AllOutdoor Review – The JM4 Tactical Regulator IWB Holster
Eve Flanigan 08.22.23
The Regulator is a new addition to the Relic line of holsters from JM4 Tactical. For the last month or so I’ve been wearing a pre-release copy, concealed, with a Sig Sauer P365. After this real-life test that included pretty much everything, but showering and sleeping, I’m quite pleased. If you’re looking for a comfortable, concealable, and safe holster, read on.
JM4 Tactical Coverage on AllOutdoor
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- JM4 Tactical Announces 2nd Amendment Friendly, Texas-Themed Coffee
- Blazen IWB holster by JM4 Tactical
- JM4 Dimensions: Texas Holsters, Practice, and Training
While the Relic series brought custom-fitted holsters made of boltaron to the company lineup, the Relic adds leather to the mix. In case you haven’t heard, boltaron is a superior material to kydex for holsters. It retains the advantage of a gun-specfic fit like kydex, without the brittleness or mis-shaping that can happen with exposure to the elements, especially heat. Boltaron is stronger than kydex, and while it’s still synthetic, it doesn’t have that hard, shiny plastic look that turns some people off.
So the Regulator’s outward-facing side is made of boltaron. Its rigidity makes re-holstering while wearing the holster safe so long as the wearer exercises muzzle and finger control. There’s no collapsing profile that necessitates removing the holster to re-insert the gun, the only safe procedure for most nylon and non-rigid leather inside-waistband (IWB) holsters. JM4 Tactical sources their boltaron domestically.
On the body-facing side is American-sourced, tanned, and sewn suede. It’s lined with smooth leather on the inside, as is the outer boltaron shell. Those layers make it thicker than regular kydex or my JM4 Tactical Quick, Click and Carry high ride holster, their magnetic retention phenom. This summer saw record-setting high temps in my area, and sweat is inevitable. The Regulator went with me on hot-day hikes and sweaty farm and yard chores. At the end of each sweat sesh, I’d check my P365 for exposure and oiling if necessary. Its sights, magazine, and mag release began requiring increased summer maintenance a long time ago thanks to exposure to sweat that soaked through or around other holsters. But that problem is as minimized as possible for a concealed gun by the Regulator. Did I mention this is a good-looking holster? The combo of materials, colors, and distinctive stitching makes for a rustic look I find really attractive.
All that smooth leather against the gun also offers the advantages of a silent draw and very little finish abrasion on the gun. I miss the click-in feeling of kydex, and re-holstering takes a little extra care compared to kydex as mild pressure is felt throughout the process—in kydex, any resistance is a sign of a potentially risky obstruction. Those who love leather holsters will find this transition easy, and gain better gun retention as compared to a generic leather holster.
Intelligent updates are integrated into the Regulator. I appreciate the sculpted area at the top of the grip that allows me to get a full firing grip while the gun is still completely holstered. This is an essential aspect of maintaining control of the gun and a speedy draw.
Another modern feature of the Regulator is a removable “claw” or extension on the bottom-of-gun side of the holster. Many concealment practitioners like a claw as it has the effect of flattening the profile of the gun under a garment. I tried this holster with and without the claw, and there is undeniable benefit for me when I use it. The gun hugs my body better. Of course every body is unique, and experimentation is necessary to find the perfect fit.
Its narrow polymer belt clip exacts a secure hold on a belt, of course this is also responsibility of the wearer to test for his or her belt. I found a stiff nylon belt, with a thin profile, offered consistently secure attachment. A thick leather belt didn’t work as well. While I’ve already adopted the habit of making sure the bight of my belt is on my non-gun side when carrying in appendix position, I did test the holster with the clip over both bight and belt. That attachment wasn’t secure, but that makes it no different than most any IWB holster clip.
The belt clip is adjustable for height, meaning the gun can set higher or deeper in the pants depending on where it’s positioned. It also has what JM4 calls adjustable cant, though I’ve found it quite naturally cants or straightens itself slightly as I move between sitting and standing.
That adjustability is where I feel an improvement could be made. The claw device works when it’s level with the clip. But the claw isn’t height-adjustable. Moving the clip downward from its factory set point necessitates removing the claw, as it sticks up above the waistband when the clip is lowered.
My personal experience with the Regulator was positive, with the inclusion of a few common techniques for successful AIWB carry. First, pants with a regular or high rise concealed the gun best. I did not venture to wear low-rise jeans with it. But mid-rise ones required a baggy shirt, especially when sitting as the grip pushed out. I also tried it with two different belts. Not surprisingly, a flat-profile, flat-buckle nylon belt, with the buckle set on my support side away from the gun, aids concealment whereas a traditional leather “gun belt” with a roller buckle makes lumpy features under my shirt, even when the buckle is offset.
The Regulator is a super-nice holster that will surely please many of the leather-loving traditionalists who want to be comfortable yet responsible with safety in their IWB holster. As with any concealment system, a little experimentation to customize it for yourself will go a long way. Custom fits for most popular guns are available. Color choices include coyote tan (shown), black cherry, black with brown stitching and teal. Order direct from JM4 Tactical for $134.95.
