Small of back Holsters

[Kid44]

Do any of you use a small of back holster. I don' care for IWB holsters. Carrying OWB at the 3 o'clock position creates quite a bit of bulge, considering going to a 6 o'clock holster. The gun would lay up close to the small of my back barely creating a bulge, carried at the right angle access would be easy. Holster would be for Ruger SR1911 Commander.

 

[MetalMan]

I've used an $*B holster for my Kimber Ultra Carry for quite a number of years.

But, as I get older, I have become more concerned about falling, landing on my back and potentially sustaining a serious injury.

The Ultra Carry now rides in a Milt Sparks VMII.

 

[Kid44]

Metalman, I've been considering going to Kimber also,

just to reduce the weight. An all steel commander can get heavy, I'll keep the gun and just add a Kimber.

 

[cracker57]

I carry in a milt sparks VMII at 3:30, took a fall when trout fishing standing on a big rock. The feet came out from under me and I landed square on my M&P 40C it took a long time to recover.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have a Blackhawk small of the back holster for the Glock 17/19 and corresponding models. While I do like it, I find it difficult to re-holster my handgun. Personally I like to wear it hiking or riding four wheelers.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I can't recommend it. There are just so many negatives. Falling on it can result in serious back injuries. Will print like crazy if you bend over. If your cover garment rides up it could expose the gun and you wouldn't know it unless someone tells you. If it does get exposed or prints and someone decides to try and disarm you, weapon retention is virtually nonexistent.

A much better approach, if you don't want to carry IWB, is to get a flat pancake OWB holster with a FBI cant and wear it around 4:00. It's one of the most common carry positions for a reason. The gun rides in the hollow at that part of the body. It's accessible. It allows for retention of the weapon. Less likely to print when bending over.

Just my opinion.

 

[delcrossv]

I can't recommend it. There are just so many negatives. Falling on it can result in serious back injuries. Will print like crazy if you bend over. If your cover garment rides up it could expose the gun and you wouldn't know it unless someone tells you. If it does get exposed or prints and someone decides to try and disarm you, weapon retention is virtually nonexistent.

A much better approach, if you don't want to carry IWB, is to get a flat pancake OWB holster with a FBI cant and wear it around 4:00. It's one of the most common carry positions for a reason. The gun rides in the hollow at that part of the body. It's accessible. It allows for retention of the weapon. Less likely to print when bending over.

Just my opinion.

I carry my K frames and even my 4" 44 Mag like 'Op suggests.
Get a good stiff holster and a good belt and it's really comfortable, even with an N frame. No printing with any open jacket.

 

[blues7]

Cannot recommend carrying anything small of back, as already echoed above. Very dangerous should you happen to end up on your back...and in a scuffle, or encounter...this is not improbable.

 

[majick47]

Small of back last type of holster I would purchase, agree on a quality pancake with good belt at 4 oclock.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Metro Atlanta has a lot of LEOs

Shepherd Center in Atlanta is a Neuro rehab hospital. I have friends and family who worked there. None of them ever remember a case of a patient come through with an injury caused by a small of the back holster. I am not saying it couldn't happen but it doesn't happen as often as folks think.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Shepherd Center in Atlanta is a Neuro rehab hospital. I have friends and family who worked there. None of them ever remember a case of a patient come through with an injury caused by a small of the back holster. I am not saying it couldn't happen but it doesn't happen as often as folks think.

Probably because the majority of cops don't carry that way, especially in a big city police department. I've never seen it. Even in plainclothes the ones I've seen wear strong-side.

It may be more relevant to ask your friends and family if they've seen lumbar injuries where someone fell on something hard.

 

[growr]

Almost as useless as an ankle holster to ME.

Randy

 

[stansdds]

I considered small of back carry, decided against it due to the potential of a serious back injury if I ever fell on my back.

 

[Muss Muggins]

As others have said, not your best option . . .

 

[ColbyBruce]

Kid44, have you considered a IWB holster with an off-set belt clip, such as this Lobo design?

 

[Johnnu2]

Nobody has mentioned that it's (I assume) VERY uncomfortable when driving....
+1 on easy for the bad guys to steal if from you along with your wallet....

J.

