Consider this #8: secure concealed carry

[Robin]

Law enforcement has long recognized the advantage of having secure holsters that require multiple steps to draw. Each step is considered a "level", and Level II or Level III holsters are considered standard for most agencies. Designed correctly they do not significantly slow draw times.

I think secure holsters are a growing trend that more civilians should adopt for two reasons:

1. The primary reason is the peace of mind knowing that once the weapon is secure it isn't going to come out without deliberate effort. Incidents like falling out of ankle holsters while running/dancing or the butt of a pistol in a belt holster getting stuck in a seat back and slipping out have happened. A Level II holster prevents things like that happening. It also helps to eliminate any subconscious touching of a concealed weapon to make sure it's still secure.
2. The second reason is the one they were designed for--to make gun grabs difficult. While the point of concealed carry is for it to be concealed, there are times when someone finds out you're carrying. A release mechanism the gun grabber doesn't know about or has difficulty manipulating buys you extra time.

I know of three different manufacturers that offer Level II concealed belt holsters.

Blackhawk's SERPA holsters use a release mechanism activated by your index finger as you naturally place it against the side of the holster. Todd Jarrett says his draw times improved using this holster since it reinforces acquiring a proper grip.

Safariland makes several types of Level II concealment holsters. I like their thumb-activated ALS belt holster. The thumb activation is very natural and not obvious to anyone who looks at the holster.

Bianchi's CarryLok series of holsters have a lever actuated by your middle finger. It isn't as natural to use as the other two.

All three designs offer Level II security that automatically engages when you holster the weapon. Unlike thumb snaps or other retention devices you don't have to fiddle with controls to make the weapon secure. Secure, easy to use and quick. What's not to like?

[DavidC77]

I also say use a retention holster.

I was talking to one holster maker about doing a holster for me and he started laffing at me when I said I wanted him to make it for me with a thumb break on it. He told me that that was an insult to him and would not make it for me, of course I didn't use him.

I allways look at it this way also as to why you need a retention holster: you go to a public restroom and sit down on the thrown, now take a look at where your gun is and how easy it is to be grabed away from you, that is how many pick-pockets grab wallets and stuff from you also.

Ya it sounds funny and you say "that will never happen to me" but it is at a time when you are most vorable and not in an easy spot to help yourself.

I also have trouble keeping a gun in place when I am carrying IWB. I'm 6'3", 310 Lb's and have had 3 back surjurys. Trust me I am allways readjusting my pants so it is much easyer for the gun to "come out of the holster" without some kind of a retention holster.

[DavidC77]

I know of three different manufacturers that offer Level II concealed belt holsters.

Don't forget about the thumb-break on the good old leather holster.

I carry most times in a Galco FLETCH holster http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPT3.asp?ProductID=565&CatalogID=4 , it's a great holster. I have also found another one that I like alot also, it is a DeSantis C&L http://www.desantisholster.com/storefrontB2CWEB/browse.do?action=refresh_browse&ctg_id=1006 .

Another one that I have found (and have ordered) is a Mernickle IWB holster http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/ps2_ref6.html , I don't have this one yet but talking with them and by the looks of it I'm going to like it. My current IWB (from someone else) sucks, it holds the gun fine but it only has one belt loop with one snap on it so it is allways coming out of my waist band or the loop is unsnaping. Another thing that happens is the whole holster comes out with the gun when you try to draw the gun out (not a good thing to happen) .

Hope that helps

David

[Robin]

Don't forget about the thumb-break on the good old leather holster.

There are two potential disadvantages "traditional" thumb breaks:
1. It's well known and easy to defeat by someone standing in front of you.
2. It requires some manipulation when holstering and fastening the snap. The three devices I mentioned above automatically engage when holstering. I think this auto-engagement is a huge plus.

[Hazcat]

There are two potential disadvantages "traditional" thumb breaks:
1. It's well known and easy to defeat by someone standing in front of you.
2. It requires some manipulation when holstering and fastening the snap. The three devices I mentioned above automatically engage when holstering. I think this auto-engagement is a huge plus.

Yes, and all three above will not work for IWB carry.

[Sponsor]

[Robin]

Yes, and all three above will not work for IWB carry.

Unfortunately at this time, no. My preferred carry method is with a SERPA paddle holster but I also use pocket holsters where active retention isn't necessary and IWB where it isn't possible.

[Hazcat]

Here in FL all I wear are shorts and T shirts so paddle holsters are out.  I use and Uncle Mike IWB for my Kel Tek P3AT.

[DavidC77]

There are two potential disadvantages "traditional" thumb breaks:
1. It's well known and easy to defeat by someone standing in front of you.
2. It requires some manipulation when holstering and fastening the snap. The three devices I mentioned above automatically engage when holstering. I think this auto-engagement is a huge plus.

I do use an IWB with a thumb break and it works fine. You have to remember the biggest thing is to be conceled. The BlackHawk (and others like that, of which I own and do use) are a great holster but they stick out alot so it makes them harder to concel. Again the bigggest thing here is that you are carrying conceled. Most likely regular Joe Smo isn't going to get into a very close fight were you have to worry about a bad guy getting your gun. If a perp is in that close allready you as a CCW person are in alot more trouble allready. The holster as I said I carry with the most is a Galgo FLETCH or the DeSantis C&L belt highride holster. With my bear paws it is hard for me to shoot a gun like a S&W J-Frame so I carry a larger gun (an M&P is my current gun).

You seem to now what you are saying, I'm wondering if you are a LEO and as such are looking at this differenetly. Say you are a LEO than yes you can carry more openly than an average CCW person can. An average CCW person most likely will only draw his or her gun when they are putting in in for the day or taking it out at night. Big difference than what a LEO will do. I was a LEO in small towns years ago (when I had a good back) and yes I had to draw my gun a few times but luckaly never had to fire it and now as just a CCW wearer I've never had to draw it. So yes I look at it in a way that is 1. most conceled, 2. somewhat easy for me to draw if I need to but hard if someone else trys to get my gun from me and 3. stays on me the best it can without giving away to someone that I am carrying.

Hope that helps as to why I said a leather holster over say the BlackHawk.

[Robin]

I live in a state where CCWs are relatively rare and hard to obtain. Consequently most people don't wonder if others might be carrying and it isn't something they look for. For all I know I'm printing badly. But I do wear black jackets and other clothes that make bulges less noticable. And so many people strap tech gadgets on their belt it makes blending in easier too.

[Arvinator]

I prefer a holster with some kind of retention. A thumb break is better than nothing at all, and the serpa is better. I also strongly like the use of a second gun, preferably pocket carry .
Always go concealed, properly dressed and do not brag about your carrying, and use common sense.