Suppressors Drawing from different types of holsters

[dtkutchu]

I will be getting a Smith and Wesson M&P9C soon for carry, and I was wondering what you all thought was the easiest type of holster to draw from.

Outside of pants
Inside of pants
Shoulder-type that places the gun at a little below chest-level

Which one is easiest for you to draw from and why?

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

It completely depends on what purpose you're carrying the gun for. CCW? Duty weapon? Comps?

If it's CCW, get whatever conceals the weapon with no printing, and then get used to drawing. Alot of guys use an IWB holster for CCW.

For IDPA, I just use a Serpa on my belt. I got used to it downrange and I like the retainability of Serpas.

I personally don't like shoulder holsters because I don't wear jackets very often. Also, going to a range and practicing drawing from a shoulder holster may violate range rules since you aren't keeping the gun up and down range at all times. You usually have to flag the people on one of your flanks to draw from a shoulder holster.

 

[ORD]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

A question like this is always going to get you a bunch of different responses, but only YOU can determine what's best for YOU.

First and foremost...your body type/stature, mechanics, etc. will be most determinative of what works best and is "easiest" for you. All things considered, for most people, a strong-side, On-the-Waist (or Waistband...OWB) carry will likely offer you the easiest access and quickest draw from the holster. However, to achieve that type of carry, you may give up some degree of concealability and comfort depending on the circumstances you are carrying in.

In other words, while a "quick draw" may be helpful and even important, proper concealment and overall comfort while carrying (especially for extended periods of time) are also are BIG issues to consider.

The best advice I can give you is to try different holsters and determine what's best for YOU.

 

[chalwie]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

The better the concealment, typically the more harder to draw; because you have to go through layers of clothes. OWB is hard to conceal unless you wear a long over-shirt and/or jacket. I don't like shoulder cross-draw types because it's hard to avoid flagging someone including yourself with the barrel.
No matter which type (even external thigh holsters), it takes a lot of practice drawing, presenting, and aiming - into one smooth and accurate action. These steps should be practiced after a course or video learning, repetitively until it's ingrained into your muscle memory. It may take a 1000 practice draws to become adept. So get what works for you, and start practicing.

 

[Sgt. 0811]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

Ya, this is a hard topic. I think it's why I, and so many others have a box or bag in the closet filled with holsters. It sucks but you have to do some research on what your needs are. Even if concealment isn't a factor. Do you want a retention system. When are you going to carry the gun? Do you plan on walking a lot. There are competeition holsters that rock to draw from but I wouldn't want to wear them for a day hiking. Holsters are just so damn personal. My absolute best advice is get a cheap holster for 20 bucks or less and wear it a few times find out what features you wish it had and maybe some things you like about it then just start shopping for "the one" It sounds like a waste of money but better than spending 100.00 on a nice holster to find out you hate it after a few days.

 

[breachersup]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

I've all kinds of thoughts and opinions on holsters, but I gotta say, the combined advice of ORD, chalwie, and sgt0811 right there absolutely nail it.

The only thing I could add is that you start with slow is smooth and smooth is fast, and then you slowly but steadily become faster and faster as you practice on the TV or the bedroom mirror or whatever. Its all about muscle memory.

And I guess I'd also add that while i own a shoulder holster, I rarely rarely use it. Its very comfortbale in the car, but thats it. - not a practical draw for anything else, and you need to be wearing a zipped up jacket or buttoned up suit to conceal it anyways - again defeating the quickness factor.

 

[Sig_Fiend]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

Step 1 - Cut a hole in a box
Step 2 - Put your.......holsters in that box

In all seriousness though, it is entirely a personal preference. I'll tell you what I've found works for me, but it may not necessarily be what works for you. For concealed carry, I look at several aspects. The first and most important aspect to me is being able to draw the gun as quickly, effectively, and easily as possible. A gun is useless if you can't get to it, right? Next comes ability for retention (if you have to go hands on with someone). Last is comfort, although still important. If it's totally uncomfortable, you won't wear it, but honestly concealed carry is never going to be 100% comfortable. If it is 100% comfortable, you most likely are not carrying effectively or not using an effective carry gun.

