Everyday Carry
By Robb Manning
Mernickle Holsters: Conceal-Carry Performance System
Very few things smell as good as new leather. I rank it up there with the smell of fresh-baked bread, pizza, autumn woods in Wisconsin, and Hoppes #9. I wasn’t disappointed when I opened up the package from Mernickle Holsters a few months back.
I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Bob Mernickle, and no one is more amiable, nor more knowledgeable on holsters. What started with just a quick holster follow-up, became a 45 minute long conversation on holsters, making holsters, guns, IDPA, and new holster developments. I left the conversation more knowledgable on holsters and their application.
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Mernickle Holsters makes leather holsters for just about every application you can imagine, and they do it with class. You can get anything from Cowboy action, to concealed or open carry, to IDPA. This particular holster is part of their Conceal-Carry Performance Series, PS6 System, model number PS6SYS REF-1. Mine is made for the Glock G20, 10mm.
The PS6 System includes three parts: the PS6 hi-ride holster, the PS23 dual mag holder, and the PB1 belt. All three parts come together in a one-stop solution for your carry rig that functions flawless, and looks great if you tuck your shirt and choose to open carry.
The PS6 hi-ride holster fits most medium to large frame autos and is designed for fast draw and compactness -- there’s no extra bulk to print in your shirt. It’s hand made and hand molded to each model, and IDPA approved. It’s one of the highest ride holsters on the market -- the muzzle sits only two and a quarter inches bellow the belt. Just about any properly-sized shirt left untucked will cover it. It also has a leather paddle flap that goes behind the belt to help prevent tip-out, and also spaces on the belt loop to keep the holster from sliding on your belt. The retention on the holster is perfect -- it fits snug, and won’t go anywhere, yet the draw is very smooth. The leather is top-notch, and the stitching is heavy duty all the way around and double-stitched at the stress points. This is their most popular holster.
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The PS23 dual magazine carrier has the same high quality leather and heavy-duty stitching as the PS6 holster. It’s very stiff and distributes the load well. G20 magazines are about as bulky and heavy (1.5 pounds for two mags) as it gets, yet the PS23 handles them perfectly. It doesn’t tilt, and the high-ride means they can’t be seen from under an untucked shirt. Best yet, two mags gives me access to 30 extra rounds of 10mm.
The PB1 is such a nice belt, I wear it even when I’m not carrying. It looks nice, and nothing is more durable. A single layer of this fine leather would suffice to make a great gun belt, but Mernickle sewed two layers together, to make it ultra-rugged and to ensure it will never tip. The buckle and hardware snap into place, so they can be easily replaced. Comes in 1.25”, 1.5”, and 1.75”. This belt was mentioned in one of my previous articles about belts.
High quality leather with this type of craftsmanship isn’t found everywhere, but Mernickle excels in this. Best yet, this setup is a one-stop rig that gives you everything you need to effectively and stylishly carry your handgun.
- Model Number: PS6SYS REF-1
- Comes in Saddle Tan, Mahogany Brown, or Black; and a variety of finishes
- Available in almost every medium to large semi-auto handgun. Models also available for single and double action revolver.
- Price: $189.95 (Price if bought separate: $209.85; PS6 Holster: $89.95, PB1 Belt: $79.95, PS23 Mag Carrier: $39.95.)