Training Question - equipment

[parsimonious_instead]

Taking a class in just under a month. I'm "renting" a handgun from the tactical school - I specified a 1911 .45 acp.
It sounds like the class will involve a lot of movement, wall-hugging and groundwork.
The next day will be a tactical carbine class, which probably involves more groundwork, etc and some transitions, since they specified pistol ammo for that course as wel.

Can anyone recommend a good open carry holster and pistol mag holder that would keep the weapon retained well but quickly drawn during said exercises?

I know this sounds strange, but I haven't yet acquired any sort of handgun, and probably won't until a month or two after this class.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Well, I wouldn't buy a holster for a handgun you don't have yet. Unless you're gonna get a 1911. Anyway, I prefer a classic thumb break strong side holster with an open bottom. Not the fastest out there, but they have positive retention and look nice. Same for mag holders; snapped top strap/flap. I carry the pistol 4 O'clock strong side and the mag pouches (when I have them) 8 O'clock weak side, bullets facing backward.

 

[parsimonious_instead]

Mach: I specifically requested a 1911 .45, so I don't mind buying stuff ahead of time. Any suggestions on brands? Uncle Mike's Kydex, perhaps?

 

[NMGonzo]

You will end up with 10 holsters anyhow ... knock yourself out.

 

[oldbear]

Bianchi, El Paso Saddlery, and Don Hume all make good and affordable leather goods.

Now if you really want to be good to yourself order a holster, mag carrier, and matching belt from El Paso Saddlery, with your new 1911 fitted with stag grips, and you will be ready for any South Western BBQ.

 

[Hk Dan]

FOR A RENTAL GUN?

I'd go with a Blackhawk Serpa CQC (no button) for $24.99 rather than the Uncle Mikes. Never liked that holster.

Who is teaching the class?

 

[parsimonious_instead]

HK: I'm taking the class with an instructor at Vermont Tactical. Not sure who the handgun instructor will be, the carbine instructor is supposed to be Gary Leroux, the co-owner of VT Tactical.

 

[Trebor]

Check with the instructor as the odds are if they are providing a handgun they will be providing a holster as well.

If you do buy a holster, do not buy Uncle Mikes or Fobus. They are both cheap and are known to have problems when used hard.

For a Kydex OWB, which would work well in this kind of class, I recommend Blade Tech. There are other good options as well, but I've always had good results with Blade Tech stuff.

But, check with the instructor first: For one thing, did they say they'd provide a 1911, or did you just request one? Not all schools provide all types of handguns.

You'll also want to clarify what equipment you need to provide if they are providing the gun. Will they provide the holster? What about mag pouches? What about ammo?

The minimum you need is a good gun belt. I recommend the Wilderness 5 stitch Instructors belt. Even if they provide the gun and holster, you should have your own belt, hearing protection, and eye protection.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Any suggestions on brands?

I favor Bianchi for store bought stuff. Good quality, reasonable price.

That said, I've been making my own for quite some time. Most production stuff rides too high for a guy who's 5'10 with a 34" inseam. I don't like being poked in the ribs by the beavertail.

 

[psyopspec]

Blackhawk Serpa. When I bought mine it was a little more expensive than Fobus/Uncle Mike's, but it's a better fit, better retention, and can stand up to more. Had mine for 4 years now and am currently wearing it overseas.

 

[strambo]

Confirm a holster will not be provided...then an Uncle Mikes kydex will work. I have used one through 2 combat tours (mainly just on base and training) for my issue M9 (I don't own a personal Beretta).

The Serpa is good too (I've got one of these for my M9 as well for on my gear), but now you are also committing to a very specific retention operating system.
I'd spring for a good mag pouch (es) esp. if you are sure about the 1911 style. Blade-Tec or CompTac are good.

I would not buy expensive holsters right now. Take the course, talk to the instructors, obsreve (even try out?) what everyone else is using and how they like it/how it works for them.

It can be amazing the difference between what you think will be good for you and the reality after trying it.

 

[parsimonious_instead]

Folks, I really appreciate all of the feedback. A quick query to the instructor got me the info that I needed - that I'll be provided with a holster and mag pouches. I should have done that first, admittedly.
I'll be shooting a 1911 .45 acp, most likely a Kimber.
I'll probably get a sturdier belt than the one I wear with my jeans, though.

 

[SWDoc]

Serpa would work fine. Mag pouches, I like Comp-Tac. (I like their holsters, too, but only have one that is OWB and don't use it much).

As for you choice of handgun.... you didn't specify how much experiece w/ diff. pistols/calibers you have, but since you don't own a handgun yet, I will assume it is modest. First, congrats on getting training. Too many people spend a lot of money on hardware, and not enough on training, IMHO.

If the round count is going to be pretty high, and you havee not shot a lot, .45 might not be the best starter training caliber for you. I've seen big 'ol guys show up for an expensive 2 day defensive pistol class w/ a .45, and get beat up enough that it interfered w/ their training. Ammo is more expensive, recoil is heavier, and you can work on recoil management on your own time (and dime) later. Shooting a 9mm is no disgrace in a class, and you might take more away. Ask your instructor what caliber he would recommend for you. He/she will know more of the specifics, like your experience level, the anticipated round count, and what he/she wants you to learn. Same w/ model. Personally I LIKE 1911's, and carry one regularly, but there is a place for striker fired polymers as well, if you want to simplify things. If you are spending much time and concentration adjusting to dealing w/ the slide safety while drawing/presenting/shooting/moving/shooting, you might not take away some of the other skills that your instructor is trying to teach you. It's second nature for me, but when my Glock/XDM/M&P buddies shoot it for familiarization, it plays w/ their heads for a while.

If you are an experienced shooter with lots of trigger time using .45 in 1911 pistols, then none of this applies to you.

In any case, have a great class, and again, congrats on getting the training.

Steve

 

[Warhawk83]

SWDoc, I've shot .380 all the way to 45, and the .45 was a pussycat compared to the .40. Just saying.

 

[possum]

i have been to several handgun and carbine courses, i have used a blade tech OWB paddle holster for the times that i went owb. they are tough and they will out last the owner.

 

[Sunray]

"...you should have your own belt, hearing protection, and eye protection..." Absolutely. The belt you use is just as, if not more important, than the holster. Has to be stiff enough so the holster and mag pouches don't move. A thick leather belt, done up tight, will do.
I make all my own kit(leather) now, but I'm still partial to Uncle Mike's ballistic nylon holsters. Inexpensive stuff that works.
"....45 might not be the best starter..." Depends on the ammo and if a .45 fits the hand. Even hot .45 loads have less muzzle blast than hot 9mm a loads. I'd rather shoot my Colt than my Inglis.

 

[possum]

Blackhawk Serpa. When I bought mine it was a little more expensive than Fobus/Uncle Mike's, but it's a better fit, better retention, and can stand up to more. Had mine for 4 years now and am currently wearing it overseas.

be careful with a serpa there are a few schools that don't allow them in thier courses. just a heads up.

 

[parsimonious_instead]

After-action report:
Gary, the owner of VT Tactical, had a lovely Kimber ready for me, complete with a decent holster (Kydex?) and mag pouches for me to use. When the Kimber started experiencing weak firing pin strikes, he swapped it out for a Rock River.
I fired about 550 rounds through the pistol I rented, but didn't feel anything until the day after the two classes were completed - strong hand and forearms were really sore/beat-up support hand much less so. Pain/discomfort disappeared in a day.
Excellent classes, glad I did 'em.
Thank you for all of your input.

 

[possum]

glad that everything worked out. good job going out and training.