N82 Tactical Pro Update

I spent five days on the road with this holster and my SR9c. Three of those involved lots of driving, hiking, wading in rivers while fly fishing. I also did the usual - visiting family, meetings, hotels, restaurants, in-and-out of the car. I decided to take my LCP as a backup and carry the bigger SR9c for the majority of the trip, including wade fishing in the Frying Pan and Arkansas rivers. I used the N82 Tactical Pro model for this. Now, the report:

It worked very well. Although no holster "disappears", especially with a sizable pistol in it, the N82 Pro was about as close to comfortable as you can get for an IWB holster. I wore it in a cross draw position 90% of the time as I find this most comfortable and accessible while driving and sitting.

The holster, front side after the trip. Hardly any wear and no sweat stains.

 

The same holster, back side, rough suede, showing the sweat stains incurred in five days of heavy use under often hot conditions.

This is one tough, but comfy, holster. I have already sold my Crossbreed Supertuck I formerly had for IWB carry for the SR9c. The N82 Pro has too many advantages over the Supertuck to justify keeping it. It is more comfortable. The gun does not contact your body. It keeps sweat away from the gun. It has only one clip, which makes for much easier on and off. In fact, it is easy to slip the holster and gun off in the car and stow it, then, before exiting, clip it back in place. Can't do that with the Supertuck, at least not without contortions.

So, still an excellent choice for IWB carry for larger pistols like the SR9c.

I also received the N82 Tactical Pro for the Ruger LC9. It is very much like the one for the SR9c, but a little smaller overall as befits a somewhat smaller handgun. However, my experiences so far with this holster and gun combination were not as positive. The issue involves getting a quick and unrestricted draw. The N82 Tactical Pro model is made with a clear plastic shell that is moulded to have a rounded ridge that sits inside the front of the trigger guard, "locking", or securing the gun into the holster. In order to release the gun, one must grasp the butt with enough grip to twist the gun somewhat inward to release the ridge from the trigger guard enabling a smooth draw. I am having difficulty doing this with the LC9, but with the SR9c this is not an issue. After inspecting the holster and gun, and how it rides in the holster clipped to the belt my suspicion is that the problem is a combination of the overall deep carry which is dictated by the location of the belt clip positioning the grips right above the belt line, and the smaller grip or butt area available on the LC9. A smaller butt is harder to get a good grip on, especially with the grips buried close to the belt.

Drawing cleanly from cross draw or appendix positions is hard for me, and it is very difficult at the 3-4 o'clock positions. I have passed my observations along to the good people at N82 Tactical. I'll report on the outcome as things develop.

My suspicion is that the Pro model using the same design for the LCP and similar sized pistols may be even more difficult to draw quickly and cleanly from. There is even less grip area and the deep ride makes it more difficult to get a clean, firm and quick grasp for that twisting motion.

For that reason, unless I am totally wrong about this, and that could certainly be the case, I would favor their traditional design for smaller framed guns. However, I have not seen a Pro model for the LCP, so my caveat may be unnecessary. The N82 design team may have modified the design to better accommodate smaller frame semi-autos. When I have the opportunity to test an LCP model, I will report on my experiences here.

Update: I have been getting more carry time with the LC9 Pro model and can report that I am having better success getting a clean draw with it. It is not as easy as with the SR9c and requires practice. You have to be intentional and forceful. My recommendation is to unload your gun and practice the movement until it becomes second nature. It is not really any different than learning to use a thumb break or active retention holster. Problems can develop when one has many different holster styles. Getting used to, say a Bullard belt slide design where the holster is moulded to the gun, then also using an N82 Pro, or a thumb break holster could cause problems if your reaction is patterned to on while using the other. Having to correct or pause to remember which design one is drawing from is not a good thing.

With this in mind, I am narrowing my holster designs. Open top leather design from D.M. Bullard for OWB carry. I have a Bullard holster for each of my carry guns. I am evaluating three designs for IWB carry: N82 Tactical Pro, Versacarry and Remora. If I get the opportunity to evaluate a Bullard IWB design I will compare it to those other three.

The N82 is very comfortable, but with the LC9, and perhaps, the LCP, is not as quick to draw from as I like. Conceals very well.

The Versacarry is surprisingly comfortable even though it offers nothing between you and the gun - you know it's there - but not in the same league as the N82 holster in comfort. Using the "standard" height model which keeps the grips well above the belt, it is very fast. Excellent concealment and about 1/3 the N82 Pro cost.

The Remora is in the middle for comfort. It is very flexible since it is a "no clip" design and can be worn anywhere as long as it is in the waistband or pocket. It is about as fast as the Versacarry. Under some circumstances it can shift position a bit.

