ClipDraw report: LCR 357

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Collector0311

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I've been wearing my LCR 357 on an adhesive ClipDraw for about two months now. I'm not sure I'll really see the need for a holster anymore outside of open carry. I've found the convenience of grabbing my weapon and throwing it in my waistband sans holster is quite appealing. No adjustments, no special belts, just grab'n'go. The 3M double sided tape that comes with it really brings you confidence. I stuck the ClipDraw to my garage wall and hung a 25lb dumbbell from it for a week with no sign of weakening in the Texas spring heat and humidity. I'm a former Marine and 27yr old central Texas resident with a very active and athletic type lifestyle, and this piece has fit me perfectly. Whether its shorts and a tanktop for frisbee golf, or khakis and a button up on Sunday morning.
I've heard the whole argument of an open trigger guard and I get it, believe me I do. But my nylon holster gives me two pieces of fabric on either side of the weapon, just like my jeans and boxers do. If you're worried about the weapon going off, then don't stick your finger in the trigger guard. Simple as that. (Or get a mic holster, I'll talk about that one in the auto loaders section when I review the ClipDraw on my Glock 21)
All naysayers aside, the benefits of the ClipDraw outweigh the disadvantages IMO. Ease of use and wear, lack of holster means noticeably smaller all around package, nothing screwing into the frame on this one, and multiple adhesive strips (not that you'll need all of em) that hold in the sweat and heat of a midday jog, or out to dinner and a movie.
The drawbacks I've discovered so far, and I expect there to be a few more as time affects my honeymoon bias:
The adhesive isn't cut the same size as the plate that sits on the frame. I had to trim it and that was annoying.
The plate is oversized by about 1/16th of an inch and sits just barely on the grip. It doesn't affect anything in the slightest, but I like a clean flush fit.
The clip itself sits in a slightly open position so there is no "clasping" tension. Pics will explain.
The raw edges of the gun on your skin can be SLIGHTLY irritating, but if you grab a straw and suck it up you'll be just fine. Really it's no great bother, just a reminder the gun is there.
Finally I wish that it were more tucked shirt friendly. It works, but it could be better.
My impressions of the ClipDraw on my LCR have sold me on the silver screw in version for my Jframe. Reviews on that to come. Also I will be reviewing the ClipDraw on my Glock over at auto loaders for an opinion on how it works with a full size.
Hope this helps make up someone's mind on whether or not to pick it up or pass it up.

-Brandon
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Look forward to how you like it after more wear. I am surprised there is no tension on the clip.
 
I put a clip-draw on my J frame. It would not stay in place; kept moving up far enough to come completely out of the waistband. Had to take it off.
 
That's odd. I haven't had any problems with the LCR riding up. Hopefully that problem doesn't materialize on my JFrame
 
Surprisingly though the lack of tension doesn't have any effect. The hogue grip and my belt tight enough keeps it really snug
 
The riding up trouble could be due to my diameter; that and the fact I don't enjoy appendix carry. The clip doesn't hold well at the 4:00 position especially.
 
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Your opinion of using "clips" for securing a gun will change when it hits the concrete and bounces a few times. They are not secure enough to keep a gun on you. I won't even trust one on a knife or a keyring anymore.:cool:
 
After another couple of months, I'm still very happy with this purchase. The only thing I would add is that I would recommend only using this style of carry between 10-2 o'clock on your body. The reasons for this being, your front is much more sensitive and can discern the slightest movement in the weapon. And when you lean forward, you're actively holding the weapon in place with your midsection (which may not be suitable for gentlemen with larger midsections) rather than effectively pulling the weapon out of your waistband in a rear carry. Still have had zero issues with unwanted lateral travel on the waistband, and the weapon has never been close to falling or coming unsecured. At this point I still stand by the advantages outweighing the disadvantages.
 
Glad to here someone other then me likes the clipdraw. I have been using one on my S+W 340pd for years. Easy on easy off. I also use the universal one with the tape and that tape works! I here the some comment (you'll shoot your boys off) carrying like that. The 340pd has a 10-12 trigger pull. Now the Glock a different story.*
 
So with the grip basically halfway inside your pants, how do you expect to get a good purchase on it when it matters? Rides waaaaay to low to be of use. And I do t care what anyone says, they are not secure. Tightening your belt as much as possible is not "retention".
 
I do, actually. About an hour and a half's worth with my mothers Charter Arms before I decided that there was not any retention, and the gun wouldn't sit still in my waist band, and I did not feel it was safe. She no longer uses it, either after a weeks worth of use. She's a patient woman.
 
I love the minimalist aspect, but not having the trigger covered just gives me the heebie-geebies.
 
That sucks that the ClipDraw doesn't work for you, smalls. But you can't just say there's "no retention" after your 10 minute trial period. I've worn three versions of it on two wheel guns and an auto and have had no problems. Like I said, I'm a very active person and this style of carry suits me very well. That's my decision, that's my prerogative.

As for riding too low in the pants, I think you're selling yourself short on your physical capabilities. After some practice, repetition, and patience, drawing with this style of carry is as simple as any other, and it gives me confidence. And after spending my past 5 years in the Marine infantry I have a little clout when it comes to talking about feeling safe and confident in the abilities of myself and my equipment. This is not some cute piece of metal I decided to throw on my weapon as a trend, and I wouldn't be recommending it if it were. There was a lot of time and thought put into this.

I keep hearing this thing about an uncovered trigger, but explain to me how two pieces of fabric covering the trigger guard (pants on one side, boxers on the other) is any different than two pieces of fabric covering the trigger guard (your choice of holster)
If you're that uncomfortable with where you're placing your hands, then this style of carry is not for you. But IMO, carrying requires a constant attention to the position and condition of your weapon, and if you have that, you'll have no problem with the ClipDraw.
 
But you can't just say there's "no retention" after your 10 minute trial period.

Sure I can. There clip isn't bent inwards like one is on a pocket knife.

If I put on s flimsy nylon holster I'd tell you there's no retention in 2 seconds, too. Both types rely on your belt being tight in order for the weapon to not fall out. That's not holster retention.
 
I'm not a big fan of the screw on Clipdraw. I prefer the universal as I can adjust the depth.....and I can especially do this if I get out the dremel and shorten the length of the bar closest to the grip. Here is a pic of my 10+ year old Clipdraw on my Smitty 340 M&P.

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I can use the ClipDraw with or without a belt just fine. It's personal opinion, and your opinion doesn't change my experience or the effectiveness of the product.
 
Look at that, 10 years of wear and still using it.
That's sure something to me.
I'm turning myself into the holster and negating the need for an extra piece of gear. I get it if its not your favorite, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work.
 
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