For me, I have found all those aspects have led to carry at 3o'clock, OWB with a straight drop (no cant). 3o'clock IWB is fine too, but OWB can be considerably more comfortable. Depends on your attire. One thing I have found is that, for me, I absolutely despise cant in a holster. The typical carry position lots of people use is 4o'clock or almost 5o'clock with increasing degrees of cant, even as much as 45 degrees. I will tell you this is slow and can be extremely uncomfortable and inconsistent for the draw stroke, for me at least. Having to articulate your wrist in that manner, you also have less strength and will be less stable in the initial grip and draw. Straight drop is easy. Going down the list of importance, I will sacrifice some comfort and concealability for having an easier and more effective draw.

Appendix carry at ~12:30-2:30 is also another great method to meet the requirements of easy access, good retention, and a fast and efficient draw, though it is not for everyone. I like AIWB, however my gut doesn't agree with me.

 

[dohnuts58]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

i have my kimber full size in a owb paddle, with a butt fwd cant. when i had it straight up and down i couldnt hide it for shit, or sit with it, it stuck straight out. with the "fbi" cant, i can just put my tee shirt or a button up over it and its pretty well hidden, and i can sit, whether in my truck, in the wife's sentra, or in the camaro with its deep buckets

 

[Glock45]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

DTKutchu,

As far as ease of drawing . . . I personally prefer OWB holster. It's what I typically carry for CCW use. Now, in my plain-clothes assignment I will frequently carry a shoulder rig just to take the load off my waist/hips area. Wearing 10-15#'s or more of full duty-belt on your hip for 10+years gets to ya!

using a PACT timer, my draw and fires to a target 7yds out was, on average .2-.3 seconds slower from the shoulder rig vs OOP holster with the same firearm!

So, do you want quick draw? comfort? cross-draw ability if you're a driver?

Of your options, the IWB holster with a good baggy shirt over will be ultimate concealability.

These are MY opinions from wearing all the options you listed. Your research and experience may be different than mine, and that's ok!! I know what I'm comfortable wearing, you or anyone else reading this will have to experience your own conclusions!

OWB: PROS - easy to find, fast draw, relatively easy to conceal, many many options for common firearms.
CONS - if large firearm, can print through cover clothing, if heavy firearm can dig into your hip.

IWB: PROS - Great concealbility, pretty much as quick as OWB for draw-fire, many options for snap fasteners, or belt loops, etc.
CONS - need to buy pants with 2-3" larger waistband, can really dig into your hips if worn wrong, requires the push-out-of-way or pulling up of cover clothing to utilize(I think moreso than OWB.)

Shoulder: PROS - comfortable, if one is dignitary protection, it allows a good draw angle while driving, usually incorporate a spare magazine or two to carry on opposite side of holster, takes weight off your hips/waist
CONS - cost, need a rather large cover-up so as to not print, if you and a bad-guy are both right-handed, it's a straight draw for an adversary directly in front of you to grab your firearm.

I'm guessing you're NOT Law Enforcement and it's for CCW purposes. If that's the case, I would vote for 1) OWB 2) IWB 3) shoulder rig.

Best of luck!

-G45

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

A number of others said it and it is totally true. It depends on your needs, gun, holster, mode of carry and where you live. For most of the time, I prefer an belt holster for concealment worn just behind the hip. Extended period of driving would be cross-draw. I like to draw and not have to move much clothing to get at the gun! Whatever you decide..... practice and muscle memory are the most important factors.

George P

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

The weather, what part of the country you live in, your age and physical ability will all play a part in your decision. I certainly agree the the shoulder holster option is the least attractive. With a horizontal, you are covering a 180 degree arc on each draw. A vertical is better from a safety standpoint, but both are slow.

My personal favorites for my Glock 36 are both inside-the-pant holsters. The Galco Skyops - it's a tuckable holster, and the attachment to the belt can be swapped for different belt sizes. I find it most comfortable at 5:00, especially driving. The other I like is the Bianchi 3S Pistol Pocket. The angle can be adjusted continuously, instead of just 3 positions, so it can be worn strong side or appendix (assuming you don't have Dunlop's Disease like me - my belly has done lopped over my belt). It has a thumb break. My only complaint is that I wish it came in black, and didn't have the LARGE Bianchi logo stamped on the belt loop.

Here's a nice resource of holster manufacturers and makers:

http://alumbankweb.com/cc-riglinks.php

Mark H.

 

[kentactic]

Re: Drawing from different types of holsters

well the easiest holster to draw from is a kind of an easy answer if thats how simple the question is. so without trying to read into the question the easiest, fastest drawing holster would be a plastic of some kind with only friction retention. obviously worn outside the pants.

something like this: