Like RF’s search for a marriageable Sabra, the quest for the perfect holster never seems to end. Because it doesn’t. Even if you’re the proverbial man with one gun (causing wariness amongst the wary) you need different rigs for different situations. And whether you own a single heater or a safe full of ballistic baubles, the go-anywhere gun guy can no more resist the lure of a new carry system than he can his forgo his hourly dose of TTAG. And just when you thought your holster drawer looked fuller than Adam Richman at an all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet, there’s a new option: Sticky Holsters . . .

Regular readers and concealed carry cognoscenti will immediately see that Sticky’s stuff looks mighty familiar. Remora makes similar no-clip, no-slip, slip-in holsters. Our man Finn loves ’em. Ralph is also a big fan (in every sense of the word); he’s ready to rock and roll with Ramora when he’s on his bike or quaffing [non-alcoholic] beers with the boss (who was almost banned from Ralph’s local).

In fact Mike Christoff, Sticky’s owner and the brains behind their designs, is a Remora alum. To hear him tell it, he had a better idea for a tackier (in a good way) holster. When Remora nixed his idea, he struck out on his own.

Mike took a slightly different tack (so to speak) with his Sticky designs. He went with a lighter weight, thinner, floppier design. No problem there, per se. In fact, Sticky’s thinner design make them skinnier and lighter than Remora’s products. Where Remora offers two models — one with a soft top and one that’s reinforced (read: stays open) for re-holstering — Sticky’s products are all non-reinforced. More on that in mo’ . . .

I own two Remoras: one for a Kel Tec P3AT fitted with a Crimson Trace Laserguard and one for a Kahr CW9. So I’ve compared carrying both guns in each holster design. The Sticky holsters stay in place more comfortably and effectively over a full day of IWB (Inside-the-WaistBand) carry, even with something as humongous as a full-size 1911. I occasionally catch myself pushing a Remora back down. That just doesn’t happen with a Sticky.

You can slip a Sticky in the elastic waistband of a pair of gym shorts or sweatpants; no belt required. Assuming your gun isn’t too Proustian (i.e. heavy) that’s that for your gat. And unlike a federal program’s budget, the gun stays right where you put it. Stickys are light and conform nicely to your gun’s shape. They’re not as comfortable to wear as a pair of old slippers but they’re not far off, either.

Once you draw your gun out of a Sticky, though, you can’t re-holster it one-handed. In fact, Sticky “strongly recommends” you re-holster using your off hand to remove the holster, slip your gun back into the Sticky and then re-insert the freshly holstered gun back in your pants. This is how they do it (to it):

If you have a free hand, that works just fine. Just don’t laser your digits like the guy in the video. If you like to carry your gun in the 3:00 to 4:00 position, OFWGs and those not practicing yoga will have a tough time removing a Sticky with their off hand. And no matter where you carry, if your other hand is otherwise occupied or incapacitated, you’re SOL — unless you use your pocket, set your gun down or go south of the border.

To paraphrase our flight attendant friends, in the unlikely event that you ever have to use your gun in a self-defense situation, once you’ve determined there’s no longer a threat, you’ll want to return your tray tables to their original, upright and locked position and re-holster that baby. You really don’t want to be standing there with a gun (or some other appendage) in your hand when a black-and-white arrives on the scene.

As Edward Lewis told Vivian Ward, you’ll either love the Sticky or you’ll hate it. If you love it, you’ll always love it. If you don’t, you’ll banish it to your sock drawer. So as long as you understand that the Sticky loves your gun right until it hates it, the holster’s a useful addition to our modern lifestyle. Home carry in sweatpants? All day long. Well, hopefully not literally. Some of us do have a life (allegedly).

SPECIFICATIONS:

Size:                 17 of them, fitting just about any pistol out there
Weight:           less than 3 oz.
Design:            ambidextrous
Price:               $24.95

RATINGS (out of five stars):

Comfort: * * * * *
Other than some non-holster thingies (think Versacarry or Clipdraw) the Sticky’s the most comfortable IWB holster design in the history of the world, ever.

