Pistol Leashes?

[mkm]

I've thought about pistol leashes before, but I've become more interested after researching swimming, rafting, canoeing, etc. with a handgun.

Do any of you have experience using them?  I don't mean for every day carry but during activities like mentioned above.  If you have used them, what's your opinion.  How well do they work?  How much do they interfere with standard operations?  Also, do you have any brand/style recommendations?

I don't plan to rush out and get one anytime soon, but I'm very interested pending the final results from my swimming experiment.

[twyacht]

Lanyards, "leashes" have been used for a long, long time. Calvary troops, old west trappers, expedition men all tethered something to their swords, pistols, and other critical tools, as if it was lost, might mean they will die.

Here's a whole list of pics of old and new applications for lanyards/leashes.

http://www.google.com/search?q=pistol+lanyards&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Y3D1T-LIN4SO8wSCuszhBg&sqi=2&ved=0CIABELAE&biw=1280&bih=671

Seems the new version of the extension type "old phone cord" style is popular.

Seems Blackhawk gets the most favorable reviews.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/blackhawk-tactical-pistol-lanyard-single-swivel.html

In an outdoor scenario like you described, I think it would be a great idea.

[alfsauve]

Very common for tools in stagecraft work.   Not so much fear of losing the tool, but fear of it falling on someone's head, but same idea.     I have lanyards on my cordless drills so that I don't drop and break them when working at heights.

[tombogan03884]

The pistol needs to be picked, or modified, for an attachment point.

[MikeBjerum]

I understand your concern and interest, and I am not going to discourage you.  I think it is wise to consider things like this if you carry.  There are also many options out there that will work for any firearm.  It is just a matter of finding what works your gun, your carry style, and your lifestyle.  However, I remind you that you will need to start all over again in your training and practice routine as you incorporate this added dynamic to your tool.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[Sponsor]

[mkm]

Thanks for the input so far guys.  Like I said, I'm not in any hurry to get one and may never.  I just became curious reading stories of people tubing and rafting rivers with their side arms.  m58, training is one reason I was curious if anyone on here had any experience with them.  I really don't see myself in too many situations outside of a water environment where I would consider using one.  I would hate to lose a gun to the bottom of a lake or river, but I would also hate to need to use my gun only to get hung up in a cord or something.

The pistol needs to be picked, or modified, for an attachment point.

I assume you mean for guns that don't come with a factory attachment point?  Can you clarify?  I'm running all Glocks at the moment and the two (20 or 19) that are most likely to take a trip like this come with a ready to go lanyard hole.  If I chose to take the 26, it would require some backstrap drilling.

Now that I have all of my primary handgun "needs" met and as soon as I fill a couple of long gun needs, I may begin to diversify.  But, that's a different story.

[MikeBjerum]

mkm,

I do show them in classes, but I don not teach them.  The reason I do not is that I have not become proficient with them.  I think for the military they are easier to utilize because of their use and application.  However, in a typical concealed carry or even law enforcement situations they are aproblem in everyday use.  For horesback riding, tubing, skiing, biking, etc., there are ways to utilize a lanyard that would not hinder firearm use, but I haven't seen the need in my activities.

Continue the research and keep us informed.

[MikeBjerum]

Here's a little something that showed up yesterday:

http://www.downrange.tv/blog/gun-on-a-rope/15140/

[santahog]

From the peanut gallery..
When I saw the title of the thread, it didn't take me long to get to Holder and Gun-Walking.. 
Okay.. I'm leaving now..