Mitch Rosen Holsters worth my arm or leg?

[snacktrack]

I can appreciate fine things, and these holsters look very fine. Before I dump mucho dinero into a holster for my 340pd, I wanted to see if there is anyone out there that has one of these that has some positive/negative feedback.
Also, for the first holster, what is the little flap with the button snap for?and how is it supposed to be worn?

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12182&stc=1
THis pocket holster is niiiice. I think I am going to get it.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12183&stc=1

[don't shoot it's me]

MItch Rosens are a bit too pricey IMO..and for such a light little gun I don't think you need such a heavy duty piece of leather....as for the flap, it is a snap that goes around your belt...and it's tuckable so your shirt can go behind it.

I have high end Delfattis and Alessis for my P7 but for my 442 a simple uncle Mike's #36 works very well and adds no bulk or weight to the gun...and it runs around 10 bucks on the web...the clip has a litttle lip which catches on the seam of your pants so you can wear it under your belt or without one....for the price you can't go wrong...about 10 bucks

http://executivegunworks.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/storeimg-75a.jpg

if you must have leather, check out the FIST line at www.gunnersalley.com they make nice thin leather that will serve your snubbie well for much less money than the Rosen...look at the #1 clip....it is two pieces of flat leather sewn together, reducing the thickness....with a little snubbie, you really don't need a thick reinfinforced collar...it only makes it thicker in your pants...less is more with these guns...for 40 bucks it is a bargain...

[omegapd]

I agree with Don't Shoot. Rosens are nice and top quality but unless you're planning to show it off to all of your gun buddies at the range, nobody is going to see it but you.
I've found holsters that work just as well without the time and money spent on Rosen. But, if you want the best of the best, go ahead. He definately uses some of the best leather I've seen and the workmanship that goes into it is pretty high class.

[HankL]

If you ever really need to draw in a hurry and your cheap holster comes out of your pants along with your pistol I hope that you live long enough to purchase a good quality holster.

[don't shoot it's me]

Niether my Fist nor my Uncle's Mike's ever come out with the gun....they work just fine...an 11 ounce gun just doesn't need all that support...

[chameleon]

I have a Mitch Rosen ARG for my Sig 229. I also have a Mitch Rosen belt.
Good stuff. The ARG is pictured below.
A good comfortable holster means a lot.


http://www.fototime.com/D72B71178BA6205/standard.jpg

[don't shoot it's me]

I agree...no argument there...I have over 600 bucks worth of high end holsters for my heavy autos...I'm just saying that such a minute gun has minute needs.... :)

[chameleon]

Opps, I did forget to add that I do agree with Don'tShootItsMe.
I carry my 340PD in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster in my front pants pocket, and I am pleased with that arrangement.
I am not a complete fan of the Uncle Mikes IWB holsters, as I DO think there is better quality out there.
Look for that ability of the IWB to stay open for that ease of reholstering.
Its not that you really need to reholster with one hand, however, it is a tactical advantage, but also I look at it as a safety feature. If you have to struggle to get your gun in that holster, most likely you will only be able to use one hand, as your other hand probably will not be able to reach around and open the mouth of that holster, especially if you carry your gun more toward your back then your side.
I will add that I have seen people with the newer UM holsters reholster one handed, they place the muzzle of the gunkind of pointed at themselves, and nuzzle the muzzle into the holster.

[snacktrack]

I will stick to the cheaper, lightweight stuff for my 340PD, and maybe I will look into something more extravagant for my 1911PD when it comes in. I was thinking of maybe a shoulder holster or crossdraw, something easy to get to while sitting down in the car.

I appreciate the advice guys!

[chameleon]

I think you are making a wise choice. Think of why you bought that 340PD. I never would have bought mine thinking it wasn't for a deeper conceled carry gun. I bought it for pocket carry, or as a second gun on my waisteband.( I have a Small OF Back holster for the 340PD, but don't like having the gun where someone else has quicker access to it then I do)
In the cooler months, it may sit in the jacket pocket.
I guess what I'm getting at is that you don't need a fancy holster for the 340PD, and save your money for a better holster for your primary carry gun.

[don't shoot it's me]

Ahh, good....My work here is done....by the way, if you ever pull it, you can always throw it in your pocket or waistband aftterwards...nothing says it has to go right back in the holster...only a duty holster needs that type of reholstering....and the cops are probably gonna voucher it anyway... ;)

[MrBill]

I once ordered a Mitch Rosen holster...thought the price was gonna get something spectacular. I didn't. Very nice looking leather..really "boned" to the pistol..but not worth what I paid for it. Better buying several cheap thing you can toss if you change your mind. But if you have money to spend, it's your's to spend.

[Captain]

Just my opinion here.

In my experience with holsters, you definitely get what you pay for. I have used just about every holster out there and find the Rosen holsters THE best. They will last forever. I have one ARG for a 1911 that I've used for over 10 years. It still carries the gun just fine. A lot of other holsters have weakened and really proved unusefull after a couple years wearing them.

They are expensive, but I really think they are worth the cost. I also use his belt and mag pouch.

