M/D Enterprises BS-2
by Jim Kenefick
I wanted a high-ride, belt slide holster for my P-11/40 that I could wear under a shirt/coat, when I was wearing pants or shorts that simply did not lend themselves to pocket carry. After looking around, I contacted Mark at M/D, and he crafter a beautiful BS-2 (his most popular holster!) in black for me. It's finished smooth out, excellent stitching and it has good retention. The holster is boned to a P11, and fits both the 11 and the 40 just fine. It's open end, so length of slide doesn't matter. Being a belt slide, it's not easy on/off, but it sure is nice. Under my fall/winter jackets, it's completely and totally unnoticable, and that's exactly the reason I wanted it. Light holster, light pistol...perfect carry combination.

M/D Enterprises
P.O. Box 130490
Woodlands, Texas 77393-0490
Orders Only: (888) 226-9359

El Paso Saddlery #88 Combat Holster
by Chuck Pena
I first read about El Paso Saddlery holsters in the May 1997 issue of Handguns. In his "Gunleather" column, Jerry Ahern wrote a review of several El Paso Saddlery holsters, including a #88 Combat holster made for the KelTec P11. Here's what he had to say:

The #88 appears perfectly symmetrical in its design. Leather-lined and absent any safety strap, it is a belt-slide giving full coverage from just aft of the ejection port to the muzzle. Dual belt slots, one at the front and one at the rear, hug the only slightly molded holster close to the body for concealment. The #88 features a well-accomplished FBI cant, keeping the gun nicely within the body plane, further enhancing concealability.

Stitching, edgework and finish – plain brown in the case of this #88 – were all beautifully accomplished. I have an old Model #88 that is a basketweave, and I've used El Paso holsters that were floral-carved. Whatever look you elect, count on it to be excellent.

Based on Jerry Ahern's review, I decided to buy a #88 Combat Holster (and a low-cut #2F double magazine pouch) for belt carry for my KelTec P11. My #88 is Russett brown with 1-1/4 inch belt loops.

The #88 Combat holster is designed for behind-the-strong-hip carry. The holster covers the trigger guard, but allows for a full combat grip, and is suede lined to protect your gun's finish. Additionally, the lining seems to make for a smoother draw. Two pieces of leather are used to form a natural sight track. Although the #88 Combat holster is not wet molded, it is fitted exactly for the KelTec P11. Adjustable steel tension springs inside the leather (at the muzzle) are used for gun retention. For a tighter fit, simply remove the gun and squeeze the springs. For a looser fit, insert your gun (unloaded, of course!) and twist the muzzle. (For those of you that want a concealment holster but prefer a thumb-break for added security/retention, El Paso Saddlery makes the #77 Tortilla.)

The #2F double magazine carrier uses a screw (surrounded by a full-length rubber washer) to adjust tension. Although not necessarily specifically designed to be used this way, two KelTec P11 10-round magazines (with finger extensions) can be carried in the bullets forward position.

The #88 Combat holster and #2F double magazine carrier are very comfortable to wear, especially with a pair of jeans. Although not as concealable as an IWB holster, it still conceals well – just make sure you're wearing a jacket of sufficient length to cover the muzzle part of the holster -- with the P11's short muzzle it doesn't have to be a "long" jacket. (There is definitely a tradeoff between comfort and concealability – my Extreme Heat IWB conceals much better than my #88, but my #88 is more comfortable to wear than my Extreme Heat IWB – which is why I own both styles of holsters.) I've also worn my #88 unnoticed and undetected with a pair of khaki shorts and a one-size-too-large untucked polo shirt.

Again, I can't compare my #88 El Paso Saddlery holster and #2F magazine carrier to similar products by other custom holster makers, but it seems like a very good value (I paid $75 including shipping for my holster and magazine carrier). The fit and finish were at least as good as anything I've seen offered in gun shops (e.g., Bianchi, DeSantis, Galco, etc.) El Paso Saddlery holsters are made the old fashioned way – handmade, one at a time – which means expect to wait about 8 weeks for one.

