The “CID” Holster, from Simply Rugged

April of 2008 found me in Anchorage, Alaska awaiting the birth of Ms. Scarlett Coble, who ultimately decided she was going to arrive on her own schedule- regardless of what Grandma & Grandpa thought of it. We had a great week and one of the highlights was that we got to meet Rob Leahy and his wonderful family. Rob is the is the gifted designer and craftsman behind Simply Rugged Holster Company of Wasilla, AK.

Rob knows that I bet my hide on the 1911, on a daily basis. I was pleasantly surprised when he slipped me the russet-brown belt slide at the end of the evening, It was executed in Leahy's trademark 'understated elegance'- deep color, just enough luster and some border-stamping to give it panache. Rob mentioned that this holster was a new offering for Simply Rugged and he'd like for me to give it a try. I thanked him profusely and assured him I would do just that. Subsequent correspondence resulted in it being dubbed the 'CID' Holster, which old cops will recognize as an acronym for Criminal Investigations Division. It is a fitting name for a holster which gives excellent service in that capacity.

The CID is a 'minimalist' design with an open top and no secondary retention devices. It is a tribute to the 'KISS' principle, as applied to the concealed carry of a substantial sidearm. A few practice draws proved it was quick, and with just enough passive retention. I immediately put it to work toting my 1911 around Anchorage and the surrounding area. One of the first things I noticed about this holster was that it tucks the gun butt in close to the body, without requiring the belt to be cinched overly-tight. This is a boon to those of us who are 30 or so years past 'rock-hard abs and pants sizes in the twenties'.

Over the past four months I have used this holster hard- and in situations not typical for a belt-slide holster. For instance, I slapped the CID on an old pants belt over some PT shorts, and went woods-jogging with a Condition 3 1911 under a baggy T-shirt. The gun stayed put. I have bounced it around on mowers and equipment all summer, with equally satisfactory results. I also think it would also be an excellent holster for hunters who like to carry a big auto under a hunting coat. Check your locals laws on this first however, so you don't get crossways with a game warden or state trooper.

Around town, a tail-out summer shirt hides the CID quite nicely. A light jacket or suit coat makes it disappear altogether. It is as comfortable as any belt slide holster I've ever worn. You can even get away with wearing a full-size 1911 under a T-shirt, if you use some common sense.

Forget for just a moment though, and turn facing a light breeze- you can make any holster print when wearing a big handgun under such a light cover garment.

Being an open-bottom holster, the CID for a 1911 will carry an Officer, Commander or Government Model and I would expect this attribute to extend to most other handguns as well. Its minimalist design makes it perfect for the the Colt Commander, Sig P220 and other similar-sized handguns. I also think it would be a great match for revolvers with barrels under four inches.

It was probably apparent from the outset that I consider Rob Leahy a friend. He is and that term, like my endorsements, is not something I throw around loosely. The fact is that I'd trust the man with anything I have. I don't know about you, but that's exactly the kind of people I like to do business with.

So whether you're a hunter, double-naught spy or just an 0ld flat-foot like me- click on the blue links, and have a look around. I'll bet you'll find good, solid value and designs that live up to the company name.