 

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It Doesn't Change Anything

The furor over Aurora has abated somewhat now so I feel I can comment on the self-defense aspects of this tragedy. A few days after the shootings I was visiting relatives in northern Colorado and one, who should know better, burst out that it was all the fault of those concealed carry permits that are so easy to get. Obviously, my relative was not thinking clearly, so I ran over some basic facts with him, which cooled the situation quickly.

First, law-abiding citizens who have concealed carry permits usually won't carry in a "gun free" zone, which this was. That removed legal carry from the situation. Obviously, had there been one or more concealed carry citizens present, things might have turned out differently. We'll never know.

Second, even if there were no concealed carry permits, anyone who wants to buy and carry a gun will find a way to do so. Criminals and crazy people don't usually bother to go through the expense, background checks and training required of a citizen to obtain a carry permit. Still, they persist in using and carrying guns (not to mention knives, clubs, bats, martial arts weapons, or any handy weapon they can get their hands on at the time.)

The fundamental thing lost in all the noise is that law-abiding citizens of the USA have the right to protect themselves from deadly assault. Taking away that right, and that protection, will not change the fact that bad people assault good people every day.

Carried to an absurd extreme, the logic of taking away guns from the public so they can't defend themselves when they choose to fight back and not be passive victims of crime, will result in ever more 'police' or law-enforcement personnel being necessary to protect an unarmed society. Weapons cannot be kept from criminals who want them (if this is not clear, refer to the so-called "war on drugs", or even Prohibition in the early part of the last century. Acknowledged failures in separating the public from something the public wants.)

Since assault can happen any time and anywhere, there must always be adequate armed law enforcement personnel in the immediate area in order to adequately safeguard our citizens. In short,  cops on every corner, in every apartment, hotel, restaurant, church, baseball, football or basketball game, movie theatres, parking lots, grocery stores.... You get the picture. A basic police state with almost as many people required to be hired, trained, equipped and paid to protect about the same number of citizens. Not only is this financially impossible, but who wants to live in a police state?

Until someone figures out how to eliminate criminal and pathological behaviors, there will always be someone who preys on the innocent. In my opinion, the innocent must maintain the right to protect themselves and not be required to submit passively to whatever the criminals and crazies want to do.

Innovative Holster from N82 Tactical

The N82 Tactical Pro for the Ruger SR9c

This is an innovative design created by two Nates. (N8 2...) Their driving reason was comfort. They tried many holster designs, like I have, and found none of them provided the levels of comfort and security they were after, so they starting making their own.

Comfort

The idea behind the N82 Tactical is that the gun should not contact your body. And, the portion of the holster that does should be firm, yielding and comfortable. I have been using mine for about a week, with both the SR9c, for which it was designed, and the LC9, for which it is not designed, nor intended.

Note: N82 Tactical does not endorse or recommend carrying a gun in one of their Professional models for which the holster was not designed. More on this below.

The N82 has a panel shaped to surround the handgun. Leather faces the gun itself, while the remainder is a sandwich of neoprene and suede next to your body. The suede also applies friction to the holster allowing the design to use a single clip, instead of two like the Crossbreed and similar designs. This resulted in a very comfortable holster and one that I have successfully worn all day. However, I am not pronouncing this the most comfortable holster yet. It's got to get me through the summer and into the winter, then I will have a better idea about that. At this point, I do find it more comfortable than the Crossbreed Supertuck I have been using with the SR9c, and I like the fact that there is only one clip to deal with, and I like it even more that there is nothing poking me in the side.

Security

I have the Professional model with the molded polycarbonate shell that locks the pistol in place. The fit is excellent on the SR9c, The SR9c clicks in decisively and requires a slight inward twist of the wrist to release it from the shell - nothing that can't be easily learned and used quickly. If the standard holster, without the polycarbonate shell, had an adjustable clip, it would likely be perfect for my SR9c and my LC9 since that holster is made from a dense, elastic material that would readily conform to either gun. As it is, with the clip oriented almost to straight drop, and my preference being appendix and cross draw carry, it would have been probably the better choice for me if I had wanted one holster for both pistols.

The only negative in terms of security, and it is a very small negative, is that with one clip, and if worn in the appendix or cross draw positions - ones I favor - the holster can swivel a small amount under extended wear, during a long day, for example. By swivel, I mean the cant might increase or decrease by a few degrees. This is not something that compromises security or concealability, just something that might be noticed by the user. When I test this holster in strong side carry I will be able to tell if it is more fixed in that position. (Another good thing is that the clip on the Professional model is adjustable in cant, which makes it suitable for many different carry positions, and it allows one to tuck in the shirt for those times when that is important.) All that being said, I think the N82 single clip design is superior to the double clip holsters because it is far easier to get on and off, easier to adjust the cant, and a small amount of movement is not important, and if worn with a good gun belt, should be minimal in any event.