Concealability * * * *
As long as you’re wearing something to cover it up, your gun in a Sticky is super-concealable (thin, unobtrusive, stealthy). Think reverse Robin Hood (there’s no Friar tuckable option.)

Ergonomics * * *
For carry and draw, great. You can vary the carry height and cant (within reason) and it stays put. The three-layer design has a nice, slick interior so drawing your gun (even while pressed snugly between your hip bone and your belt) is no prob. Re-holstering is ridiculous.

Overall * * * 1/2
Sticky Holsters are a well-designed, affordable carry option for people who don’t mind dropping their gun—and I mean dropping it—when the heat make the scene.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

57 COMMENTS

  1. You’ve just been involved in a dgu. The cops are approaching, you’ve got the shakes and you’re trying not to puke. I don’t care what kind of holster you use, the best way to present a non threat to the cops at that moment is to place your weapon on the ground at your feet and put both hands in the air. Don’t worry about marring the finish on your gun, it’s going to evidence and who knows if you’ll ever get it back.

    But yeah, sticky holsters look interesting. And they don’t cost a fortune. Have to look into one for my Mak.

    • My Concealed carry instructor told us to reholster your weapon and wait for instructions. He said DO NOT let the gun out of your control EVER. He is a deputy sheriff / armorer / trainer with decades of experience and training.

  3. I own 3 sticky holsters in various sizes and will never carry them due to reholstering issues.

    I can certainly think of several scenarios where an immediate, and quick reholstering is necessary and that is impossible with the sticky holsters.

    Holstering with the sticky holsters is not as easy as shown in the vids.
    – your support hand may not be available, it may be injured or busy doing something else like controlling a child
    – getting the holster out of the pants is pretty easy, but putting it back in is not as easy as it shows if your belt is properly tensioned. I always have to loosen my belt to reinsert the holster.

    Sticky offers a holster with a small reinforcement to hold the mouth open, but it is not strong enough and does not work well all the time.

    I like the concept, but will not carry them until such time as there is sufficient reinforment to keep the holster open for reholstering

    • The Sticky Holster intrigued me. I even bought two to try them. They’re a nice idea, AND the models I bought actually fit a couple of my guns just fine… BUT… a couple of days ago, my small Bersa 22 cal pistol (model 223 DA) AND the Sticky Holster slid right out my pant leg onto the floor IN PUBLIC!!!! BAD! BAD! BAD!

      I had been test-wearing that configuration together, Bersa & MD3 Sticky, since I received the holsters. Everything seemed fine until it took me off guard as I did a
      1/2 turn. What a surprise to feel them BOTH slip down inside my pants, from my beltline and down my leg!! NOT good… I cannot afford to have that ever happen again. Thank God that no one noticed!!!!!!!

      I immediately asked for and sent them back for a refund.

    • Okay you might be right in some situations but truly 99% of the time using the off hand to help re-holster is not a problem. We have plenty of other problems with concealed carry and firearm use other than re-holstering.

  4. I wear a remora and have no complaints other than feeling like it is occasionally sliding out if I’m not wearing a belt. To clarify, it isn’t sliding out, it just feels that way. And after it warms up to my body temperature the grip is incredible and easy to draw ad reholster.

  5. Ehhhhh, I’m not sure how I feel about that. I seriously doubt that thing would stay in place with a full sized all steel 1911 or other heavy full sized side arm with out a belt.

    Now, if they made mag pouches, I would be all about that!

    • No, put a Beretta 92 or a 1911 inside the waistband of your beltless sweats and it’s pants on the ground, pants on the ground. But the Kahr stays up just fine.

      As for mag pouches, both Remora and Sticky make ’em. I have one from Remora, but haven’t sampled a Sticky yet.

    • I have the 1911 version and have not had any problems, but have never used it without it being between a belt and me. You do need to make sure it is snug on you

  6. Thinking about it, though, this would be perfect for the handgun I keep in my bugout bag. That way it keeps it covered, and its a super light weight holster.

