Fobus Thumb Level Holsters

[Jon_L]

So, now that I've seen how people get hurt using SERPA holsters (I know it's a training error, but even training has room for one simple error, so I'd like to have a walk on the safe side for now), I've been looking around at other avenues, while still keeping the retention aspect. I've only found one, thus far.

Fobus Holster: Thumb Lever Holsters

Opinions?

ETA: I'll be using the belt attachment, BTW.

[Oh Shoot]

So, now that I've seen how people get hurt using SERPA holsters (I know it's a training error, but even training has room for one simple error, so I'd like to have a walk on the safe side for now), I've been looking around at other avenues, while still keeping the retention aspect. I've only found one, thus far.

Fobus Holster: Thumb Lever Holsters

Opinions?

ETA: I'll be using the belt attachment, BTW.

Safariland makes them:

Holster Retention Levels | Holster Security Rating Systems | Holster Locking Systems - SAFARILANDâ„¢

Bianchi too:

Bianchi Holsters - Materials & Technologies

- OS

[Jon_L]

I'm not sure if I'm not looking correctly, bur I cannot find any info on either of those holsters. In my search I did come across 5.11's own design. I'd love for them to make these for XDs.

ThumbDrive Holster | Gun Holsters | 5.11 Tactical

Field testing by Viking Tactics:

[Jon_L]

So, no one has had any experience with these?

[MacGyver]

Do you have a requirement for retention?

There are two things that I really don't like about holsters like this:

1. The retention device and retention parts are injeciton molded plastic. Failure at a critical point when you're under stress and putting a lot of pressure on the device would worry me.

2. I have a requirement of all of my holsters that I am able to get a full firing grip on the weapon while it's still in the holster. That is, when the weapon comes out, I don't want to have to change anything about my grip. Anything else, for me presents an opportunity to fumble the weapon in an already stressful situation.

Have you tried another modern holster besides the SERPA? You could hang me from my feet and shake me, but even carrying a heavy Kimber Warrior with a Surefire x300 in a Raven Concealment Phantom LC, I'm confident of the retention. It's not going anywhere unless I draw it. I'd take the same bet with a MTAC and a few others as well.

[peejman]

Do you have a requirement for retention?

There are two things that I really don't like about holsters like this:

1. The retention device and retention parts are injeciton molded plastic. Failure at a critical point when you're under stress and putting a lot of pressure on the device would worry me.

2. I have a requirement of all of my holsters that I am able to get a full firing grip on the weapon while it's still in the holster. That is, when the weapon comes out, I don't want to have to change anything about my grip. Anything else, for me presents an opportunity to fumble the weapon in an already stressful situation.

Have you tried another modern holster besides the SERPA? You could hang me from my feet and shake me, but even carrying a heavy Kimber Warrior with a Surefire x300 in a Raven Concealment Phantom LC, I'm confident of the retention. It's not going anywhere unless I draw it. I'd take the same bet with a MTAC and a few others as well.

+1

There are lots of "normal" leather holsters with adjustable tension via a screw in the body. Most can be made so tight your pants darn near come off with it. Any kydex holster can be adjusted with a little heat. Crossbreed provides instructions on how to adjust the tension in their holsters. I put mine on, jumped up and down, ran around the house, did jumping jacks, and rolled around on the ground. The pistol didn't come out. I decided that was good enough.

[Jon_L]

I've looked around and found that other holsters don't fit my taste. My father has a regular, run-of-the-mill retention holster, and when I took it for a spin one day I found that my movements were cumbersome and delayed. My brother has a leather holster for his Glock, but I don't like how it can just come right out of the thing with very little effort. The SERPA is the only holster that's actually met my needs.

[TGO David]

Active retention devices make sense for police officers who must carry outside the waistband and who might daily find themselves scuffling with a suspect where the retention device is a worthwhile inconvenience. They make very little sense for civilian concealed carry. I really wish I could afford to send everyone here to an advanced fighting pistol class of some sort just so they could see for themselves why keeping it simple is king.

There are a lot of really complex products out there that make no practical sense but remain popular because of good marketing and some sort of perceived, putative need on the part of a naive but well-meaning buying public.

[DaveTN]

Thumb break leather holsters are King. You must always consider weapon retention.

[MacGyver]

Thumb break leather holsters are King. You must always consider weapon retention.

I just can't see the need for the average concealed carrier. In fact, I would guess that for the average carrier, a thumb snap would be a serious detriment.

