Since Michigan went to a "shall issue" concealed carry permit system in 2001 over 225,000 Michigan residents have obtained a Michigan Concealed Pistol License. Since most of those permit holders were never before able to legally carry a concealed pistol they have had to learn the ins and outs of every day concealed carry.
One of the keys to successfully carrying a concealed pistol is to use a good holster. The holster must hold the pistol securely, stay in place, be easy to conceal, allow quick access for the draw, and be comfortable enough to wear all day.
Like many people, I've tried many different holster and gun combinations over the years and in that time I've found holsters that work well, and other holsters that don't work at all.
One of the my favorite concealment holsters is the Alessi Talon made by Alessi Holsters of Cheektowaga, NY. The Talon is a leather inside the waistband (IWB) holster that uses a kydex clip to attach to the belt. Unlike generic, "one size fits none" fabric holsters, each Talon holster is molded to the contours of a specific handgun and the proper version for each specific pistol must be used.
My current everyday carry rig is a 3" barreled S&W Model 65 revolver carried in an Alessi Talon positioned just in front of my right hip. I've found this gun, holster, and location combination works very well. The six-shot K-frame S&W rides comfortably and is easily concealed under a T-shirt.
Although the Alessi website says the Talon can be clipped right the pants without using a belt, I've found that it works better when used with a sturdy gun belt. When clipped to the belt the belt helps support and distribute the weight of the gun and holster better than when the holster is clipped directly to the pants. The kydex clip has a replacement guarantee in the unlikely event the clip breaks.
My only complaint with the Talon is that initially the fit was so tight that it was difficult to remove the gun. I had to wrap the (unloaded) pistol in thin plastic and leave it in the holster for 24 hours to help loosen the holster up. The pistol is now held securely, but no longer so tight as to impede the draw.
The Talon was designed by the late Lou Alessi, founder of Alessi Holsters. Since Lou passed away a few years ago his family has continued the business and continued the same hand made workmanship tradition. The Talon is priced at $70 and is available, along with other Alessi designs, at the Alessi Holsters website.
While there are many other great concealment holsters available, the Alessi Talon continues to be one of my favorites and is especially recommended for anyone who carries in front of the hip in the so-called "appendix carry" position.
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