belt slide holster for concealed carry: Retention?

All my CC holsters are ''open top'' design. I see no need for a thumb break holster for CC carry. maybe riding a bike {motor or pedal}or a horse it might be advisable.
My OC holster is a different story.
 
I don't see the need for a thumb break on a CC holster, other than if you are going to be running, or jumping a lot. A well made belt slide will retain your side arm when bending over, etc, but a thumb break is always a bit more positive in the falling out category in rough situations.

That said, I have carried for many years with a belt slide open top, without a strap, and prefer it, not for speed(although that is a plus), but I have seen straps bind behind the hammers of others weapons, and don't like that idea.

Also, if it's for concealed, how would someone grab it from you?
 
The only OWB holsters I have with retention straps are those that I consider to be field holsters. For normal/concealed carry, I don't use straps.
 
I use a Don Hume JIT Slide, and it has no retention feature. I wear it with shirt covering, or jacket depending on weather. 8 or 9 years now, never wanted for more.
 
seeker_two and SauerGrapes

Thanks for the concern, she's fine, her pride hurt more than her tuchus. :D

I get tossed alot because I check out all the new horses, she decided to check out a new mare................ Classic buck and BOOOM.:D
 
My two cents isn't worth much these days because of some memory loss. Black Hills Leather makes a fine open top holster, and I have purchased several of them over the years, and have never experienced a drop, that I can remember ;)


The old cliché applies here, , "You generally get what you pay for"
 
With just a few exceptions, I prefer an open-top holster due to speed of draw and simplicity. The exceptions are as follows:

If I carry something "cocked and locked" like a 1911 or Hi-Power, I prefer a holster with a retention strap that covers the back of the slide. I'm fully aware that people have been carrying "cocked and locked" guns in open top holsters safely for decades, but I just feel more comfortable with something in between the hammer and firing pin.

If I were to open carry in populated areas (I don't), I'd definitely want a holster with some sort of retention feature. One of the reasons that I choose to carry concealed is because I think it makes the possibility of someone else getting ahold of my gun less likely.

If I'm planning on doing vigorous activities like riding horses, motorcycles, or ATV's or climbing in and out of treestands, I prefer a holster with at least a retention strap if not a full flap holster. My preference here is as much to protect the gun from the environment as it is to keep it in the holster.
 
I use a DeSantis Mini Slide for my Kimber UCII ... relies on friction, holds tight but allows a quick, smooth draw ... I don't like retention devices on holsters, just my personal opinion ...
 
Safariland SFS-ALS, Blackhawk SERPA, retention concealment rigs...

Unless you work as a armed professional(PI, security agent, LE officer, EP specialist), a retention type holster is not as important for an armed citizen.
Speed & a smooth, fluid draw should be the main points of concealed draw.

If you want a well engineered level II or III concealed rig, check into the highly rated Safariland ALS/SFS or the Blackhawk SERPA.
I owned a black left hand SERPA for my M&P full size and it worked great.
The newer ALS is fast & secure. There are no straps or hooks to slow the draw from concealment.
The Safariland SFS is very popular with many spec ops & plainclothes "squadies" in SW Asia.
Some gunners like the "thumb-drive" Blade-tech holsters but I'm not fond of any systems with parts & pieces that could get strung up or snag. :(

Clyde
 
Although many Safariland holsters are designed for LE duty, I have found several that also work for OWB for me. They are very durable and in some cases you can choose the amount of retention you need for a given situation. I have a couile with both ALS, SLS and Sentry options.You can choose to engage all of them or just the ALS. Mine came with duty version mid drop belt slides and I modified them with concealment belt slides for a higher ride. Many have suede lining to protect your gun's finish although some say suede traps dirt and grit. If you clean them occasionally it won't be an issue IMO.

They are not cheap but worth a look.
 
Belt Slide retention

You should form the leather to the gun.
Then you can either drill 2 holes in the back side of the holster and use rawhide. "Cowboy" holsters go that route...
 
Well, here goes my 2 cents. Like many of the threads in this forum, this is a question of personal choice, and not a matter of right or wrong. I happen to prefer leather holsters and I happen to prefer holsters with thumb breaks. I just feel more comfortable with the extra security of a retention strap.
 
No retention strap for me, as I prefer open top. If the strap should happen to go thru the trigger guard on reholstering, bad things can happen. :eek:
 
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