hi everyone, long time lurker,first time poster. when carrying owb, what are the pros/cons to belt loops vs belt snaps? any thoughts?

Snaps allow for easier holster removal. That’s all I can think of

Agree with Bald1. That said, I feel belt loops are more firmly secure.

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-Swede-

Loops are more secure and the lack of a section of overlapping leather and snap makes loop holsters slimmer. Snaps may make it easier to put on and/or take off the holster, although I'm not convinced it's that big of a benefit.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

There is no doubt that loops are more secure than snaps, but I have been using snap on strong side OWB holsters off duty for probably 20 years. I had issues with only one. The first I bought was a Galco that I believe they called a Super Side Snap. I remember the models were SSS and a number. I did have that one unsnap on me once or twice. I took it to a leather works shop in the city and they replaced the snaps with heavier one way snaps and I never had another issue. That was for a 4" 1911.

I have a Lou Alessi for 5" 1911 that I have had nearly as long. I also have a Matt DelFatti for my High Powers. Both of those are old and heavily used. Never an issue. In and out of vehicles and an occasional scuffle. They stayed put. I trust them.

I also have a cross draw snap on for a G19 set up for long stints sitting in a car. It was made by Privateer leather and is only about 5 years old. No issues with it.

If you look at the DelFatti and Privateer you will see that the part that folds over the belt are larger and double snap. Very secure.

My own opinion would be that if you decide to go with a snap on, stay away from cheap factory built and get a good one. It makes a big difference.

Buy once, cry once.

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BT
EGO VOLUNTAS HAUD OBEDIO

As a gunleather designer/maker for a half century, including the Pistol Pocket for Bianchi, I'll advise that for an IWB you really will want snap-off. There is no downside and lots of upside, because we designers expect you are inserting the holstered pistol into your cinched up trousers just before setting out on your 'mission', and removing it for bathroom breaks.

This one is the first of the 'advanced iwb' holsters in which the holster is angled for max concealment and moulded of leather equal to an OWB; by the long defunct Seventrees but heavily copied ever since its intro in 1969:

in living color (7).jpg

There are variants that place the snap-off loops on either side of the holster pocket, such as from Sparks (Bucheimer-Clark was first though, in the late '70s, but also long defunct) that is flatter than the Seventrees approach but also takes up lots more space along the belt line.

Screenshot (1499).jpg

For either of the two I've shown you'll want either vintage, or a contemporary copy (that that the sellers like Sparks will claim are originals).

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Red Nichols The Holstorian