Open Top vs. Thumb Break

Chumbucket · July 21st, 2008, 12:24 PM

Newbee here and wanted to get the local opinion on an open top holster, with a retention spring/clip, virus one with a thumb break.
I'm sure there are pro's and cons to this question, i.e. draw, fit, feel, safety?
Thanx,
The Capt'n.

matiki · July 21st, 2008, 12:30 PM

I prefer retention holsters, but they both have their places.

Obviously those in the retention crowd, like myself, will argue the virtues of weapon retention during a physical altercation that does not require a weapon - or when surprised and time to draw your weapon has been eliminated.

On the other hand, one could argue that a retention holster makes you more likely to have time eliminated with an extra split second required to draw - and in some circumstances going hands-on just won't be likely.

I see and appreciate both sides of the argument. In my work I am charged with protecting someone else against all kinds of harm - physical harm, injury and even embarrassment. This means I am far more likely to go hands-on then draw. So I always carry with retention at work. With my family, I am not going to wrestle with someone while my family is unprotected - I am more likely to escalate quickly to protect my infant daughter and my wife, so retention is not as necessary (although I still prefer it).

Reborn · July 21st, 2008, 12:31 PM

I used a thumb breaks all my life as an LEO. I like the open tops since I carry only concealed now.

retsupt99 · July 21st, 2008, 01:26 PM

If you're just John Q. Citizen (not fighting crime for a living), IMHO, you don't need the retention strap. I've related my embarrassing tumble down a set of rodeo bleachers one evening...the gun stayed in its place (quality holster), however, my ego was slightly damaged.

Stay armed...use a quality holster...watch your step...stay safe!

goldshellback · July 21st, 2008, 01:34 PM

A good, quality open-top holster used for concealment should work just fine.

When out in the woods, doing a lot of moving while working, ATV'ing, etc. I like the extra retension (read: peace of mind) of a thumb break......but any other time, an open holster is the way to go.

762 · July 21st, 2008, 01:36 PM

i carry with a retention band. it has its pluses and minuses. it works for me because i am always dropping and loosing stuff. I never have to worry about it falling out, etc. A retention does slow the draw a bit however.

Redneck Repairs · July 21st, 2008, 02:19 PM

When i carried as an LE off duty i considered some type retention device ( back then this was pretty much a thumbsnap for a concealable holster ) a necessity . It was necessary because I both was mandated to carry by policy , and obligated to take action in the small towns i policed in . Nowadays i look at retention a bit differently . Now if a holster will retain the pistol while i do a backwards summerset( somersault or whatever you call it that kids do ) it is fine . I am not obligated to get into any scuffle anymore and i wont . Now i dont mind retention , in fact my favorite OWB for a 1911 is an old Bianchi #3000 autodraw which has not one but two retention straps as well as a thro the trigger guard plug , and still manages to be the bar none fastest duty holster i ever used indluding simple thumbreaks .

Defensor Pacis · July 21st, 2008, 02:38 PM

I might suggest you look at the Blackhawk Serpa holster. It is quick and secure. It uses a locking device that when actuated with the trigger finger of the gun hand will immediately release the gun for a smooth and raid draw. If the situation changes to a non-lethal encounter, you can quickly re-holster and secure your firearm.

Blackhawk Serpa Holster:

BLACKHAWK ! *BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster - Active Retention - Matte Finish

Regards,

Defensor Pacis

NCHornet · July 21st, 2008, 02:52 PM

The Serpa's are pretty bulky depending on your build. I suggest looking at the Bianchi Carry Loc . It is by far the best OWB holster I have found in 12 years of CCing. The retention release is placed in such a way you naturally hit it when drawing the weapon. The last thing I wanted was something to slow my draw and this doesn't at all. I can't say the same for a strap!! The retention device has many pluses and I haven't found any negatives. I have tried a lot of OWB holsters in 12+ years and the Carry Loc is by far the best.

NCH

JerryM · July 21st, 2008, 05:36 PM

LEOs normally carry retention holsters on duty, and since they are used to that method, it is best to carry all the time.
But I do not think a CCW needs it. My holsters are tight enough so that even an altercation would not dislodge them. I had a friend give me a leather holster with a thumb break. When I carry it I always forget to use the thumb break and fumble with it.
An LEO wears his gun unconcealed, and must protect from snatching. I don't have that problem, and also don't get into altercations. If I did I would have to call "time" and take a squirt of nitro.

My view is that it is not necessary, and may be a liability, but if one wants to use it do so all the time so that the draw will be natural with it.

Regards,
Jerry

July 21st, 2008, 12:24 PM	#1
Chumbucket New Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fla Posts: 3	Open Top vs. Thumb Break Newbee here and wanted to get the local opinion on an open top holster, with a retention spring/clip, virus one with a thumb break. I'm sure there are pro's and cons to this question, i.e. draw, fit, feel, safety? Thanx, The Capt'n.