El Paso Saddlery
P.O. Box 27194
El Paso, TX 79926
(915) 544-2233
FAX (915) 544-2535

Mitch Rosen Workman - Inside the Waistband Holster by Cole LaFrance
When I purchased my Kel Tec in may 1996, I had not realized I was a relative pioneer. The holster manufacturers had not reacted to the Kel Tec and as I called manufacturer after manufacturer – no holsters were yet available that were custom made for the Kel Tec. I was stuck with my $6.00 Uncle Mike’s holster that was functional, but not ideal. Then I read a review of the Workman Holster in one of the gun magazines and I called Mitch Rosen. I did not expect that they would offer it for the P-11, but they did! And the waiting period was 3 months. Not too bad for a custom holster, but the Price was outrageous at $125 (!) so I didn’t order and kept looking but had no success. A month later I called and placed an order and the wait was now 6 months! I was not alone in seeing that article!

The holster arrived early a mere 5 months afterwards and just before Thanksgiving. It was worth the wait if not the price, which is still painful. The design of the Workman is superb with a space between the holster and the belt that allows a shirt to be tucked over the gun and makes the Kel Tec virtually disappear on your body. I selected from amidst choices of black, brown, cordovan and natural. My cordovan holster is a beautiful work of art with superb workmanship as befits Mitch Rosen’s reputation. I chose a holster without a retention strap correctly believing that a 14 ounce gun would not need one. The holster can be ordered with a retention strap. The holster can be worn as a standard IWB holster or with the shirt covering the gun. With practice, access to the weapon is as rapid with the shirt tucked in as without. With some clothing, the gun is invisible without a jacket and the slight lump caused by the gun is very difficult to pick up.

The holster is extremely comfortable while sitting, standing, driving a car, walking, or even running. The gun is always accessible unless you are lying down on top of it and I have slept with it on after a big holiday dinner. With the lightweight P-11 and a 12 round model 69 magazine, it is easy to forget that you are wearing a 13 round powerhouse gun. Access to the gun is rapid and easy from any position, but with the shirt tucked in requires two hands for speed.

My only minor complaint regarding the holster is the size of the snap that fastens the holster onto the belt. The snap makes a larger protrusion than the gun. I have considered having my local leather repair shop replace the snap with a smaller one or loop to use the holster as a slide on, but have not acted on that thought.

The Workman design is excellent and I would buy another holster in this design for another small weapon. For those who want the very best, Mitch Rosen products meet that criteria, but the design is now available from other manufacturers for less money. Mitch Rosen
300 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 647-2917
holster@mitchrosen.com

Mitch Rosen Pocket Holster
by Cole LaFrance
One of the benefits of doing business with Mitch Rosen is the free catalog they send you when you buy something. The catalog costs $5.00 for browsers, but the catalog price is credited when you purchase a holster. When I received my catalog after purchasing a Workman Holster, I spotted a pocket holster that was a brand new item and available for the P-11. I called up and ordered one on the spot.. The price is $75.00, so again they are high (as expected). But they had a product and at the time no one else did. Three months to the day and the UPS driver delivered this holster. The Rosen Pocket Holster is my most used holster and I carry my P-11 with it in the right front pocket most of the time. The holster is well made of heavy natural shade leather with a nicely done rubberized waffle pad completely covering and sewn on the exterior side. The holster stays in the pocket as a result of this rubber waffle, so it acts as a sticking agent as well as a visual blurring device. The holster masks a P-11 as well as can be done in a front right pocket and I have copied its shape and beveling angles for my homemade JFR holsters. In the right front pocket of appropriate trousers, the Rosen holster is superb. I think it is worth the premium price and recommend it highly. I am glad I have this holster and in comparison to other pocket holsters that I have seen since; it is head and shoulders above the competition. If you are going to carry in your front pocket, this is the standard against which to compare. Mitch Rosen
300 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 647-2917
holster@mitchrosen.com

