Tag Archives: concealed carry

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM, belt loops,

Comfortable Carry: Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING OWB Holster

Preface

Holster options are as diverse as the spectrum of pistols they carry. And the different options that people use for carrying handguns can be quite subjective as well depending on the situation. Today we are looking at another new to me holster, like many modern holster designs this one has some unique design features. Our topic today is the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster.

My Ruger RXM fit perfectly in the holster, note belt loops and their diameter

The Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING Holster

Blackpoint Tactical is an American company based in Georgia, with a focus on making holsters that are comfortable and concealable. They manufacture various different holsters but our focus today is on their Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster. It uses both traditional Kydex and as its name idicates, Leather Wings.

This dual material construction has its advantages. The traditional Kydex gives that perfect fit and retention, while the leather gives the durability and dexterity that handgunners have enjoyed since the beginning of carrying a gun. Extremely durable metal belt loops are attached using steel fasteners, the same ones are used to attach the leather to the Kydex as well. The leather wings give a natural flex-point for comfort when moving, sitting and other activities.

These holsters are available for a variety of popular pistols, mine is made for a Glock 17 pattern pistol. You can order the holsters molded for specific weapon light combinations, and since I usually use the Surefire X300 thats what I got.

When you order the holster you can specify much more. Different color patterns of both Kydex and leather can be specified for customization, as well as right or left-handed. You can also select a canted angle or straight depending on how you like to carry your gun. Different belt loops are also available, allowing you to fit whatever belt you plan on using.

Features

Leather Wings– Allow for ultimate comfort, reliability, and concealment by allowing the leather to curve naturally to the body.

Metal OWB Loops– Eliminates a common failure point on many OWB holsters.

Sweat Guard– Standard option that extends from top of holster between body and firearm. Protects gun by providing a sweat barrier from the body. Protects body from gun when holstering. Provides touch point for ease in holstering.

Cant Options– Available straight up and down or at a 15° forward cant.

OWB Concealable– The thin mounting profile of the holster allows for OWB concealment.

Thread Locker– Applied to all screws to prevent loosening over time.

Additional OWB Loops– Available in 2.00”, 1.75”, and 1.5”. Our adjustable loop is 1.75” and allows for adjustments in ride height.

OWB/IWB Conversion– All OWB holsters can be converted to IWB by removing the OWB loops from the back of the holster and attaching IWB loops to the front of the holster.

Wearing the Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING Holster

Over the course of several weeks of daily carry, I familiarized myself with the Lether Wing holster. My main pistol for carrying in the holster was a Ruger RXM. This pistol is also configurable using either a G19 sized grip or the G17 sized grip. I used both during my testing but as you might imagine the smaller grip was more concealable. I also used another Glock clone pistol, this one was the BCA Grizzly 9mm. A full size G17 clone.

Comfort and Fit

For this type of holster I prefer carrying behind my right hip. But I did try different variations both further towards the hip and further towards the back. As always with such things, this greatly depends on the comfort and preference of the person doing the carrying.

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM, drawing pistol from holster on belt,

The flexibility of the leather on this holster did make it a little more comfortable, allowing it to move just enough. I did notice when worn more towards my hip, the natural pivot point when sitting did cause a little pinching sensation. As clothing/holster flex when I sat, there was sometimes a little bit of a squeeze where I didn’t want it. This also could be related to my physical shape (more round than not), and will of course depend on yours. In the end I found it wasn’t a problem by moving the holster further around towards my back.

There is a Kydex “ear” that extends up to prevent the slide from riding against your clothes or skin. This is always a nice touch, especially for those of us who aren’t as slender as we once were.

Retention

The tight fitting Kydex kept my pistol secure in the holster. There is a definititve snap sensation when the pistol is seated or pulled from the holster. I wouldn’t call it a hard pull, it felt like just the right amount of retention to keep the pistol safely secured. Without making it hard to access. The retention varied obviously with different pistol designs. Friction alone should be plenty to keep a CCW pistol like this secured, and the clutch of the Kydex is just right in my opinion. Unless you plan on riding roller coasters or doing tuck and roll dismounts you shouldn’t have a problem.

