[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

In a perfect world, what would you prefer to see law-enforcement & civilians using for retention, in light of your own personal level of concern with criminals snatching OC guns from each category of carrier, or lack thereof?

See Poll.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Also, if you voted for #3, 5, 7, or 9, preferring a slightly higher level of retention for non-LEOs, please explain your reasoning. Do you feel as though an LEO is less likely to be attacked, due to the deterrent effect of the uniform, possible partner, and their radio for backup? Or due to their requirement of at least *some* conditioning level to get on the force, and anti-snatch training, which would allow them to fend off the attack better, on average? Or some other reason, or some combination of above? The reason I bring up "less likely to be attacked" rather than "more likely to actually fend off the attack" is because it seems to me that a snatch of a gun with little/no retention could happen without the necessity of winning a grappling match - just a simple stealth snatch before the victim knows what happened. Now *IF* there is a higher level of retention, that would buy enough time to actually cause a grappling match to determine the winner, in which case conditioning and training would come into play. But no amount of conditioning or training could prevent the stealth snag in a loud public place from behind when there is no level of retention such as an ordinary snug-fit CCW holster worn openly.

[freakshow10mm]

Whatever they feel comfy with. I prefer a tension plus thumbstrap or SERPA type lock for my open carry holsters.

[crashbuell]

We use level III Safariland holsters, and with the right practice, allows you to present your piece as quick and an open top holster. I had a little over 100 pulls before I got really slick with it. That is, unsnapping twice, tilting and canting, all while pulling the weapon out. I simultaneously unsnap using a downward stabbing motion using my thumb on one snap and my middle finger on the other. It's kind of tricky, but worth the effort for the added benefit of greater retention.

[Shawn Dodson]

None for private citizens. I believe citizens should NEVER carry openly. There's more to lose than gain. You lose tectical surprise. Your visible gun may attract unwanted attention: mentals, drunks, drugged, gang members who'll taunt you knowing you have to play by the rules, etc. I've carried since 1984 with no retention holster.

Level I - III for LEO, depending on preference. I carried a Beretta 96FS in a Safariland 0705 level III holster on police patrol.

[JesseL]

None for private citizens. I believe citizens should NEVER carry openly. There's more to lose than gain.

Are you saying it's unwise for people to open carry, or that it should be illegal?

I suggest you look over this post:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=371028

Most of the objections to open carry range from unlikely to myth, and are unheard of in the real world. Nine years of open carry experience hasn't convinced me that it's so bad.

Back on topic, I think at least a thumb strap is prudent for anyone carrying a visible sidearm.

[polekitty]

In my state it has for years been legal to carry in olpen with no license. I only discovered that when I went for my CCDW license! But, they tell us now that we can carry concealed they don'twant us to carry in open because it gets the natives excited. Of couse, if Obabma has his way---he said he was going to outlaw concealed carry, if he can't do away with 2d amendment----I guess we'll all carry openly!! But, I'd prefer hiding it.

[conwict]

I didn't vote because I don't know what the different "Levels" are...but I open carried for a while with an Uncle Mike's Sidekick with a "snap" strap I had to use my middle or first finger to unsnap.

I don't mind other people doing it, but I now prefer concealed. Honestly, and frankly, I had a ton of uncomfortable situations getting gas late at night. Yeah, I know, "Just don't be there"...but I was there, and it was tense as hell being in a crime-ridden area and stared down.

I made some other posts touting OC before these experience sunk in...to each his own though.

[bwavec]

Personal freedom to choose.

[Prepster]

I love open carry, but only do it roughly 25% of the time. My OC holsters for my G19 and my PPK are both open top leather, no strap, lock, etc. Open carry forces you to have enhanced situational awareness (you should always be alert, but with CC it's easy to slack off), and I think that will go miles further than even a level III Serpa would. However, if I know I'm going to a really crowded place, it's usually going to be CC for that day.

I must respectfully disagree with the tactical surprise argument for concealed carry. Most of us are not undercover LEOs who need the surprise element, I think it's much more valuable to avoid looking like a soft target. A visible weapon will most likely spoil a meal for a predator, IMHO.

[The Bushmaster]

What ever eats your shorts and blows yer socks off...That said...Retention is your responsibility...

My open carry holsters have either a thumb break, hammer strap (loop) or snap strap infront of the cocked and locked hammer...