July 21st, 2008, 12:30 PM	#2
matiki VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N.W. Posts: 2,883	I prefer retention holsters, but they both have their places. Obviously those in the retention crowd, like myself, will argue the virtues of weapon retention during a physical altercation that does not require a weapon - or when surprised and time to draw your weapon has been eliminated. On the other hand, one could argue that a retention holster makes you more likely to have time eliminated with an extra split second required to draw - and in some circumstances going hands-on just won't be likely. I see and appreciate both sides of the argument. In my work I am charged with protecting someone else against all kinds of harm - physical harm, injury and even embarrassment. This means I am far more likely to go hands-on then draw. So I always carry with retention at work. With my family, I am not going to wrestle with someone while my family is unprotected - I am more likely to escalate quickly to protect my infant daughter and my wife, so retention is not as necessary (although I still prefer it). __________________ "Wise people learn when they can; fools learn when they must." - The Duke of Wellington

July 21st, 2008, 01:26 PM	#4
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 22,777	If you're just John Q. Citizen (not fighting crime for a living), IMHO, you don't need the retention strap. I've related my embarrassing tumble down a set of rodeo bleachers one evening...the gun stayed in its place (quality holster), however, my ego was slightly damaged. Stay armed...use a quality holster...watch your step...stay safe! __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** NRA Life Member

July 21st, 2008, 01:34 PM	#5
goldshellback VIP Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Mayberry, GA Posts: 2,493	A good, quality open-top holster used for concealment should work just fine. When out in the woods, doing a lot of moving while working, ATV'ing, etc. I like the extra retension (read: peace of mind) of a thumb break......but any other time, an open holster is the way to go. __________________ "Just getting a concealed carry permit means you haven't commited a crime yet........CCP holders commit crimes." Daniel Vice, senior attorney for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, as quoted on Fox & Friends, July 7th, 2008

July 21st, 2008, 01:36 PM	#6
762 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 722	i carry with a retention band. it has its pluses and minuses. it works for me because i am always dropping and loosing stuff. I never have to worry about it falling out, etc. A retention does slow the draw a bit however. __________________ Let's Roll - Todd Beamer MOΛΩN ΛABÉ

July 21st, 2008, 12:31 PM	#3
Reborn Distinguished Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rowlett, Texas Posts: 1,722	I used a thumb breaks all my life as an LEO. I like the open tops since I carry only concealed now. __________________ Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. Senior Instructor for Tactical and Defensive of Texas http://www.tac-def-tx.com/ CHL INSTRUCTOR Retired LEO NRA member TCHA member

July 21st, 2008, 02:19 PM	#7
Redneck Repairs VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,141	When i carried as an LE off duty i considered some type retention device ( back then this was pretty much a thumbsnap for a concealable holster ) a necessity . It was necessary because I both was mandated to carry by policy , and obligated to take action in the small towns i policed in . Nowadays i look at retention a bit differently . Now if a holster will retain the pistol while i do a backwards summerset( somersault or whatever you call it that kids do ) it is fine . I am not obligated to get into any scuffle anymore and i wont . Now i dont mind retention , in fact my favorite OWB for a 1911 is an old Bianchi #3000 autodraw which has not one but two retention straps as well as a thro the trigger guard plug , and still manages to be the bar none fastest duty holster i ever used indluding simple thumbreaks . __________________ Make sure you get full value out of today , Do something worthwhile, because what you do today will cost you one day off the rest of your life . We only begin to understand folks after we stop and think . Criminals are looking for victims, not opponents.

July 21st, 2008, 02:38 PM	#8
Defensor Pacis New Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Third Planet From the Sun. Posts: 7	Holster . . . I might suggest you look at the Blackhawk Serpa holster. It is quick and secure. It uses a locking device that when actuated with the trigger finger of the gun hand will immediately release the gun for a smooth and raid draw. If the situation changes to a non-lethal encounter, you can quickly re-holster and secure your firearm. Blackhawk Serpa Holster: BLACKHAWK ! BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster - Active Retention - Matte Finish Regards, Defensor Pacis __________________ Evil triumphs when good people do nothing!* Train Hard, Fight Easy!

July 21st, 2008, 02:52 PM	#9
NCHornet Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mt Airy, NC Posts: 1,846	The Serpa's are pretty bulky depending on your build. I suggest looking at the Bianchi Carry Loc . It is by far the best OWB holster I have found in 12 years of CCing. The retention release is placed in such a way you naturally hit it when drawing the weapon. The last thing I wanted was something to slow my draw and this doesn't at all. I can't say the same for a strap!! The retention device has many pluses and I haven't found any negatives. I have tried a lot of OWB holsters in 12+ years and the Carry Loc is by far the best. NCH __________________ When Seconds Count, The Cops Are Just Minutes Away!! Carry On! NCHornet

July 21st, 2008, 05:36 PM	#10
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	LEOs normally carry retention holsters on duty, and since they are used to that method, it is best to carry all the time. But I do not think a CCW needs it. My holsters are tight enough so that even an altercation would not dislodge them. I had a friend give me a leather holster with a thumb break. When I carry it I always forget to use the thumb break and fumble with it. An LEO wears his gun unconcealed, and must protect from snatching. I don't have that problem, and also don't get into altercations. If I did I would have to call "time" and take a squirt of nitro. My view is that it is not necessary, and may be a liability, but if one wants to use it do so all the time so that the draw will be natural with it. Regards, Jerry

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