  7. They look pretty snazzy. I just visited their website, and Dr. Dave, they do make mag pouches (among other pouch-like things). I think I might have to get one of these holsters.

  8. I have 3remoras – 2 reinforced and one not. I don’t carry the non-reinforced for the same reason I decide AGAINST the sticky at the NRA convention. I don’t want to have to use 2 hands to reholster. My reinforced remoras are awesome, and although I bought one for a Sig P238 and one for a Glock 26, the Glock one works just as well with my S&W 3953 (single stack 9mm) I just acquired. Alan @ Remora is a genius and I have steered many people to him. I plan on getting a few more for some other guns I intend to purchase at bonus time.

  9. Interesting… though given my own personal history with using elastic waistbands, I’d definitely have to get a good belt if I bought one of these.

    • You don’t need a belt, I use one while wearing elastic waste band shorts and it never slips. As far as reholstering how many times have you ever drawn your gun in a real life situation. The most important thing is having a holster that stays in place, is comfortable enough that you will ALWAYS carry your gun. If you ever have to use it just set it down or stick in your waist band for the time being. When the police show up they are going to take it anyway.

  10. I have a remora for my G26 and it works great when I wear a belt. But it has fallen out before while I was home carrying in the 4 o’clock position and wearing basketball shorts with a draw string. And it from me just walking around.

    So I am very wary of using the Remora with just a draw string rather than a belt.

  11. I’ve had numerous itw holsters and have been using #8r Remora for my SP101. Although comfortable, I always felt like it was creeping up and rising on me. I ran into Sticky holster in St. Louis and picked up a LG-4. After 2 weeks of daily comparison between the two I settled on the Sticky Holster. It was more comfortable on direct skin and stayed in place with a variety of clothing. Didn’t feel that creeping and popping up feel I had with Remora. I didn’t carry in my gym shorts as article stated but I did without belt with my daily uniform Red Kap work pant and it stayed right there. A cop buddy who was with me purchased the Sticky ankle system and said it was the best he has ever used. I plan on purchasing at next gun show.

  12. I bought one for home carry and my air weight does great for this also works pretty good as a pocket holster in my robe for the same purpose

  13. Dan,

    Are you planning on doing a review of the CW9? Interested in some thoughts on it. Been thinking of getting it, or an LC9, or a Shield assuming it is ever in stock.

    Thanks

  14. Newby carry question…

    I live in the south and very rarely wear a cover garment like a jacket, but would like to keep my shirt tucked in. So my question is….

    Can you tuck a shirt in, over the holster?

    • Yes. They have a model that allows for a tuck shirt. It has an area that is not “sticky” so you can pull your shirt out when you need access to your gun.

      I have three and love them!

    • I carry my G23C all day at work with my shirt tucked in. As long as I let my shirt hang a little loose, there is no printing, and it has NEVER tried to fall. It is a bit awkward to get out of the tucked shirt, but it’s still a lot better than not carrying.

      EDIT: This is with the normal Sticky holster (LG2).

  17. Just purchased two sticky IWB holsters…one for my LC9 and one for my LCP….they are to me by far the best IWB holsters I have every come across…the only other hoster I have is a outside the belt Mitch Rosen leather custom fitted to the LC9 (for winter time cc)……

  18. I put my Glock 26 in a Sticky holster and wedge it between the seat and the console in my car. I can draw the pistol and be confident that the holster wont come with it, then simply remove it when I get home and take it in the house. None of the dedicated car holsters put the pistol where I wanted it to be, and using the Sticky holster works perfectly for me. I can put it right beside the shifter so my hard is already where it needs to be to draw the weapon. Try it if youre looking for a cheap way to carry in the car.

  19. I bought a sticky for my Taurus PT145 .45 auto (size LG-6S, not LG-2). What a great product! Perfect fit. Put the holstered gun anywhere in the wasteband without hassling with the belt. Easily draws out without any slip of the holster in the pants at all. The Taurus is a short fat pistol so this holster gives it the lowest possible concealed carry profile of any holster. When you’re ready to re-holster, just pull it out, slip the gun back in, and stuff it back in the wasteband. Great price. Light-speed delivery. 5+ stars.

