I'm not sure what referral you are soliciting. Based on personal body type, attire, preferences and other circumstances, some people will endorse one model awhile others will endorse a different model. This is why TT offers many choices. Quality holster makers offering numerous options is why many of us on this forum have accumulated a "box" full of holsters trying to find the perfect one. I can state that I own a Mike's Special Reinforced model and that TT makes an excellent product. My EDC is a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2.

 

I'm just trying to see if anyone has tried them both or at least one type. I have a giant box of holsters as well, but this would be the first TT GunLeather holster I'd buy. What is their standard cant over their Mike's special? I have some reinforced leather IWB holsters, but wouldn't mind the reinforcement not being there to make it slimmer, but I don't want it to flex shut when the gun is drawn. I've seen some reviews saying this isn't so with the slim model, but would like more opinions from those that own them.

 

Tim is a really nice guy, why not shoot him an email and ask his opinion based on your carry position, wardrobe, etc?

 

FWIW, I have not tried all those styles, but I own several XC Slim models for both semi autos and revolvers. After buying the first one, I've not had reason to try any others. The XC Slims are not a reinforced holster. I have had no problems with reholstering. That action is one that requires my full attention since there is lots of potential for peril when reholstering. For me, the XC Slim meets ALL of my requirements for an IWB holster. Among those is that the holster does not collapse due to its construction, I like the forward cant, and it is extremely comfortable for me. I do not wear the holster much at all without a gun in place, only for short periods of time when required. The security of my guns in this holster is excellent yet drawing presents no problems at all for me. The back of this holster is flat and the outer piece of leather is boned to the gun you order it to fit. For me, it's perfect and I require no other brand or style of IWB holster.

 

I have two TT Gunleather XC Slims. One for a full size and one for a commander. Both are extremely comfortable and conceal very well. The reinforced mouths don't collapse and reholstering is no trouble at all. I will say if your plan is to do a lot of range work/draw practice maybe the reinforced mouth may be handy. But for EDC I kind of like a slimmer holster anyway. That's the joy of having a box full of holsters. I have my range/IWB holsters, EDC holsters and even OWB leather or kydex holsters. All get use and all service a purpose.

 

I own a slim IWB and reinforced IWB for my gov't, commander and officers. Both models are good concealment holsters but I find myself carrying my ECO in the reinforced model most often. I also have a VM2 for my gov't and commander and while it is slightly more comfortable the TT holsters conceal better since they ride a bit lower. Never tried a Mike's special so I can't comment on those but I can highly recommend TT Gunleather for a concealment holster.

 

While I don't own any of the TT models, I do own many Sparks...very similar. I only use their VM2 which has a fully reinforced mouth. I find it virtually impossible to re-holster without that reinforcement. You will hear from guys that say it's not important, because if you have the need to draw re-holstering is not important. Bull. If you are going to carry for self defense you'd better be practicing the way you are going to carry. That means every time you draw and fire it has to go back into the holster. It gets very tiring trying to find the opening or have it collapse with the tightness of your belt. The reinforced openings solve this issue completely.

 

"...looking at buying an IWB TT GunLeather holster for a Dan Wesson ECO...reinforced...slim...read some reviews where the slim model stays open..."

I now have one each, an XC and a Mike's Special, neither with added leather. Moved to TT products this year and at the same time I stepped-away from reinforced models for EDC use. Still have my old reinforced gear if mouth durability becomes an issue over-time. If your carry/usage pattern dictates a lot of re-holstering I'd go with reinforced (or Kydex) as mentioned above. For average daily carry (my needs) I prefer a slimmer profile by far, especially with double-stacks.

DISCLAIMER: I only have a few days of break-in use on the Mike's having recently picked it up via Tim's "in-stock" page. I went to order another XC Slim for my Glock and saw this one sitting there with a 'blem' notice so I grabbed it having researched this model prior. I'm diggin' it but need more service hours before I can provide a credible endorsement.

• G26 sits in the Mike's Special, typical TT quality and the cant rides well for my body-type, low, tight and grip purchase is clean. Comfortable as well.
  
• DW CCO sits in the XC SLIM, same comments as above, excellent rig and has far exceeded my expectations.

If I were buying a TT holster today for an ECO I'd go with a stock XC Slim and call it day knowing I made an excellent decision. Re-holstering is a non-issue as they do not readily collapse, very rigid but again, I'll see how they hold-up after a couple years. Buy with confidence. For the record I'm an advocate of select Sparks & Ritchie gear as well but TT's getting my money these days.

 

Thanks for all of the replies! You guys gave me a great amount of info that I was looking for. I looked at the Slim XC, but didn't really notice the difference in construction. I'm thinking that might be the best of both worlds.

 

I had one for my Sig P226. An excellent holster! Great fit, comfort, build. Very slim for that type of holster, and it stays open without the reinforcement. I wouldn't hesitate to order another ... mine only went because I sold my 226. I'll likely order another for my commander.

 

wrong forum...

 

I've tried nearly every major holster maker out there....

The Mike's Special is, for me, the ultimate carry holster.
the low ride height and aggressive cant angle make even a full sized gun.....disappear under a simple untucked tee shirt.

I wear my guns juuuuuuust behind the point of the hip, and the Mike's Special fits perfectly in that spot.

Waiting on one for my Colt CCO, as we speak!