Alessi Hideout IWB Holster
by Phillip Nuner
At the time I purchased my P-11 there were very few custom belt holsters available for it. I had been using a Safariland belt slide designed for a S&W .380. It fit fine but did not conceal as well as I wanted. In my search for a custom IWB holster about the only ones I could easily find were Kramer, Mitch Rossen, and Alessi. Cost was a factor in my decision, the Mitch Rossen was $125 plus shipping, and the Kramer was $95 plus shipping. So when I found the Alessi for $75 including shipping I grabbed (or ordered) it. It took about three weeks to receive it. It is a custom holster molded to fit the P-11 specifically. It appears to be made entirely out of a single piece of leather including the belt loop. The belt loop is approximately 1.1/4" wide and fastens with snaps. It is not adjustable for different size belts, and only fits 1 1/4" belts. The holster has a section on the back that extends the full length of the gun keeping the gun from digging into your side and also protecting the gun from sweat and body oils. The holster is shaped like the paddle of a paddle holster and this makes it very comfortable to wear even for extended periods. Concealment is excellent. I generally wear it with jeans or shorts and a size too large T-shirt. As long as the shirt doesn’t ride up the gun is hidden and no one is the wiser.

The holster is finished smooth side out rough side in. The color is a redish brown. The mouth is not reinforced but the holster does stay open when the gun is drawn. There is no tension screw or spring in the holster, but the gun is held very firmly yet does not take a great effort to draw the weapon. The only dislike I have about the holster is that the belt loop is not split to allow it to go around the belt loops on your pants. This would help keep the holster from sliding around on the belt some.

Overall this is an excellent holster. It sounds like there are some good holsters out now that are less expensive, but I have no experience with them to compare. Alessi
Distributed by R&F Hunting
2873 Dewey Avenue
Rochester, NY 14616
Orders (800) 724-8923
Info (716) 865-7793
Fax (716) 865-1696

The Kel-Tec Belt Clip - Accessory or Holster?
by Cole LaFrance
Regardless of why you invest in it, as an accessory or as an inexpensive holster; the Kel-Tec Belt Clip is a bargain. Available from Kel-Tec (p/n P11-380) for $12.75 in black or fifty cents more for stainless, the belt clip is an item that all P-11 owners should have.

The belt clip fastens unobtrusively to the right hand side of the weapon with provided pins that replace two of the three pins holding the P-11 together. The original pins press out easily and the belt clip pins slip in and are held firmly in place by end caps. The belt clip, in turn, screws into the end caps on the right side of the weapon. Installation is simple and fast and only requires Loctite on all threaded surfaces to hold firm for the long term. Without Loctite, the clip will shake off in 25-50 rounds of practice firing.

The clip does not interfere with shooting and holds the weapon firmly onto a standard thickness dress belt with the gun inserted inside the waistband. The P-11 is so small, that belt clip wear is relatively comfortable and the clip holds firmly enough to keep the gun in place, yet yields an easy release when drawing the weapon. It is much superior to inexpensive nylon holsters in control and close in comfort. There is no additional bulk created by holster dimensions when using the clip; and many times a shirt can be bloused over the weapon, enhancing concealment. Worn under an outer garment, the weapon is almost impossible to detect. The belt clip holds firmly enough to allow relatively vigorous activity without losing the weapon. I can run or jog with the gun in this carry method and am limited by the clothing, and not the weapon or this carry method when exercising.

I switch between the belt clip and pocket holster for daily carry and simplify the removal of the belt clip by eliminating Loctite from the right side screws. In less than 10 seconds, I remove the clip and holster the weapon. Lacking Loctite on these screw heads, I also need to remove the belt clip for practice firing, so that I don’t lose the clip or screws. I find this is a small sacrifice to make for the convenience of switching back and forth between carry methods quickly. I have had no problem with the belt clip loosening during routine wear.

