Open Top or Retained Carry?

[Peakes]

Just curious how many carry either way? I prefer Open tops, but have both.

 

[SAFireman]

I have both. I won't usually use the strap/snap unless I am on a horse/atv or in really rough country. Most of my holsters are molded/boned to fit and the gun is not going to just pop loose during my normal day-to-day activities.

 

[Coaltminer]

I like some kind of retainer, just makes me feel better and it's no big deal to release. I've got a jelly roll and I sure don't want it falling on the floor when I get up from a table at a restaurant!

 

[pharmer]

I got a few options but the black nylon MilTec in the lower left is about 100% of the time. Joe

 

[MyDads38]

I have both, but mostly, I use open top models. Until I bought my SD9VE, I never even considered a polymer/kydex holster; now I have 2 for the SD and 1 for my 1911!

All but a few have some type of tension adjustment to keep the gun secure.

 

[snubbyfan]

I like my holsters like I like my women, topless.

It does have molded retention so the gun's not gonna just slip out.

 

[EugeneNine]

I would think it would depend on the design of the holster. For example the first cheap blackhawk I bought dumped mine out when I bent over so I'd have preferred a retention strap on it. My current holster gripped the blue plastic test gun at the LGS tight enough that it slid out of my hand and across the counter when I first tried to pull it off (the holster, flew not the gun). It holds well enough to not need anything else.

 

[307-Niner]

If the leather is good, and the maker knows what he/she is doing, open top all the way.

My EDC rig is a Lobo Gunleather, open top.

 

[Rpg]

Retaining your handgun adequately doesn't require a retention device other than a great fit.

Less expensive holsters are much more likely to require a secondary device (eg thumb break).

Good leather doesn't require secondary devices.

Buy top quality leather.

Every day I use a holster that's over 30 years old which retains my handgun just fine without a secondary device.

Of course, I use only DelFatti or Milt Sparks leather.

Pricy and a long wait, but well worth the money and wait time.

Spend the money and get in line: you'll be happy you did.

 

[mustangman]

Open top, quality leather from Adams Leather Works. Perfect fit, tight, but not too tight.

 

[spearcrow]

I think it's really dependent on each individual person, and their activity level. I have several nice open top holsters, and I use them, and I like them, but they primarily get used when I am very certain I'm just going to be walking around the house, or in the truck, etc.

Mostly I favor a thumb snap, I'm outdoors a lot and around the farm a lot and don't wanna be worried about my gun flopping on the ground all the time.

 

[OldK22]

for me the safeway is Retained

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Closed top is for open carry... unless you're particularly energetic in your lifestyle.

 

[amazingflapjack]

open top-IWB-appendix carry.

 

[307-Niner]

If you have to worry about your gun flopping out of an open top holster, your holster is poorly built.

 

[Grog]

I like my holsters like I like my women, topless.

I was thinking.... I like my holsters like I like my women.


Open and cheap


... and stamped with basketweave

 

[307-Niner]

^^^ That one made me laugh!

 

[Buford57]

When the 469 first hit the market I had to have one. Off-the shelf holsters of any type were scarce, so I had a Bianchi Shadow for a 59 cut down. Our coroner (R.I.P Doc) had been demonstrating how well his Milt Sparks Summer Special retained his Browning High Power by standing on his head, so I ordered one. Used it for about a week. Then one night I bailed out of my car to assist a patrol officer who was trying to subdue a fighting drunk. When we got him under control I realized my gun was missing. The butt had become wedged in the split in my car's 60/40 seat and had neatly drawn itself when I jumped out.

 

[307-Niner]

I suppose carrying for duty vs carrying concealed for self defense would have different holster needs.

If I knew I might possibly get into physical altercations with others, resulting in wrestling around on the ground or otherwise, I think I would like the extra security of positive retention.

Generally, I am more "relaxed" in my day to day activities. A quality open top holster works perfectly for my needs.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

I suppose carrying for duty vs carrying concealed for self defense would have different holster needs.

Pretty much. If it's being carried open wether for duty or not, without added retention it's pretty easy for someone to take off of you. If it's concealed, no one should know it's there.

IMO a thumb break is too obvious when open carrying, but that really is just an opinion.

 

[dajogejr]

Open for iwb concealed. Strapped over the top for my ankle when I'm on my Harley...

 

[Don 73]

Off duty I open top carry in my Zero9 kydex holster. The "retention" is built in when the holster is molded, there is a very audible 'click' when holstering the gun. I'd have to hold the holster upside down and shake it pretty good to get the gun to come out.

 

[Peakes]

Pretty much. If it's being carried open wether for duty or not, without added retention it's pretty easy for someone to take off of you. If it's concealed, no one should know it's there.

IMO a thumb break is too obvious when open carrying, but that really is just an opinion.

Agreed! When I carry on duty its a Safariland level Holster.

 

[ca survivor]

open top, but I like more trigger guard coverage.

 

[kannonvaggon]

I have come to like the Shield in an open Kydex holster, I am now using a Hidden Hybrid, that has very good retention built in but no strap needed.

Either IWB or OWB the pistol is NOT gonna flop out of that holster. I ride dual-sport mostly out in the deserts almost every day, and I have had NO problems with this combination of pistol and holster even when on my head in a sand wash .... I used to OC a heavier SW pistol and did use a good quality leather holster with a top strap . The Shield is hardly noticeable on weight and doesn't have the inertia when bouncing around that a real-deal-steel pistol has. IWB should be much more "retained" naturally than OWB?

 

[VictorLouis]

Consider the ordinary daily activity of walking. I stepped off of a curb yesterday morning exiting a restaurant. My ankle rolled outward sending me down like a clown in pratfall. I thought I suffered a sprained ankle, but it's so much better today, I am doubtful.

I am ashamed to say I was without my gun! I'd put it into the glove box earlier, upon arrival to work. Found out I'd gotten to work too early, and figured I'd have time to go get a bite.

Better test your open-top rigs for retention in just such circumstances.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Off duty I open top carry in my Zero9 kydex holster. The "retention" is built in when the holster is molded, there is a very audible 'click' when holstering the gun. I'd have to hold the holster upside down and shake it pretty good to get the gun to come out.

But if someone was to make a grab for the gun it would come straight out right?

The retention in an open top Kydex holster is purely it clipped in around the trigger guard.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I do not know who made the bottom holster in the OP's picture, but it seems to me that not enough of the trigger guard is covered.

 

[Don 73]

But if someone was to make a grab for the gun it would come straight out right?

The retention in an open top Kydex holster is purely it clipped in around the trigger guard.

Perhaps, but they would have to get past ME first. I never let myself become so unaware of my surroundings that I would let someone get that close to me regardless, let alone close enough on my gun side to even attempt a grab. Rule #1 If you go for my gun, there ARE NO rules.

 

[Peakes]

I do not know who made the bottom holster in the OP's picture, but it seems to me that not enough of the trigger guard is covered.

It does cover, just didn't seat it far enough for the pic..