Cocked n Locked holster question

[mls]

I bought a Galco fletch paddle holster with thumb latch for my S&W 1911. I like Galco's...have three and they work very well for me ( two smith revolvers and a sig p2290. This one, however, even after a breakin period, will move the thumb safety to the off position after the slightest movement. This is not something I can live with. I carry in the cocked and locked. Any suggestions for a different holster? I would like one for carry and for IDPA.

 

[Photog]

don't know much about IDPA rules, but I have used one of two holsters for carry. One is a Bianchi pancake style with thumb snap. Never had it take the safety off of my 1911's, but I have only the factory safety that came with the Series 70 Colts, no extended or otherwise modified.
The second is a Galco Yaqui Slide. Both work well for me.

 

[WR Moore]

You may want to verify that your safety is properly fitted and doesn't release at the touch of a feather. You're supposed to hear a definate "click" when the safety is released and some effort should be required. If the safety's OK and the holster was purchased new, contact the factory. That's not acceptable.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I can relate to that problem

...will move the thumb safety to the off position after the slightest movement.

Your safety is probably just fine. I've had a Ross holster (cross draw or strongside) for a Colt Commander that did the same thing. I've currently got a new Bianchi Phoenix (cross draw or strong side) for a Govt. Model that also does the same thing.

What happens for me is the stiff vertical thumb break part of the strap (back side of holster) when pushed accidentally or intentionally toward the butt end of the gun will release the thumb safety.

I bet that's what happening with your Galco.

All of my 1911's have the standard factory safety that is properly fitted...no extended or ambi safeties.

I guess I'll go back to strapless but prefer the body shield on the back side...never had a problem with that style.

This Bianchi has a "foot" that covers the safety. Makes no difference, a push on the vertical tab (with shiny snap) toward the butt end of the gun will disengage the safety EVERY time. The Ross holster did not have the "foot."

This happens on every pistol I try in this holster and I have several 1911's...all in spec.

 

[Dan Cash]

Milt Sparks will solve your problem with inside or outside waist band open tops that WILL retain the pistol.

 

[mls]

Thank you everyone for the responses. It helped a great deal.

 

[Big Lou]

The last 4 years on the job as a Detective in a big city, I carried (in condition one of course) either my Colt GM or Colt Defender Plus. Both fit perfectly in my Bianchi "Carrylock" Model 82 Colt Officer (belt) holster. I was a working cop, search warrants, arrests, hot stops, etc. in one of the city's busiest divisions. Almost everyday in the field, in & out of both plain cars & black & whites. Involved in numerous physical confrontations on the ground (asphalt), foot chases, jumping over fences, etc. Never a problem with the holster.

The gun stayed secure until I wanted it. Never came out unplanned. Easy to draw (with practice) and easy to one hand re holster without looking at the holster. As you well know, the 1911 requires more vigilance than a standard DA/SA platform. I developed a habit of checking my safety frequently, making sure it was engaged.

The holster rode close to my body (suite & tie) and stayed put. Holsters like guns, are very personal, especially when you carry them for a living. Take your time, find one take just right for you. I highly recommend the Bianchi. I paid it the highest compliment. I bet my life on it!

 

[SG-688]

I was able to cure one holster of this problem by cutting away the offending contact point on the strap, creating more clearance between the strap and the safety.

 

[SG-688]

That's an odd angle on the safety strap, suggesting this might be a strap intended for hammer down carry.

Don't know why any maker would design a 1911 holster that way, but many have been - even from Bianchi.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

not an odd angle and not a hammer down holster

That's an odd angle on the safety strap, suggesting this might be a strap intended for hammer down carry.

Don't know why any maker would design a 1911 holster that way, but many have been - even from Bianchi.

You can't tell by the picture but the strap is not at an odd angle...imagine a leg with a foot on it. What the pic shows is the toe end of the foot designed to cover the safety. The foot has a "heel" at the far left side of the back strap. The "leg" extends up and over then down to the front of the holster.

The strap is not twisted or skewed at an angle. It was not made to carry hammer down and will not even snap that way. That piece sticking out the right side is made to cover the safety just as shown in the pic.

Of course all that has changed since taking the pic. I've gotten rid of the top strap (front & back) with a case cutter, re-glued the liner, and added a tension screw to hold the gun in place.

If this still is not clear, I'll salvage the leftovers from the trash and take a pic of the strap.

 

[madmikeb]

I carry my Kimber Ultra CDP II in either a Kramer horsehide vertical scabbard or in hot weather a Kramer horsehide IWB #2. I have never had the safety disengage with either holster. The vertical scabbard will conceal under a loose untucked shirt and I can conceal the IWB under a T-shirt.

 

[BUFF]

I've carried a 1911 at work since 1991. When I got assigned to a property crimes detective assignment in 1995, I bought a Milt Sparks Executive Special for my Commander. It looks like a rigid Summer Special (IWB open top, no snaps or straps, just a very tight fit to hold the gun in place) with a polished, smooth leather exterior instead of suede exterior. We wore coats and ties, and it looked dressier. I liked the Summer Special design, having worn one off-duty for years. They were fast, secure, kept the gun in place and I never had the safety come off.

We generally kept our guns on when interviewing people in an office video-recorded 'interview' room. I noticed several suspects really eyeballing my holstered gun. No one else in the squad carried a gun without some sort of thumb break partially covering the upper rear of their guns. I started wearing a standard, belt looped Galco FLETCH that has a thumb break (without the 'foot' they must now have). I kept paying attention and could tell that my gun wasn't quite as visually attractive to suspects. It at least looked more secure, even though a standard thumb break is hardly secret in it's manner of operation! I now only wear the Summer Special type holsters off duty, when I expect they will be concealed.

I haven't had any kind of holster wipe off my 1911 safety. It would be somewhat unsettling.

 

[SG-688]

I believe you!! I looked for a catalog photo but couldn't find one.

 

[growr]

As mentioned by madmikeb, I also use Kramer holsters for most of my herd. If they don't ride in a Kramer they ride in a Milt Sparks VM-2. You might look into the kramer msp for your 1911. It is without a question the MOST comfortable paddle I have ever used. Not cheap however....retention is NOT a problem and comfort is the highest, at least for ME....might work for you as well.
Randy

 

[mls]

Thanks all, I knew you would respond with the answers..

 

[old tanker]

Get rid of it!!!

I had a Safariland holster that did the same thing with a Browning Hi-Power. I briefly considered giving to my worst enemy, but trashed it instead. My 1911 has been in an old style Bianchi Shadow with no problems with it's thumb break knocking off the safety.