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM, drawing from holster on pistol shooting range,
the Ruger RXM and Surefire X300 combination fit perfectly in the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing holster

Due to the two sided Kydex clam-shell design, there is a natural split at the bottom of the holster. Left open to prevent accumulation of debris and the dreaded CCW fuzz-ball. The gap is almost enough to even use my RXM with the threaded barrel installed. Even if I needed to trim it slightly it would still work.

Quality

Blackpoints build quality is great, with quality fasteners holding the whole thing together. The screws do not come loose, and there are strong rivets holding the individual pieces together. The nicely finished edges make it less likely to snag on clothing, or harsh against skin. And the handsome different patterns available allow you to match your holster to your style and tastes.

Pros and Cons

Almost all of my complaints when it comes to CCW issues stem from comfort and printing. Both of these issues should be reason enough for me to get in better shape, which should fix the issues. But as it pertains to this holster specifically, there is little to complain about.

Other Glock patterned pistols like this BCA Grizzly also fit nicely, even with large optics like the Gideon Omega

I mentioned the slight pinching issue I had, but I already mentioned how that can be remedied. I suppose the only other thing I would change about it if I could would be to make an option for thinner belt loops. I found there was just enough slop between my belt and holster loops to allow some movement. Not a big deal, but something I would prefer given the chance to change it.

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM,
My Ruger RXM 9mm fit perfectly with both large and small frames, you can read more about the Vector Optics Frenzy red dot here

This holster gives a very secure place for your CCW pistol. With great retention and placement, without giving up some dexterity in how you wear it. It also allows plenty of room for pistol mounted optics, like the Gideon Omega seen here.

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned at the beginning, a holster is a lot like a ladies purse; which one you use depends greatly on what you intend to put in it that day, what you are wearing for an outfit, and where you plan on going. I have found that this means you are bound to end up having various holsters for different occasions and activities. I have found that the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster is a great asset to have in my inventory.

-CBM

Looking for more holsters? Click here to see other options

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,

GTM CCW Purse

By: Kendra Stephens

Introduction

For a beginner, carrying a firearm in a purse can feel a little daunting at first. Sure, on body carry is often considered more secure and accessible, but a purse can offer all that if utilized in a safe way. The trade-off? You might wonder how easy it is to get to your firearm quickly or whether your purse is secure enough to keep everything you need in place. The GTM CCW Purse offers a solution to these points in a high quality made, easy to use purse with a variety of stylish options. Giving users a secure way to carry without feeling like you’re compromising on safety or fashion. After testing it, I can say it does a pretty solid job of checking the right boxes for both security and style.

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,

The bag selection I chose, The Clutch Purse, is perfect for everyday sub-compact carry, while being roomy enough for a wallet, keys, and even some lip gloss. The adjustable strap offered versatility, and I loved how the brass finished hardware added a touch of class to the overall look of the bag. 

For some time now, I carried the bag while running errands from toting kids to sporting events to a date with my husband. I am happy to report that it strikes a nice balance between function and style, though there are few considerations to keep in mind.

gun tote'n mamas, gtm original, ccw, purse, bag, concealed carry
We also tested the GTM Sling Backpack, also made from distress buffalo

Features and Benefits

Brand: GTM (Gun Tote’n Mamas)

Product Type: Leather clutch purse designed for concealed carry

Target Audience: Women who want a stylish but secure way to carry a firearm

Price: $149.95 Clutch Purse 175.95 Sling Backpack

Key Features: Premium leather finish with a soft finish

Ambidextrous design of the conceal carry compartment 

Multiple internal pockets for organization

Includes velcro holster for key positioning

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,
strong buckles and rings together with robust straps keep these bags secure

Initial Impressions

The GTM CCW Clutch Purse immediately impressed me with its high quality leather that was incredibly soft. The sleek design made it hard to believe it was a concealed carry bag over just a luxury purse. The first thing I noticed was how the concealed carry compartment blended into the bag well. It doesn’t scream “gun carrier”. This definitely gives it a discreet, everyday look to the bag. 

gun tote'n mamas, gtm original, ccw, purse, bag, concealed carry
the over-the-shoulder Sling Backpack is nice for those who prefer the style

The clutch is perfectly sized for casual outings, as it just fits the essentials like a phone, wallet, keys and maybe some compact makeup. Still, there is ample space for your compact or subcompact firearm in its very own designated zippered pocket.