Seeing a person carrying concealed with a thumb snap type holster tells me that they haven't shaken their gear down in a stressful situation. I've seen plenty of people show up to defensive pistol classes over the years with thumb break type holsters. Most of them come back the second day with a different holster.

If you need that pistol, and you haven't trained with it extensively, that snap is adding precious time that you may not have to your draw stroke. Likewise, on reholstering it presents an opportunity for something to get caught in the trigger gaurd, and often precludes one handed reholstering. No thanks.

I agree with your premise that you have to be concerned with keeping control of your weapon, I just think the concealed weapon carrier can do it without active retention and marketing gimmicks.

Edited July 13, 2011 by MacGyver

[TGO David]

Thumb break leather holsters are King. You must always consider weapon retention.

No, they aren't.

[Murgatroy]

I have a Bianchi finger lock, where you hit the lever with the middle finger. I like it and it functions well, I carried with it for about a year before I got a kydex IWB. If the Bianchi thumb lock version is of similar quality I wouldn't have an issue with it.

However I prefer the simplicity of the kydex, it holds securely and offers a full grip from draw.

[Erik88]

Whenever I openly carry my Glock 19 or 23 I use a 5.11 Thumb-drive holster. It really seems to be a big improvement over the Serpa and I have been very happy with it.

[dralarms]

I use the Bianchi "carry lock" style holsters for all my carry options. I can get a shooting grip on my firearm on drawing and don't have to worry about it falling out when crawling around doing my job.

[Jon_L]

What do you do for work?

Also, since 5.11 doesn't make those holsters for XDs, looks like I'll have to get a Glock... Oh me...

[Oh Shoot]

I use the Bianchi "carry lock" style holsters for all my carry options. I can get a shooting grip on my firearm on drawing and don't have to worry about it falling out when crawling around doing my job.

Saw one of these at range today, guy with 1911. Quite nice, if one must have a "lock".

They make it for XD also, Jon-L, I mentioned Bianchi in previous post.

Model 82 *CarryLok™ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters

- OS

Edited July 13, 2011 by OhShoot
added link to be extra extra helpful

[Murgatroy]

Saw one of these at range today, guy with 1911. Quite nice, if one must have a "lock".

They make it for XD also, Jon-L, I mentioned Bianchi in previous post.

Model 82 *CarryLok™ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters

- OS

Yup, that is the one I have.

[Jon_L]

Saw one of these at range today, guy with 1911. Quite nice, if one must have a "lock".

They make it for XD also, Jon-L, I mentioned Bianchi in previous post.

Model 82 *CarryLokâ„¢ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters

- OS

I looked all over the website, can't believe I overlooked it.

[dralarms]

What do you do for work?

Also, since 5.11 doesn't make those holsters for XDs, looks like I'll have to get a Glock... Oh me...

Install alarm systems. Crawling around in attics and basements gets old. LOL

Saw one of these at range today, guy with 1911. Quite nice, if one must have a "lock".

They make it for XD also, Jon-L, I mentioned Bianchi in previous post.

Model 82 *CarryLok™ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters

- OS

Yup that's it.

I looked all over the website, can't believe I overlooked it.

Don't feel bad, their site is a PITA.

[enfield]

I have no retention devices on any holster I own (other than shoulder holsters) and I've been carrying for 10 years. I've never needed a retention feature. I have a belt holster that came with a strap, but I cut it off.

[Erik88]

I have no retention devices on any holster I own (other than shoulder holsters) and I've been carrying for 10 years. I've never needed a retention feature. I have a belt holster that came with a strap, but I cut it off.

cool.....do you want a cookie?

[dralarms]

cool.....do you want a cookie?

Zinnnngg

[Jon_L]

When I open carry (a shirt over my OWB), I don't want to give anyone a chance to grab at my pistol.

Also, I'm surprised your company let's you carry. More power to you *thumb up*

ETA: retracted "partial"--poor choice of words.

Edited July 16, 2011 by Jon_L

[Daniel]

He does own it.

[dralarms]

When I partial open carry (a shirt over my OWB), I don't want to give anyone a chance to grab at my pistol.

Also, I'm surprised your company let's you carry. More power to you *thumb up*

Is that directed at me? If so let me explain the company policy. All employees carry a firearm, we go prepared and ready to protect ourselves.

He does own it.

LOL, yep and that's a big 10-4.