OC holster choice

[OC for ME]

Indeed, he shooting from his mouth before iron cleared leather...never a good result from pulling the trigger prematurely...foot seems to come to mind...hmm.

 

[solus]

over the weekend had the opportunity (read forced to use it) the sepra and forgot it was a retention holster and bout broke the bloody thing pulling like h3ll & trying with all my might to get my firearm unholstered...then went into the DUH mode when i remembered i switched holsters due to the venue i was attending.

i didn't get laughed at too terribly bad and had to grin and bear it...sigh

ipse

 

[JamesCanby]

over the weekend had the opportunity (read forced to use it) the sepra and forgot it was a retention holster and bout broke the bloody thing pulling like h3ll & trying with all my might to get my firearm unholstered...then went into the DUH mode when i remembered i switched holsters due to the venue i was attending.

i didn't get laughed at too terribly bad and had to grin and bear it...sigh

ipse

That's been my experience as well. No matter how I pull on the firearm, it will not release from the retention, nor will the holster get pulled out of my waistband -- the hook inside seems to prevent that. Yet when I actuate the release it slides out without delay. I'm well pleased with this OWB holster.

 

[OC for ME]

That little hook gives me fits, I look like a goof trying to remove the holster. My DW reminds me at these moments, in the most loving way, that we still have kids in the house.

Yes, we do have a cussing jar...yes, I do have to fish out of my pocket the required payment.

 

[Fallschirjmäger]

Like many others, I carried with a SERPA for many years with no problems.
But... it DOES have problems
1) as has been noted, it can jam if you crawl around in dirty areas, either from choice or because you were forced to.
2) and more importantly to me, if you attempt to pull the pistol from the holster before activating the release it can jam, forcing one to release tension on the pistol and activate the release fully which slows the draw.

For just a few dollars more, I moved on to the Safariland 6377/6378 series (the 78 series comes with two ways to attach, a belt loop and a paddle). It is almost impossible to jam (never say never, right?) and even with tension on the pistol the thumb release will still work. Plus, you can get a ALS guard to protect the release that is only a tick slower than no guard at all.

Why all the SERPA's???
When I worked in a gun shop, I asked the owner 'why are we carrying Serpa's when we know they aren't the best choice?' His reply was that the manufacturer gave amazing deals on them which boosted his bottom line. Which explains why you see them Everywhere.

 

[Grapeshot]

Originally Posted by solus over the weekend had the opportunity (read forced to use it) the sepra and forgot it was a retention holster and bout broke the bloody thing pulling like h3ll & trying with all my might to get my firearm unholstered...then went into the DUH mode when i remembered i switched holsters due to the venue i was attending.

i didn't get laughed at too terribly bad and had to grin and bear it...sigh

ipse

That's been my experience as well. No matter how I pull on the firearm, it will not release from the retention, nor will the holster get pulled out of my waistband -- the hook inside seems to prevent that. Yet when I actuate the release it slides out without delay. I'm well pleased with this OWB holster.

Using/training w/Serpa has instilled in me to use the Serpa finger slide/stroke no matter what holster I am wearing. Good condition 'cause it keeps the bogger hook off the bang switch until intended to be there.

 

[Grapeshot]

--snipped--

For just a few dollars more, I moved on to the Safariland 6377/6378 series (the 78 series comes with two ways to attach, a belt loop and a paddle). It is almost impossible to jam (never say never, right?) and even with tension on the pistol the thumb release will still work. Plus, you can get a ALS guard to protect the release that is only a tick slower than no guard at all.

Safariland makes fine holsters. I am very enamoured with their Quick Locking systems. If I were an active LEO or military (running towards the gunfire) that is what I would like to utilize.
https://www.safariland.com/quick-attachment-systems/qls---quick-locking-system/

 

[Lthrnck]

Which holster..??

I have been carrying for over 10 years now, I have one... I repeat one holster... it's a Serpa... I use it for both Open and Concealed carry. The only problem I have had is the paddle breaks from time to time since I use the OWB paddle only...I have crawled around in the dirt and never had a problem. Of course I check and clear my holster, just like I check and clear my firearm when I have been in areas that may cause it to jam up. I also practice with drawing.

