Retention Holsters

[LFS]

I'd like some opinions on active retention holsters. I read Massad Ayoobs book on concealed carry, and there he mentions that you should use a holster with active retention for both concealed carry and open carry. Ayoob even relates an experience he had where he interrupted a guy who was attempting to remove a pistol of a friend. So I'm curious how many people here use holsters with active retention, and if so what kind.

My current XDm holster has a thumb break snap. I have to say, I'm not thrilled by it. I think if I only had to do concealed carry, I would just opt for no active retention. But considering I have to convert to open carry just to pick up a pizza, I need to be concerned with somebody attempting something stupid.

Again, I'd be interesting in hearing opinions on the subject.

[gregj]

IMHO, Abolutely get a retention holster, whether you CC or OC. There have been numerous articles of folk's firearm falling out of thier holster and discharging, especially when going to the restroom.

I have a couple of Galco Fletch thumb break holsters that I use. They are very comfortable. Dont forget, whatever you carry with, you should practice with it.

[zephyp]

I use a Bianchi pro IWB for 1911 and Beretta 92 CC. Neither of them have any retention. They fit nice and snug. Those guns aint goin nowhere unless I draw them. Regarding someone dumping their weapon in the restroom and having a discharge (or not) - they need to rethink carrying a gun.

[ProShooter]

I've carried for years in a thumb break and as for retention, its my #1 choice.

[BluemontGlock]

For OC... With my G-22, i use a ITAC-GK3, with an active quick release retention lever, perfectly placed at the trigger finger... i really like this holster...slim and streamlined, secure and can be put right where your hand falls...

for CC, i have a Galco IWB molded leather number with 2 loops for attaching to your belt, no active retention, just friction...but the pistol sits low enough in the holster that it will not come out with out activley giving it a good sturdy tug on the grip...it holds my 40 or 45 good and snug with leather between the pistol and skin, which i like for CC'ing...i have CC'd quite a bit with this holster and it has only gotten better with use, and i just spray some Rem Oil on this inside when i clean my guns and it keeps it supple
but still have a good firm grip on the pistol...

a good holster can make a huge difference in your attitude towards carring your firearm, don't buy a holster,...
look at many, invest in one or three...
Good Luck!

[HostileApostle]

I CC with my XDm40 in a Crossbreed Snalslide OWB holster with no retention. It's real snug, so I'm not worried about it slipping out. If I OC'd I'd probably use something with retention since the gun is clearly displayed, I figure a thumb break might give you an extra second or two to react if a BG got the drop on ya .

[LFS]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ordered a Safariland OWB with their ALS retention. I'll see how that works. I would have gone with the Galco but I couldn't find one locally to see how the thumb break works to see if I'd like that. I have a Galco open top for my FN 57, and I like it a lot.

Again, I'm thinking active retention is a good thing since there are times where I have to OC.

[novasig226r]

I can only OC right now (CHP application is being processed), and I'm using a Serpa Level 2 CQC holster. Despite the reports I read which stated pebbles jam the mechanism, I read plenty of other cases of people who use it tactically and have never had an issue. The retention is smooth and reactive; I can draw my gun with total ease and return it to the holster without having to search around for the opening.

The issue of the trigger finger being used to unlock which can lead to an accidental discharge are within the realm of possibility, but anyone who knows their weapon and holster won't be doing that. I have never had my finger "slip" onto the trigger, indeed it rests comfortably along the side of the frame.

I plan to use the same rig for CC. A test run at the house using normal street clothes revealed that my Sig P226 is not visible when I carry (as usual) in the 4:30ish position.

[LFS]

Actually, I would go with a Serpa CQC if they made one for the XDm, but they don't. They only make one for the XD. The XDm will fit the XD model but wobbles a bit. Some people say you can fix the wobble with some felt, but then you have the problem of felt fibers getting in the serrations of the slide.

[shulatt]

Use some old glove leather or a leather scrap from an old leather jacket...avoids problems with fibers and such.

[wally626]

I can only OC right now (CHP application is being processed), and I'm using a Serpa Level 2 CQC holster. Despite the reports I read which stated pebbles jam the mechanism, I read plenty of other cases of people who use it tactically and have never had an issue. The retention is smooth and reactive; I can draw my gun with total ease and return it to the holster without having to search around for the opening.

The issue of the trigger finger being used to unlock which can lead to an accidental discharge are within the realm of possibility, but anyone who knows their weapon and holster won't be doing that. I have never had my finger "slip" onto the trigger, indeed it rests comfortably along the side of the frame.

I plan to use the same rig for CC. A test run at the house using normal street clothes revealed that my Sig P226 is not visible when I carry (as usual) in the 4:30ish position.

I have the same holster and the finger position to release the lock is really exactly where you want your finger when drawing the gun, extended along the frame as it comes out of the holster.

[alby]

If I can put in my 2/cents. I purchased a hand made leather holster from D.M. Bullard Leather Mfg.
and have had no problems with it falling out or needing any retention clip.


http://www.dmbullardleather.com/

[BULLYBOY13]

i use a Serpa and it works good for me for oc and as for cc i used a don hume leather inside the pants for years for my glocks and colt 1911 and the gun just fits in no thumb break...

[gunderwood]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ordered a Safariland OWB with their ALS retention. I'll see how that works. I would have gone with the Galco but I couldn't find one locally to see how the thumb break works to see if I'd like that. I have a Galco open top for my FN 57, and I like it a lot.

Again, I'm thinking active retention is a good thing since there are times where I have to OC.

I like the Galco's, good balance of quality vs. cost. I prefer a retention holster for anything but IWB. My only complaint for the Galco's is with my 1911. The strap goes between the hammer and slide when cocked (good), but my gun has the thumb safety on both sides of the frame. Overtime, the retention strap works the safety off. Not ideal, but on the other hand not a big problem as the gun is holstered (trigger protected and hammer blocked by the retaining strap) and grip safety still active. Something to be aware of when drawing though!

It is only a problem with 1911's with the thumb safety on both sides.

[zephyp]

My Colt has a thumb safety on both sides. It falls off if you take the grip off. My kimber only has one. Makes more sense to me since I aint gonna thumb the right hand side.