Yaqui-Style Open-Snout Holsters

[BerettaNut92]

I'm thinking about getting one of those universal one size fits all holsters for when I get a 1911 so I can carry a 5" as a range beater/trainer/competition gun and a 4.25" Commander style for carry.

Will the front sight snag on the tip of the holster since this style of holster leaves the snout exposed?

 

[10-Ring]

Skunk - I've got one. Used it for my first couple of IDPA matches. My concern was snagging my front sight too, but it never happened even w/ my clumsy technique

 

[JPM70535]

Skunk,

In the past, I used a belt slide something similar to what you are asking about. Mine was made by Safariland IIRC and had a thumb snap retainer. It was molded for a 1911 and worked fairly well. Wirn under a light jacket or an untucked shirt it did a fair job of concealing the weapon. Biggest fault was the thumb snap, I finally ended up leaving it unsnapped, Never had a problem snagging the front sight. I retired it when I got my first quality IWB. They hold the weapon so much closer and don't really interfere with the draw Can't say about the universal ones.

 

[BluesBear]

Galco makes several really nice open muzzle holsters.

These two are almost half-holsters - nice bone molded, form fit.

Silhouette (has a thumb break)
Quick Slide (no strap)


Then they have these two smaller ones.

Jak Slide - carries gun between belt and trousers

Yaqui Slide - they also make it as the Yaqui Paddle

Plus they make nice matching mag pouches and belts.

 

[jc2]

My major concern with "Yaqui Slide" style holster has always been the lack of protection for the muzzle. I am quite often anymore in and out of trucks, on and off tractors, around livestock or trampling through some pretty rough country. I've always been concerned with buggering up my muzzle (and hence accuracy) or ending with a muzzle full of crud when I need my pistol. The Yaqui Slide might be a good range/competition holster, but I need holster not just to carry a weapon but also to offer it some protection. I just don't see a Yaqui Slide as a day to day working holster (at least with my, or any other relatively "active life-style"--maybe if I ever--Lord forbid--get another job where I have to wear a coat and tie).

 

[Smoke]

Skunk - I've got one. My concern was snagging my front sight too, but it never happened even w/ my clumsy technique

Same experience here. I bought a Bianchi just to see if I liked it. (I did ) Its pretty heavy leather, thicker than the G&G, Galco. etc's that I looked at. CHeaper too.

I was pleased with the deal ....but know that I see that paddle it kinda appeals to me too.

Just what I need another dang holster.

Are you seriously coming back to the 1911 Skunk?

 

[1911Tuner]

A Good Alternative

If you want a minimum bulk rig and a thumb break, have a look at the
Bianchi Black Widow.

Luck to ya!

Tuner

 

[George Hill]

That's pretty much what I use when I am not going G-Code. I have been going through guns faster than holsters and I have found that my simple leather belt slide holds everything... well, almost everything. I can carry even my 66 and 696.
Doesn't hold the revolvers as tight to the body as I would like, but it does a good job overall.
Sigs, 1911s, Glocks, XD's, CZ-97, Beretta 92FS... It's carried them all.

It's getting worn out now... and I shall have to replace it eventually... but right now it's only looking like a really worn and beat up holster.

Here is the 696 in it right now. The knife in my pocket is my Kershaw-Onion Boa.

 

[DMK]

For all my 1911s I have a used Yanqui slide that I bought here in the trading post section. I also use a Don Hume slide for my CZ-75 and CZ-40B.

I use them for open carry and range use. They are very light and comfortable. I have never had any glitches drawing or had any retention problems. The Yanqui does have a tension adjustment.

George, it doesn't bother you that your holster leaves the trigger guard unprotected?

 

[Dr.Rob]

Cool thging about the Galco g-slide (now the quick slide) is that it holds a 1911, Commander, BHP or even my Seecamp DA conversion.

I went looking for a Yaqui slide, but found that the Yaqui version left the pistol further away from my hip, ditto with paddle versions.

Over time such a rig will wear the blue off your barrel, as your jeans/pants rub the metal.

Still is a good holster. Haven't found one like if for revolvers that covers the trigger guard, would like to get one.

 

[ACP]

Skunk,

I went through a S&W Academy course with a Colt Combat Commander in a Don Hune JIT ("Just In Time") No. 10 belt slide -- it's very similar to the Yaqui (I used a Galco leather mag. carrier in the class; still do for CCW).

I also have a Blade Tech Kydex OWB for a 1911/Para. that fits a Govt. Model and, of course, the slightly shorter Commander.

Get the kydex, for the following reasons:

1) See my post under "gear" about losing my S&W 19 yesterday on a public playground. It slipped out of the belt slide holster and fell to the ground as I was on some equipment with my daughter. It was suggested on the thread that I get a holster with a thumbbreak, which I canot stand. Too slow.

2) The Kydex fits the 1911 better and has TWO tension adjustment screws. Good for acrobatic stuff.

3) The Kydex is very, very fast, esp. with Blade Tech's front cut out.

4) The Kydex will protect the muzzle and slide, unlike the JIT, which lets the pistol bump on all sorts of things: office desks, store displays, etc.

