Opinions on retention snaps for exposed hammer revolvers?

[rainbowbob]

I am fairly new to CC and have acquired a nice older model j-frame. I have ordered a Don Hume IWB holster with retention strap.

What are your opinions please on using a holster (either IWB or OWB) with/without a retention snap for a revolver with an exposed hammer?

In my mind, the issues are:

1. More secure retention of firearm under all circumstances. Has anyone experienced losing control of their firearm because they did not have a strap?

2. Little chance of accidentally cocking hammer. Has anyone ever accidentally cocked their weapon in the holster? If that happened, what are the chances of it accidentally discharging in the holster? Has anyone had THAT experience?

4. Is drawing from a holster with a retention strap significantly slower than one without?

3. Assuming your holster has a re-enforced top that doesn't collapse - is re-holstering a problem with a retention strap?

 

[Old Dog]

1. More secure retention of firearm under all circumstances. Has anyone experienced losing control of their firearm because they did not have a strap?

For daily concealed carry in a normal suburban or urban setting, you should not need a thumbbreak or other type of retention strap. A quality holster offers more than adequate retention characteristics. You are not going to be hanging upside down, getting involved in foot pursuits and jumping fences or performing acrobatics, i.e., flips or cartwheels, right?

2. Little chance of accidentally cocking hammer. Has anyone ever accidentally cocked their weapon in the holster?

Again, with a proper holster, this would be very difficult to perform ... Assuming you're carrying a revolver or DA/SA auto, hammer-down, it's difficult to see how you could inadvertently cock the hammer.

4. Is drawing from a holster with a retention strap significantly slower than one without?

With regular practice (and an UNLOADED firearm), no.

is re-holstering a problem with a retention strap?

Not really, but just adds an extra step should you feel compelled to re-snap your thumbbreak.

Bottom line, if it makes you feel better to have a thumbbreak retention on your holster, go for it. If you're regularly packing while on horseback, snowmobile, skiis, hiking/climbing, explore your options. But any high-quality leather or kydex holster will offer more than enough retention for almost all daily concealed carry needs.

 

[GRIZ22]

I have a DeSantis Speed Scabbard for every handgun I carry. This design does not have a retention strap and I've used it for over 20 years without any retention problems. It holds it tight enough for jumping, running, rolling in the streets, etc.