To thumb break or not to thumb break

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presspuller

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I am new to the carry scene. I am looking at holsters and am torn between having a thumb break or not. Having one makes senses but not having one make for a thinner holster it seems.
Which way do I go?
What are you guys opinions?
 
If it's for an open carry holster, get a thumb break. If it's for a concealed or competition holster, no thumb break.
 
presspuller, you didn't mention what kind of pistol it was for. I carry a 1911 and have carried both thumbreak and open top, but the thumbreak holster I carry is designed for cocked and locked carry which is how I carry my 1911.

What pistol will you be carrying?
 
presspuller, since the PT11 is DA only I would think you could go with either thumbreak or open top. The only differentiator for me would be if you were going to be involved in any activity that would make it more likely for the gun to fall out of an open top holster, i.e. jogging, bike riding, etc. In those instances I would opt for the extra retention of a thumbreak holster.
 
styles/uses for weapon security..

It all depends on a few issues; clothes, lifestyle, speed, security, etc..

If you want a fast high speed draw then go with an open top.
If you plan to wear it concealed but may have it in open carry from time to time or want more security or work/carry weapons near suspects/criminals as part of your job then I'd suggest a well made thumb break/level 2 style rig. ;)

If you may need to run/move quickly while wearing concealed weapons you should get a level 2/secured holster style too. You do not want to jump/climb/run and then watch your $500/600/700.00 pistol fall out and slide down the street...:uhoh:.

The Blackhawk SERPA design is very popular, ;). It's a level 2 style plastic holster that's low cost, secure, long lasting, and conceals well.
www.blackhawk.com
Galco, www.usgalco.com and Desantis make new secured concealment rigs that have got DHS/ICE(US Homeland Security) contracts. Safariland makes great synthetic holsters/carry gear too; www.safariland.com .
What ever you pick make sure you also buy a well made/quality belt too, ;). Cheap belts will cause problems and may prevent a smooth fast draw in a critical incident.
Rusty
 
#1 on the Blackhawk Serpa! I sometimes use one and it is my second favorite rig next to my Galco hi-ride thumbreak. I just wish they made it for more models of pistols. Rusty is right on the belt too. That's something that I need to address.
 
I like a snapping strap when I carry shorter barreled pistols, for example a 3" 1911. There isn't a lot a steel sticking down into the holster. If I carry a 4.25" or 5" I am not as concerned.
 
I've owned both types before.

Wa dead set against open top holsters for CCW, but found that
fewer makers offer thumbreaks every year.

Been a year or so since my High Noon Slide Guard arrived.
It has an adjustable tension screw and has not been a problem in any way for me to carry or re-holster my RAMI.
novram.jpg

My fears of the gun tumbling out into public view have long subsided.

I recently did a Review of another High Noon product.
A finely handcrafted and deeply molded paddle holster
in natural horsehide for my new Ruger SP101 .357.
905.jpg

I'm still deeply impressed with the holster, and will be ordering a Speedy Spanky for my RAMI.
HighNoon357-5.jpg

More Info:
http://www.angelfire.com/amiga/hakan/CZRAMISlideGuard.html
http://www.angelfire.com/amiga2/czid/HighNoon-SP101.html
 
I carry an XD and I don't keep a strap on it. I carry in the waist, and my belt itself holds it snug against my body. It isn't going anywhere unless I want it to.

If you're carrying outside of the waist, look into something like a Serpa. But for the waist.... it just turns into a suicide strap ;)
 
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