How is a lanyard used?

[4330Inroute]

Recently I was given a Lanyard for my 1917. How is it worn/used? Does it go around your neck or through the eplauet of a uniform shirt? I really don't have a clue.

 

[cgt4570]

Never just around the neck. Then it becomes a choker in combat! The longer ones are worn over the oposite shoulder and across the chest. Shorter ones are attached to the belt. I use the belt method when riding four-wheelers.
Some holsters (non-US) have a D ring to attach the lanyard to. My P38 has this.

 

[m75rlg]

The ones we used in the Coast Guard with the 1911s went over the strong side shoulder.

 

[Bat Guano]

There is also a theory that a lanyard should be strong enough to retain the weapon but breakaway in case you get tangled up and really need to get loose. The old WWI-WWII snap fasteners seem to be designed to do this and the one modern "telephone cord" I have does also. Not so sure about the woven British one that does not have a snap per se.

 

[handejector]

The ones we used in the Coast Guard with the 1911s went over the strong side shoulder.

This has always been true for US lanyards since 1911. NOT around the neck.

 

[4330Inroute]

Thanks for your responses. I became curious after seeing the post where the user threaded full moon clips on the lanyard and slip knotted the end. I think he called it his 'naked reload' or something like that. I can see where on a quad or on horseback it would really come in handy.
Thanks again.
Jim

 

[mel023]

Every photo I've ever seen of a British or Commonwealth officer with a lanyard attached revolver has had it around his neck. I think it was indicative of his officer's rank as no "gentleman" would have been seen with a rifle in his hands. Even today I believe you will still see a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer in full parade uniform with his or her lanyard around the neck.

 

[Anton Dee]

On Flickr, there are some photos, I hope it is OK to put a link up here?
This one shows the 12th Royal Lancers Pistol Team in Cairo, 1930, wearing the lanyard around the neck.
(would not be my choice, if I had any say in it)

12th Royal Lancers Pistol Team in Cairo, Egypt with the Duke of Connaught's Cup 1930 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[Jack Flash]

Those are some neat historical pictures.

In the second picture, they aren't following safe pistol-handling procedure, what with their fingers on the triggers and the muzzle pointed at the bloke next to them. Maybe this is why the Webley was designed with such a heavy trigger pull.

 

[keith44spl]

Lanyards

I cord my pistol to my gunbelt for jumpin' outta or into adventures...

I don't use the 'around the neck' lanyard for...well you can figger it out.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Bat Guano]

As is well known, all real men's guns have lanyard loops.

 

[Scary Gary]

Like we used to say in the NAVY " if you don't have a lanyard on it , you only get to drop it out of the Helo once ."

 

[jkc]

Modern elastic coil lanyards with QD belt attachments are suprisingly unobtrusive --- low-drag, minimally interfering. Just the ticket over water, or even in thick brush such as chaparral, which tries to pluck your sidearm out of your holster. They should, however, be designed to fail before you do.

 

[yaktamer]

I was an MP in the Army. Strong side shoulder, under the epaulette (sp?)

 

[BUFF]

Dave:

I like your lanyard set-up for the 1911. Where did you get it?

 

[dbarale]

I find interesting that most police forces in Europe still use a lanyard to this day...