I recenly picked up a 2.5" Model 66 and I am trying to figure out which holster to go with. I like the looks of the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake and it has gotten very good reviews. I plan on ordering the IWB straps just in case I want to try and carry that way.

My question is about the hammer strap and if I should order it or not. From pictures it looks like the gun sits in the holster fairly secure and the strap really would not be needed. I would like to hear opinions of those who have the strap and those that don't.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Person

I have long believed that the presence of a strap, flap or snap on a holster indicates the basic design is not secure enough...and consequently should be avoided.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I have Sourdoughs for 2 of my K Frame revolvers. The guns fit securely and retaining straps are not needed. I didn't order them and see no need for them with normal use.

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William

I agree, the strap is pretty superfluous with this holster. I think you could hang upside down and bounce without a strap and the gun would not fall out.

That is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks for the info!

Person

Unless you ride saddle broncs or make a living on a trampoline, you shouldn't need the strap.

I carry a j-frame in a SR holster without a strap on ATV's and saddle horses on the ranch without fear of losing the gun.

I have one that was made for a 3-inch K-frame, and carry a 2-inch 64, 2-1/2-inch 66, or 3-inch 65 in it. The holster does not have the retention strap but I did order it with the snap-on/off loops. All three guns fit well and are very secure. You can't go wrong!

I ordered the retention strap for my SP101. I have since removed it because the holster fits the gun so securely.

I have 4 Simply Rugged holsters with no retention straps and they all retain the guns just fine.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

I think that's just the point, though. Attacks can be sudden and unannounced. And violent. Attackers often aren't the gentlemanly type and usually don't observe the rules of fair play. Supposed you fall or are knocked to the ground, have to roll or otherwise manuever to avoid kicks and punches from multiple assailants. Finally you have a chance to grab your handgun and OOPS! all you've got is an empty holster. The gun came out somewhere in all the rolling, twisting, and fighting. That could get embarrasing...

My SR holster does seem to hold my revolver very well. And I'm certainly no combat expert, I don't even play one on tv. But I can see value in a strap or other positive retention system.

Just trying to show another side to this discussion...

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You're shy a few manners.

I got the strap on the holster for my 686+, only because I could and figured this would be the closest I'd ever get to a full custom holster. That said, it's really not needed. The good thing about it is that it doesn't cost much, and it's removeable if you don't like it.

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"I'm your huckleberry."

Jack Flash,

You have a good point, but I suspect if you are attacked violently enough or have to do all of the stuff you describe and survive it, you don't need a gun. You just need a big ol stick!!

I have been knocked for a loop a couple of times in right-of-way disputes with 1000 pound cows and not lost the gun.

Each of us has to live within our own comfort zone, that's why Rob provides straps if you want them.

I agree with the other replies and would add that the SR holsters tend to become MORE secure as they are worn and the holster begins to conform to your body. At least that's my experience. Make sure you have a good holster belt too, not just a pants belt; it'll aid the holster in holding onto your gun.

Iggy, you're probably right. One punch or kick might be sufficient to send me to the promised land.

Still, if the Good Lord allowed me to survive the initial onslaught, I would hope to be able to show the miscreants the error of their ways with something other than my finger... or even a big ol stick.

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You're shy a few manners.

Thanks again for the info. I am going to order it without the strap.

I have a Wilderness Instructor belt (5 stitch) which has worked pretty good for me in the past.

Thanks,

Person

I have 2-no straps needed.Straps get in the way IMHO.SR's are great.


Let me add this-i carry with SR in the woods,etc.For CCW,i carry without a holster,crossdraw.

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WALSTIB

I just placed my order for a Sourdough Pancake with the IWB straps. I can't wait until it arrives.

Later,

Person

Agree 100%

Straps are great... as long as you also see the value in training using them. A lot.

A strap that's easy to release in front of the bathroom mirror, can be a little more difficult to release under pressure. The kind of pressure that's hard to duplicate in training.

Most police field training officers can tell stories of watching your trainee fumble getting their gun out their holster, the first time they're confronted with an "oh ****" situation. And those are mostly younger folks, with good reflexes, that just finished spending 4 to 6 months drawing and shooting.

I have several of the SR holsters. I can't imagine losing a gun out of one, under anything less than very extreme circumstances.

Three SR pancakes, none of them have a strap and none of them need a strap. The only way a pistol would fall out is if someone held me upside down and shook me hard.

I carry my 3" 625 in an SR. It holds the gun VERY well. But I did order the strap and I use it, but I am a cop, not only that I am like Inspector Cluseau(Cluso?), I suspect everyone, trust no one-looked in the mirror this morning and thought I looked shifty.
If you are not in a situation where you are unlikely to be in a struggle over a gun grab, the no strap is fine. On the other hand, like those guys in the DeNiro movie about Vegas, "why take a chance".

I recently ordered two of these and couldn't be more happy. I opted not to have straps. Both guns are N frames...a 4" & 8 3/8" and they sit down in the holsters nicely. I have no fear of one slipping out a bit. I love the nice high coverage of these.

Every holster I own has a strap except my SR. With that I don't see the need.

I have one for my 696 and it works fine, plenty secure w/o safety strap. Did order the IWB straps and they work fine also. The only thing that I'm learning is to holster my revolver with one hand. I have to start the barrel & when I get to the cylinder make a twisting motion and then it slides on in. Really not much trouble to do.

Surprised that no pictures have been posted t actually show how the pancake retains the gun. Here's mine, with my Pre-27 in it. The way the holster covers the gun it is nearly impossible for the gun to "accidentally" fall out. I am well satisfied with mine.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I think the best way to address this question of straps or not is from a real expert holster maker. Rob Leahy, the holster maker and proprietor of Simply Rugged states;

"I do not encourage the Hammer Strap for general carry. If you sky dive, fly high G acrobatics or ride motorcycles inside a metal cage,THEN you might need a hammer strap. My holsters are designed and built to retain your pistol when worn on a proper belt without a mechanical latch or strap."

Citation of page: Leather gun holster, concealed carry holster - Simply Rugged Holsters? - Proudly made in the USA
(just below the pictures)

I have three sourdough pancakes, none have the straps. I see no need for them since I gave up motorcycle cage riding weeks ago.

Two SR Sourdough Pancakes and one SR Long Hunter, and none of them have, or need, retention straps.

Rob's holsters are the best on the market.

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Only a cold warrior

Mine was shipped yesterday so I am crossing my fingers it gets here tomorrow. If not it will be Tuesday because of the holiday.

I completely agree. Very secure hold on my N-frames in mine.

I'll keep buying these.