    • Thanks for your comment. I own a PT145 and a PT140 (among others). I was curious if the Sticky would work with these. I already ordered one for my LCP. I might go ahead and order one for my Taurus weapons as well.

      • Same here, might look at it at least as a car holster if I don’t trust the retention with pants…

  20. Remoras are known for causing a rash if worn in the summer without an undershirt. Does this also happen with the Sticky? Also Remoras have inner linings such as leather. What is the lining in the Sticky? Remoras have a full sweat shield version. I don’t see that option for the Sticky.

  22. The Sticky holster is great for extremely hot and humid weather carry of small guns and light weight guns. It is difficult to dress around the gun in those conditions. The Sticky can be used for IWB or pocket carry depending on the clothing which for comfort is minimum. My personal favorite is a light weight .38 snubbie in a Sticky holster and a couple of speed strips of extra ammo in another pocket. It is very comfortable and easy to conceal.

  23. I own 4 Sticky holsters for everything from a S&W M&P 40c to a Beretta PX4 Storm full size. There have been more times than not when I have pretty much forgotten my sidearm was in place as the Sticky is really that comfortable. I own a (one) Remora for my Beretta PX4 Storm subcompact and have yet to carry it more than one full day. The Remora is stiff, feels like it creeps up and is just not as comfortable overall. (keeping in mind that comfort is NOT the deciding factor in CCW) It is nice that you can achieve comfort while you carry. As for a re-holster? Yes, one hand simply not possible 99.9% of the time with a Sticky…but I have perfected the “two finger un-pinch” pretty quickly while the holster is still in the waistband. *(with some extra “concealment matter”, ie: a slight middle-age fat roll, the Sticky is almost 100% invisible.

  24. Thank you for this review. I have spent the last few hours trying to decide between the Remora and the Sticky for my Ruger LCP. I just ordered the Sticky, and if I like it, I will definitely order more for my larger caliber weapons.

  25. I bought a Sticky holster for a SW Model 60. I’m not impressed. My pristine model 60 has hit the ground twice by coming down my leg while wearing shorts. I’ll return it and keep using my IWB clip on. Overall I say it over priced junk.

  26. Here’s the deal: about a month after opening our store, one of our sales reps (the largest, in fact), recommended we try Sticky Holsters. I reluctantly contacted Sticky (as we had little funds and had already committed to many other big brands), and could not be happier with this discovery. Regardless of the level of customer service we’ve received (directly from Mike, might I add), please allow me to elaborate on overall function and quality.

    I placed my Glock 19 in one of the “demo” units that arrived, and I was hooked. I haven’t placed that gun in ANY OTHER holster since having received it. It protects the firearm, allows for easy employment in both concealed and semi-concealed configuration.

    I’ve used a ton of higher priced holsters. The Sticky a) stays put, b) properly retains the weapon & c) is more cost effective than alternatives.

    So what if you need to reholster with your reaction hand and replace the weapon? I love the Sticky products!

    -AC

  27. Great review; great comments! I’ve been carrying my Kimber Ultra Carry CDP Elite II in a Sticky for about 8 months now. I like the fact that I can move it to whatever position is comfortable (typically at about 4:30 with a slight cant).

    There are a few points I’d like to make:

    1) The rig has NEVER dropped. Sometimes, after several hours of carrying, it may have shifted slightly, but it’s easy to readjust.

    2) The rig is so comfortable that I frequently forget that I am carrying. My office has a strict no-firearms policy, and on many occasions I’ve gotten to my desk before realizing that I forgot to leave my weapon in the car. Good thing it’s so concealable – nobody has noticed that I’m carrying.

    3) I have practiced drawing and reholstering, and I’m generally able to reholster in place by nuzzling the muzzle back into the holster (with proper care, of course!); the tighter the pants, the harder this is.

    4) I’ve carried the rig with sweatpants on a few occasions, with good results, but I’m not too comfortable doing that. The rig definitely favors a tighter fit than I like with sweatpants.

