First Thoughts on the Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of tactical gear, constantly evaluating products for their functionality and reliability. Today, I’m diving into a classic carry option with a modern twist: the Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster. It promises comfortable concealment and a fast draw for left-handed users carrying the robust Beretta Px4 Storm in .45 ACP.
My personal need for a reliable and concealable holster for my Beretta Px4 Storm .45 ACP is what drew me to this particular model. I was looking for a solution that offered more discreet carry options than my traditional strong-side holster, especially when wearing lighter clothing. I was seeking comfort and ease of access without printing or compromising security.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was of a well-crafted, albeit simple, piece of leatherwork. The brown cowhide appears durable, and the stitching seems clean and consistent. The holster feels surprisingly lightweight, which is a definite plus for all-day carry.
Compared to other SOB (Small of Back) holsters I’ve used, specifically Kydex models, this leather option stood out due to its promise of comfort and molding to the body over time. I chose this leather holster hoping for a more comfortable and less abrasive experience than Kydex alternatives. The price point of $45.99 also made it an attractive option for testing.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The leather’s quality and the compact design suggest potential comfort and concealability, however, only real-world testing can determine if this Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster lives up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster was the shooting range, followed by everyday concealed carry in various situations. I wanted to assess comfort during extended wear and the ease of drawing under simulated stress. During the range session I wore a light jacket to help conceal the Px4.
The holster performed adequately in dry conditions, however, I noticed that the leather began to soften and mold to the gun quicker than I thought. I also observed minimal printing with proper clothing choices. The “palm-in draw design” did require some getting used to, but felt somewhat natural after a few practice runs.
The first issue I encountered was during simulated drawing drills; the holster tended to shift slightly, requiring an adjustment of the belt before a clean draw could be executed. Also, re-holstering proved to be more difficult than anticipated, as the holster would collapse. This created a blind insertion point, greatly reducing speed and overall safety.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily use, the Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster has shown some signs of wear around the belt loops and pressure points. The leather has conformed to the shape of the Px4 Storm nicely. However, the softness of the leather has created another level of concern.
The holster has softened significantly with use, leading to increased difficulty in re-holstering. Also, the leather around the trigger guard began to sag, increasing the possibility of snagging during a draw. This is a real concern considering the importance of reliability for self-defense.
Maintaining the holster is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a leather cleaner and conditioner keeps it supple, however, constant conditioning will likely be necessary to combat future sagging. Compared to my Kydex holsters, this leather model requires significantly more maintenance and lacks the rigidity I prefer for secure carry. Unfortunately, this Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster hasn’t surpassed my expectations and will likely be regulated to range use.
Breaking Down the Features of Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster
Specifications
This Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster is specifically designed for the Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size in .45 ACP. It is constructed from premium cowhide leather and is available in brown. It will only fit belts up to 1 ¾ inches.
The palm-in draw design promotes concealment, while the compact build aims for comfortable carry. Being designed for left-handed users is also a key specification. This holster offers a relatively inexpensive entry point into concealed carry for this specific firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster performs adequately in terms of concealment, especially with appropriate clothing. It does offer a reasonable level of comfort. Unfortunately, the biggest drawback is its performance under stress.
Its main weaknesses lie in re-holstering difficulty and potential shifting during the draw stroke. In its current iteration, this Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster only meets my expectations for casual range use, but not for reliable self-defense carry. I would highly recommend improving the retention and trigger guard coverage.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster is acceptable for its price point. The leather is reasonably thick and the stitching is mostly clean. It does possess a comfortable weight that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the carry.
The design is relatively simple, but the palm-in draw takes a small amount of time to master. The positioning of the holster in the small of the back requires some adjustment to find the “sweet spot” for comfort and accessibility. It’s relatively user-friendly, however, the collapsing nature of the holster is a major design flaw.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of this Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster is questionable. Given the rapid softening of the leather, I anticipate that it will require replacement more frequently than a Kydex or hybrid holster. The leather will require consistent maintenance.
Maintaining this holster involves regular cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking and excessive softening. Repairing the holster might be challenging, as the stitching is not reinforced in critical areas. Leather holsters are known for being more difficult to repair, as proper stitching requires special tools and knowledge.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to its simple design. Aftermarket modifications might be limited to leather reinforcing or custom belt clips.
There are no factory options for attaching lights or lasers to your firearm. This holster is not compatible with accessories from other brands and should be considered a standalone solution. Due to the collapsing nature of the holster, any accessories attached to the pistol will severely reduce the already slim chance of a safe re-holster.
Pros and Cons of Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious users.
- The genuine leather construction provides a classic look and feel.
- Compact design aids in concealment, reducing printing under clothing.
- Comfortable for extended wear, especially compared to rigid Kydex alternatives.
- The palm-in draw design enhances concealment.
Cons
- Re-holstering can be difficult and unsafe due to the collapsing leather.
- The holster shifts during the draw stroke, hindering quick and consistent access.
- Leather softens significantly with use, compromising retention and durability.
Who Should Buy Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster?
The Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster is best suited for individuals prioritizing comfort and concealability over speed and tactical functionality. It might be a good option for casual range use or situations where open carry is not an option, provided the user is aware of the limitations. This product is best for users who carry their firearms infrequently.
Those prioritizing a secure and reliable draw, especially in high-stress situations, should avoid this product. Anyone needing rapid re-holstering capabilities or compatibility with weapon-mounted lights or lasers should also look elsewhere. A reinforced holster will provide peace of mind and a safer overall carry.
A must-have modification would be a trigger guard stiffener to prevent accidental discharge during the draw or re-holstering. I would recommend investing in a quality gun belt to minimize shifting and improve stability during use.
Conclusion on Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster
The Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster offers an affordable entry point into concealed carry for Beretta Px4 Storm owners. Its genuine leather construction and compact design prioritize comfort and concealment. Unfortunately, these benefits come at the cost of reduced tactical functionality and compromised safety.
The price of $45.99 is justifiable for the materials and construction, however, the performance limitations hinder its overall value. While it may serve as a comfortable option for occasional carry or range use, I cannot personally recommend this holster for serious self-defense applications. The lack of retention and difficulty re-holstering are substantial drawbacks.
Consider investing in a more rigid holster with better retention if your primary concern is personal safety and reliable access to your firearm. A Kydex or hybrid holster with adjustable retention is a worthwhile investment in the long run. While this Brown / Left Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45 ACP SOB Small Of the Back Leather Holster has not met my expectations, it has provided valuable insights into the trade-offs between comfort and functionality in concealed carry.