hayzor

Open carry question about type of holster commonly used.
My concern is that someone could make a grab for my handgun – pull it out of the holster if it does not have a retention device.
Is that a concern for anyone else?? Obviously I need to be aware of my surroundings, but I don’t think it is possible to keep a 2-3 ft no person perimeter around me in crowded areas.
I probably will not feel comfortable OCng until I get a holster w/ a retention device ie. Blackhawk serpa or something similar.
Do you OC’ers use holsters w/ or w/o retention device/straps and why or why not??

Thanks
Hayzor

Pro2A

I have a Blackhawk SERPA. It locks your gun in place and could probably hold your weight if you were hung upside down from it. Yet it easily can be drawn if needed. I would check it out.

In addition being aware of your surroundings is a bonus, and something you should always be doing. More so when you are OC.

Bunny

I just got one today with the thumbreak. Personally, I try very hard to keep folks at at least 3 feet from me at all times. I don't like anyone in my "personal bubble" and if it's too crowded, I tend to leave. But yes, being aware goes a very long way when OCing. Also, how fast does someone have to be to grab your gun and get it out of its holster before you can reach down and stop them? (Note: Hammer Fist to the forearm tends to hit a very important nerve and should stop anyone in their tracks)

I hope that didn't come out sounding snotty, it wasn't meant to be. Just some thoughts.

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SubNine

I have open carried using a leather holster with nothing more than a screw that adjusts for retention. If you have good situational awareness and know what is going on around you at all times, someone wanting your gun probably won't try and reach for it. The Serpa holsters are popular for open carry due to their retention system.

FWIW I've never heard of any reports where someone open carrying was disarmed by another individual. If you're really concerned about retention you can get a level III duty holster which has at least two retention devices that need to be disengaged to draw the gun, and just attach it to a duty belt and use belt keepers. I personally do not like thumb breaks unless it is on a shoulder holster.

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kpw

No, I don't like alternating drawing methods. If I regularly carried around large crowds, I'd consider it.

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retsupt99

Well, in FL CC prevents one from displaying his firearm and thus retention in a crowd is not a problem.
If in AZ, where OC is allowed, you could easily avoid your perceived difficulties by using a cover garment.
As a civilian, I still would not worry about weapon retention when carried on the strong side. Awareness around you is important...I would not be concerned with someone focused upon grabbing my weapon as much as I would focus on that same person just getting too close to me.

Stay armed...stay alert and always have a 'plan'...stay safe!

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JerryM

I almost never carry OC, but my holsters are tight enough so that if not grabbed at the correct angle the gun could not be drawn except with great force. If they could finally get the gun unholstered I would be in bad shape anyway. Not a worry for me when I do OC on the way to and from the range, and if I stop off for a sandwich on the way back.

I don't believe anyone could simply get close and grab my gun out of the holster. They are just too tight.

However, this is one of the objections to OC. Except for the range trips I do not OC.

Regards,
Jerry

varob

SERPA seems to be the way to go if you are worried about retention.

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Agave

I stand constantly with my forearm on weapon when I am around anyone. A lot of times, I do it even when I trust everyone around. Before, I OCed in a SERPA and still did so.

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archer51

I use the same holster for OC as I do for CC. Always worn IWB so it is pulled in close to the body. My weapon fits tightly in the holster and is not easliy pulled from the holster unless pulled straight up. Pulling from the rear or the front makes it almost imposible to get the weapon out.