A follow up note to the above: After wearing the N82 Pro for a few weeks after writing the above concerning the small amount of movement, I have found that this is no longer an issue. I think that during the intervening time, the backing of the holster has conformed to my body shape which has made the entire rig very stable. So, the message is, give it time to adjust to you. This is true of any holster.

Accessibility

For the way I like my handguns to be accessible, this holster works well. Personally, I would like about an inch higher ride, but as designed, most folks would find the accessibility to be about right - a good compromise between concealability and accessibility. The literature accompanying the Professional model holster describes the use of their "Twist Release Design". "...draw your firearm by simply giving the grip a slight twist toward your body as you draw." This isn't hard to say, and it is easier to do than to say. It would be very difficult for a stranger to grab your firearm, if they could even see it, in this holster and wrench it free, but if you grasp the butt of the gun and as you draw twist it just a wee bit inward it pops free immediately. Took me maybe three practice draws before I felt completely comfortable with it.

Note on the N82 Tacitcal Pro and the Ruger LC9
The good news is that I am getting another N82 Tactical Pro for my LC9. I understand the overall form factor is smaller, as befits a somewhat smaller pistol (relative to the SR9c), and should be even better for all day concealed carry. Now, I get the opportunity to try this one for a while and report back. I'm expecting a good experience.

Conclusion
Like many of you, I have many holsters. Too many really. The search for the right holster for any shooter, especially those of us who carry concealed, can be long and expensive. My criteria have boiled down to those three items I discussed above: comfort, security and accessibility. For IWB holsters the N82 Tactical design is now #1 in my best concealed carry holster list. They deserve serious consideration if you are serious about concealed carry.

Holsters and Forum Updates

Since my last post, the .380 forum has been revamped into the Concealed Carry Forum. We are now accommodating all pistols that are meant for concealed carry, especially the new crop of small, or compact, 9 mm and .40 cal guns. Many of the same people who were regulars on the Elsie Pea Forum have been participating on the CC forum, so I think it will continue to grow. We have the same crew of moderators, plus on who was always on the .380 forum.



Holsters

I have been carrying and living with the Versacarry for a few weeks now and have some remarks on it. I have also received a very nice kydex holster from pjholsters.com for my LC9 which I have also been carrying. This one is very light and functional and pj has his quality control down pat. I've seen a number of kydex holsters, and this one is the best made of the lot. Some observations below.

My basic holster philosophy

My criteria are three: comfort, security and accessibility. In my view, holsters for concealed carry should meet all three of those criteria, and the best holsters will excel in all of them. Few do.

Comfort

My feeling is that if one is going to the trouble and expense, and commitment, to carry a concealed pistol, one should commit to carrying wherever and whenever legally possible. It is not a matter of, 'do I think I might be needing my gun today', it is a matter of will I have it if I ever need it. To satisfy that criteria, you must carry whenever possible, regardless of the weather, situation, clothing or company. So, a holster must be comfortable enough to tolerate all day.

Some people, and holster makers, proclaim that their concealment holster is so comfortable that some people forget they have it on. No thanks. First, if you carry any gun you should always know that it is there. Feeling the presence of your weapon is fine. Feeling irritated, jabbed or rubbed by your weapon and, perhaps, also your holster, is not. Simply put, if your carry system is not comfortable, you won't carry it for more time than you can stand, and one day or evening, you will be tempted to just leave the damn thing at home since it is literally a pain anyway. Bad idea. So, in order to meet criteria number one, it must be comfortable worn in the position, or positions, you need.

Security

An obvious criteria. The holster must fit the gun and hold it securely so that the gun, and the holster, do not move once placed into position. Some give or accommodation to one's body movements must exist, but the holster should basically stay where you put it, and hold the gun securely.

Accessibility

I am not a fan of "deep concealment" when that means positioning the gun so that it is mostly hidden below the belt line with only a portion of the butt showing and accessible. While it is important to keep your weapon concealed, it is more important in my opinion to have the gun readily accessible when needed. I've seen "deep concealment" holsters that hang the gun entirely below the belt about half way between the crotch and the belly button. You can't see it, that's for sure, but you can't get to it quickly either. So, what's the good of deep concealment when it gets between you and quick access to your weapon when you need it? No good at all in my opinion.