    5) At my daughter’s wedding, I carried the rig under my tucked dress shirt (with no cover / jacket), and it was completely invisible! Even my gun-nut son (who is teaching me “the trade” had no clue I was carrying, and couldn’t spot the gun, even after I told him that I was carrying. He had to pat me down to find the rig!

    I’m not a big fan of the single-mag pouch; it’s definitely more bulky than I’d prefer, and really tightens my pants. It’s better when looping it over the belt. I’m still working on the best solution for this setup.

  28. Having survived one real world DGU and been through the ringer with the legal system afterward (eventually and politely cleared of any possibility of charges), I can say that *for me* reholstering ‘1 handed’ is the absolutely last thing I worry about in a CCW holster. I’m not a duty cop that may have to pull/reholster several times a day – if I draw it’s because someone really needs shooting right now, right here. By the time the cops do arrive, I will have had plenty of time to reload and/or get on the phone with the 911 operator. Otherwise I will simply put the weapon on the ground and stand right there with my hands visible (and cellphone in hand). Those that say ‘having a gun in hand when the cops arrive is a bad thing’ have not considered that when the cops arrive and DONT see who did the shooting, they are even more twitchy. You will immediately be relieved of your firearms (including any backups you didn’t draw) and almost certainly handcuffed at the scene – simply for the sake of the officer’s safety. Been there, done that, even though the officers were 99% certain it was a cut-and-dried case of self defense inside my home.

    Having seen several good reviews for the Sticky, including this one, I’m going to invest in a couple to try them out. I do own a Remora for an LCP, but it never felt secure enough for me to continue to use it.

  29. to me this is the perfect pocket carry option or ankle carry option (Sticky sells an anklebiter rig for this holster) for a B.U.G. I carry a S&W 642 .38 special as my BUG and in the front pocket or ankle weak side this holster will do just fine, as it’s not my primary. I would give this a go. You have to remember what applications this is designed for. I carry my Glock 27 at the 4 with a Cook’s Holsters IWB kydex holster.

  30. If you are going to use this for IWB, make sure you wear a good belt. I have no problems at all carrying my SR45, SR9, or my Hipoint C9. All of these are big pistols.

  31. I have been using a Sticky now for almost exactly two years. I have to say the issue with re-holstering is a non issue. No holster, gun, caliber, position of carry etc is perfect. Every method is a trade off. The folks complaining about re-holstering are the same ones who complain about winter and then complain about summer.

    It’s FAR FAR more important to CARRY your weapon! I bought my first Sticky July of 2013.
    I carry a Sig P229 IWB, obviously, appendix. This is an extremely comfortable method of carry and very very fast to draw. Is it perfect for every purpose and every scenario, no, but neither is any other method for that matter.

    I think real poorly of the comments degrading this holster because of the need for your off hand for re-holstering. BFD!! It’s a thousand times more important to me to be able to carry comfortably all day, be able to present my weapon and be on target in a blink of an eye than the fact that I have to use my off hand to re-holster. Sure sure, if you’re going to spend hours at a range, in professional training, then an OWB at at the 3 position is more appropriate. But for daily casual carry, it’s hard to beat and I am speaking from two years of use now as of 6/15

    If you want comfortable concealability with fast presentation, and those three things are the most important, then try a Sticky holster. They aren’t expensive, so the cost isn’t going to cause buyers remorse in the unlikely event you decide it’s not for you.

    I have found the Sticky holster more difficult to use at the 3 and 4 position. If I was to carry in those positions, I would use my other holsters. Where the Sticky shines is in the appendix carry position.

    • Well said Mark.
      I just picked one up for my Glock 43 today. Looks like I’m going to have to get one for my Glock 19 as well.

