Do holsters absolutely need retention straps?

Somebody already mentioned motorcycle riding but I also wanted to mention atv riding. Things can get awfully bumpy and if u ride hard its only a matter of time till u have some kind of crash. In that scenario I want the best retention I can get.
 
There is no pat answer on this subject. It is just like many things...it is a matter of choice. I feel more comfortable with thumb breaks, therefore all of my carry holsters have them. That doesn't make it right for someone else, but it is right for me. If they weren't needed, then nobody would make them.
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Not looking for a pat answer. Looking for logical reasons to have one or not. Is the choice one of real need, or feeling safer that the gun will not fall out.
Years ago, when I started making my own holsters, I made a lot of them with thumb-break straps. I felt that my guns were now unlikely to fall from the holster. But now, I realize I never experienced any fall, somersault, attack, attacking-monkeys, etc. where my gun was ever likely to fall. In short, it does not appear that the strap really did anything useful after all. Nevertheless, not wanting to make an incorrect assumption, I thusly requested input from those who may have had different expediences or logic. Could not care less what others choose, only what their logic (if there was any) behind choosing to do so. So, I might actually learn something. If they cannot provide a logical reason, then it is likely that the reason they do so is emotional (feelings not backed by logic). And therefore, nothing to be learned. No one is suggesting that they should. No one is suggesting that they should not. Learning was the whole issue...I learned that (1) Some competitions actually require a retention system...I did not know that previously. (2) If someone carrys on the belt or in the waistband while riding a motorcycle, the gun could become a projectile in the event of a crash...I was not thinking in terms of riding a motorcycle, inasmuch as I carried a handgun in the zipped pocket of my leather jacket when I rode, so it could not become a projectile, but nevertheless, the guy was correct when he posted about using a retention system when riding. I hope now that you understand where I am coming from on this thread.
 
Somebody already mentioned motorcycle riding but I also wanted to mention atv riding. Things can get awfully bumpy and if u ride hard its only a matter of time till u have some kind of crash. In that scenario I want the best retention I can get.
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And snowmobiling. I have noticed over the years that what people do on ATV's and Snowmobiles would be considered reckless driving if they did the same on motorcycles and cars. So, yes ATV riders have more than their share of accidents and should consider a retention system for their handguns. Although it would be neat to be walking past the scene of an ATV accident and find a "stray", "orphan", or otherwise unattended Colt Python lying in the grass.
 
dahermit said:

Yes, when I was a kid. However, I have not seen (except for TV), any violent confrontation since my youth. I guess one would have to consider his/her environment. I only go into rural bars during lunch and dinner to get food, do not drink or go anywhere where I am likely to be the victim of a crime such as you describe. So, it would seem that I might not need a retention system as much as someone who was frequently at risk because of life-style or environment.
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To which I answer: Why do you carry at all, then?

If you carry because you just feel like it, then fine. You have that right. It's great to be an American, and I mean that.

But if you carry in order to be able to protect yourself, why do you do that, if you are so careful and safe?

Is it, perhaps, because criminals can find us even in nice neighborhoods? If that is the case, then is it not also possible that the first time you become aware of the criminal's intentions, he may have already attacked you?

We'd all like to think that we are more aware than that, 24/7. Most people aren't as aware as they'd like to think.

So, once again, you might want to consider that you could take nasty falls, etc, as a result of the actions of others.
 
Why have a holster with retention? Because 'things happen'.

If you prefer not to have a retention strap, get a well made holster that is molded to the specific gun you're carrying. It will provide enough retention to safely handle the majority of situations one may encounter.
 
A well built holster has no need for a retention strap. Unless, it's required for an LEO or similar... I will almost always advise against adding any kind of straps for retention.
 
Sixer, I don't typically use retention straps.

However, I do typically use form-fitted holsters, such as those by Sam Andrews (andrewsleather.com) and Cerise Wilson (soterialeather.com). Of course, I know and like both of them, but they also make very good holsters, that retain well without straps.

Having checked out your site, I will probably try one of yours, soon.

Regards,

M
 
Do holsters absolutely need retention straps?

Mine does...I carry a 642 OWB and I prefer the pouch to be form fitted but not tight...it will never pass the "upside-down n shake" test.....so I use a retention strap...and I like it.
 
Mleake wrote:
Have you ever seen how hard people can fall when sucker punched?
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Yes, I have. And none of them were in any condition to prevent the mugger from removing or unstrapping a gun from their holster while they were on the floor and dazed...

For non-LE, a properly formed and well built holster doesn't need a strap.
 
