Is thumb snap retention needed for appendix carry?

[Tallbald]

I've pocket carried a 3 inch SP101 for years comfortably in a leather holster. The trouble I have seen over time and use is that accessing my revolver from a sitting position is difficult in a truck or even sitting in a restaurant. I want to try an IWB holster for appendix carry at times so I can address those problems.
I'm an occasional motorcycle (really folks a scooter) rider during nice weather and always worried that anything but pocket carry might allow my gun to get lost hopping out when going over a bump or some such thing. I really don't see thumb break features on IWB holsters much. To those who IWB appendix carry I ask, do you find that your weapon works itself out much without snap retention? Don

 

[Hometeached1]

I have only carried AIWB for 5 days now so not a long time, not a problem with it coming out of the holster and I'm pretty active.
Holster is kydex, made by sidearmor.

 

[Hometeached1]

Delete. Double post.

 

[JTQ]

...always worried that anything but pocket carry might allow my gun to get lost hopping out when going over a bump or some such thing.

I suspect it depends on the holster. I would not think a gun would fall out of a good holster even without a thumb break.

In a thread on another forum, one of the forum members was involved in a crash while riding his motorcycle. He hit a Ford F-250 at 45 MPH. His holster was practically destroyed, but the gun stayed in the holster. He was carrying a SIG P220, and was using a Mitch Rosen ARG-DL, which does not have a thumb break.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I've carried a Glock 19, 26, cz p01 and a few others appendix carry. Appendix carry is not for everyone. If you have a flat belly, you can carry dang near anything concealed...right up unto the barrel length drives it into uncomfortable bits. As long as the holster and belt were quality, I had no issue whatsoever and I'm an active guy. Kydex or leather, but leather holsters were infinitely more comfortable. That's not to say Kydex is uncomfortable, but leather feels better for me.

 

[ForumSurfer]

One more thing, I really like the way appendix carry leaves you open to draw from pretty much every conceivable position.

What I don't like is complicating practice. Reholstering requires your utmost attention. If you do it, I suggest snap caps and a ton of dry fire presentation drills.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Not carrying in public yet but have hundreds of hours carrying/training on The Farm and at home. I carry Appendix and use High Noon Holsters stuff exclusively so far. Primarily a Beretta Px4 SC and now a Glock 26 both in Hidden Ally holsters.

https://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Hidden_Ally/hidden_ally.html

I have climbed hills, run, fallen down, sat and even driven with my guns (on private property) and never had one come out of the holster or even get loose to the point I'd worry about it. The belt over the gun, in the holster, and the tension adjustment make it very comfy and keep the guns where they belong.

+1 on the flat belly making it a preferred carry option - I lost 30 pounds to pull it off. Also, it takes two hands and a very deliberate approach/mindset. If I screw up with my G26, I'll take a 9mm to a place I will not likely survive. I really like Appendix carry but one has to train very seriously starting from day one. There is no room to screw up. Start training with an empty gun to practice drawing and presentation as already stated and do it right about 3000 times before you move to a loaded gun.

VooDoo

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

IMO you don't need extra retention on a concealed holster. A friction fit is more than sufficient to keep the gun in place in normal daily activities. A properly fitted holster will accomplish this, even if you turn it upside down and shake it a little bit. http://highnoonholsters.com/_Questions/_questions.html#28 Yet a quick and smooth grasp and tug on the gun will pull it right out. For motorcycle riding, if you ride on the street and not fast in dirt with a lot of hills and bumps, you won't have a problem with your gun coming out of the holster.

 

[Old Fuff]

A lot depends on the design, and the material used to make the holster. But you will have an advantage if you carry a revolver and the holster is molded around the cylinder.

To Add: Bianchi International make a rig called the "Pistol Pocket" that is an IWB and has a thumb break retainer.

 

[tomrkba]

I have AIWB'd handguns for six or seven years now. I have never used a holster with a retention strap. The holster's tension screw should be enough.

Unload the gun, put it in the holster and do a 100 yard dash over turf. Next, try rolling around a bit. It should stay holstered. If it passes both tests, the tension is sufficient.

If you are worried about ND'ing while holstering, solve the problem by removing the holster, put the gun in the holster, and place the entire unit on your belt.

 

[ForumSurfer]

FYI I also fell in a stream in the NC mountains and the river carried me about 40 yards before I got out. Even after banging around on rocks, the Glock was still there.

 

[JTQ]

Even after banging around on rocks, the Glock was still there.

You've got to stop teeing up softball's like that. It's takes a lot of restraint not to comment on that one.

It is an excellent point about the retention offered by a holster without a thumb break though.

 

[wadeestes]

I have had no problems at all with kydex holster appendix carry... with a Ruger LCP or a 3" 1911 in 45 and 9mm. If you have your belt snug, as is required, you won't have any problems... at least I haven't.