I highly recommend this accessory to all P-11 owners and believe that many might need no other waist carry holster. The combination of this belt clip with a well assembled JFR holster can solve carry methods for almost all users and save a lot of money. Kel-Tec CNC Industries
P.O. Box 3427
Cocoa, FL 32924-3427
(407) 631-0068
aimkeltec@aol.com

Ahern Pocket Natural Holster
by Ted Hamilton
I purchased one of these for $49.95 along with a spare mag pocket pouch for $24.95 and $4.00 S&H. Both are very well made, smooth on inside for easy draw, rough like suede on outside for good retention in pocket during draw and well formed to the P-11/mag with pinky extension. The holster has an extra thin band of leather around the bottom where you can place a handkerchief to further mask the profile if necessary (I've had no need to use this feature). The holster also covers the trigger, forcing the draw with finger off so as to help prevent an AD during draw.

I use the holster extensively for summer carry in baggy cargo shorts/pants (the kind with deep front pleated pockets and a button/snap pocket on the outside of front pockets). The thickness of the holster leather is about 1/8 " so it adds little to bulk. I haven't seen a Rosen Pocket Softy (assumed to be the one in Cole's review) in person, but picture in a catalog looks a little thick due to the padded approach in design (anyway, the Rosen catalog did not have a Softy for a P-11 at the time and I got the mag pouch and holster for the $75 price of the Rosen holster.)

I like this Ahern holster a lot, but had I known about the JFR at the time, guess what??? However, for those not wanting to "roll your own", the Ahern is a lower cost alternative to the Rosen and probably just as functional. I have never worried about being "made" while using the Ahern.

Ahern Enterprises P.O.Box 186
Commerce, Georgia 30529
(706) 335-5715
Fax (706) 335-6259

Wild Bill's Belt Slide Holster
by Bill White
I love not only handguns, but also all the accoutrements that go with them. One thing a handgun simply demands is a holster, and I would guess that, through the years, I have owned at least 2 holsters for every handgun I have owned. Such is the case with my P-11.

I already had an Ahern Pocket Natural, along with my homemade JFR Pocket Holster, my Carolina Comfort IWB, and even a couple of cheapo nylon jobs that would work. All I "needed" now was a good leather belt holster. After reading a couple of favorable reviews on Wild Bill's Concealment Holsters and ordering a catalog to study, I decided on the Belt Slide. Although the time from placing the order to delivery was at least the eight weeks Wild Bill had promised, the wait was worth it.

To my eye, this is a classy piece of leather – elegant yet understated, and possessed of some nice features. The leather itself is of top quality. The stitching is perfect, better than some I have seen on holsters going for twice the price. Bill offers a choice of colors – natural, brown, mahogany, black. I chose black, and the dye is rich, even and deep. All edges are precisely trimmed and contoured.I have some appreciation of how demanding this level of leather work can be, and this is superb work.

Actually, the "Belt Slide" name is a little misleading. When I think of a belt slide, I picture a very minimal device, usually covering no more than the trigger and a couple of inches in the middle of the gun. Wild Bill's version is more of a cross between a belt slide and a pancake-style holster. The grip is fully exposed, but the rest of the gun is covered right down to the muzzle. The pouch is tightly custom-molded to the gun (although not as detailed as the molding shown in WB's catalog photos). I haven't given it the "somersault test" yet, but I am convinced that this holster will tightly retain the gun for years to come.

The Belt Slide carries the gun in an FBI forward-cant position, although Bill will change this if you like. After all, he is a custom maker! I find the FBI cant ideal for my preferred behind-the-hip, strong side carry. The pistol is held tight into the body, with the butt at the perfect level for a quick, secure grab-and-draw. This holster is well thought out, and performs its task with efficiency and class.

If the truth be told, I much prefer an IWB or pocket holster for deep concealment, but make no mistake – the Belt Slide will see it's share of use. Along with the single-mag carrier I ordered (a likewise impeccable item), this will be my "dress rig". At the range, it will have a good deal of "showoff" appeal. (Come on, be honest. You love it, too, when someone compliments your gun or holster!) On days when business requires a suit, no one will ever know I'm carrying. In the winter when a heavy coat or bulky sweater will hide anything but might impede a draw from an IWB holster, the Belt Slide will be on duty.

