Quality In Confidence
Just looking and handling the HTC Vantage I could tell it was well made and high quality. Trying it on confirmed it. It’s not easy to conceal a large gun, especially if you are a smaller person. I am fortunately 6 foot 5, but I’ll take every advantage I can get. The HTC Vantage has offset belt loops that keep the holster held tight to your body for enhanced concealment. The belt loops can be removed and lowered to increase concealment. That’s what I did. This causes the holster to ride higher, and makes it easier to conceal overall.
Going Full Sized
The HTC Vantage supports my loaded CZ P09 and Streamlight TLR-1 with ease. The holster snaps in smartly and stays in place. It presents a directly up and down grip, but HTC offers so optional hardware to cant the gun 15 degrees. The HTC Vantage does an amazing job at keeping the gun hanging tightly to my body and conceals surprisingly well. It’s a big holster and a big gun, but it positions the gun to ensure concealability under nothing more than a T-Shirt. The holster itself is thin and doesn’t add any additional, or unneeded bulk.
It positions the gun for a natural draw stroke and gives the shooter a natural grip presentation. In terms of comfort, the HTC Vantage has a healthy sweat guard that keeps the weapon from rubbing me raw during daily carry. The holster itself has no sharp edges or bulging portions that push into uncomfortable while sitting, driving, standing, etc.
Hittin’ the Range
In term of practical use I’ve had lots of time to practice being proficient with this holster system. Moving from compact to duty sized guns I had to rewire some of my muscle memory to get used to drawing a long gun out of a holster. Before I hit a rela range I hit the one in my kitchen. By that I mean I trained with the iTarget system extensively to ensure I would be able to competently and most importantly safely draw my weapon and engage a target.
The iTarget Quick draw mode was especially handy for this training. At the live fire range I had no issues drawing the weapon on the move, standing still, crouching and from behind cover. Getting it from belt to hand to full presentation was very intuitive and simple. Reholstering was also simple and intuitive and also safe. That is one of the great things about polymer, it doesn’t collapse.
We Can’t Do it Alone Though
Big gun + big holster + big light equals a heavy overall package. Tossing it on a Walmart special Dickies belt isn’t a realistic or rational option. It’s going to cause it to sag and be uncomfortable. The HTC Everyday Tactical Belt is a stuff and rigged gun belt designed to support your everyday carry items.
There are lots of good gun belts out there, but this is one of the lower profile models. It appears to be a simple fabric belt. However, the rigid reinforcement really sets it apart. The tail end has velcro and closes the belt via AustriAlpin style belt buck.
It barely squeezes through belt loops, but once in place it doesn’t move. It also supports the full weight of my CZ P09, 21 rounds of 9mm, Streamlight, the HTC Vantage, an extra mag, and even a nice sized knife. Normally I’m content with just my gun and pocket knife, but I figured I could run the belt through the ringer. Once I had everything in place I found that the belt held it all without sagging and supported the weapon damn well.
The only issue I had was when wearing 5.11 and Propper pants. The velcro loop system isn’t the best due to the super wide belt loops these pants utilize. Those belt loops are great for supporting the gear, but really get in the way where the hook meets loop. This belt is perfect for jeans and normal khakis, but the wide belt loops take up some of the room necessary to secure the belt to the belt.
Going Big
High Threat Concealment offers a variety of different holsters, mag carriers and more on their website, and you can check it out here. I can’t speak for all of it, but the HTC Vantage seems to be a very well made piece of gear. It’s certainly suitable for concealed carry and has been a comfortable option for me. The HTC Vantage combined with the Everyday Tactical Belt is a high-quality system that makes concealing a large gun and light a possibility. If you want one, and you should, check ’em out here.
This article is courtesy of Travis Pike from The Loadout Room.
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