Open carry. Which holster?

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SniperStraz

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I've been CCWing for quite a while now and I'm interested in open carry. I'm just tired of covering up. I live in GA where a "Firearms Licence" is issued not a CCL and there is no clause in GA law that prohibits open carry as far as I can tell. So the question is for those of you that have experience open carrying which holsters do you feel comfortable with. Something that can be seen but not gotten to very easily by an attacker. Any thoughts and opinions are welcome. Thanx in advance.
 
Never carry a handgun in a "cheap" holster. It is sure to make you unhappy and not last very long.

Inexpensive might be O K...Maybe...

Quality just can't be beat. There is only one draw back when buying quality holsters. If you don't like the one you chose it will have cost you.

Your choice. Even my Yaqui Slide wasn't cheap.
 
Agreed. Be 100% certain of where and when you can legally open carry first.

For a holster, I would suggest some sort of retention holster, especially if you carry something with no manual safety and no BUG.

I'd also suggest something PRESENTABLE, i.e. Saddle brown leather. Reason being, open carry is a great example to show fence-sitters or antis that polite, clean cut, law-abiding citizens carry guns too. That's my main reason for open carrying when I do, but that's a personal perogative, so take it for what it's worth (to you).

Take a look at the Bianchi CarryLok.
 
Milt Sparks, #200AW

It's only made for revolvers up to 7.5" Bbl. Len.

DId you specify what kind of handgun to open carry?

R-
 
Kind Of Blued said it well, make the holster a nice looking one. Leather is fine, if you want serious retention, I'd suggest a Serpa of some sort, they are very popular in the OC community. Desantis makes some nice leather, they haven't let me down yet. Also, make sure you dress well too. We shouldn't have to modify our behavior to exercise a basic right, but as long as doing so represents a minority, keep it in mind. Enjoy your newfound freedom.
 
I would think that open carry negates any advantage you have in carrying a firearm. If you are getting held up and it is openly obvious you have a firearm, what do you think the assailants first course of action will be? In my opinion, that is all I can offer at this point, it is much better to carry your weapon concealed as it gives you an advantage. You know the assailant is armed, and you can see it. He cannot see your weapon.
 
Thanks guys! Keep it coming. FYI in this particular case we'll just say as an example that the main weapon is a glock and that I am carrying a BUG.
 
Google Milt Sparks

CLick on PRoducts

Choose All other Holsters,

I have the #Axiom in COrdovan - it is a "FBI" or muzzle
slightly to the rear cant. The #55BN, created by Bruce
Nelson can be straight drop, Muzzle fwd, for cross draw or
an FBI Cant it is a bit higher riding than the #Axiom

SOme Milt Sparks Holsters can be had with decorative
stitching, or Sharkskin for detailing.

A matching Milt Sparks Belt supports the weapon well
and makes for a great rig.

Randall
 
Why is it that when someone asks a question about open carry there is someone telling them how wrong it is for them to carry that way? The OP has made the decision on the method of carry and stated a reason. If you aren't answering the question then why reply to the thread?
A high and tight carry seems to be the best for me. Whether or not you want the added retention of a strap is a personal choice. I have had good luck with Don Humes for a reasonably priced leather holster.
 
This thread is rapidly evolving into an OC argument.

Regardless I suggest you get something with retention like a SERPA or thumbsnap.
 
Agreed with "nice leather" (I'm thinking Kramer, m'self) and "thumbsnap or other at least single retention system."

In Florida, when carrying a firearm for duty use, openly on a duty rig, it is required by law to have at least one retention system, either a maneuver (such as forward-and-up) or a positive thumbsnap.

For open carry, I'd follow that recommendation.

You may end up having to purchase up to three holsters to match your choice of clothing..brown for brown/tan, black for black/white/blue, and perhaps cordovan for reds/maroons.

It's your choice to open carry -- now you gotta look good doing it! :D

S
 
Yeah, don't do it, better to hide the guns away so non-gun people never have to know anything about them besides what they read and see on tv.. That way it's even easier to lose our rights becuase as far as the rest of the population knows there aren't that many people with guns anyway!

/sarcasm

gp911
 
I OC about 90% of the time here in eastern WA. I use one of two guns, a Colt Delta ELite which I put in a Blackhawk Serpa CQC. http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum4111.php

It is my first plastic (carbon fiber) holster and paddle holster. I was surprised at how comfortable it is. It can also double as a concealment holster if needed. It doesn't stick out very much further than one designed for concealed carry.

The other gun is a S&W 610 with a 4"barrel. I did a lot of looking and decided on a custom holster by Mike Taurisano http://www.taurisholsters.com/index.cfm

He made my holster in just under 3 weeks. It is a great holster. I went with a tension screw and a thumb break on the one I ordered. He is very helpful, will ask you questions on how you carry and suggest a holster if you don't have one in mind.

bob
 
Not to jump on the bandwagon but I'm not a huge fan of open carry if I have a concealed carry option available. I've carried arms for pay all of my adult life and still carry in retirement. I'm not flaming those who carry openly, I just prefer not to draw attention to my family or myself. Just my personal preference...your mileage my vary.

Now that I'm off my soap box, get some type of security holster. I do like the Serpa. Mount it on a sturdy belt, and practice with whatever rig you chose. Something that I think may have been missed was handgun retention. Usually 20-25 percent of cops who are murdered are shot with their own guns. If you plan to advertise to God and Country that you are carrying, get some training on how to hang on to it.
 
+ 1 on the Blackhawk, comfortable, secure and has a "way cool appeal" according to my 14 year old.
After a couple of years my leather ones do not hold as securely as I would like.
 
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