Holster Recommendations for my CCW Candidate Pool

[Wolkenflieger]

Salutations, Gun-Fanciers!

I have a pool of CCW candidates and I'm planning to use when qualifying for my CCW license as of 2027. CCW licenses as of 2027 are good for three years.

I've never had a CCW license nor have I ever owned a holster. We can have up to 6 guns on our CCW license in Riverside County. I'm trying to prevent the endless acquisition of holsters trying to find the best fit for myself and the guns. I think I want to carry AIWB and I'm a smaller-framed guy, about 5'3" and 155, but recommend a better carry position if you like.

Also, do I really need separate holsters to qualify for the CCW? Mag holders not necessary.

If you would indulge me, please list your favorite holster for the guns I've listed if you have the same guns or know of a good holster for that gun. Let's exclude holsters by "We The People". Heard too many bad things.

The guns in question (after some buying and selling to vet finalists);

CZ 75D PCR, no planned optic (yet).

Body guard 2.0 CC with Gideon Pebble optic.

Dan Wesson DWX Compact with Holosun 507k.

SIG P365 Luxe (.380) with Romeo X-Compact Optic.

*Possible Future Acquisition; Springfield Armory 1911 EMP CA Compliant 9mm 3″ Bull Barrel. No optic yet.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I know this is probably overkill.

 

[Bobalover209]

I really like my tenicor holsters, some of the highest quality, most comfortable, and most adjustable holsters I've used. However based on your list they may only make a holster for your p365.

I also have a more budget CYA holster that has been working really well, and is what I end up using most times since the plastic clip is easier to take on and off compared to discrete carry clips, however they don't hold the gun in place as well as the discrete carry clips.

Personally I've tried all sorts of carry methods, and always fall back to AIWB as the most comfortable and secure while being able to ensure I'm not printing. I'm similar to you in that I'm on the shorter/smaller framed size and can only carry very small guns.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

I really like my tenicor holsters, some of the highest quality, most comfortable, and most adjustable holsters I've used. However based on your list they may only make a holster for your p365.

I also have a more budget CYA holster that has been working really well, and is what I end up using most times since the plastic clip is easier to take on and off compared to discrete carry clips, however they don't hold the gun in place as well as the discrete carry clips.

Personally I've tried all sorts of carry methods, and always fall back to AIWB as the most comfortable and secure while being able to ensure I'm not printing. I'm similar to you in that I'm on the shorter/smaller framed size and can only carry very small guns.

Thank you for being the first! Sounds like the CYA holster could be a good generic solutuon for qualifying day. Edit, this holster will not accommodate an optic.

I'll check out Tenicor for the Luxe!

Which belt do you like? I think a 1.5" wide belt should work, unless there's a reason to get a wider belt.

 

[Bobalover209]

Thank you for being the first! Sounds like the CYA holster could be a good generic solutuon for qualifying day.

I'll check out Tenicor for the Luxe!

Which belt do you like? I think a 1.5" wide belt should work, unless there's a reason to get a wider belt.

I use a 1.5" belt that works just fine. My favorite is the hunter Constantine belt, the metal band takes some getting used to/breaking in but it eventually molds to your body and the belt offers great flexibility and comfort, while having the stiffness to hold the gun in place. I can wear it as a normal belt with pants or inside the waistband of pants without belt loops like sweatpants.

I have a kore belt on the way for business casual attire I'll be trying as well, heard good things about them.

 

[chiroken007]

If you were to get EMP, Tenicor holsters have a feature to hold 1911 manual safeties in position. The only holster I know to do this. That’s a huge plus.

Vedder holsters are made to order, comfortable, and fitment is smooth and precise.

 

[pancakes]

So I've tried every brand out there. Just to circle back to tier 1 as the most comfortable holster out there. the side cart top end model they sell is so comfortable

 

[jayson_b24]

If you can't find anything, maybe we could make you something until you do.

 

[No_glonks]

I tried a lot, including Tenicor.
To me, most comfortable one is T1C xiphos elite (I have one for BG2.0CC for sale btw)

Edit: my P-01 carried for 2 years, and P-365 xmacro added on renewal

 

[MrWilly]

For 3-5 o'clock carry I recommend the Black Arch Protos-M.

 

[OilBaron]

If you really only want 1 holster there is this https://hunterconstantine.com/produ...ymGT2qKmh0U2-mEW8s5xHfx5MSPoluVal4P5A7IHMsig0 it retains off the light and not the actual gun. I have no experience with it but I thought the idea is pretty cool.

 

[Shanekeoro]

I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about Hilliker lately. I personally don't have one so can't recommend it, but anyone own one or used one?

 

[Wolkenflieger]

If you really only want 1 holster there is this https://hunterconstantine.com/produ...ymGT2qKmh0U2-mEW8s5xHfx5MSPoluVal4P5A7IHMsig0 it retains off the light and not the actual gun. I have no experience with it but I thought the idea is pretty cool.

I don't plan to use lights for carry guns, but thanks!

 

[Hindsight]

I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about Hilliker lately. I personally don't have one so can't recommend it, but anyone own one or used one?

Yes, they’re solid and a good value/good in general. The quick ship Aren one with the discount code is a genuinely rare value in a sea of Kydex offerings that are ready to go within a few days.