..
.when I am drinking I had some nasty falls; sure hate to lose my gun then...
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Although you are likely joking; here in Michigan, drinking/being intoxicated while armed is unlawful.
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yes I was kidding and its never a good idea to drink and handle a gun. it might be illegal to do it in public but not in your own home (just saying)
 
To which I answer: Why do you carry at all, then?

If you carry because you just feel like it, then fine. You have that right. It's great to be an American, and I mean that.

But if you carry in order to be able to protect yourself, why do you do that, if you are so careful and safe?

Is it, perhaps, because criminals can find us even in nice neighborhoods? If that is the case, then is it not also possible that the first time you become aware of the criminal's intentions, he may have already attacked you?

We'd all like to think that we are more aware than that, 24/7. Most people aren't as aware as they'd like to think.

So, once again, you might want to consider that you could take nasty falls, etc, as a result of the actions of others.
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I always carry when I leave home, or outside on my "estate" (five and one-half acres in the country). However, my carry method when leaving my estate is always pocket carry, which of course does not have a strap. My "life-style" is that of an older "hermit". I very rarely leave home, and then only when I have to... groceries, doctor visits. If I were younger and interacted with people (other people are the threat after all) more, I might consider IWB or on the belt carry. At this stage in a hermit's life, in the pocket (I wear suspenders, never a belt),makes more sense to me. The "fall" I might take would likely be the result of infirmity, not aggressive action. With my pocket gun, however, I am always prepared for human aggressive action. The amount of time I am in contact with people is infrequent enough that I can remain on high-alert the whole time. Another aspect of my carrying that is likely unique to my stubbornness and a general lack of fear of death (going to die in a few years anyway), is that I will not surrender my money, no matter how little, or my vehicle to a hijacker. I will risk death to put up a fight even if it is contrary to the general advice given, that "...it is not worth loosing your life over...". In my stage of life, that advice has less meaning than for a younger person. No one gets my 3.50 cash, or my vehicle without me using my "little friend".
Therefore, using or not using a safety strap is not related to my carrying; it is more academic. I am making holsters as a hobby, and was curious as to the actual need for a safety strap as opposed to the perception based on emotion rather than reality. At this point it seems to me that a safety strap in most cases for a shooter is the latter.
 
Do holsters absolutely need retention straps?

Mine does...I carry a 642 OWB and I prefer the pouch to be form fitted but not tight...it will never pass the "upside-down n shake" test.....so I use a retention strap...and I like it.
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That test has always mystified me...I pocket carry. I am too heavy for anyone to pick me up, turn me upside down and shake me. No one has ever done that to me...although I am sure that is a frequent occurrence; other wise there would not be so many people concerned with that test.:rolleyes:

My holsters do not need retention straps...If I should fall down and the gun drop out, I would just pick it up and put it back in my pocket holster. Which is a Bianchi, very inexpensive, only about 20 bucks, but an excellent rough-out, stiff leather pocket holster. One of the few real bargains in holsters I have seen.
 
Sixer, I don't typically use retention straps.

However, I do typically use form-fitted holsters, such as those by Sam Andrews (andrewsleather.com) and Cerise Wilson (soterialeather.com). Of course, I know and like both of them, but they also make very good holsters, that retain well without straps.

Having checked out your site, I will probably try one of yours, soon.
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Looking forward to it! Excellent retention is something that every holster I put my stamp on MUST have.

Just as an example... here are a few pics with a couple of fairly heavy guns.


HK P7
487719_448778845163096_1158316439_n.jpg


Baby Desert Eagle
300_0430.jpg


These aren't going to be unholstered unless you intend to draw ;)
 
Sixer, I looked at some of the holsters on your site and find that your designs are rather intriguing. Nice stuff!
 
The holster I referred to in my earlier post is a de santis. I believe it was called a Scorpion. it is not shown in the current De Santis catalog. I have had it since 1994.

I use it when I am carrying my Springfield factory comp.

My normal carry is a Roy's Original Pancake Holster. When I purchased it Pappy, as we called Roy had me apply a heavy (almost a whole can) coat of saddle soap to the holster. I then inserted my 1911 government model into the holster and let it set for two weeks.

The holster molded to my pistol and the pistol fits like it was factory molded. On non parkerized finishes I would recommend wrapping the pistol in Teflon tape for the two weeks.

I wear the pancake because it does not print and the thumb break is second nature to me.
 
You can have retention without a retention strap.

In almost very situation I prefer a button or strap type retention system. IWB where I already have clothes in the way neither of those options is great so I often go without. If you are open carrying for whatever reason retention is also a plus. I really like the holster that has what looks like a button strap, but it actually just flips down. People unfamiliar with it will try to unsnap it for plenty of time for you to react.
 
As other holster makers have pointed out. A properly wet-molded and hand boned needs no additional retention.
Randy
 
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