Gregg Garrett: Founder and president of Comp-Tac Victory Gear, LLC

Q: How did you get started in the holster business?
Gregg: In the late 90’s I worked a short while as an executive protection officer. We had a client that purchased revolvers for us to carry but there weren’t many concealment holster options at the time.  A local holster maker made a few for me but couldn’t get them quite right so I ended up making my own. The other five members of my team wanted one for their gun so I outfitted them with copies of my own holster. From there, I started making competition holsters for myself and fellow shooters. After that it just skyrocketed.

Q: Where did the name Comp-Tac come from?
Gregg: I was shooting IPSC and IDPA when I started making holsters, so I named it Competition and Tactical (Comp-Tac).

Q: I understand for a long time you were the only employee at Comp-Tac. What challenges did you face while working as a one-man shop?
Gregg: The hours. When I started making holsters it was just a fun part-time hobby. I made my living teaching the Texas CHL certification courses. I started at seven in the morning and I’d work from 7am to however late I needed to stay to fill orders. Most nights I could leave my shop at 11:45pm and take the orders to the downtown post office so they would be post marked the same day. The hours were hard and things were hectic but I did what I had to in order to keep production time as low as possible.

Q: When did you start to hire additional employees?
Gregg: There was a nasty incident while working late one night. I was so tired I ground off a portion of one of my fingers in a machine and it hardly registered; I just kept working. A visiting friend witnessed it and said, “Dude, you’re bleeding on the Kydex.” He pointed out that I almost lost a finger. That was my wakeup call that this wasn’t just making a few holsters here and there anymore. I had a business and needed help.

Check back soon to hear more details of Comp-Tac’s beginnings and company facts!

One of the first Comp-Tac holsters (2001) next to Comp-Tac's best selling Minotaur MTAC (2012).

Contact Us:
Customer Service: (281) 209-3040 or Toll Free at +1 (866) 441-9157

Good competition gear starts with a good belt. Without a sturdy, dependable gun belt, even the best of holsters won’t stand a chance at the quickest draw. Each Kydex Reinforced Contour Belt is made of two pieces of top grain cowhide leather stitched back to back. The leather is contour cut to complement the human body’s natural curves, for both men and women, to fit more comfortably when worn. Sewn between the contoured leather pieces is a strip of Kydex reinforcement to provide rigidity to the belt. Belts are available in a wide range of sizes, in either black or brown leather.

Next is the Paddle Holster. The most commonly recognized benefit of the Paddle Holster is the ability to easily put the holster on or off without having to feed the belt through it. This makes for a quick grab-it-and-go holster. Another major benefit of the Paddle Holster is that it can be positioned anywhere on the hip without having to work around the pants’ belt loops. When worn properly, the Paddle Holster is very stable and extremely comfortable. On the paddle backing, there are two forward-curving tabs that “grip” the bottom of the belt from inside the waistband. This creates tension that holds the holster secure when drawing the firearm. The paddle is curved to be worn in a three or nine o’clock position depending on dominant hand. The “Speed (Straight Drop)” option makes for the quickest, smoothest draw around. Just ask Gordon Carrell!

The Twin Magazine Pouch is available in two different styles—the belt clip system or paddle backing. No worrying about magazine sliding apart—this Twin Magazine Pouch has magazines spaced perfectly apart to get a clean grip for your fastest reload possible. Available in black, red, or Digital Camo Kydex, our Deluxe Pro Competition Kit is available at this discounted price only from www.Comp-Tac.com!

The injected image of the digital camouflage is impervious to solvents and oils. The pattern will not deteriorate if exposed to the elements or most common household chemicals.  When Comp-Tac’s founder Gregg Garrett heard about the permanency of the Kydex’s injection-printed image, he tested it out by spraying the holster down with brake cleaner. His response: “Well, that’s not working. If anything it’s just making the Kydex cleaner.” Comp-Tac representatives also tested this out by exposing the holster to bleach, isopropyl alcohol, and “accidentally” spilling coffee on it to find the same results—the camouflage pattern is indeed permanent.

Faded into the digital camouflage is “Comp-Tac.com” written throughout the pattern. This print is usually not visible outside of a two foot range (there are eight “Comp-Tac.com” images written throughout the Kydex on the Paddle Holster and Single Magazine Pouch in the photo above). This new Kydex option will be available for a wide range of products including our Belt Holster and Paddle Holster. Magazine Pouches, Flashlight Holders, and other accessories will also be available in this pattern.

