Holster Style preferences, particularly for the 1911 platform.

[AngryPatriot]

No...this is DEFINITELY NOT a *who do you think makes the best blahblahblah holster*...

Its a question on *preference* of a particular *feature* that seems to be in demand and/or gaining popularity, and I'm curious as to why...

Thumb breaks holsters, be it a IWB or OWB holster, whilst carrying a 1911.

With the safety features of a 1911 (thumb switch must be off and grip safety must be depressed before the gun will fire...) I'm curious as to why people seem to want thumb breaks. Even if carrying in Condition 1, the gun is really quite safe, won't discharge if dropped (unless you've done alot of "COUGH" *custom* "COUGH" trigger work with a Dremel on your own) and a well-made holster will provide the proper retention via friction for an OWB holster, and a thumb break on a IWB seems redundant if the reason is to prevent a gun grab, because, when properly concealed, no-one is supposed to be able to tell that there is a gun under your shirt to grab.

I personally can't see a reason for a thumb break on a IWB as its yet another step in drawing the weapon that you need to be mindful of, and you've already got enough to worry about in getting your cover garment cleared so that you can draw if, God forbid, its a life-or-death situation. Why add a thumb break to the list of possible snag points?

On a OWB, I can understand the reasoning for a bit more safety from a gun grab, especially when the firearm is being OC'd. Then again, you can carry OWB with a cover garment, and if properly concealed, the chances of a gun-grab are practically nil, because if a perp can't *see* it, how does he know to *grab* it?

So...do you prefer thumb breaks on your 1911 rigs, either IWB or OWB, and why?

This question is for CIVILIAN CARRY, not LEO, not Security Guard, not Prison Guard, etc...

The question is for the typical man-on-the-street civilian exercising his 2A rights.

 

[shanzlik]

I prefer not to have thumb breaks on either IWB or OWB. I carry IWB 95% of the time and use good holsters that have good retention to begin with, so why slow down my draw by adding a break? None of my 1911 holsters have breaks.

Here's a few of the holsters I use. I am partial to Tucker Gunleather these days. I do like a hammer shield with anything I carry cocked and locked.

 

[Dave Cole]

Since I make primarily OWB fancy holsters for range and CAS competetion,I find no need for thumb breaks.I don't have one on my personal OWB.Dave

 

[swcr]

I primarily make concealment holsters, both OWB and IWB. I have never had anyone order an IWB with thumb break. Open top OWB holsters outnumber those ordered with thumb breaks by 10 to 1 or better. None of my personal holsters have thumb breaks.

 

[Kreyzhorse]

With the safety features of a 1911 (thumb switch must be off and grip safety must be depressed before the gun will fire...) I'm curious as to why people seem to want thumb breaks.

I don't believe they want thumb breaks to prevent the 1911 from firing, they want thumb breaks for retention.

Personally I prefer thumb breaks but I'm slowly moving away from them for all of my CCW guns.

 

[Edward429451]

I carry iwb and my Ted Blocker holster does have a thumbreak. I almost cut it off once but did not. I am active enough that a few times I found the safety disengaged from safe. Every litle bit helps. It is not a hindrence to my draw since performing countless practice presentations with it.

 

[gimike]

thumb break

A well made holster, whether it's IWB or OWB, should have good enough retention not to need a thumb break. If it makes you more comfortable to have one in place, then that's a good enough reason to have it. Should you decide to use a thumb break holster, you probably should practice your presentation even more frequently. Every added step to un-holster could cause problems in an emergency situation.

For holsters with less than stellar retention, like hybrids or "one size fits most holsters", it might not be a bad idea to have a thumb break. While a thumb break won't stop a BG from getting your firearm if he wants it, it may keep you from losing it in a public restroom or when you are getting in and out of your car.

With the differences in proficiency and knowledge in the world of firearms (beginner to expert) being such a wide range, a holster maker must be very flexible. What one person wears on their side with great pride, another has thrown into the "junk holster drawer".

 

[Evyl Robot]

Of all my holsters, I've never actually made one with a thumb break. I've always looked at it as something to beat up the finish on your gun. I know that plenty of professionals are bound by rules on the issue, and although I've had people ask about them, I've never actually had anyone order a holster with a thumb break.