[Tom2]

I was at a show and looking for holsters for my Sigs. I was comparing the M.R. to others there. The prices were steepish but not out of line with the other quality holsters he had there.(He had no "junk") Most were within 5-10 bucks of each other for comparable holsters and many were identical priced. I was comparing the MR to another by a famous higrade maker that was almost completely identical. What I noticed was that the leather on the MR was a bit thicker than the competitor, it was stiff and did not flex alot like the others. I felt that the MR would wear better and hold it's shape longer than the other so I got two and like them alot. I have seen thin leather holsters that stretch just imperceptibly over time and lose tension on the gun, bad news for non thumb snap types. I have to give the durability edge to MR even though the stitching and finish was comparable in all the top brands.

[JerryM]

I do not own a Rosen holster, but have a friend who does. In examining his, and comparing with my own Sparks and other high end holster, I conclude that Rosen is top quality, but not superior to Sparks and a few others. I think Rosen is overpriced. I have no desire for one, and when I get new ones, I go for Sparks, Brommeland, and Del Fatti. All are equal to Rosen.

However, if one wants a Rosen, and believes he has a better holster then go for it. When we spend hundreds of dollars for ammunition to practice with, have numerous guns that go for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, the price of a holster and good belt and magazine holder is really insignificant over the life of the holster.

Jerry

[Tom2]

I was comparing the Rosens to "plastic bagged" production holsters that you see in gun shops and gun shows hanging on hooks. I suppose that if you were to compare any of the off the rack holsters to something that is hand made by a custom maker, you might come up short. I was looking for something "off the rack" for my guns, but not order something sight unseen and wait for it to be made. Basically took the gun and tried the fit in the holsters there to get an idea of what I wanted. But there are two levels of Rosens, the off the shelf holsters and the top of the lines. These lower priced production moulded types I felt were superior to comparable competition. And priced about the same.

[los]

I bought a Milt Sparks "RoadRunner" holster for my Gov. 1911, 16 years ago. Still smells new. Sparks discontinued the RR model a few years ago. It's a great holster,..but rides the gun pretty high (I wear it at the 3:30 position), but conceals it perfectly.

When I acquired my USPc45, I decided to look at the Rosen line of holsters. I felt the Rosen model 5JR was the perfect OWB/FBI cant holster for my Compact. A little pricey, but for me, well worth it. It's my current CCW/Holster combo and comfort is so good, I sometimes forget I'm carrying. Honestly!!

My Rosen 5JR holster was made for me only after the order was placed. It took 3-weeks from the time I placed the order to the time it was delivered. They even called to make sure on the belt width slots before begining the cutting process.

When comparing Sparks to Rosen craftsmanship/materials, I think they're identical. Leather boning and weapon fit is precise on both holsters!

So IMO,..Sparks has an edge because of the lower priceing. As far as quality and customer service,..I think they're dead even.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/SIG.jpg

[Bulldozer]

Rosen is good stuff, but priced way too high.

My top shelf dollars go to Sparks and Del Fatti.

[los]

Actually, prices on some Del Fatti models are more expensive than comparable MR models. Nonetheless, these shops know gun holsters!!

....It's kinda like choosing between a Ferrari Enzo,...or a Lamborghini Murciellago.:)

[lasports]

los--

Check out the 60TK (roadrunner) at www.miltsparks.com

[los]

The current MS 60TK is different from mine (original design). On my RR, the leather covered metal reinforcement is located at the trigger opening/rest, as opposed to the Slide opening/mouth of holster on the revised model. The belt slots are also desined a liitle different on the new version.

Ross Leather makes an identical copy of the original Sparks RoadRunner design. Here's a photo of the Ross M7 Holster...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/RLM7.jpg

[lasports]

Yes it is true your model 60TK has been refined. That is what makes Milt Sparks such a great company. They are always improving their product line.

[los]

new style 60TK...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/los3088/60tk.jpg

[jonathon]

Over priced by far.

[don't shoot it's me]

I might pay those prices if Lou Alessi and Matt Delfatti only made shoes... ;)

[waltn]

Mitch Rosen is one of a handful of artists when it comes to holsters. There are only a few in his league. I have a trunk locker full of holsters over the last twenty years and to each his own. When I have a garage sale I will only have to advertise the holsters.

Milt Sparks, Kramer, Horseshoe Leather, Rosen, T. Rybka, Renegade and several others come to mind that are beyond extraordinary. I have waited over Six months for a custom holster and have never regretted it.

You pay for what you get. How much is your life worth?

Most of us purchase the gun but forget the Holster is VERY important as well as training and practice, practice.

[snacktrack]

I ended up ordering a Safariland 561 belt holster for my 340PD. Havent gotten it yet, but they look pretty nice. Very light and thin. Anyone have one of these holsters?

[Billy Sparks]

I have owned Milt Sparks, Krammer and Rosen holsters. The only reason I do not currently carry Rosen holsters is that I prefer the Bruce Nelson style OWB holster. What I mean by that is that the Rosen 5JR has that forward belt loop in front of the holster. For me that doesn't conceal as well.

I will admit that with Sparks, Krammer and Rosen you are paying some for the name but you are doing the same when you buy Sig, Colt, etc.

[Tom2]

I still payed appx the same or the same for my Rosens that the practically identical Galcos cost at the same dealer. I think he had Safarilands too. I used to like the Safari Klipspringers to snap onto my belt for range holsters. Liked the nice green lining too. This must be a matter of taste and a moot point as the name brands in the same price range above nylon and bargain basement are all good stuff.

[progunner1957]

Little Feather Leather, www.littlefeatherleather.com makes custom and semi-custom holsters, slings, belts, knife sheaths, etc. that look to be of outstanding quality; seems like the prices are within reason, too.

Check 'em out! :D