Retention strap for open carry

[Firefighterchen]

I am looking at building a new owb leather holster, or purchasing a new owb (pretty set on raven concealment). What are you're opinions on a retention strap? Raven concealment does not have one, i'm leaning to not putting one on the leather if I go that route. Prefer first hand experience, but will take all advice, and then decide.

 

[Phillip Gain]

Why compromise?

Build a thumb-break retention strap onto the holster. But make it removeable by attaching it either with snaps or chicago screws.

If you want to get REALLY secure retention, but still be able to "break" it with a flick of the thumb, use Pull The Dot Fasteners for the thumb break snap:

 

[Firefighterchen]

I have heard of those fasteners. I have used a friends bianchi (i think) holster, that puts a piece of plastic on the thumb fastener so it snaps off easier as well.

I do not feel its a compromise to have it or not. It's rather a choice which will be a big factor in your training. I could make it removable, but that complicates my design quite a bit if i were to make it, and eliminates my choice of the Raven Concealment System (RCS). I found simplicity makes the best holsters (for me), I have a design drawn out with and without a strap. So I have to make it with or without.

 

[Phillip Gain]

It's up to you. But I don't understand where the complication lies. I mean, the holster is the holster. All you're doing is punching two more holes in the leather where you would attach the thumb break strap.

 

[pmb61]

I only use holsters with a thumb break! Reason being is I ride a motorcycle and want the added security.

 

[bob16066]

As a general rule I don't like retention straps on my carry holsters.

But I occasionally feel the need for more secure retention. You know: when I'm skydiving or horseback riding or running a 5K. (Oh I crack myself up sometimes)

In these instances I use Rubber bands for more secure retention. The advantage of this is that you can use the exact amount of retention for the activity planned.

One rubber band could give you more secure retention while still being weak enough to break when you forcefully draw the pistol.

While four or five or more bands would hold the pistol securely while parachuting into occupied France. You could then remove some or all of the bands after you're safely on the ground.

If the pistol isn't too heavy you don't even need a holster if you're creative enough with the rubber bands.

One word of warning: rubber bands become weaker with use. I recommend using fresh bands every day. They're cheap.

 

[Firefighterchen]

It's up to you. But I don't understand where the complication lies. I mean, the holster is the holster. All you're doing is punching two more holes in the leather where you would attach the thumb break strap.

I will draw up more concepts. Maybe all I need to do is calf skin line the inside to protect from the snaps on the inside

 

[drewthegunut]

you just gave me an idea......

As a general rule I don't like retention straps on my carry holsters.

But I occasionally feel the need for more secure retention. You know: when I'm skydiving or horseback riding or running a 5K. (Oh I crack myself up sometimes)

In these instances I use Rubber bands for more secure retention. The advantage of this is that you can use the exact amount of retention for the activity planned.

One rubber band could give you more secure retention while still being weak enough to break when you forcefully draw the pistol.

While four or five or more bands would hold the pistol securely while parachuting into occupied France. You could then remove some or all of the bands after you're safely on the ground.

If the pistol isn't too heavy you don't even need a holster if you're creative enough with the rubber bands.

One word of warning: rubber bands become weaker with use. I recommend using fresh bands every day. They're cheap.

 

[SGB]

Look at the Safariland 6377 and the 5.11 thumb drive holsters - they're light years ahead of a thumb break for level 1 retention.