Throwing the Curve

Taurus Curve

 

Yes, it's causing quite a rukus with the "gun guys", who mainly are, let's face it, traditionalists, if not experts in their own minds. Not all, of course. There are quite a few very knowledgeable, smart and innovative thinkers in the firearms community. There are also quite a few ego-ridded, self-styled experts who don't tolerate diversity very well. The introduction of Taurus' Curve .380 has certainly rattled a number of cages out there in expert land.

I have yet to delve deeply into the reports and reviews of this radical and innovative new handgun, but what I've seen on the internet is certainly interesting. And, frankly, somewhat sad and disappointing. I don't really know why I'm disappointed because with every innovation there comes a wave of nay-sayers, critics and just plain mean commentary. And, my favorite, those criticisms of aspects and features of the new product by people who have yet to even see one, much less perform a hands-on evaluation.

There seem to be three main areas of complaint by the self-styled critics:

1. It's ugly.
2. It's only a .380
3. It's curved.

It's Ugly: What's that got to do with anything? Does it matter that you have a good-looking handgun to the person who wants to kill or hurt you? "Oh, pardon the ugly, gun, but I'm going to have to shoot you with it anyway." I know people who won't bother with Spyderco knives because they don't like the way they look. OK, but that doesn't have anything to do with the knife's function, and neither does it with a piston.

It's only a .380: This is a continuing and not very helpful rant by the caliber Nazis. If you check out the latest report on why the FBI is moving back to the 9 mm cartridge, and do some research into actual bullet and caliber effects on wounds, you'll find that the big caliber stopping power argument is based on ancedote and myth. I suspect that for some people having a big gun is more of a psychological attribute than anything else. If you were to pull your big 1911 .45 and shoot at me and miss, and I pulled my little .380 and shot at you and hit, which would you think would be more effective?

What underlies many of the big-caliber arguments is the vision some people have of being assaulted by a couple of two-hundred fifty pound, speed addled bikers who are so cranked up on drugs that a handgun equivalent of an elephant gun is needed to "stop" them. What's more likely is that pulling a gun will defuse most situations quickly anyway, regardless of how big it is, and shooting statistics will show that even average sized assailants can be shot multiple times with large caliber weapons and still keep on going.

Basically, one can dismiss this argument out of hand when discussing concealed carry self defense guns. I know plenty of people who own big guns who routinely leave them at home. Why? Because they are big guns. I also know many people who always carry small guns with them for just that reason.

It's curved: This is closely related to the "it's ugly" argument, but is available for a more objective and reasoned analysis. It is pretty obvious as to why it is curved. Concealed carry handguns are carried on the person far more than they are drawn and shot. The big advantage of concealed carry is to carry. Anything that makes this easier and safe is to be considered an advantage.

Let's assume that the Curve will shoot as accurately as other small, compact .380 handguns, like the Ruger LCP. From what I have seen demonstrated on the range, this is a fair statement. What is there about the Curve that may make it better than other similiar handguns? The form factor alone is a step ahead. Smooth with little to impede IWB carry or draw. Ergonomic shape which offers better concealment and probably more comfort. A supplied belt clip, which can be used with a kydex detachable trigger guard, if desired for increased safety. And, the built-in light and laser combination which is a brilliant idea considering that the majority of incidents that would require resort to your firearm happen in times of darkness.

So, there are three add-ons that the average concealed carry person doesn't have to bother with: a holster, a laser and a light.

As to the belt clip, I think a certain amount of common sense is called for. Not having evaluated the gun at this point, I don't know if the design of the frame and trigger, coupled with the double action firing mechanism is enough to give me the confidence to carry IWB without the trigger cover. It might be, or I might like a thin, kydex holster for it.

 

One thing for sure, the Curve is a gun, not a piece of art work, and so far it seems to have taken a big step ahead of its competitors in the concealed carry market. I'm looking forward to evaluating one and reporting on it here.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

A practical lesson in holsters from someone who knows what he is talking about.

Lobo Gun Leather offset IWB holster

As anyone knows who has followed or read this blog postings over the last year or so, I have tried out and reported on many holsters for self defense carry. I have, as many of us have, the proverbial "box of holsters" holding the rejects and not-so-good holsters. Even so, I am always on the lookout for what I perceive to be a better holster. Last week, reading a post on my forum from a member who had received a new holster from an outfit called Lobo Gun Leather, (http://www.lobogunleather.com) owned and operated by Ray Cory. I cruised on over to the site to take a look.

Right away I saw that the quality of these holsters were very good and the prices were, in turn, very reasonable. And, the main motto on the home page made no bones about what these holsters are all about. "Lobo gun leather. Serious equipment for serious business."

One in particular caught my interest. Ray made an interesting holster for my kind of concealed carry: AIWB or cross draw. It's moulded leather, well made and designed with an offset single clip. This reduces the width of the holster, making it easier to conceal, and instead of the usual mass market spring clip, Ray spent time and money to acquire a better clip for this design.