  32. I dont know, i think it really also depends on the handgun you carry. Im 5’2 at 194lb,so im not thin, and i carry a xdm 9 3.8 compact with laser. Ive never had a reholster problem even with one hand. I know its not recommended but its just that it grips SO WELL that its easy. The only thing is that because i have a very large laser attachment (my preference is all it was) i had to modify my holster for my weapon to fit perfectly. if anyone wants to know what i mean let me know and i can send pictures of how i modified it

  33. The Sticky holster my wife bought is amazing and the concept is so simple – like most good solutions. Yes, of course, you should use two hands to re-insert and then re-conceal. These guys who are saying they need to be able to re-holster frequently are either living in a gun-nut fantasy world or should change neighborhoods…
    BUT, the greatest thing about this article is the writer’s wit, punditry and vocabulary – VERY funny and talented man…made me want to keep reading until the end. Keep it up and rock out with your lexicon out!

  34. I am a old ex- marine. After my overseas service, I started protecting people , in the late 80s My time in USMC was embassy, barracks ,sea duty and fleet. I made the connections to work overseas in Med,central and South America. Boy do I miss it . I would have loved a sticky holster. Having a side arm exposed in many country’s. Is a mistake drawing notice to you and your client . I own 25 sticky holsters 1 for each pistol aperfect fit read package ,buy right size. Cool,comfortable and durable. No bludge, even with my Kimber 45. Best product for conceal carry and great price.

  35. I have been using a Sticky holster for my P238 and I really like it. It works great in the pocket and also when inside the waistband. Lightweight and comfortable. Feels secure and stays in place. I ordered another one for my P938. No negatives for me.

  36. I love mine (sticky) with my xd-s .40 although I like something a little more substantial for my .40 P239.

    I can’t fathom why so many people base a ccw holster on reholstering. It’s not intended for combat, it’s intended to be worn at all times so you’ll carry at all times. If you’re ever in a true defense situation, your handgun should only be drawn if you fully intend to use it. If you have to use it, then after the threat has been eliminated and you’ve dialed 911, I’d drop the mag out, lock back the slide, and lay it in clear view of the arriving officers…away from yourself by several feet.

    These people worried about reholstering quickly are obviously brandishing their handguns when they’re not intending to use them and then have to cover them up and bug out.

    • John R. and while you waiting for the police to show, one of the bad guys buddies shows up and you have your weapon on the ground away from you locked back with no mag. not a good idea

      • If you have time to wait for the cops, it’s a simple matter of pulling out the holster, putting the weapon back in it and back in your waistband. If you’re worried about doing that with your off-hand, hold the firearm facing the ground across the slide with your off hand, quickly pull the holster and put the gun back in. I’ve practiced it and it’s not hard at all. You can also do a two-finger pinch to remove the holster with your strong hand, but I don’t recommend it as fine motor skills are not going to be great after a DGU. I’ll gladly sacrifice the ability to easily re-holster over an amount of comfort that encourages me to carry daily at my shop.

  37. I have been carrying a Springfield XDS in a sticky holster and have had zero issues. It’s comfortable and easy put on and take off. So far I have not tried to do a “fast re-holstering” so I cannot comment on the feasibility of that.

  38. I have carried my S&W Shield at 3 o’clock in a sticky for three years. It is comfortable and stable. A quick palm check is all that is needed to reassure yourself it hasn’t migrated, which it doesn’t. It’s easy to put on and remove so I am always armed, even for quick trips to the store. I can’t say that for other holsters I have. It only takes an extra second to pull the empty holster out from your waistband, reinsert the firearm and tuck it back in without undoing your belt buckle, so that argument is a moot point. Why anyone would carry a firearm in their waistband without a belt is beyond me. Sticky holsters are nice.

  39. I just bought a Sticky to use with my newly purchased Diamondback DB9, exclusively for hip pocket carry. I have a LaserLyte laser sight on the way, and this was one of the few pocket holsters I found that would accommodate this gun with a laser installed. Have yet to try it out, since the laser is still on its way and I won’t have any sort of realistic test until I have that installed.

  40. About reholstering, if it’s been necessary to draw your weapon, reholstering is the least of your problems. I’d like to get a sticky for my lcp with armalaser tr2, do they make one compatible with this combination?

Comments are closed.