Saturday, July 28, 2012

Flashbang... The inside scoop!

Prelude- I first saw the flashbang holster almost 2 years ago in that familiar YouTube video I am sure you have seen.  I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but after meeting Lisa Looper earlier this year, reading product reviews and now this awesome experience of getting a a few hours of  1:1 product demonstration, I am 100% a believer and my girls are supporters… or should I say the flashbang supports my girls.  More on this thought later.  Keep reading. 
Thursday July 26th A Girl and A Gun Women’sShooting League launched the Oklahoma City Chapter, with Lisa Looper, creator of the Flashbang holster at the helm.  Before Jennifer Galle ( AG & AG Membership Director) and I made the drive home to Austin, we stopped in at the Looper Law Enforcement factory and were treated to a fabulous tour.  There are three generations of “Looper stuff” there and full of history.  One of the first things that turned on our “ooh and ahh” button was the old machines that lined a storage room walls that once made handbags and purses.  I am telling you this factory is a “pickers” dream and I joked with Lisa she should have one of those reality shows come for a visit. 
We got the full tour of how they make their leather products, starting with the sheets of cow hide, cutting, shaping and imprinting designs to the final products.  Then Lisa took us to this little space set aside for the Flashbang brand holsters.  Currently two very detailed orientated craftsmen and craftswoman named Brian and Rachelle are producing the entire line of Flashbang, Sophia, Marilyn, Annie and Betty holsters all created in concept by Lisa.   We watched them create a holster from a square piece of heated Kydex, formed around a mock gun, cut the excess Kydex away, and then smoothed the edges.  The smoothing is the most important part for proper function of the holster, and the most impressive to watch!  They put on the hardware and the holster is ready to go!  Mine was made on the spot, so of course I had Brian sign it! I would not be lying by saying that each holster is a one of kind!

We learned so much from Lisa about her flashbang holster and the correct way to wear it.  Jennifer (who is almost 6 months prego) and I stood at the table with all the aluminum mock up guns and took turns shoving different makes, models and calibers of guns including pocket pistols, subcompact, compact, full size and revolvers, into our bras (no holsters at this point) The key is making sure your bra is the correct size and is fitting snuggly, then position the gun high enough under the underwire of the bra.  THE HOLSTER AND THE GUN IS NOT MEANT TO DANGLE BELOW THE UNDERWIRE.  The holster and strap are there to offer retention and protect the gun from your body sweat and oils.  Your bra really does all the work to keep the gun in place.   Jennifer pictured below is wearing a compact sized pistol.  To be fair she is getting ready to tranistion to a better fitting bra thanks to the baby bump, but up close and personal I couldn't tell she had a gun in there

The retention strap can loop over the top or bottom, depending on how high you are wearing the holster in your bra, taking into consideration the design of the bra there are 3 straps that come in the packet.  If you need a longer strap, just contact Lisa and she will make a custom strap to be include in your order.   If you experience any issues with your snap, watch this tutorial and Lisa explains it all.  Again you will see the high quality materials used and the attention to detail for your safety. 

I have wanted to carry a Glock 26 for a long time, but have not because I have issues with being able to conceal that gun on my hip and or finding a comfortable  In The Waist Band front pelvis carry.  I am now the proud owner of a Flashbang holster for a Glock 26 that fits extremely well on my body, and is not noticeable on my frame.  I talked to several of my gun loving gal pals prior to this tour that were on the fence about this holster due to their size and shape, or fear that the girls would not be supported well, extra weight, etc.  Well ladies, I can tell you that not only were my 40 DDs supported and comfortable, they also got an extra lift!  Not sure what size Lisa is, nor would I tell because that is her place to share… but I will say that she is similar in size and shape to some of my gal pals, and Lisa was very quick to point out that her girls look fuller when she is wearing her holster.  Just saying…. 

So with some proper understanding that you must wear this holster high under the wire of the bra, don’t be afraid to cant the muzzle down just a smidge to help conceal the grip, and getting down the snap mechanics, this is the most awesome holster I have ever owned. 
We are excited to announce that Lisa will be at our First Annual A Girl and A Gun Conference March 22-24 2013 and will be teaching break out sessions on how to wear the holster and you will be able to have live fire training as well.  Her sessions will book up fast, so make sure to register early.  Registration will be available on our website very soon.   

**There will not be any male instructors or range officers participating in her sessions at the conference, so you will be able to ask questions, get up close and personal and get in some high quality training time.