Clip on holsters a problem?

[sipowicz]

I have a few. And they work fine. But now there are makers like Remora and Froggy that brag about not needing a clip. Is a clip really that much of a burden on an IWB? And then you have the other side. A clip mounted on the gun so you don't need a holster. Excuse me, but I'll go with a nice leather or horsehide clip-on like my Lobo minimal clip or Del Fatti DD.

 

[Old TexMex]

Got an old Tagua clip on for my CZ75compact that works just fine.
Stopped using the clipdraw, my sweat ate up the nickel plate on a Airweight 37.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I have noted a few problems associated with clip-on holsters:

1. Design and manufacture of the clips. Some clips are too large, some are too small, some have wide openings (accommodate thicker belts), some have narrow openings (won't work with thicker belts), some are made of lighter gauge steel that doesn't hold up to the stress very well, some are not spring-tempered so they don't retain shape after repeated flexing. Basically, the clips need to be of a size and shape that will fit snugly over the belt and trouser waistband material, and they need to be made of a sturdy steel alloy that is spring-tempered after being formed to final shape. Also, clips can become worn or damaged with extended use so a holster design that allows for easy replacement of the clip can extend the working life of the holster.

2. Clips can snag on clothing, upholstery, seat belt equipment, and other things. Sometimes this is merely annoying, but occasionally will result in damage. Torn upholstery and scarred furniture can happen.

3. Location of the clip mounting on the holster. Many designs place the clip directly over the bulkiest portions of the handgun (revolver cylinder or pistol slide), which can cause the clip to protrude from the waist line during use. This exacerbates problems with the clip snagging on things, and can cause discomfort by contact with the user's inner arm.

Short version: some are better than others, but none are perfect for every user.

 

[Arik]

2. Clips can snag on clothing, upholstery, seat belt equipment, and other things. Sometimes this is merely annoying, but occasionally will result in damage. Torn upholstery and scarred furniture can happen.

.

This has been my only problem. You should see the back of my work shirt. Looks like it took a shotgun blast. I'm more careful with my other shirts. When I sit down I lift the shirt a little. I don't understand why this is happening now. I've worn this holster and gun every day since 2009. Same position. Within the last 2 years I've started putting holes in shirts and within the last year I've started putting holes in jeans where the barrel end rubs! [emoji53]

The holster is Galco King Tuck IWB

 

[loc n load]

Clip on holsters

Ray is "spot on" regarding the clip on holsters. I have used them for decades and for me, they have their applications. The one I have carried the most is an old S&W IWB scabbard, that I carried my 4" model 65 in for ten years. I have another one that I carry my model 49 in. When Lobo leather gets back in production with it's new owners, I intend to acquire a couple of Ray's IWB offset clip ons.
The clip ons are useful to me when I walk the dogs, etc.

 

[KSDeputy]

After trying lots of holsters, I discovered that a Safariland IWB suede holster with a clip was the best for my guns. They were cheap, reliable, and after a while took the shape of the firearm. They made magazine holders, and cuff holders, too.

 

[chief38]

I have a few. And they work fine. But now there are makers like Remora and Froggy that brag about not needing a clip. Is a clip really that much of a burden on an IWB? And then you have the other side. A clip mounted on the gun so you don't need a holster. Excuse me, but I'll go with a nice leather or horsehide clip-on like my Lobo minimal clip or Del Fatti DD.

PLUS........ even if a holster without a clip initially fits and works properly, what about down the road when it smooths out and no longer has any "sticky retention" properties left? I agree!

 

[kaaskop49]

It seems like the previous posters have all carried for decades and have found what works best for them, even if it is not perfect. Experience is a great teacher. The formerly inexpensive Safariland/Bianchi suede pouch is my preference, although I have found a few hardly used IWB pouches in the $1 bin at my local range. Obviously, IWB is not for everyone.

I've tried other IWBs, some with flimsy, insecure clips and others made of nylon which never seemed to "fit my pistol." One is reinforced around the upper lip so the gun can be reholstered without removing the rig, but it is "fat," uncomfy, and hinders concealment.

You will know when the "perfect" holster comes around when, after years of use, the holster conforms to the gun just so and the gun/leather combo looks like one piece.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[NYlakesider]

It seems like the previous posters have all carried for decades and have found what works best for them, even if it is not perfect. Experience is a great teacher. The formerly inexpensive Safariland/Bianchi suede pouch is my preference, although I have found a few hardly used IWB pouches in the $1 bin at my local range. Obviously, IWB is not for everyone.

I've tried other IWBs, some with flimsy, insecure clips and others made of nylon which never seemed to "fit my pistol." One is reinforced around the upper lip so the gun can be reholstered without removing the rig, but it is "fat," uncomfy, and hinders concealment.

You will know when the "perfect" holster comes around when, after years of use, the holster conforms to the gun just so and the gun/leather combo looks like one piece.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

How right you are, I have a couple of those old pouches and have put a lot of miles on them.

Here is a little trick I have done with one of those holsters sized to fit a full sized auto loader.

Its a option to be used only if concealment is more important that draw speed. That is your call!

I use the full sized 1911 holster with either my Indian Arms or Walther PPK. You clip the holster to your pants not the belt, that method covers up 90% of the clip. With the little .380 in there the top of the hostler is at belt level, the gun is almost impossible to be seen especially if you have some "good living" showing at your belt level. Like I said its a bit slower to draw but if necessary will hide the little gun quite well.

I have done this wearing only a tee shirt and shorts and no one including a couple cop biddies ever noticed it!.

 

[Wishoot]

Never had any luck with Remora type holsters.

One or two clips for me.

 

[cmort666]

I ONLY carry in one of two ways:

1. pocket
2. clip on tuckable IWB

I don't wear untucked shirts, vests, suits, or sport coats so that's pretty much what's available to me.

I make my own pocket holsters and tuckable clip on IWBs. I've never had a problem with the clips failing on the IWBs.

 

[Moe Mentum]

I use a Remora, appendix carry, love it. Comfy and never moves, stays put when I draw. After a few minutes, I forget that I am carrying. My clip holsters are always in the wrong spot, they have their uses, but for now I like my Remora.

 

[Don 73]

My CC gear

I guess you could call these "clip on" holsters, I've had the mag pouch for years and it works so well, I switched the holster from OWB to IWB with the 'clips.'

 

[CoMF]

Are clips burdensome? No, but my experience with them has been less than optimal. I've never owned a clip-on holster that "worked" as well for me as a Bianchi Pistol Pocket that uses a leather strap with two snaps and is almost as convenient to don and remove as the former. To each their own.

 

[GerSan69]

Do yourself a favor and google "Ulticlip." These things are amazing. Think suspenders clip made big enough to clip your holster to your belt - or just the waistband of you pants. Pricey at $10 each, but the ease of use is light-years ahead of the old fashioned clip.

 

[Brassy Shell]

Several years ago Massad Ayoob and Ted Blocker designed the LFI IWB system using Velcro. No clip and holster can be worn in multiple positions. It's a 3 piece set, holster, belt and mag pouch.