Pug Driving Holster w/TL;DR for a long explanation of my version of the Holster

[Rick_Jorgenson]

I received this message recently and have been asked this a couple times.  I thought an explanation may help others as well.

Hi Rick,
I noticed your post on the forum showing off some of your holsters. Very nice! I have a question: Do you offer a driving holster for the Pug in black, with thumb break for a right handed shooter? If so, is there an option for a snap instead of velcro on the part that loops over the belt? Reason I ask is because velcro tends to wear out over time. Once it loses its holding power I'd be afraid it might fall off without me knowing. My belt size is 1/4" thick by 1.5" wide. Please let me know if you offer anything like that and the price.

Thanks,
Xxxxxxxx

TL;DR.....
Hi Xxxxxxx,

The Driving Holster is a "Quick on - Quick off" style Holster that is ideal for use while sitting.  For driving, many experts consider it the best carry position for self defense while seated in a vehicle and a seat belt worn. The draw is not impeded like a "strong side" or "pocket holster" would be.

I use "Velcro" (Hook and Loop Material) on the strap of my Driving Holsters because it is far superior too snaps.  Leather can shrink/stretch, even a little makes the strap length "not fit" as intended. Snaps fail and/or wear out. They work great for the right application.

I also use a "Belt Block" (on the strap) that will help keep the Holster from moving around or dropping off the belt (while you're wearing it) even if the strap is completely undone.)  It's a feature I build in, as far as I know, I'm the only Holster maker using a leather block to stabilize the Holster.

Rick

Full Explanation...

Hi Xxxxxxx,

I do build Driving Holsters for the Pug.  There is no way to attach a photo on "messages" but I'll post one on the Forum.

The Pug and my Driving Holster have been one of my EDC guns for over a year now. It's never in the way and is never seen under normal conditions. (if I'm on a ladder and reaching over my head you can see it) most everyone knows I have 2 or 3 NAA guns on me all the time anyway! lol!!!

I can put a snap on the strap instead of velcro if you would like. I highly recommend against it.  A snap will pop off quicker than the velcro, releasing the strap, allowing the Holster to drop off.

On my Holsters, the velcro strap and "Block" on the strap hold the Holster on your belt. Even if the strap is pulled (causing an audible "Ripping" sound) the Leather Block continues to keep the Holster on your belt.  This is a system I came up with 4 years ago.  No one has lost a Holster/Gun to date or had a complaint of one of my Driving Holsters.

The Velcro (Hook & Loop Material) I use is "industrial strength"  and I have never had to replace it on a Holster.  I'm sure it only has so many "rips" but I haven't reached that number yet on mine.  Over the years I have replaced far more "snaps" that have worn out or failed than Hook and Loop material.
(Both have their place and when used for their appropriate tasks, both work well)

Mine is worn daily and removed and put back on several times a day for demonstrations. It remains as tight and solid as the first day.

The "Loop" material (fuzzy side) is the side that wears out.  That is the material I put on the strap so if/when it needs replacing, it is an easier spot to replace so the entire Holster doesn't need to be completely un-stitched and disassembled.

This brings me to the warranty,  if you feel it is wearing and needs replacement, contact me by email or phone to let me know you are sending it in for the hook & loop wear and I'll change it for free and ship it back.**

**Using my discretion (under normal use conditions.) (for life...yours or mine) lol!! I feel pretty good and take care of myself so.....just saying. 

This Holster is best used for Driving, or while Seated.  I use mine while working and the conditions are mostly clean.  Dust and dirt, mud, etc. can damage the holster and possibly clog up the hook & loop material.  It is not recommended for hiking, biking (motorcycles would be ok) not dirt bikes. Some other design holsters would work better.

When a client brings their older holster in that I made, it gives me a chance to evaluate wear vs. usage and how it's holding up.  I fix/repair/replace as needed, clean & condition the leather then apply fresh exterior finish if called for. (all at no charge, see "at my discretion" part of the warranty.)

I'll ship it back at N/C under normal circumstances for the Continental US by USPS First Class Mail.

Thank you, I'll be glad to help you when you're ready,

Rick

[OV-1D]

  A belt lock who'd a thought , you think of everything Rick thanks .

[Rick_Jorgenson]

  A belt lock who'd a thought , you think of everything Rick thanks .

I finally took my granddads advice. He said.... "Shut up and listen". 

Everyone loves the driving holster from Bond Arms.  I looked at them.... meh...  Good idea that is poorly executed (mass produced.)

I was being asked if I could make them so I made my version for a few people to gather feedback.  The biggest complaint was that the gun
"slides down" on the strap so the grip sticks out. (sorry no photo)

So before I dreamed up this nifty little fix.

This is what started it......

One of these Bond Arms Holster "Gents" calls to tell me how my holster is "falling apart!" I thought to myself... "Well that ain't right!"    So, as the conversation came around for me to ask "how and what is falling apart?, You're sitting down! What can go wrong?"

Then Mr. 4.25" Bbl. Bond Arms Guy tells me he is a guide and he's hiking around the desert while wearing this Boat Anchor of a gun (using the Driving Holster!)

I had him bring it in the shop.

He kept pulling up on the strap so hard thinking that would help keep it from sliding that some stitches on the strap came loose.  Because of the weight of the gun and the position the holster is supposed to ride they will not stay horizontal and in line with the belt unless you are seated, not HIKING IN THE DESERT! 

So.... The Belt Block (I don't know what else to call it) was my solution help the Bond Arms Holsters I was making. Then I quit making them for the BA pistol's.  They are a pain to cut out by hand and I wasn't willing to have dies made for all sizes of BA's.

If a really good client begs for one for his BA and is willing to listen to me berate them about their choice of gun and the holster is only to be used for sitting, I'll make it for them. I don't advertise them or have them available on my on line venues for sale.

But they work great for NAA's!!  I have turned down doing them for the 4" Bbl. guns but I might make one and test it out just for S's & Grins 

And..... I think I can buy a lot more NAA's for what I would pay for a couple Bond Arms and all the Barrels for them!  I certainly wouldn't want to carry 3 or 4 of those guns everyday like I do NAA's.  What if I fell off a pier?  I'd sink like a rock.  It could happen! lol!!   

[RogueTS1]

If one cleans the Velcro out it will not lose its grip. It does so when the hooks become clogged with debri much as a file does when being used. If one uses a brush, once again as one does with a file, and cleans out the loops the Velcro will be back to good as new.

[OV-1D]

  Rick those last three sentences are sound reasonings .

[rattlehead]

Thanks for posting the pics Rick! The belt block is genius! I sent you a PM concerning an order.

[Rick_Jorgenson]

If one cleans the Velcro out it will not lose its grip. It does so when the hooks become clogged with debri much as a file does when being used. If one uses a brush, once again as one does with a file, and cleans out the loops the Velcro will be back to good as new.

Cleaning the hooks does help the whole thing last longer.

I have seen velcro loop (the fuzzy side) worn out.  That is the side that will wear out as long as the "Loop" side is cleaned out properly.

  Rick those last three sentences are sound reasonings .

Thanks OV!  I'm of sound mind I thought so too! 

Thanks for posting the pics Rick! The belt block is genius! I sent you a PM concerning an order.

Got it!  Thanks!

[grayelky]

Rogue-
Never heard that before. Thanks for posting. I hav several items I will give that a try on!