Slide versus pancake

[LedFowl]

I don't understand what a belt slide holster is, as opposed to a pancake holster. Pancakes always seem to have a slot at either side for the belt to pass through, but I see that on some holsters called slides, too. Is it that the slide holster is open ended so the muzzle sticks out?

What are the disadvantages of one versus the other?

Thanks.

 

[Chuck1217]

Well, part of it depends on the manufacturer- I mean, belt-slides are minimal holsters, and may not be good for larger pistols. I think I would look at a bunch of the manufacturers' websites, and compare their versions.

 

[Iggy]

IF the muzzle sticks out of the bottom of the slide, the gun can be inadvertently pushed up out of the holster when you sit down or bump into things.

Pancake usually protects the muzzle thus eliminating this particular fault.

 

[old-school]

IMHO- a belt slide holster could be the same as a pancake holster with-out a retation strap.But a holster maker can call it what ever they want.They are both OWB holster.

 

[StatesRightist]

A slide is a bad, bad idea, it offers no retention. If you end up going hands on, running etc.....there goes the gun. As mentioned above, the are also a problem if you sit wrong and offer not barrel protection.

 

[LedFowl]

Well, part of it depends on the manufacturer- I mean, belt-slides are minimal holsters, and may not be good for larger pistols. I think I would look at a bunch of the manufacturers' websites, and compare their versions.

I ended up writing to one of the holster manufacturers. He said the pancake-style holsters enclose the weapon to the muzzle, while the belt-slide models use just enough leather to support the weapon during non-strenuous activities, and that the muzzle of the weapon extends below the bottom of the holster. So, I guess how the holster attaches to the belt isn't what makes it a slide-style, but rather if the holster exposes the muzzle.

I appreciate the help. I hadn't thought about the exposed muzzle pushing the pistol up out of the holster. Thanks.

 

[McBear]

Interesting conversation. I have carried with a Galco Yaqui Slide for years, with a Colt 1911 or with one of the J frames [and now with the M&P 9 and 45]and never once had a problem. I have had a habit of rocking the barrel when I sit on the big Colt so that may be why I don't have the "push up" issue.

Great, now something to think about.

 

[cbr6864]

I carry my 1911 in a belt slide as sometimes I carry my 3.5" or 5" no problems at all with it falling out.