Holsters debates are like knock-down power debates on ammo.... IT JUST DON'T MATTER... use what you can hit with, if you can't hit anything using .45 or .40 then it HAS NO KNOCK-DOWN POWER. If you can't retain or draw smoothly then get another holster.

Geesh people, this is not rocket science... It doesn't matter what the other people think... use what works best for you.

OH..PS... Anytime the paddle has broken, I called Blackhawk... they looked at my account... then sent me another paddle... free of charge.

 

[HPmatt]

So it looks to me every one on this thread is Condition 1 or 2?

 

[adk_mechetech]

Thanks for the replies, seems most prefer more than one level of retention holster, i.e Serpa or similar.

I found this in an article concerning the recent OC law in TX.
“Retention” Holsters v. Non-Retention Holsters

There is an old saying among experienced handgunners, “Every step toward holster retention is a step away from rapid deployment.” In layman’s terms, this means that the harder it is for a bad guy to get your gun out of your holster, the harder it is for you to get it out when you need it.

So does anyone use a friction only retention holster, i.e. Predator pancake
http://www.wrightleatherworks.com/products/predator-pancake-holster

Or Aliengear OWB holster
http://aliengearholsters.com/alien-gear-cloak-slide-owb-holster-outside-the-waistband.html/

Or custom leather OWB holster
http://aceleatherworks.com/

Or custom leather shoulder rig
http://www.armoryexpressoutlet.com/Shoulder-holsters_c_62.html

I only ask because before I found this website I would only CC my XDM Compact .45 ACP. I have several CCW holsters, N82, Aliengear, Crossbread appendix, a custom leather holster, custom shoulder rig, and few others. Personally I do not like CC as I really have not found a holster I truly find comfortable and it gets to be expensive buying a holster only to find out you really don't like it. I still CC on occasions where I know I will be asked to leave with an OC pistol, i.e. movie theater, casino, etc.

So back to OC holsters, I find that an OWB holster is much more comfortable, and I can use some of my holsters as an OC but they only have the friction retention, which for the most part I am okay with. I have even used the holster that comes with the XDM to OC and its actually quite comfortable to wear.

I appreciate everyone's responses and welcome all input, recommendations, and thoughts i.e. PRO's / CON's of Retention vs Non-Retention holsters for OC.

To reply to this question earlier in the thread, I'm a newbie and I really like my CZ 2075 RAMI in a DeSantis holster. I don't remember the model number off the top of my head but it was fit for one of the smaller glocks and it fits the CZ like a glove.

I have gone ice skating and spent 1/2 the time on my ass with not even the slightest bit of a shift. Running, playing with the puppy, shoveling and any matter of physical exertion has not caused my weapon to come out of its holster at all.

Now that's not to say that if I was not paying attention and someone tried to do a grab it would stay put. I always pay attention to what's around me.

Bottom line, I believe it comes down to the specific gun and holster combination. I have also found that positioning on the belt and physical shape (body)/how you wear your belt can make a difference. If I wear my belt 1 notch looser and have my jeans "relaxed" the security of my holster is not as good.

 

[stealthyeliminator]

I use a leather pancake holster with a thumb snap. No Serpa for me.

 

[Grapeshot]

Remember the banished user/member who said he could draw faster from CC than we could from OC? :lol:

He may have been fast, but he didn't shoot straight (with us) - he missed his target and paid the price. Such is life.

Found the original quote:

Originally Posted by g21sfpistol
ill draw just as fast or faster than someone with a OC holster.

 

[Satdiver]

OC Holsters

Found this article today short to point with pics.

https://www.floridacarry.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20:choosing-an-open-carry-holster&catid=16:safety&Itemid=27

All of my holsters (CC holsters) are open top kydex or leather or combo of the two, friction only holsters except my vertical shoulder holster which has a retention strap, and like I said I can use some of them as OC as well.

I really do prefer the look, feel, smell of leather vice kydex. Are there any leather holsters made with a retention device other than the thumb break strap?

Thanks again for your input, it is appreciated.

 

[Grapeshot]

Found this article today short to point with pics.

https://www.floridacarry.org/index....-open-carry-holster&catid=16:safety&Itemid=27

All of my holsters (CC holsters) are open top kydex or leather or combo of the two, friction only holsters except my vertical shoulder holster which has a retention strap, and like I said I can use some of them as OC as well.