With that in mind, I have informally evaluated the holsters I have and use, and am trying out for the team, so to speak. I have holsters for three carry guns: Rugers LCP, LC9 and SR9c. Small, medium and somewhat large, both in weight and size, but regardless, all must successfully meet my three criteria in order for me to keep and use them regularly.

Versacarry

(Photos to follow)

Comfort

Good. But this varies with the size and weight of the gun. The Versacarry is basically a frame that supports the weapon with a plastic rod inserted into the muzzle which acts to press the frame of the gun against the vertical frame of the Versacarry to keep it secure and upright. There is nothing between your body and the gun. If you wear an undershirt, this is not really a problem if you are carrying a small to medium sized weapon. I find it to be fine with the LCP, OK with the LC9 and problematic with the SR9c.

Security

Once clipped on to the belt, the Versacarry is very secure. It stays in place. The combination of the plastic rod, reinforced with a long screw, and belt pressure will keep the gun in place. The only negative that some people might have is that this minimalist design is offered with a trigger guard only on one side. The Versacarry folks pointed out to me that this is not an issue because there should be nothing between the body or undergarment and the gun that could cause the trigger to be actuated, and they do not recommend carrying a pistol with a round loaded into the chamber.

Accessibility

The Versacarry is offered in various frame lengths for a given caliber. You can choose to have your pistol ride very close to the belt, in fact, deep enough to partially bury the grips, or up high enough for a so-called "combat" carry - grips high above the belt.

There is no re-holstering without removing the holster from the belt. Not a big consideration for a self-defense holster.

pjholster IWB

The pjholster is available online from pjholsters.com. PJ makes them from kydex with a tension screw to enable the user to adjust the amount of retention desired. A nice touch. I ordered one for my LC9, made with a straight drop and his innovative "C" clip, which is open toward the belt. The holster clips to the waistband and the belt runs through the C channel. No clip shows over the belt.

I was surprised at the quality of construction on this holster. It is excellent. PJ obviously takes great care and pride in his work, and this shows in the holster.

This model is also made from the lightest gauge of kydex he works with so it is very lightweight.the LC9 clicks in solidly and the tensioning screw ensures you get the tension you like. Mine came just right.

Comfort

Being light and with no extraneous materials, it is as comfortable as kydex can be. Probably more so than other designs. I ordered a straight drop because I like to carry in the appendix or cross draw positions and both work well without a cant to the holster. The pjholster is much like the Versacarry in that there is no "give" against your body, but I did not expect there to be with kydex. If the holster is placed exactly, I find it comfortable enough for extended periods and somewhat more comfortable than an equivalent leather holster due to it's thinness and light weight. If I had one set up for strong side carry with a suitable cant of 15 to 30 degrees and wore it strong side, I suspect it would be even more comfortable. And, if I had this exact same setup for my LCP, I suspect it would be comfortable enough for all day carry.

Security

This holster is very secure when worn with a suitable gun belt. In fact, it would probably work as well with any good 1 1/2" belt. PJ includes a square of heavy Velcro that you can attach to the outside of your belt to match up with the Velcro square glued into the channel of the C clip. This would add significantly to the "security" of location. I have not attached velcro to my belt. Without a good belt and adequate tightness, the holster can move around a bit. I think for medium and larger pistols, the belt clip, or belt loop designs would work better. The tension screw accommodates whatever level of tightness for the gun inside the holster you could want.

If absolute positioning is important to you, I would recommend either the belt loop or belt clip design. From the photographs of Paul's holsters, i deduce that the wide belt clip (or loop) designs would offer maximum efficiency without the need to resort to velcro with the "C" clip. However, I do prefer the lighter weight kydex of the "C" clip design and I don't know if Paul makes the other belt arrangement holsters in this lightweight material.

Accessibility

This is good for the way I had Paul set mine up. I would prefer having the grips ride about an inch higher, but with this holster set up with a cant, I think this would not be an issue. The gun is very accessible and draws quite easily and is easy to re-holster with one hand.

Overall

These are both lightweight designs stressing the "form follows function" school of design theory. For simplicity and ease of carry both perform well. The Versacarry does not fully cover the firearm, which for many will not be an issue. It is inexpensive and effective. I often use it with my LCP.

The pjholster is an example of quality craftsmanship expressed in lightweight kydex. It's just a damn finely made holster. It is light, covers the gun (and you) and offers good security comfort and accessibility. A definite choice for your concealed carry.

Please leave your comments, or send me an email with your thoughts.

Note on Versacarry: I have two individuals, a man and woman, who have been using the Versacarry holsters on a regular basis and will be sending me their experiences and thoughts soon. I will post them here as soon as I get them.

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