Need help deciding - First holster related

[shadowen]

So, I got my Conceal Carry permit and I'm thinking about what I should do in terms of a holster for my carry weapon (Walther P99). I know I'll probably end up with a bucket full of holsters at some point, but for now, I'm going to attempt to limit it to just one...

I'm planning on carrying at the 4-5 o'clock position and will be going OWB for comfort reasons (I tend to wear button down shirts over a t-shirt and they tend to hang reasonably low so concealing an OWB shouldn't be too much of an issue).

The real question for me now is if I should grab one with or without a thumb break. I've read about some of the pro's and con's and honestly would just go for one without a thumb break, however, I guess I just have some questions about the security of these types of holsters, especially if I carry while riding my motorcycle (though this may be a special case all together anyway).

Right now I'm narrowed down to these three:

http://www.desantisholster.com/stor...action=prepare_detail&itm_id=5497&itm_index=0

http://www.desantisholster.com/stor...action=prepare_detail&itm_id=4243&itm_index=0

http://www.desantisholster.com/stor...action=prepare_detail&itm_id=7766&itm_index=0


Of course if you have any other suggestions, that would be cool too...

 

[Norinco982lover]

I'm going to go ahead and suggest the crossbreed supertuck. I love wearing my XD45C in mine because I don't even notice it is there!

I have worn it on a 3500 mile roadtrip and I have worn it hiking. It really is "that" comfortable. It will break in after about a week and you will love it.

Get the belt too. I did.

~Norinco

 

[lebowski]

I'd probably go without the thumb break.

The only OWB CCW holster I have is a Don Hume H721 OT. It's a pretty good OWB holster, carry's close to the body. I generally carry IWB though because I prefer better concealment than OWB offers.

 

[Sam1911]

For concealed carry, I prefer the Speed Scabbard without the thumb-break. That's what I use for OWB carry of a 1911.

However, for M/C rides, I might change my mind. Depends how securely it sits with my legs up on the pegs of whatever bike you're riding.

If you intend to Open Carry, a thumb-break or some other form of retention holster sure isn't a bad idea.

Always check out Ray's holsters (www.shado.com) for very nice holsters at much lower prices. I've got a DeSantis Speed Scabbard which I like and one from Rays which is better quality...but was $35.

-Sam

 

[bwsmith2850]

Like so many things it's a personal prefrence.

I prefer the thumb break for both CC and open or field carry. I like the extra security if the gun is bumped moving around, driving or subject to vibration. I bumped into the handle of a snowblower once that hit just right on the bottom of an open top holster & popped a pistol on to the floor. Embarassing & dented the grip too. Fortunately it was my garage but not something I wanted to repeat. I've had thumb breaks ever since. Either the thumb break scabbard or the mini slide would work well. It would just depend on if you wanted the bottom of the slide exposed or protected. I currently use a Gould & Goodrich similar to the thumb break scabbard above but without the tension screw. (Which I was going to recommend but I see they don't list one for Walther)

I also know people who use the open top design. The one you liked above does have a retention screw that helps hold the gun in. The one I had my trouble with didn't and I'm sure that was a contributing factor.

See if a shop will let you try one before buying (in the store with one of their unloaded guns, I hate to see them break out in a sweat like that) to see which you prefer.

 

[psyopspec]

I know I'll probably end up with a bucket full of holsters at some point, but for now, I'm going to attempt to limit it to just one...

You're doing one thing that makes that a lot less likely than others new to carry; you're buying quality. There's a lot of great holster makers out there, but what results in the box full of holsters is the tendency to want to go cheap. Better to cry once, and that's what you're doing.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

http://www.desantisholster.com/store...97&itm_index=0

http://www.desantisholster.com/store...43&itm_index=0

http://www.desantisholster.com/store...66&itm_index=0

Of those three, the first (Speed Scabbard) would be my personal choice. I see little need for a retention device on a concealed holster. With a properly fitted open top, you can turn the holstered gun upside down and even shake it a little and it will not fall out. If your cover garment should ride up for whatever reason, the Mini-Slide will expose the bottom of your slide and muzzle instead of just the holster.