Being in the initial stages of putting together a series of articles here on the different holster designs for AIWB and cross draw carry – leather, synthetic, kydex, hybrid – I inquired of Ray if he would be interested in including the offset clip design in my testing and review. Later that day, I received a reply from Ray along with his informative 'dissertation' on holster design. I have copied and pasted the relevant part at the end of this post. It is the most informative and intelligent explanation of holster design and use that I have read. I had earlier, independently arrived at the four basic factors of holster design explained by Ray, below. However, I have not been able to so clearly articulate those facts as Ray has done. With his permission, I am posting Ray's dissertation on holster design below. Read it and learn. I certainly did.

"Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. There is no such thing as the "perfect holster" for every user or situation. Only the user can decide which factors are most important for his needs and how much he is willing to compromise in the other factors.

If you do nothing but repeat that little paragraph you will be doing your readers a great service. Every day I am contacted by at least one new graduate of the "Holster Genius School" who has an idea for the "perfect holster", looking for someone to turn his idea into reality. You name it, I've been asked for it. Convertible IWB-OWB holsters with variable cants and ride heights, strong-side/cross-draw combinations, combination holster-magazine pouch-handcuff case (still waiting for someone to ask for a way to carry his MP3 player or smartphone as well).

It seems like just about everyone has read two gun magazines and a couple of blogs, and is now an expert demanding every feature imaginable in a holster. Their public range forbids holsters without covered trigger guards (basically an insurance requirement) so they "know" that this is cast in stone. The instructor at their last training class demanded holsters that permit one-handed reholstering (important for law enforcement applications where escalation and deescalation of force issues are serious matters, but the typical civilian in a self-defense situation might best treat reholstering as the last possible consideration) so they are convinced that this must be holy writ. One easy example that I deal with all the time:

IWB-style holsters are designed to emphasize concealability by keeping the bulk of the holstered handgun inside the trousers. The compromises or trade-offs for this are typically in reduced accessibility and reduced comfort (for many people). My approach to IWB-style holsters is to keep bulk to a minimum (to maximize comfort and concealment) and to keep holster cant and ride height within certain parameters (allowing full access to the grip frame so that a proper grip can be obtained during the draw, rather than having to shift the pistol in the hand before a target may be engaged). But what do people seem to want or expect? (1) Holster mouth reinforcement to facilitate ease of reholstering (cannot possibly be done without significantly increasing bulk, compromising comfort and concealability). (2) Ride heights and/or holster cants (carry angles) that place the grip-frame so close to the waistband and belt that it is impossible to get a solid grip on the pistol during the draw. (3) IWB-style holsters with thumb-break retention (which can be difficult, if not impossible, to release due to proximity to and pressures applied from the body, waistband, belt, and other clothing).

I regularly respond to inquiries about these things several times every week. When someone expresses a requirement for easy one-hand reholstering in an IWB-style holster I always recommend that they consider any type of holster other than IWB. When someone wants a ride height or cant that seriously compromises accessibility I always recommend against that. When someone requests thumb-break retention on the IWB-style holster I always tell them that I do not offer or recommend that.

I could sell many, many holsters by simply giving some people what they think that they want, so it may appear that I am talking myself out of a good deal of business. But I've been in this business long enough to know that the customer will never realize that his new holster didn't work out as expected PRECISELY BECAUSE of his bad ideas, but he will always remember that the holster maker failed to make his fantasy a reality.

The idea behind the Offset Belt Clip IWB Model was to reduce the overall bulk of the "package" (holstered handgun) by placing the belt clip away from the thickest parts of the handgun (revolver cylinder or pistol slide). This significantly reduces both "printing" and the tendencies of the clip to snag on clothing, upholstery, etc. Development of the idea quickly identified the need for a clip that was stronger than most then available through suppliers as well as properly sized to grip the belt securely while also allowing for the fabric of the trouser waistband.

I contacted a manufacturer who agreed to produce clips to my specifications (size, shape, material, etc) and accepted a deposit on the job. The promised delivery date passed without response so I contacted the manufacturer and was given a new production date. That date passed, and the manufacturer stopped responding to e-mails and telephone calls. Never saw a clip, never received a refund.

The project went on hold for the better part of a year, then I found another manufacturer who actually produced the first batch of clips for me. Prototype holsters were produced and tested (I use several experienced people to test new designs for me, allowing me to get a broad sample of comments and criticisms), then the new design went onto the market. The result has been that the Offset Belt Clip IWB Model is now my second most popular design (after the Enhanced Pancake Model), now in its 4th year of production. That point was reached only after a year and a half of development and the investment of more than a few dollars before the first holster could be sold.

The Offset Belt Clip Model does not come without compromises (remember my little lecture above). The mounting position of the belt clip limits applications to neutral cant (vertical carry position). Offsetting the belt clip places the balance point of the handgun's weight forward of the belt attachment point, and testing revealed that the larger and heavier handguns (particularly large-frame revolvers) are not fully stabilized by this holster design during any strenuous physical activities. Consequently, I have limited production of this model to the smaller and lighter-weight handguns. Finally, with the smaller and shorter semi-auto pistols there is some necessary limitation of accessibility to the grip-frame during the draw in order to keep enough of the handgun contained within the holster for reasonable retention qualities.

