to be between your body and your pistol (see amazon's picture). This being summer, I tend to sweat while walking and biking around. I keep an undershirt tucked in behind this nylon flap, but I like knowing that there is an extra layer of protection for my firearm from the corrosiveness of sweat. As the past two weeks have gone by, I haven't noticed any excessive shifting of the holster during my everyday activities.
I have read some complaints about this holster regarding the lack of retention. As I carry concealed and make an effort to be aware of my surroundings, I am not too worried about the notion of someone sneaking up behind me and snatching my gun from its holster (not trying to toot my own horn, just explain my reasons for not being concerned). As far as that goes, this holster is also sold with (I believe) a thumb break option. I don't care for it personally as I would prefer quick access to my firearm.
In summation, I have so far found this to be a perfectly adequate holster for my needs. While it is certainly nowhere near the best holster out there, it fits my budget and my purpose extremely well, especially considering it is carrying a heavy steel framed pistol. If you are using this for your job (LEO, military, w/e) or have a more active lifestyle, then you might want to consider something different. If you want a high value (most bang for your buck) product, then this could fit the bill.
http://www.unclemikes.com/products/inside_the_pant_holsters.html
http://http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Mikes-Off-Duty-Concealment-Holster/dp/B003R6LWLU
