When I purchased my Taurus 709 Slim, I wanted to get a simple Uncle Mike's IWB holster.
Other owners gave mixed reports of which size was the correct one - it was confusing. So, I ordered three different sizes (cheap and easy to return to local Walmart) and joined this forum just to clarify the matter for others! Here's what I discovered - size #16 is the one that fits best - fits perfectly.
1) size #1 = too small/tight - the trigger guard would not fit into it. For me, however, the #1 is still a keeper, for it does fit my old Colt Gov. .380 just fine ... for less than $10, I'll hold onto it! NO GOOD for my 709, though. I don't know if the earler version of the 709 Slim (aka: PT 709) had a smaller trigger guard that allows the size #1 to fit, but my 709 Slim is a current version.
2) size #15 = OK, but a bit too long. If you like to wear your gun really deep, this works great. With the 709 sitting in the #15 holster at its "natural" insertion, there is about an inch of extra length to the holster. However, the pistol can be pushed all the way down such that the end of the muzzle ends up resting at the bottom of the holster ... but, the trade-off is that the grip gets partially swallowed up, too. This makes it more difficult to get a good purchase on the grip for a good draw, BUT it does allow for deeper concealment. At first, I thought this might work for me in the AIWB position, but it sat too low and I couldn't bend/sit with comfort. For some larger, tall folks with more room between their belly button and crotch, this could work. (EDIT: I think I can work with this ... by not fully seating the gun all the way down - see edit below, too). For keeping the 709 stowed away in a drawer, or on a nightstand, etc., this size provides a bit of extra protection for the gun, so it is something to consider as a "storage" holster ... if not the perfect size for a carry-holster.
3) #16 - ah, the "sweet 16" = just right! For my 709, this is the clear winner = ample coverage/protection; allows for quick grip; no forcing it to fit. (EDIT: after wearing it a bit more, I've decided that, although the gun fits the holster nicely, the holster itself rides a bit high with too much gun above the belt ... and, as such, the gun leans outward away from my body, thus printing too much. Soooooo ... I actually like the size: 15 better after all ... even though it requires a two-step draw = 1) grab the butt of the grip and pull up + 2) re-position to get a better grip. It is not a fast draw, but it conceals very well, so it's an option.)
OK, so there you have it. Is the Uncle Mike's simple IWB holster the best? Nope, but the size #16 is the best size for the 709.
Also, I bought four additional holsters and am actually pleased with all of them. I know, I know ... 7 HOLSTERS for a < $200 pistol!!!??? OK, I'm a bit ... oh, whatever! I've been rotating all the holsters and will eventually determine a favorite, or two, but all have their pros (and cons). At their affordable prices, it makes sense, to me, to test-drive several for a while. None are "bad" ... really!
1) ForgedTec = their IWB = under $30, deliverd (Etsy). Standard, .080 Kykex - Really nice - extends beyond the muzzle just enough to allow the kydex to be rolled inward and then have enough of an "edge" left over to make it closed, not open-ended = no extra un-needed length. All angles are radiused gently, no sharp corners. It has an integrated sweat-guard and adjustable tension, with a user selectable cant choice of either 0 or 15-degrees. Height is fixed, but fits me proper. Fit is great, finish is fine, and delivery was quick. It's comfortable and secure, yet allows for a nice, smooth draw - very pleased.
2) onyour6designs = their OWB model = $52, delivered.
"rides high and tight", thinner (.060?) Kydex, pancake-style with an integrated curve. Adjustable for cant or for height (if carrying at zero-degree cant). It's almost "too tight" and has no (apparent)
tension adjust-ability - none; it currently requires a firm "yank" to free it ... I'm hoping it will loosen a tad, but it is very detail-molded with no slop, so I don't know. The two pancake halves are riveted together, with no screws - this makes it extra thin, so, like everything, there are trade-offs. I'm going to add a small wedge on the inboard side of the bottom edge to push the grip into my side a bit more - I'm thin (uh, scrawny) so I need a little extra help. As is, it actually conceals quite well and is very comfy. Their IWB - at least as pictured for the 709 - it's not as form-fitted/molded, but a more "generic" looking fit, with an open bottom ... not especially impressive. BUT, their OWB is a nice design.
3) Tagua IWH-004 - $22, delivered. A leather, minimalist belt slide. I removed and tossed the cheap clip (was rusting on its underside!) and will only use it with its Belt Slots. Several reviews I saw of this holster are by folks who don't seem to know how to use the loops and actually clip the holster on the outside of the belt ... instead of putting the holster under the belt - doh! When used as "it should", it's pretty nice - VERY tight now, when new. When the gun is out, it doesn't look like a "holster", per se ... it could be for hanging a hammer, or other tool ... well, almost ... LOL. It's well made and can accomodate several different guns - versatile.
4) Desantis Sof-Tuck #106, 106NAV5Z0 = $21
The extra layer around the mouth that allows for easy re-holstering does make it a bit thicker than I'd prefer. The gun fits very tightly, but is not too tight - it should stretch a bit and fit even better.
There are a TON of holsters now available for the 709 Slim. I spent hours reading reviews and researching before ordering my above "collection". I also looked at more expensive units from other
makers ... in case I end-up being disappointed by the budget ones and need to splurge a bit later on. Here are three more that caught my eye and look to be most promising:
- vedder holsters (both the LightTuck (IWB) and the LightDraw (OWB)
- stealth gear holsters (especially the Ventcore Appendix)
- foxx holsters (especially the LittleFoxx)
Finally, I got a kydex magazine carrier (holster) that is very nice from eBayer: blackjacketconcealment. it has a minimal footprint and functions as it should - $25 Other makers' offerings have too much extra "meat" that isn't desirable, IMHO.
Hope this helps some folks - Cheers!
Hmmm .. I tried to insert some pis, but can't seem to (?).