This new Kydex is considered a custom feature and is thus non-returnable and cannot be exchanged. There is a custom fee associated with the Digital Camo color option that will automatically include the custom fee when added to the shopping cart. All items produced in the Digital Camo Kydex are covered under the one year warranty. For questions, please contact our sales representatives from Mon-Fri from 8amto 5pm CST at (281) 209-3040.

We now offer a variety of both inside and outside the waistband holsters for the Taurus PT 24/7 Tactical! Our holsters for this firearm are made to accommodate the 9mm and .40 caliber models.

Each Comp-Tac holster is set to a factory retention level by one of our master craftsmen. The holster is also test-fitted with the actual firearm itself to ensure that the retention meets factory standards. All of our holsters are retention adjustable to allow for user preference.

See below for a list of holsters now available for our newest firearm addition!

Inside The Waistband:
CTAC
Minotaur MTAC
The Infidel
Minotaur Spartan
Minotaur Neutral Cant

Outside the Waistband:
Minotaur Gladiator
Paddle Holster
Belt Holster
Settable Cant

“Single stack” is just what it sounds like; the bullets stack directly on top of one another in a straight column when loaded into the magazine. This style has a very narrow magazine and corresponding magazine pouch. The Comp-Tac model number for a single stack 1911 magazine pouch is a Model #1.  Notice how angular this magazine pouch is and how defined the angles are. To properly fit such a narrow magazine, the pouch needs to contour as much as possible to the magazine.

“Double stack” magazines hold the bullets in a zigzag pattern when loaded into the magazine. This creates a thicker magazine and requires more depth in the magazine pouch itself. The Comp-Tac magazine pouch for a double stack 1911 is a Model #10. The photo below illustrates how the double stack magazine pouch allows for a thicker magazine. The corners of the double stack pouch are much more subtle than the single stack.

For questions, please contact our tech support at: (281) 209-3040 or our toll free number (866) 441-9157.

KYDEX HOLSTERS

Caring for a Kydex holster is relatively low maintenance. If any dirt or debris builds up inside the holster, feed a soft cloth through the holster to remove the debris. You can also use an air compressor to blow the dust out of or off the holster. If heavier cleaning is needed, remove all non-permanent hardware and gently scrub at the holster with a mild solution of detergent and lukewarm water. After washing and rinsing, be sure to dry the surface by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois to prevent streaking and water spots. If water gets on the permanent hardware, simply wipe it off and allow the holster to dry completely before reassembling.

Suggested Cleaning Agents

• Top Job with Ammonia • Spic & Span • Johnson’s Pledge
• Joy Detergent • Fantastik • Mr. Clean
• Janitor in a Drum • Formula 409 • Cascade
• Isopropanol • All Detergent (Powder)

TIPS AND TRICKS: Cover the permanent hardware with clear nail polish to prevent or reduce solvents from affecting the metal.

MINOTAUR HOLSTERS

The first step in taking care of your Minotaur holster is to know what you’re working with. All of Minotaur’s backings are made from cowhide leather. The MTAC, Neutral Cant, and Gladiator backings have been drum dyed, buffed, and then sealed.  The surfaced is buffed of excess dye particles and then sealant is applied to the backing to prevent the dye bleeding out when the holster is worn or handled. The Spartan holster is vegetable tanned leather. This means the backing has not been dyed in any way and is still in a more basic state.

Two major things can destroy a leather backing: depletion of natural oils (dry rot) and overexposure to solvents (wet rot). Both of these can be prevented by routine maintenance and proper care. When a leather backing absorbs solvents, allow it to air dry between uses. Do NOT try to dry it with a hair dryer. This can cause the outer surface to look completely dry while the inside still retains the solvents. It can also over-dry the surface, destroying the natural oils.

To keep the natural oils in the leather, apply a coat of Neatsfoot or Mink’s oil to the leather in small circular motions, working the oil into the leather. Using a terrycloth or scrap sheep’s wool works great for this. Repeat every six months or as needed to prevent the leather from visibly drying out. Leather should never crack from dryness—if the surface starts to appear dried out or has a lackluster powdery look to it, apply the Neatsfoot or Mink’s oil several times throughout the next few days to help rejuvenate the leather.

