open top holster

[Farmer17]

I only use holsters with thumb break retention straps because I don't want my gun coming out accidentally even if I roll down hill.

 

[Watchdog]

I've never used a holster that didn't have some sort of retention.
I recently bought a mdl 60 no dash so..........
Will some of you share your experience about carrying a "J" frame w/ 1 7/8 in bbl in an open top holster.
There are two I'm considering, a Galco paddle, and an El Paso Saddlery Crosshair.
I've never used a paddle holster before either.
Thanks in advance.
Scooterfiend

Frankly, I'm not fond of paddle holsters, but I will say I've never carried a snubbie J-Frame in one.

The EPS Crosshair holsters all feature a tension screw, so you'll have plenty of retention. The only problem with tension screws is if you tighten them enough for retention while being active (running, jumping, etc.) it'll make it harder to effect a quick/smooth draw. You kinda have to fool with it to get it just right.

 

[crazyphil]

Well scratch the above can not find it on Blackhawk' web site anymore.

It was called the Speed Classic maybe find one used?

Here's a photo of that Speed Classic L&O:

 

[kbm6893]

I only use holsters with thumb break retention straps because I don't want my gun coming out accidentally even if I roll down hill.

I agree, but they aren't as readily available anymore. The NYPD used to mandate a thumb break for all guns. I saw a detective with a Serpa holster last year. A thumb break is secure and adds no time to the draw. Grab butt with 4 fingers and unsnap the break with thumb.

 

[lawandorder]

How do you like the speed classic Phil?

I have had good results with mine.

 

[crazyphil]

How do you like the speed classic Phil?

I have had good results with mine.

Must confess, I haven't used it much, but enough to know
it does the job quite well for what it is intended.

 

[AZretired]

I've carried a J Frame of one sort or another for over 40 years as a back up and off duty weapon and I have never used anything but an open top holster. My favorite being an El Paso Saddlery Street Combat.

 

[ContinentalOp]

A good quality holster molded to the gun, and you should have no worries, unless you plan on running obstacle courses while carrying. And even then, a good holster should still retain the gun.

I use a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster for my 642-1, and I check it periodically with a shake test (unloaded gun, holstered, held upside-down a couple of inches above my bed, then give a few quick shakes). After 6 years it still holds the gun securely. I've even done breakfalls while wearing it with the gun still held solidly in the holster. They also make OWB holsters.

Lots of good holsters already mentioned. Like crazyphil mentioned, holsters with wings or a side shield can make carrying with a spur hammer more comfortable. Kramer Handgun Leather makes a good OWB holster with that feature. A little on the more expensive side, but his horsehide Belt Scabbard is very thin, but durable. I've read of people who said they've been knocked off their feet after getting hit by a car or doing somersaults and their guns stayed in their holsters.