Wild Bill has a web site with links from the KelTec P11 Owners Home Page (see below) and it has a good detailed catalog. But if you don't see exactly what you want, call or e-mail Bill (see below) with your specifications. They are darned nice people to talk to and their prices are very reasonable. My Belt Slide was $40 and most any custom touch you specify can be added to any of their holsters for $5 to $20. Almost as nice as his Belt Slide is Bill's Pocket Packer – but, that's another story for another time!

Wild Bill's Concealment Holsters
P.O. Box 1941
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 779-9582
FAX (919) 773-9456
e-mail: WBConceal@aol.com

Don Hume IWB
by J.D. Ditmore
I recently purchased a P-11 for concealed carry. I have had my permit for ten months, but being a graduate student, there is little money to spend on non school items. After reading many reviews I chose the P-11, because of its reliability and cost. I have not been disappointed.

I set out to find an inexpensive, fitted holster for the P-11, and after reading many catalogs I found the Don Hume H715-M 40 FS. This IWB holster lists for $19.60 with a belt clip. For $2 or $3 they will replace the clip with split, leather belt loops that snap on and off the belt. It is made of thin leather and available in saddle brown only. The holster has a leather reinforced mouth, and is form molded to specific guns. It is available with a thumb break for $2.10 more. I did not choose this option due to the light weight of the P-11 and the way I carry, jeans or shorts and an untucked tee or polo shirt.

Don Hume had the holster, with belt loops, in stock and it arrived three days later. I live in Oklahoma where Don Hume is, so your wait may be longer, even if they have it in stock. This is a beautiful holster, with excellent fit and finish. The holster is made with the smooth side out and rough side in. At first I was worried about this, since this is my first IWB and many holster reviews talk about the rough side out helping to keep the holster in place. After putting it on, I found that the holster is short and rides so close to the waist band that if it were rough side out it would be less comfortable. This design allows for a full grip, but covers the trigger guard for safety. After initial inspection I put the holster on and went to the range. After some experimentation I found that strong side, just behind the hip bone and wearing my belt two notches further out to be the most comfortable. In this position, the gun and holster disappear. After doing some CQB drills, I felt very comfortable with this combination. Reholstering is easily accomplished as the mouth stays open. For the next three days, I wore this combination 12 to 14 hours a day. My activities included a dinner date with my girlfriend, hauling hay, and feeding cattle. I have since carried this combination almost daily and it has become part of my normal attire.

I recommend this holster to everyone, no matter how much money they have to spend. It is of the very best construction and is head and shoulders above any of the cheap synthetic holsters I have seen, for approximately the same money. It is also one of the most beautiful holsters I own. Don Hume
P.O. Box 351
Miami, OK 74355
(800) 331-2686
FAX: (918) 542-4340
don_hume@edumaster.net

Uncle Mike's Side Bet
by Michael Domschot
In experimenting with various modes of carry I have found strong side behind hip works best for me. I am 6’1" tall and weigh 160 lbs. I am slight enough that many carries are not comfortable. The Uncle Mike's black nylon belt "Side Bet" slide holster (#8690-0) is the perfect choice for me. This holster comes with removable retention straps and can be used with or without them. I do not use the retention straps as I feel it slows me down. The belt slide holster only covers the mid-section of the gun leaving the muzzle and butt exposed. I have found that if you wear it behind your hip, all you need is a flannel shirt or light jacket and you will be completely concealed even with the shirt or jacket unbuttoned. The bonus comes in the car, just slide the holster and gun forward to your hip and lean back – no painful gun poking you. I modified the holster to use without the retention straps, by placing the P-11 in the holster and sewing along the rear of the trigger guard to create a perfect form fit. I can run, jump, etc. without fear of losing the gun. The holster has no bulk, is flexible, and inexpensive. The gun can be holstered with one hand. You can also still get your hands in you rear and front pants pockets. The whole setup is so light and unobtrusive you never know it’s there, unlike shoving the gun in you waistband. You will literally forget you have it on. The only drawback is you must wear an over shirt or jacket.