Carrying With the GTM Purse

I carried this purse everywhere I went (yes, even to the bathroom.) I did not leave it behind, not once. Here is how it performed:

Concealed carry compartment

The concealment pocket is located on the back side of the clutch, offering a secure space for your firearm. It is roomy enough for a compact handgun, and the velcro lined holster allows for adjustment to your comfort. 

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse, ruger ec9
both bags had room for compact and similar pistols, but not much more.

Ease of use

With a little practice, I found it easy to access my firearm. I also liked that the holster was ambidextrous, making it comfortable for everybody.

Comfort and usability 

The strap was high quality and comfortable, it adhered to solid rings that had reinforced webbing. This was something I find to be important when considering any bag and can make or break it for me, as someone who worked in luxury retail. The interior compartments helped keep everything pretty organized, from my phone and cards to lip balm and other essentials you may have. The purse is not weighted down enough to be bothersome, even when fully packed.

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,
plenty of storage compartments and separations for organization

Pros and Cons 

Pros:

Stylish and discreet– it looks like a high end clutch. Soft, premium leather. Easy access to concealed firearm with adjustable holster. Strong shoulder strap and robust solid hardware. Interior pockets to keep everything organized

gun tote'n mamas, gtm original, ccw, purse, bag, concealed carry

Cons:

Best suited for smaller firearms like compact or subcompact. Larger firearms may not fit properly, making for a bulkier bag. 

Necessary trigger guard depending on firearm. For those carrying a firearm with a trigger blade-safety, a proper trigger guard may be required for extra safety. The Velcro holster provides some structure but I can see it not always offering the level of protection needed for more sensitive models.

We used various pistols to test the fit of the GTM purses, but mainly we used the Ruger EC9 and the Taurus TX22 Compact.

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,

Final Thoughts

The GTM CCW Clutch is a practical yet stylish option for women who need a discreet way to carry a firearm. It is obvious that it was designed with ease of access in mind, so you can quickly retrieve your firearm when necessary, while also being manageable for daily use. However, the leather holster may feel less secure for some and could require additional accessories for safety, and it’s best suited for smaller firearms. Obviously, you can customize different holster options depending on the firearm you choose to carry.

gun tote'n mamas, gtm original, ccw, purse, bag, concealed carry

Priced at 149.95, this CCW clutch is a solid choice for those who value practicality. If you’re looking for something sleek and easy to carry for the basics, the clutch is a great option–but it may not be the best fit if you carry a larger firearm or need more space for everyday items. Nevertheless, Gun Tote’n Mamas offers a wide array of options for your specific needs and firearm sizes.

-KS

1791 Gunleather Ultra custom holster, PSA dagger

1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster

Introduction

Leather has a long history with regard to firearms. And though there have been many advancements with materials, leather still seems to maintain its spot next to to firearms. Today’s subject is about a leather product that continues that intimate relationship, and we’ll go into why after hundreds of years, gun-leather continues to be a commonly used word. 1791 Gunleather manufactures high-quality leather products for both guns and other tools. And today we are taking a look at the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster.

1791 Gunleather, Ultra custom holster

1791 Gunleather

According to their website, 1791 manufactures high quality leather products with an angle towards gun carrying and other waist mounted tools. Holsters, belts and other tool carrying leather products all made from American steerhide.

I’ve used one of their products previously which came in handy when I couldn’t use a holster. You can read about my experience with their EDC tool-carrier here, and after using that for some time I figured I would try one of their award winning Ultra Custom holsters.

1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster

Since I’ve been carrying concealed pistols for several decades now, I thought it would be proper to better familiarize myself with good CCW holsters. The Ultra Custom holster from 1791 is an IWB holster that uses the natural qualities of leather for a secure and safe carry experience.

