Raven Concealment Kydex Holsters

[ILLusion]

Originally Posted by NVC

I too have owned many real steal holsters brands from Blackhawk, Sarfariland, Blade tech, Fobus, Uncle Mikes and canceled my order from Raven. Every holster design has its pro's and cons. The main issue is some airsoft pistols are off spec with wider slides and are used in real steel dimension holsters which cause's the out of battery issue with the slide. Airsoft pistols have very soft recoil springs compared real steel in which are more prone to rack the slide in tight form fitted kydex holsters when re-holstering. So I would have to correct myself so say its not incorrect molding and retention because its was design for real steel pistols not airsoft pistols.

Partially true. Yes, some airsoft builds are NOT to real steel spec, but some ARE. This doesn't make the practice of thumbing the back of the slide to be an invalid practice, and it is definitely NOT an airsoft-specific practice. I've taken dynamic shooting courses, taught by real world trainers, who teach both airsofters as well as real world operators to thumb the back of their slide when they holster their gun to prevent it from coming out of battery. Any number of things can cause this to happen - even if it's a rig strap that made its way in to the holster.

"Draw aggressively, shoot decisively, holster reluctantly."

The most accidental discharges occur either during the draw or during holstering.

Originally Posted by spartan117

You were right Brian. The finish on the 1911 does hold up pretty well.

More wear is visible on the slide now, caused by the area that locks to the ejection point.

[spartan117]

Originally Posted by ILLusion

More wear is visible on the slide now, caused by the area that locks to the ejection point.

I'm planning to use a dropleg safariland holster x300 light version for it once i receive it. But dang those x300's are expensive.

[ILLusion]

I have a Safariland as well, and the suede liner will baby your gun. Safariland gives the most gentle care to your pistol.

[Styrak]

I asked him about a full frame STI aka a 5" Edge, or 5" Capa with 5" frame. He didn't seem too receptive about making one. He said "order the 1911 one and if it doesn't fit heat it up and bend, etc.

Not very impressed.

Does he not make custom ones? I thought that was the point?
Unless he only makes the most common basic pistol models, which kind of sucks.

[Stealth]

Originally Posted by Styrak

I asked him about a full frame STI aka a 5" Edge, or 5" Capa with 5" frame. He didn't seem too receptive about making one. He said "order the 1911 one and if it doesn't fit heat it up and bend, etc.

Not very impressed.

Does he not make custom ones? I thought that was the point?
Unless he only makes the most common basic pistol models, which kind of sucks.

I'd imagine he only has specific weapon models from which to make the molds out of. The kydex holster market for a full frame STI may not be as lucrative as the current lines he carries. I think if you were to approach him with confirmed, paid orders of 10 units or more, he may be more inclined to go out and purchase a 5" full frame from which he can make molds.

[Styrak]

Perhaps. I sent him another email asking if he made custom holsters or just the basic models.

[ILLusion]

This is the thing with Kydex holster makers... the only way to truly make a "custom" holster, is to procure either the gun, or at least a blue gun to work off of. He can't just "guess" at what the dimensions are. So, it comes down to whether it's worth it for him to purchase the gun or the blue gun, both out of personal interest, and as a financial endeavour. Even if he is to "borrow" a real gun from a friend or colleague to mould off of, consider who his typical clientele is, and the field he's in.

JT (101 Holsters) is military. Take this in to consideration when thinking about the guns he has at his disposal, as well as his typical client base. They would all be MIL, LEO, and as far as competitive shooting goes - IDPA.

LDC / block cut / Limited frame guns like the STI Edge are NOT standard issue weapons to any branch of the military or law enforcement, and by extension of that, is not even IDPA legal.

The typical client looking for a holster like what JT provides is NOT the type of client that would be carrying an STI Edge.


The typical client carrying an STI Edge would be using a CR Speed WSM Holster, Ghost Holster, or at the very least, an STI Competition holster. Even Safariland does not make duty holsters to carry full frame pistols like that.

[RacingManiac]

If you want a tac holster for a LDC STI/SVI, Bladetech is what you need...

[Styrak]

I do have a bladetech but was looking for other options and these look cool.