Uncle Mike's
P.O. Box 1690
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 655-7964
FAX: (503) 722-5701
info@uncle-mikes.com

Blade-Tech IWB
by D. Shenk
I bought my P-11 in August of 1996 with an inexpensive Shooting Systems nylon fabric IWB holster for concealed carry. I carry it behind my strong side hip. The pistol conceals great while I am wearing my summer usual of tee shirt outside shorts. The holster was adequate but it was difficult to reholster the pistol and the weather here in New Orleans kept it soaked with perspiration most of the time. Even the stainless slide was always wet and showing small patches of rustlike surface corrosion.

I had read of the nonpermeability of the kydex holster line and ordered an IWB model with FBI cant directly from Blade-Tech. It was $54.95 with no tax and delivery included.

It is molded to the exact shape of the P-11 with a generous clearance groove for the front sight. The holster is molded to and completely encloses both sides of the trigger guard. This provide excellent weapon retention. There rubber stop blocks with screws to adjust the holster’s retention force. The holster is long enough and molded to completely shroud the barrel but the bottom is open to prevent the possibility of accumulating dirt, lint etc. The inside (against the body) is cut very high to completely prevent any part of the slide from contacting the body. This high side along with the natural rigidity of the kydex makes reholstering very easy and natural. The distinct sound and feel of the pistol sliding into its molded cavity readily indicates the pistol is secure. The similar sound when drawing the weapon, though not loud, might be a disadvantage if a person wanted to draw the weapon silently.

The kydex is approximately 1/16 in. thick and the entire holster with belt straps weighs only 2.8 oz. It shows no signs of wear so far. The belt straps (two) are cloth inserted rubber or neoprene and are changeable and available for various width belts. They might have to be replaced after a year or two.

The holster is extremely well designed in a very clean functional way. And as Henry Ford said: it is available in any color you want as long as you want black.**

I have just had this holster for just a month, but I have worn it every day all day and find it both very comfortable and very secure. I would certainly recommend it especially for warm weather concealment.

**Webmaster's note: Blade-Tech is now making "a new line of tactical holsters and carriers designed for the special operations professional. This product line is crafted from Concealex, an advanced generation of thermoplastic designed especially for the firearms industry." Concealex is currently available in desert camouflage and will later be available in woodlands camouflage, arctic camouflage, and stealth black.

Blade-Tech Industries
3060 South 96th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 581-4347
FAX: (253) 589-0282

Uncle Mike's Ankle Holster
by Phillip Nuner
I have used Uncle Mike’s Ankle holster for over a year now and find it to be a fairly good quality holster for around $30. Although after a year's worth of carry, it is starting to show quite a bit of wear. The velcro is coming loose and I have noticed some of the stitching pulling out. It will be about time to get a new one soon or find a different method of carry. The Uncle Mike’s holster comes with a calf strap (very, very – necessary the holster would regularly fall down to the shoe if it didn’t have this) and a thumb break strap. I don’t use the thumb break strap at all. The gun stays put just fine without it, even while running (something I rarely do).

Let me state that I really don’t like ankle carry. It is way too slow to access the gun. However, it does conceal better and is more comfortable (to me) than any other "deep" concealment method that I have tried. I have tried the Kramer Shirt holster, Pager Pal, belly bands, and pocket carry (my pockets just aren’t big enough for the P-11). I normally carry IWB while wearing jeans or shorts. But with a shirt tucked in I just can’t find anywhere else to carry that conceals well other than the ankle.

Uncle Mike's
P.O. Box 1690
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 655-7964
FAX: (503) 722-5701
info@uncle-mikes.com

Wild Bill's Concealment Holsters
P.O. Box 1941
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 779-9582
FAX (919) 773-9456
e-mail: WBConceal@aol.com