Since that time, I have carried for about 8-12 hours a day, every day. I started carrying at home before I got the permit in order to accustom myself to the weight on my hip, so that when I carried in public I wouldn't be fidgeting and walking funny. After that, I got used to the weight and just kept carrying because it felt good.
"Felt good" in more ways that one: there is also a health benefit to carrying. You see, I like to sleep on my left side, and as a result my right hip is usually cocked upward. This mis-aligns my pelvis and gives me posture problems. However, after I started carrying my chiropractor noted that my pelvis was doing much better. More importantly, I felt better. It turns out that a loaded Glock 26 weighs just enough to gradually pull my right hip down into position!
Carrying a pistol gives me peace of mind and chiropractic relief. What's not to love?
Anyway, here are some pictures of my carry rig after a full year of use.
My knife, Tamara, and my Glock, Oleg. Both belt and holster are made by Michael's Custom Holsters, and they're holding up exceptionally well after a year of constant use. You may notice that the belt is slightly warped, but that's to be expected; it has nicely molded itself to my contours and is now very comfortable to wear.
The reverse is a little schmutzy from constantly being worn against my skin (I bathe regularly, honest!) but other than that it's also in fine shape.
This is about the worst thing I can say about the holster: One day while I was driving to Orlando, the seatbelt buckle (which normally sits at about belt level) managed to work its way underneath and rub away some of the design. Naturally, I was heartbroken about this, but I recall Michael telling me that he wasn't sure how long the design would last because he'd never made anything like this before. Aesthetics aside, there is nothing wrong with the holster; the buckle just wore away the color and design but didn't damage the actual leather at all.
So there you have it: after a full year of carrying concealed, my holster shows some wear, my belt is a bit warped, and my hips have better alignment.*
* True Neutral, as opposed to their previous Chaotic Evil.
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Oh cool! Long term reviews are my favorite. I was sad to see the design go too, but I'm so happy it is still treating you well.
ReplyDeleteMe too! And if that damn buckle hadn't gotten underneath and rubbed it for hours, I bet the design would still be going strong.
ReplyDeleteSo, when will my testimonials end up on Michael's webpage? ;)
I haven't sat down and added any testimonial images in a while. I should really do that.
ReplyDeleteThe post will get linked on the HolsterSite FaceBook page this evening.
Good job! Keep it up and keep carrying. You'd be amazed how many students I have who, when I check with them later, gave up carrying every day before one year because, "It was too much trouble."
ReplyDeleteOne thought: You may want to add a spare mag to your gear, not so much for the extra rounds, but because some semi-auto malfunctions require a known "good" mag to fix.
Rob (Trebor)
I have a 17-round magazine right next to my wallet and Leatherman. :) I just don't carry it on that particular belt.
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice setup. Love the Ka-Bar!
ReplyDeleteI love it too! It's very handy having a knife right there for opening packages and the like. I use it at least once a week.
ReplyDeleteGood. Two questions: How do you carry it (if it's not on the belt) and do you practice reloading with the spare mag?
ReplyDeleteBe aware there can be issues with shooters confusing knives, multi-tools, lights, etc, for the mag when the two are carried close to each other. I've seen it myself in classes. Typically it's when the mag is carried on the belt along with a Leatherman, etc, in a pouch nearby, but it could happen in other circumstances.
Rob (Trebor)
I have a hipHolster that I wear on my left side. Not only does it let me carry stuff in a cool Han Solo kind of way, the "obvious thing on my hip" factor draws the eye away from my right side where I'm actually carrying.
ReplyDeleteThe magazine is in the pocket closest to the front and is where my hand naturally falls. All I can say is "Trust me, the magazine is easy to get out in a hurry, the others are not, and my hand knows the difference."
Miss Erin, you have my condolences. Not on carrying daily - that's always a good thing, but on having to get permission from the state to do so. I do hope one day Florida stops the abysmal practice of requiring folks to get permission to exercise a Right.
ReplyDeleteCool rig though. It'll be a shock but that's the first holster I've seen with a my little pony theme. I must be sheltered ;) I wonder if Michael will use this to start off his MLP line of holsters? :
Florida is actually pretty tame in regards to concealed carry -- I took a class, shot a target, got fingerprinted/photographed/BG checked. The worst part was waiting for the state to process my paperwork. I'd like the option of open carry, or at the least OC for those with a CWP, but that isn't likely to change any time soon.
ReplyDeleteMichael has already done a second MLP holster for my friend The_Jack. He might have done more -- I'm not sure.
Here in Washington, a CCW is the only license about which the state does not send out a reminder when its expiration date approaches. Discrimination, pure and simple - we have to pay extra if the renewal date passes. I keep the date in my various computers' calendars, although on my work calendar it is written in innocuous code, so I never forget.
ReplyDeleteYou sleep on your left side? I sleep on my right, so we are obviously totally incompatible. Too bad, I had hopes....
ReplyDelete