The Ultra Custom holster comes in various sizes to accommodate for your choice in handguns. Since I have a variety of similar handguns, I selected one for a Glock 19 sized pistol. One of the features of the Ultra Custom is its memory lock technology, which I assume is some kind of process they use on the leather to make it moldable by the end user. It also comes with two belt clips (1″ and 1.5″) that secure the holster to your belt while allowing you to tuck your shirt if your that kind of guy. Securing the clip is done with some very solid screws that attach to a threaded nut-plate under the leather.

1791 Gunleather, Ultra custom holster, PSA dagger
The 1791 Ultra Custom holster with its included manipulation tools for custom fitting

Custom fitting the holster to your firearm is done using heat. The holster comes with a thick zip-seal plastic bag that you use to submerge the holster in 165* water for five minutes. After which you insert your pistol and allow it to cool, as the holster cools it seems to shrink to fit your pistol. Several tools are included to help you custom mold the holster to fit your needs.

1791 Gunleather, Ultra custom holster
pulling the heated holster from the bag after a hot water bath

The process was pretty straight forward, and if reading isn’t your strong-suit there’s a QR code on the box to take you to a video to walk you through it.

Carrying the Ultra Custom holster

Once I had the holster fit and assembled, it was time to put it to use. I’ve always been more of a OWB holster kind of guy, but this was a good place to start. A good belt is always recommended when carrying a pistol, whether you use one from 1791 or somewhere else, get you a good one.

Comfort

One of the first things I noticed while carrying this holster is that its smaller than others. A smaller footprint is definitely a plus when carrying, both for comfort and printing. I also noticed it was a touch thicker than I expected.

carrying the holster up front was comfortable and convenient

Tucking the holster in my normal carry position at the back of my right hip was a little less than ideal. It wasn’t as comfortable, and it also printed more than I would like. I ended up carrying the holster either in the small of my back, or appendix. It was far more comfortable there and was easily concealed.

Sitting in cars and other places I was pleased with how comfortable the soft leather felt. The back-strap of the holster covers the slide nicely, preventing it from rubbing against your skin.

Drawing my Dagger pistol from the holster was easy and smooth

Draw

Drawing from the holster was clean, even when drawing from positions I typically don’t carry. The fit of the 1791 holster to my pistol kept it snug and in place, despite not having any specific retention feature. It was also easy to re-holster the pistol after drawing.

Security

The single belt-clip on this holster seemed to be sufficient in keeping it in place. The friction of the soft leather also seems to add to the foundation of the holster in your belt. The custom fit feature definitely matches up well to my pistol, and at no time did I feel like the gun would have come out. I think it would take some aggressive motorcycle riding or roller coaster rides to risk a pistol coming out of this holster. And even then it’s very doubtful.

the holster was easy to clip in and out of your waistband

Getting the holster in and out of your waistband was relatively easy. Making the holster good if your the kind of guy who is always switching it up.

Pros and Cons

As if the smell of American steer hide wasn’t enough, the handsome finish of the leather gives a very high quality feel and look. And the thick leather will surely protect your pistol from whatever it might contact. I also mentioned how comfortable the holster was, and how I appreciate its smaller footprint. It does have a good balance between covering the pistol, and not being oversized.

If I had to come up with some downsides the the 1791 Ultra Custom holster it would be this; There is not quite enough coverage to protect the magazine release, which could cause the magazine to be dropped inadvertently. It would take some very specific stabbing actions to happen, so I think it is a very low priority but something you should know. I also wish there was a way to make the holster just a little bit thinner, to make it even more comfortable and concealable. But we could say that about any other holster as well.

the Ultra Custom holster also fit my Taurus TX22 Compact well, even with the Holosun SCS Carry red dot

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a big fan of gun leather, or you just like to keep the comfort of what has worked for hundreds of years, the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom holster is a good option. It’s ability to mold to better fit your pistol is a nice feature, and it fits nicely into most waistbands. It’s a great way to ensure your pistol is always where you need it, and ready for use.

-CBM

Check out more holster options here