So, I have just given you the opening chapter in my "What It's Like to be a Holster Maker Today" treatise! I hope that I have not bored you completely. I do hope that you will make some productive use of the points I have attempted to communicate.

I offer 11 holster designs (two new designs nearing completion), with or without 4 common options, in 4 finish colors, left-hand and right-hand, for 143 different handguns. This results in well over 60,000 possible variations, allowing customers to "customize" a particular holster style to individual needs and preferences. I am currently filling about 2,000 orders per year for customers in all 50 states and 33 other countries so far. With experience as a soldier in combat and as a peace officer in uniform, plain clothes, and undercover assignments I think I know a little bit about what really works and what doesn't work. I hope you will forgive me for my tendency as an old man to ramble on a bit.

Best regards,

Ray Cory

Police Chief (retired)

formerly Sergeant, US Army Airborne Infantry, Vietnam 1969-71

Founder of Lobo Gun Leather, making serious equipment for serious business since 1972"

Christmas Present from Texas

Well, not exactly a Christmas present, seeing as how I bought it for myself. A present to me, from me. It is a new D.M. Bullard IWB with Belt Loop for my trusty Ruger SR9c.

I've been carrying one of Dave Bullard's Belt Slide OWB holsters for my Ruger since I bought the gun. It's been through a lot and shows it, like a good leather holster will, but is still my OWB go-to holster for the SR9c. The design is such that I have also used it successfully to holster an LC9 and a Bond Arms Snake Slayer. Those were temporary solutions to a pressing need, but now it's reserved for the SR9c, as it should be.

Today I received the IWB from Dave Bullard's shop. Even though I know they have been working very hard to keep up with demand, hiring and training new people (not an easy thing when Dave's quality and craftsmanship standards are so high) and moving to a larger space to accommodate the increased work demands, the quality of my new IWB has not been compromised by all that.



It is not a good practice to say much about a holster when it is brand new. I've often found my initial enthusiasm to be misplaced because issues and irritations I had not considered come to light with actually using a holster day-to-day as they are intended to be used. But, in this case, I will say this: the fit to the pistol is right on and it's not so tight that it will take a week of break in before it is ready for duty. And, it's comfortable, right out of the box. The back of the leather is almost flat, with some moulding to the pistol shape, but not aggressively so. The 'sweat' guard (I'd call it a slide guard) cushions my delicate abdomen from the slide, yet the grips ride high enough for a good, quick grip on the draw.

I bought the version with the belt loop attachment rather than the metal clip. I don't like metal clips even though they are thinner than leather. I don't like the way the end sticks out. I know why it does that, to help you get the clip over the belt, but I've had issues with these kinds of clips before, snagging an overgarment when I lift it to uncover the pistol for the draw. The belt loop is not as thick as my belt, to put it into perspective. And, it is adjustable in cant so you can wear the holster pretty much where you like. I like the flexibility to wear my concealed firearm in different positions, depending on the situation. This one will move easily to the cross draw position when I am driving or sitting for long periods. Or I can swing it around to a strong side carry if I like.

I'll post more as time goes on about how this latest acquisition from D.M. Bullard is working out. But, since I've given many holsters the field test and I have thought long and hard about what is best for me, I think this one will become my main IWB holster, like Bullard's belt slide has become my favorite OWB holster.

Dave Bullard's website

The Swindle

I want to say a bit more about the Onion designed CRKT (Colombia River Knife and Tool) Swindle. I've been using it for about everything from kitchen cutting and slicing chores, opening boxes, cutting plants, etc. for a few days. Today I noticed that the blade has an interesting and useful characteristic that one normally associates with assisted-opening knives. Closed, the blade does not move inside the bolsters. Putting a small amount of pressure on the flipper is necessary to get it moving, then it springs open like an assisted opening knife. Then, when one closes the knife, it swings closed smoothly on its ball bearing pivot until it is almost completely enclosed within the bolsters at which point it springs tightly close over the last eighth of an inch of blade travel.

How is this done without springs or torsion bars?

A close look reveals that the liner lock piece of the bolster has on the end of it's inner edge a small protrusion. When the blade is fully closed, this protrusion fits neatly into a mating indent in the rear side of the blade, locking the blade into place. The indent and protrusion are small enough, and the liner lock flexible enough so that when a small but meaningful force is applied to the flipper, the protrusion is forced out of the indent by blade movement. Once clear, the finger force applied to the flipper is enough to carry the blade swiftly out on its ball bearing races to lock solidly open by the liner lock.

The reverse happens when the blade is closed. The liner lock is pushed outward, moving the blade along the liner lock protrusion, which keeps the liner lock away, until at the very end of travel the liner lock is released to press inward, putting the protrusion back in the indent, holding the closed blade in place.

Neat. Simple with no extra moving parts.

Difficult to get photos of, but if you get to see a Swindle, take a close look and you'll see easily how it works.