I really do prefer the look, feel, smell of leather vice kydex. Are there any leather holsters made with a retention device other than the thumb break strap?

Thanks again for your input, it is appreciated.

There is always the ol' fashion snap strap.

Then there is Bianchi's 82 CarryLok:


http://www.lapolicegear.com/bianchi-82-carrylok-holster.html

 

[BigDeeeeeeee]

Like many others, I carried with a SERPA for many years with no problems.


For just a few dollars more, I moved on to the Safariland 6377/6378 series (the 78 series comes with two ways to attach, a belt loop and a paddle).

That's were I'm at too.

 

[Wstar425]

While it has no strap or active retention, you might take a look at a DM Bullard BTB. He calls it a Between the Belts, but I would say it is a more Behind the Belt. It is an OWB, but the gun is between the belt and your pants, so the pressure of your belt holds it under tension, and you don't need bigger pants. Heavy gun, so my belt is pretty tight. I don't recall seeing anything else quite like it.

Have had one for my wife's 938 for a while and just got one for my 226. Not exactly sure if I like it yet, but think I will. Really holds tight to your body, might be an issue if one is some overweight? You would have to be digging your hand into my side to remove a firearm from it. Also, looks my Beretta 92, HKVP40 and Baby Desert Eagle could all be used as well, but the 226 fits best. I carry a SAO with a beavertail, which extends just a bit above the sweatshield. If I like it I might see if they would make me one 1/2 longer.

I have a couple of holsters, depending on where I am going and what kind of crowd will be there. I often conceal with a sport coat, but remove it at some point if too warm. When I am out and about I often have a German Shepherd attached to me on a 1 foot leash, so that kinda tends to keep people from rushing up on me or bumping into me.

Sorry, don't have a pic, but there is one on their website. The barrel does stick out the bottom about 1.5-2 inches, and I will say that reholstering is not so great especially with jeans as the barrel kind of hangs up on the hem of the pocket.

Good luck avoiding the drawer full of holsters! I'll try to get a picture later.

 

[JamesCanby]

Like many others, I carried with a SERPA for many years with no problems.
But... it DOES have problems
1) as has been noted, it can jam if you crawl around in dirty areas, either from choice or because you were forced to.
2) and more importantly to me, if you attempt to pull the pistol from the holster before activating the release it can jam, forcing one to release tension on the pistol and activate the release fully which slows the draw.

For just a few dollars more, I moved on to the Safariland 6377/6378 series (the 78 series comes with two ways to attach, a belt loop and a paddle). It is almost impossible to jam (never say never, right?) and even with tension on the pistol the thumb release will still work. Plus, you can get a ALS guard to protect the release that is only a tick slower than no guard at all.

Why all the SERPA's???
When I worked in a gun shop, I asked the owner 'why are we carrying Serpa's when we know they aren't the best choice?' His reply was that the manufacturer gave amazing deals on them which boosted his bottom line. Which explains why you see them Everywhere.

I don't see anything in that picture but friction retention. You mention a thumb release, but I see no mechanism that holds the firearm in the holster. As for the Serpa, I don't remember the last time I had to crawl through the dirt before drawing my firearm, and I don't think raising the specter of something that seems terribly rare should be a primary factor in making the holster choice. In some ways, depending on the rarity of your firearm your holster choice is limited. For instance, there is no Serpa for my SIG P239, which is why I carry it in the Galco with a thumb-break strap.

 

[Fallschirjmäger]

I don't see anything in that picture but friction retention. You mention a thumb release, but I see no mechanism that holds the firearm in the holster.

I wouldn't expect to see a thumb release from that view either as the thumb (and release) would be on the opposite side of the pistol.
Here is a 'top down' view where one may notice the thumb release on the left. It sits naturally beneath an extended thumb and is easily operated as the thumb contracts down towards the palm when a draw is made. The securing mechanism itself, may be noted as being beneath the odd shaped bulge located at the pistol's ejection port. The mechanism operates by locking into the ejection port.

 

[Satdiver]

OC Holsters

Thank you everyone for your input and suggestions.

I just ordered an IMI Defense Roto Holster.

http://www.imidefense.com/

 

[Grapeshot]

Creating new thread from off topic posts, beginning with mine.

See An argument against nylon multi-fit holsters:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?132425-An-argument-against-nylon-multi-fit-holsters