I am curious, Angus, about the “slip” that says “Do not machine wash”, especially in light of the following I copied directly from the SmartCarry website.

SmartCarry® maintenance instructions: Machine wash in cold or warm water, hang up to air dry for maximum holster life. SmartCarry® can be machine washed in warm water and tumbled dry on low heat, if time is a factor.

Could you be confusing the SmartCarry with something else?

I’ve used the same SC for the last 10+ years, carrying a 3″ Kimber .45ACP M1911. While it’s a much lighter blue than when new, is starting to wear through at the very bottom where the front of the slide rubs, and the elastic has definitely stretched, the holster is still serviceable. I finally replaced it this week. I don’t use it every day, usually 1 or 2 days a week, but sometimes more often. I love this holster. I’ve never been made with it, even in close, huggy quarters like family gatherings. It works best with pleated pants and dark colored pants are the stealthiest. However, I’ve worn it with everything from thin dress pants to gym shorts with no problems.

Charlie’s customer service is first rate. When I bought the SC almost 11 years ago, Charlie spent some time on the phone ensuring that I understood how it worked and that I purchased the correct sizes for my 3″ and 5″ M1911. I called a couple of years ago and encountered the same friendly and helpful service. The product and service keep me coming back.

To JoAnn if she sees this – Thank you! With 10+ years of good use, my old SC provides ample testament to your folks’ diligence and care in sewing these.

It seems to aid in weapon access quite a bit. Anyone else see it that way, or do you tighten the belt down over the top of the weapon?

Clothing makes a definite difference in comfort and imprint. I find both of these improved with a size larger than my normal fit in the waistband. These pants are still comfortable and look good with an extra notch in the belt when not carrying. A five-shot .38 is more comfortable than a Glock 23 but either can be carried in this holster. I have carried a Glock 23 for 8-8 hours without any problem. I do find, however, that I need to keep the grip right behind and just below the waistband to avoid imprinting. On the positive side this enhances draw. A grab and push up with the left hand on the bottom of the weapon puts the grip in your right hand at the waistband.

This is not the holster for high aerobic activity, though. When jogging or something of that sort I suggest a belly bag holster. The negative of these holsters is that anyone who has googled for concealed carry holsters knows that that you’re carrying.

In response to the Super-Tuck Crossbred holster user, I have one those, too. It is a very high-quality product. However, I seldom use it and never in the “super-tuck” method. It doesn’t imprint my Glock 23 but to anyone looking at me from directly in front or behind me it is obvious that something is under my clothing by the protrusion from my hip. I only use the Crossbreed if I’m wearing a shirt that doesn’t tuck.