HARDWARE

All of Comp-Tac’s holsters and magazine pouches are retention adjustable. We chose to incorporate this feature because we recognize that not all shooters have the same gear preference. What one person considers too tight of retention may be perfect for another.  Since our gear is retention adjustable, we suggest that the user check the retention a minimum of every other week to ensure that the hardware is still securely set to the preferred level.

TIPS AND TRICKS: A light application of medium blue or yellow Loctite will secure the hardware to the user-selected level of retention.

Written by: Tiffany Fulton

For questions or comments about this post, please contact us directly at 281-209-3040. Leave a comment by selecting “Read More” and submitting your feedback.

]]> http://comp-tac.com/blog/maintaining-your-gear/feed/ 0 http://comp-tac.com/blog/the-comp-tac-process/ http://comp-tac.com/blog/the-comp-tac-process/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:00:48 +0000 tfulton http://comp-tac.com/blog/?p=48 Continue reading →]]> “If my gun isn’t listed on your website, can you custom make it for me?”

This is a question that we get asked multiple times per day all pertaining to different firearm models. Unfortunately the answer is “No, we can’t.”  There are so many specific makes and models of handguns that it is impossible to offer holsters for every one (no matter how much we wish we could!).  Even though two firearms may look similar, any one single frame dissimilarity can make a world of difference in regards to a holster.

We thought it might be helpful to walk you through the process of how we design and produce our outstanding products. Below is an overview of the Comp-Tac process from start to finish along with some notes about our products.

CHOOSING THE NEXT MAKE AND MODEL

How do we decide which make and model of a particular firearm to offer next?  It starts with you, our customers.  Every request for a specific make and model that we do not manufacture is recorded in our Request Log. This list is analyzed over the course of several months to ensure a consistent trend of demand.  We also monitor the actual and projected sales of the firearm itself. Once demand for that make and model is achieved, we can then start the process explained below.

PURCHASING THE FIREARM

The first order of business is to purchase the exact make and model of the handgun. Comp-Tac must own the particular firearm for two important reasons. First, our Research and Development (R&D) team creates molds based off the handgun being released. The second reason is for quality control. Both reasons tie in to the production process throughout different stages.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Once the pistol is purchased, our Research & Development (R&D) team gets precise measurements off of the firearm itself. These measurements are then used to create the molds needed for that particular handgun. All of our molds are designed and developed in-house on state-of-the-art CAD and CNC machines.

The process of developing a new mold to perfection can take anywhere from days to weeks.  It is a costly process but ensures a high, consistent level of quality that Comp-Tac products have become famous for.   The same process is utilized for the magazine pouches that we produce.  Once the mold has been thoroughly tested and approved for production, we can start making the holster.

R&D: LEATHER VS. KYDEX

There are many ways that a Kydex holster differs from that of a leather holster; that’s an entirely separate issue that many articles have addressed. The thing we’d like to point out is about the patterns used for both types of holsters. On a pattern for a leather holster, simply moving a stitch over by a fraction of an inch will allow for a wider or thicker pistol to fit into the same base model. With Kydex holsters, even the smallest frame difference will almost always require an entirely new pattern to be created. This is particularly due to the tolerance standards we hold our holsters to. (Tolerance is how close we can get the holster to reflect the frame of firearm; think of it as the “Fits-Like-A-Glove” factor.)

A perfect example of this modification process is when Sig first started incorporating accessory rails on their firearms. Leather holster manufacturers were able to move their stitching over to make room for the accessory rail. Kydex manufacturers had to purchase the new firearm to create entirely new molds and patterns to make room for the new feature. This same concept and process generally applies to all firearms.

CUT ROOM

All Comp-Tac holsters are made by skilled craftsmen right here in our manufacturing facility located in Houston, Texas. The first step in producing your holster is the Cut Room.  Here, flat sheets of Kydex are cut into the necessary outline for your make and model of handgun.  From the Cut Room, your order then goes to the Press Room.

PRESS ROOM

In this step of the process, the Kydex is heated and then pressed into shape utilizing the mold created by R&D.  It is this mold that allows for the detailed definition of each make and model to be formed by the Kydex.  The pressed holster is cooled after pressing and then goes to The Bench.

NOTE: Kydex is a thermoplastic and is manipulated into shape by the application of heat. Our technicians heat and cool the Kydex in a controlled process so as to maintain the integrity of the material. If overexposed to temperatures too high for the grade of Kydex being used, the material can become brittle or fracture.

