BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

[crazyphil]

I have always preferred open top holsters, especially for concealed
carry. When I want to get my gun out in a hurry, I don't want to
be messing with a thumb snap.

Well, a while back I became obsessed with the "pull-thru" snap.
We can have a snap over the gun for retention, but it can be
pulled as if there is no strap or snap. I consider that the best
of both worlds.

I believe that Chic Gaylord probably made the first pull thru snap
with his Treasury Thunderbolt. A while back JayCeeNC posted a
Thunderbolt. But after careful study of the "stitch signature" we
concluded that the exact copy was made by Seventrees. The
thread is titled Maker Specific Gaylord - Seventrees, if you want
to Search for it.

What's the downside? I have read that some have found that
the pull-thru snap scratches their gun, but I haven't had that
problem - yet.

Here are some with the pull-thru snap that I have collected:

Ken Null's VAM (for Vampire) driver's holster with my 642-1
Seventrees Scorpion with my Colt's Agent (Chic Gaylord gunbelt)
Alessi's belt holster with my 4" Model 10 (Chic Gaylord gunbelt)
Desantis IWB with Colt's Agent (Chic Gaylord gunbelt)
Chic Gaylord's Thunderbolt (photo from his catalog) I don't
have one, but I want one.

 

[Summersteel]

You’ve got quite the holster wardrobe….
How do you figure out what to wear everyday?

 

[crazyphil]

Summersteel - Most days I carry my 642-1, and my favorite holster for it
is this little black speed holster by Chic Gaylord.

 

[StrawHat]

Summersteel - Most days I carry my 642-1, and my favorite holster for it
is this little black speed holster by Chic Gaylord.

Ah, yes, the simple black frock! CoCo Chanel would be flattered.

Kevin

 

[Johnnu2]

Why not just carry an Airweight (or two) in your front pants pocket(s)... I would guess it doesn't get any faster than that... In winter, you could put it in your coat pocket.....
And you could still have a beautiful holster collection at the same time
Just a curious question,
J.

 

[crazyphil]

Johnnu2 - I want to draw and fire in less than a heartbeat, and I can't
from my pocket. On the belt at about 4 O'clock is much quicker.

 

[StrawHat]

Johnnu2 - I want to draw and fire in less than a heartbeat, and I can't
from my pocket. On the belt at about 4 O'clock is much quicker.

Absolutely! Unless you walk around with your hand in your pocket, it is about as slow as an ankle holster.

Kevin

 

[Onomea]

Well. In defense of the pocket holster, I'll say that if you perceive a potential threat, and have your hand in your pocket and on your gun, anticipating the need to draw and shoot, it is pretty close to having your gun in hand and held down against your leg.

Not much faster than that.

It's fast, the pocket holster, with your hand on it.

Now if you are in a High Noon, Marshall Dillion, who's faster, face off, fair 'n square no touching the guns until the git go, I agree. OWB is faster. But, that is a pretty unusual circumstance, outside Hollywood, in real life.

Or, if, suddenly threatened, when totally unaware of a threat, out of the blue, and you need to draw and shoot ASAP...Well, okay. OWB is faster.

But, really, how likely is that?

And, there is a lot to be said for the sneaky/stealth of a pocket holster in catching your opponent unawares.

I like OWB, and usually do, for comfort. Maybe aesthetics, too. I like a well crafted holster on my belt. But pocket holsters have their place. And, used as described above, plenty fast, too.

 

[crazyphil]

I agree that most threats are sudden, unaware, out of the blue, and I
need to shoot ASAP...so Ok OWB is faster.

 

[DevilDog72]

OWB... comfort, access. speed....

 

[snubbyfan]

Wouldn't take much to change the pattern for my carry snubby holster to make it a pull through...

 

[.357magger]

I carried a S&W 66 4" in an Alessi rig identical to the one holding your Model 10 for many years while in Investigations. When I wasn't using a shoulder rig that is.

It's a VERY comfortable piece of kit.

 

[tops]

Absolutely! Unless you walk around with your hand in your pocket, it is about as slow as an ankle holster.

Kevin

When in a crowd or around obstacles I have my hand in my pocket and on my gun and it's about as fast as greased lightning. Larry

 

[boykinlp]

Got my Ken Null's VAM holster last week. Like in CP's first picture, it has the pull through snap. I like the holster very much. For a "big" guy, it is comfortable too.
Larry

 

[crazyphil]

boyknip - pictures please.

 

[krsmith58]

i used to carry a 1911 in an open top holster and never worried about it. i just can't seem to get that confident with my revolvers. maybe i just haven't found the right holster.

my test is simple. insert revolver, hold upside down, give it a shake or 3. if gun falls out holster takes it's place in the not used holster drawer. the drawer is getting to small.

the wife and i were at a restaurant and heard a heavy whack. turned and looked at the fellow hustling his pistol up off the floor near their table. the small semi auto then went in his pocket. I DON'T WANT TO BE THAT GUY. krs/kenny

 

[texmex]

Drawing from the pants pocket is pretty slow if you are sitting down.

 

[boykinlp]

boyknip - pictures please.

Here ya go Phil.
Larry

Don't know why the second one is flipped.

 

[Marshal Tom]

What telmex said! Driving, sitting in a restaurant. In those instances, best to put it some place else.

 

[crazyphil]

boyknip - That VAM looks pretty darn snazzy on you. I'm glad you like it.