5) It's silent. Leather can squeak; Kydex doesn't. And Kydex doesn't absorp sweat.

6) Weight difference is imperceptible in my hand.

The Yaqui slide or similar isn't bad, I just feel Kydex is better. FWIW.

 

[George Hill]

Not really. You see, I keep my finger away from it until I am pointing it at something I want to shoot at. This isn't a "duty" holster, so weapon retention issues are not a question. And since this isn't a light triggered Glock, fabric folds wont pull it. Since the cylinder has to spin before the trigger can be pulled back... well... that just aint going to happen.

 

[DMK]

Since the cylinder has to spin before the trigger can be pulled back... well... that just aint going to happen.

Good point. I didn't consider that.

 

[agtman]

In terms of "open-ended" holsters, I happen to like the JAK slide from Galco that BluesBear mentioned.

Aside from having less weight than others, the JAK cants an autoloader at a butt-forward angle, which makes it inherently more concealable, unlike the Yaqui, which holds the gun straight up & down.

Also, with the JAK your belt threads thru the outside of the unit, so that when you tighten it the gun is pulled close, into your body.

Even then the JAK is still an OWB-type holster, so a covering garmet (light coat, long shirt, etc) is recommended by operators who've used it.

My 10mm 1076 often rides in a JAK, especially in cooler weather.



HTH.

 

[fastbolt]

A properly designed and constructed holster of this type won't snag on your front sight ... unless you install a REALLY tall one ...

If this is for lawful concealed carrying, and not just leisurely range enjoyment ...

It WILL expose the front sight to your pants, jacket and vehicle seat, which it will often snag. Also, the exposed front of the slide and muzzle will often allow for some "wicking" of lubricant ... carried downward by gravity, thinned by body heat ... off onto your clothing. This can also expose the open muzzle to dust bunnies and crap from the crack of the vehicle seat.

Lastly, while a decently fitted holster will securely hold the pistol's slide, sometimes sitting down can exert sufficient pressure to dislodge a holstered pistol. It depends on how you sit, and what you're sitting on ... Sometimes even the arm of a chair can create this "fun" experience with an open-end holster of this type ...

It's all relative to what you want ...

 

[BluesBear]

Of course any open end holster is inviting to dust bunnies. And anyone who doesn't check their wepon on a regulat basis deserves dust bunnies, cobwebs and mud daubber nests.

Personally I wear a pancake holster. I have learned how to sit down in a chair without it hanging up on the arms.

The reason I alwayswear a holster with a thumbsnap is, even though I am concerned about someone else grabbing my weapon, is that I am more afraid of tripping over my own big feet and stumbling down the stairs than anything else.

After all, it's now winter in Seattle and that rain gets slick.

No matter what or how you carry, if you slip and bust your buns will your holster retain your weapon? Mine will. Now if my butt was only as well protected as my pistol.

Now I know if you live in sunny southern California you don't have to worry about slippery ice, but you never know, a policitican may have crossed your path...

 

[BerettaNut92]

This will be an IWB, by the way.

Will I get a scar on my right cheek?

 

[BluesBear]

scars?

Only if you have one of those slides with the sissy front groovies.

 

[PCRCCW]

Lots of good info on the Yaqui Slide style holsters. I carry with one when Im gonna be in the right situation. Sitting very little, mainly walking around in cooler weather. Ive never had a problem with the sights getting caught even with slightly larger front sights installed.

I HAVE HAD the gun come out when sitting down/IE/the muzzle gets hit or caught on something and the gun comes up as I come down. Really bad in my old sales car..the seatbelt was in just the wrong place for this holster.

The are a vertical ONLY holster and for that reason most people wear them at 2.30-3.30 strong side. Anyone who's worn these past 3.30 and tried to draw consistantly gets a BAD surprise unless they used to belong to a circus and have double jointed wrists/elbows/shoulders.........

Personally, I still wear one...if the time/situation works with it. When I carry OWB...Its with a Pancake with a highback, about 10-12 deg's of cant and carried at 4.00-4.30......

Shoot well..........

 

[Smoke]

ACP:

5) It's silent. Leather can squeak; Kydex doesn't

Except during the draw then the opposite is true.

Skunk:

This will be an IWB, by the way.

I've NEVER seen an IWB Slide

...are you sure about that? Please supply a link to such a monster....

Smoke

 

[BerettaNut92]

Tactical.

 

[John Forsyth]

I have been using a Milt Sparks NP-2 for a while now. Very happy with it. Distributes the weight well and is fairly quick. Usually I only carry my Commander in it, but I have carried a full size all steel 1911 with no problems.

 

[AZ Husker]

I'd stay with a good IWB for a gov't size. The Commander will work (only 3/4" shorter) and everything is nice and protected.

 

[BluesBear]

Tactical - Yes

Yaqui Style - No

 

[Khornet]

Use on for my P90

A Don Hume slide. Works great, draws in quite snugly, never lost the gun when working etc.

BUT

When reaching up with the strong side, etc. the muzzle can be seen if you're not careful. With a fully enclosed muzzle they'll just see some leather and most folks won't recognize it for what it is, but a pistol muzzle will be recognized pretty easily.