THE BENCH

After the holster leaves the Press Room, it is assembled by our highly skilled craftsmen.   Holes are drilled into the Kydex and the appropriate hardware is installed.  Once assembled, the craftsman inspects the holster for fit and functionality. This inspection is completed using the actual make and model of the firearm the holster is produced for.  During this inspection, our craftsmen set the retention level to a factory standard.  Once the holster meets our quality standards, it goes to the Quality Assurance department for final inspection.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Every Comp-Tac product goes through a detailed inspection process which includes fit checking the holster or magazine pouch. This “Fit Check”  is performed by testing the actual make and model of the firearm in the holster to ensure proper fit and retention. When the product passes all Comp-Tac standards and requirements, it is sent to the shipping department to be processed and shipped out.

SHIPPING

Now this is the crucial point in which the Comp-Tac “Finishing Touch” is added to your order—the Smarties. Each order is sent with a roll of Smarties and a personal “Thank you!” note written from one of our office staff.

We feel that these little details make a big difference and can only begin to demonstrate just how much we appreciate you choosing Comp-Tac. The simple fact is: without your support, Comp-Tac wouldn’t exist. You are the reason that we can continue to produce the top-of-the-line CCW and competition gear for all your favorite firearms. Thank you and have a victorious day!

-Tiffany F.
Customer Service: 281-209-3040

CTAC
Minotaur MTAC
Minotaur Spartan
Minotaur Gladiator
Minotaur Neutral Cant
Paddle Holster
Belt Holster

Be sure to check out our next post on how we decide which firearms to make holsters for!

Customer Service: 281-209-3040

Q: What is a Slide version?

A: The “Slide” version is term used by Comp-Tac to describe an open-ended holster; this model is made to fully cover the shortest in a series of slide lengths and allow longer slides to fit in the same holster.

Ex: Glock 9/40/357 Slide is made to fully cover a 26/27/28/33. Any of the other 9/40/357 caliber Glocks will fit into the same holster; however, the longer barrels will extend past the bottom of the holster body.

Q: How does the Slide version work?

A: All of our holsters are a Level I retention. There is a dimple on the Kydex that comes in contact with the trigger guard of the pistol once holstered. This dimple creates the tension for the weapon’s retention. The screws directly under the trigger guard area can be tightened or loosened to add or reduce the pressure put on the dimple. This allows the user to adjust the level of retention to their needs.

Q: When is it best to use a Slide version?

A: The Slide is primarily intended to be used for competition, range use, and for IWB holsters. See below for more detailed explanations of each.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holsters:

We recommend the Slide version only for range or competition use! This is due to the day-to-day activities and increased chances of bumping the bottom of the muzzle against a chair arm, bucket seat, console, etc. We don’t think much about these day to day activities, like sitting in a chair, until the muzzle presses against the chair arm as you sit down. This can force the pistol out of retention.  Without the gun being held in place by the retention, the pistol is then loose in the holster. This can lead to a very awkward and embarrassing situation in the least.

If you conceal carry an OWB Slide version holster, be aware of the exposed barrel and any objects that may accidentally push up on the muzzle.

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holsters: The Slide version can be extremely convenient to use as one holster works different pistols. There are two things to keep in mind with an IWB Slide version. The first is being conscious of where your holster is positioned along your waistband. Make sure that your barrel won’t glide along a pocket stud and scratch the gun. Simply moving the holster over a bit will prevent any small surface scratches.

The second factor is range use and barrel heat. If you’re practicing at the range with your IWB holster, everyone knows that the barrel will get HOT. If you’re using a Slide version and the barrel extends past the Kydex/leather part of the holster, be careful when re-holstering to keep your buns safe.

Written by: Tiffany F.

For more information on this article, please contact us by calling 281-209-3040 or e-mailing Tiffany @ Comp-Tac.com (no spaces).

Posts will be made biweekly, unless the news is just too juicy and we simply can’t wait! Entries will be tagged in corresponding categories so you can browse by topic or just have a convenient identifier of what each entry covers. For suggestions of what you would like covered on our blog or just to request more information covered in one of our posts, please contact us directly by e-mailing Tiffany @Comp-Tac.com (no spaces).

Customer Service: 281-209-3040