 

[jkallner]

To your question - Galco makes a decent ***. Good luck.

 

[Kanewpadle]

IMO small of the back carry offers no advantages over other methods of carry. I simply can't imagine being seated in my carry with one. Uncomfortable and slow to access.

 

[mk70ss]

Not a fan at all. If you ever end up on your back in a struggle or fall, injury is likely and access to your firearm is doubtful. Riding in a car or seated in a chair is no bargain either

 

[Kid44]

I understand and appreciate all comments, but..........

I considered small of back carry, decided against it due to the potential of a serious back injury if I ever fell on my back.

Thanks for all the comments, but a person can fall and land on the gun regardless of the position it is carried in. People just don't always fall and land on their back.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Thanks for all the comments, but a person can fall and land on the gun regardless of the position it is carried in. People just don't always fall and land on their back.

True but you only have one spine... so why risk it.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks for all the comments, but a person can fall and land on the gun regardless of the position it is carried in. People just don't always fall and land on their back.

I'd rather have a bruised hip than dislocated vertebrae.

And even if you don't care about falling on your back-holstered gun, there are still plenty of negatives, as mentioned.

Obviously, you can do what you want, but when the advice you sought is overwhelmingly in the "don't do it" camp, you may want to reconsider.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I have a well made small-of-back holster for a 1911. I never use it. I concur with all the negative aspects of using one, but I note that no one has emphasized any of the positive aspects.

There is a reason for that.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have a well made small-of-back holster for a 1911. I never use it. I concur with all the negative aspects of using one, but I note that no one has emphasized any of the positive aspects.

There is a reason for that.

Willing to listen to "the positive aspects" ........ I'm not aware of any ( for me) vs a IWB Milt Sparks holster

 

[ColbyBruce]

Kid44 asked " Do any of you use a small of back holster."

Three people responded that they owned one. Everyone else just offered up an opinion on how dangerous the design was. Just hearsay, not citing personal experience with it.

So, if Kid44 is right-handed and can cough up a Glock 17/19 to tote around, I will loan him my Blackhawk version for testing. If he dislikes it, I will have saved him $75.00-$125.00+/- on something he will not use. If he likes it, then he can shop for this type of holster amongst the various manufacturers and the custom makers here on the Forum. I will need it back by the middle of June.

 

[squawberryman]

I asked Rob Leahy to make me one for a small 1911 years ago and he said no. Fear of finger on trigger under stress as gun comes up.

 

[Parkerlee]

I carry my K frames and even my 4" 44 Mag like 'Op suggests.
Get a good stiff holster and a good belt and it's really comfortable, even with an N frame. No printing with any open jacket.

carried in that manner for 31 years in career.

 

[Glicky]

*** Cons IMO

Do any of you use a small of back holster. I don' care for IWB holsters. Carrying OWB at the 3 o'clock position creates quite a bit of bulge, considering going to a 6 o'clock holster. The gun would lay up close to the small of my back barely creating a bulge, carried at the right angle access would be easy. Holster would be for Ruger SR1911 Commander.

1: I don't think it will comfortable in a seated position either at
home, office or in a vehicle. It will also be difficult to draw
from that position as well.
2: If you wear a suit or sports jacket the split in the back of the
jacket may expose your gun.
3: The muzzle can sweep your ribs - hip on your draw.
4: You may have to modify the way you bend over to squatting
so as to not exose or print the gun you are carrying.
5: A gentleman I know was wearing a *** in a restuatant and
when he got up to leave his chair got up with him as it was
hooked on the grip.

 

[Muss Muggins]

My response was " not your best option," which I continue to maintain as a proper response. Didn't feel the need to explain until called out. I have carried a 669 in one, for about three months in the mid 80's. Fell on my back during a foot chase in the middle of the tackle. Still have the scar. That is all . . .

Kid44 asked " Do any of you use a small of back holster."

Three people responded that they owned one. Everyone else just offered up an opinion on how dangerous the design was. Just hearsay, not citing personal experience with it.

 

[fatcat3]

Almost as useless as an ankle holster to ME.

Randy

except that I don't have to take my pants of to get to my firearm, that or look like a reject from Woodstock with my bell bottoms.