I also have an Aren Lite that’s more minimalist and good too/I prefer for the BG 2.0 CC specifically.

 

[Shanekeoro]

Good to hear! The trex ones with the soft padding behind them look comfy too but never tried one

 

[Hindsight]

Salutations, Gun-Fanciers!

I have a pool of CCW candidates and I'm planning to use when qualifying for my CCW license as of 2027. CCW licenses as of 2027 are good for three years.

I've never had a CCW license nor have I ever owned a holster. We can have up to 6 guns on our CCW license in Riverside County. I'm trying to prevent the endless acquisition of holsters trying to find the best fit for myself and the guns. I think I want to carry AIWB and I'm a smaller-framed guy, about 5'3" and 155, but recommend a better carry position if you like.

Also, do I really need separate holsters to qualify for the CCW? Mag holders not necessary.

If you would indulge me, please list your favorite holster for the guns I've listed if you have the same guns or know of a good holster for that gun. Let's exclude holsters by "We The People". Heard too many bad things.

The guns in question (after some buying and selling to vet finalists);

CZ 75D PCR, no planned optic (yet).

Body guard 2.0 CC with Gideon Pebble optic.

Dan Wesson DWX Compact with Holosun 507k.

SIG P365 Luxe (.380) with Romeo X-Compact Optic.

*Possible Future Acquisition; Springfield Armory 1911 EMP CA Compliant 9mm 3″ Bull Barrel. No optic yet.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I know this is probably overkill.

It’s rare a training provider wants you to draw from ALL the firearms you’re qualifying with during the range certification day/process. Usually, if they even have you draw, it’s just for the warm up or the primary gun you’re qualifying with.

To answer your question about the BG2.0, here are some of the best candidates after trying over a dozen holsters for my CC 2.0 (I usually buy 8-10 holsters per new gun to make sure I find the best one for me).

The standout candidates were:

- JM Custom Kydex Full Custom One Off AIWB (probably don’t want to go down this route as the full custom was a custom mold just for me and my gun that they didn’t offer. Their standard offerings are fine if you don’t need it to be fully enclosed and rounded, shortened in length, covered mag release, etc).

- Hilliker Holster Co. Aren One is a good quick ship option and better than the quick ship 4Bros holster. The Aren Lite is my preference for such a small and minimalist gun and serves as the AIWB/Strong side crossover I wanted.

- Phlster Enigma Micro for the BG 2.0. Best solution for deep concealment, formalwear, or light physical activity. Takes more time and effort to don, doff, can’t be put back on without dropping your pants though and the system is more involved in terms of setup and fine tuning. It’s very good and unique, but maybe not something I’d recommend to someone newer to carrying as you’d want a deep understanding of your needs, use case, and concealment principles to make good use of it.

- TXC Delta - best for offbody carry in the specific offbody configuration and used in conjunction with hook and loop Velcro in something like a savior obscura bag. Extremely secure and my preference so I can just keep the holster setup in the bag without trying to reuse my existing holster ever time I go to the gym or something.

- Aholster pocket holster: was one of the better ones I tried that was a good mix of actually drawable from many pants pockets while not printing badly or being too bulky. There are several other options as well, but many weren’t the right mix for me.

 

[mbuss101]

Tenicor certum is my top choice

On another note, I would highly suggest adding a full-size pistol onto your permit as well. The reason I say this is their times where having a gun on your body, isn’t an option such as hiking, going to the beach or other outdoor activities using a fanny pack or even a backpack in these situations allows you to carry out much larger, pistol easily. as well I would say don’t get sucked into always carrying a micro compact or a sub compact pistol. even though they’re smaller, they don’t carry as well compared to a compact or full size

 

[No_glonks]

Tenicor certum is my top choice

On another note, I would highly suggest adding a full-size pistol onto your permit as well. The reason I say this is their times where having a gun on your body, isn’t an option such as hiking, going to the beach or other outdoor activities using a fanny pack or even a backpack in these situations allows you to carry out much larger, pistol easily. as well I would say don’t get sucked into always carrying a micro compact or a sub compact pistol. even though they’re smaller, they don’t carry as well compared to a compact or full size

PCR and/or DWX Compact are big enough to fulfill that role. I actually wouldn't recommend anything heavier than PCR to carry on the hike

 

[Gawernator]

Really like the quality and adjustment on Vedder and the military discount. Cool patterns.

I have like ten holsters from them IWB and OWB. All Perfect fit and design. They also have so many guns where a lot of brands didn’t even have holsters for my guns

 

[Mil-Dot]

Tier 1 AXS hands down best and most comfortable holster I have ever used and the ability to adjust the angle of the extra mag pouch is 2nd to none.

 

[HarleyLowRiderST]

For 3-5 o'clock carry I recommend the Black Arch Protos-M.

I have 3 on my CCW which is max in San Mateo County. Sig P365X, G43X ( the good kind pre-roster lol), and G19. Since I like my I carry 3-4 o'clock IWB. Lol Actually I am a bit chunky so AIWB doesn't work well for me.

I have tried over 15 holsters from all the major brands and have settled on Black Arch Protos-M for all 3 of my CCW guns.

As a side note, I did my qualification and renewal with OWB Bravo Company holsters for all 3. They are cheap, hold well, and for me OWB is how I typically carry in the winter, and is much more comfortable for me.