Comments on: Time to Ditch the Thigh Holster?

By: Drop leg fan

Drop leg fan — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:25:12 +0000

Shut up drop legs are grate

By: The 4th

The 4th — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:21:08 +0000

The best carry holster is the one that let's you get to your gun when you need it and stays out of your way when you don't. I carry strong side waist holster, John Wayne style. It may not be pretty and say "gunfighter," but it's always there when I need it, I'm not laying on it in the dirt, and I can access it with either hand. And if you transition to civilian wear, you can carry an IWB the same place. You don't rise to the occasion, you default to your training. Train like you fight. Same thing every time.

By: alberthead

alberthead — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:32:26 +0000

OK for a civi beat cop, but that doesn’t work for tactical carry.

By: alberthead

alberthead — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:31:10 +0000

As stated elsewhere, the chest rig is a good option for in-vehicle. It is also a good option for fast transition from a long gun that is in the shoulder to the chest-mounted pistol. Having said that, application is also important. Some environments call for a side-arm that is not so “in-your“face” like a chest rig — I’m thinking specifically of training and mentoring positions. In those scenarios, a drop leg holster is still readilly available, but less “out there”, which may contribute to trust issues.

By: Polysynergy

Polysynergy — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:18:57 +0000

As a backpacker the chest rig is the best for two reasons. First the gun sits in between my two shoulder straps and the higher weight is good for balance. Secondly, if I were attacked by a bear (I carry because of middle of the wood drug dealers) and I was curled in the fetal position I would have access to my gun. Whereas if it were on my hip or thigh it wouldn’t be accessible.

By: daman

daman — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:48:55 +0000

One item i haven’t seen mentioned is the old style belt rig that attaches to the waist of the armored vest. I have this and it comes with a tie down. it;s comfortable as far as range of motion,but wearing a gun professionally comes with a caveat,it should be comforting not comfortable.Remember to take into account your body type and your lifesaving gear and adjust from there.

By: John Harasti

John Harasti — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:29:45 +0000

Just ditch the beauty contest-cowboy sh*t. A high-carry LE waist holster works great for most applications: it has a short & quick draw, can be felt by your elbow to keep retention, works concealed or open carry, and now come readily available for accessorized weapons. Additionally, some can be Serpa mounted just about anywhere, which works great for our military apps. For those purposes, I prefer a high-mounted, cross draw chest rig, over my long gun magazines, smoke, frags, etc. As many of us who use all our weapons, it’s important that every operator works it out for themselves. Each of us does it all different, don’t you?

By: DonJuan

DonJuan — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:05:26 +0000

Bottom line...you, and only you are the ONLY ONE responsible for staying alive. There are many senarios as to what works best in specific combat/street patrol situations. If you're trying to look like the "model" on web pages, wearing everything you can find a place for, you're most likely gonna get shot while you're entangled in your gear, or as a result of not being able to reach a specific purpose weapon quick enough. I'm a fan of thigh holsters with duty/entry vests, chest mounted if operating in tight environment and belt mount if on "general" duty. The biggest conflict seems to be trying to wear all three applications at the same time. Do what you feel comfortable with and stay alive. Stay away from the GI Joe image and don't try to be the GQ of the battle field. Wear what gives you an advantage in specific arenas but have all types available. Stay calm, light, hydrated and aware. If you can carry more weight, make it ammo!

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:23:04 +0000

I agree with many of the cons posted here about thigh holsters, having served in both Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, however I much prefer it over a shoulder holster (when traveling on foot). First of all, I have gorilla arms which make drawing a chest mounter weapon less fluid than a thigh rig. Secondly, the type of gear and location of my vests simple ate up the real estate. 6 mags, smoke, 2 gear pouches, radio (all of which used a lot more often than my pistol). In the end it’s all about tactical and personal preference.

By: MK

MK — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:09:34 +0000

Every holster has its different application that should be kept in mind with the freedom of movement that each individual has. As I saw someone say that they all have flaws in certain situations and some are better in others. My own experience is not the most extensive although a tour as a SAW gunner, rifleman and a sniper. Most of my carrying other than that has been civilian related as a woodsman/backpacker where I would like to have a relatively quick draw in case I am attacked by an animal; in which case it will need to be quicker than in a firefight if I get jumped by a mountain lion by random.
The thigh holster I do not recommend for the simple reason that the belt holster has the same applications and is easier to control if someone were to try to disarm you. Not only that but you would have a good range of attack on someone trying to grab your firearm and would have the advantage when you put them on the ground. With the belt you can also easily grab it with your off-hand to use your strong hand for punching, elbowing, etc.
The chest holster is better for someone that has limited movement; such as someone with a machinegun, someone wearing a rucksack or a backpacker. If someone were to try and grab your weapon from the chest you would have better control with either hand in front of you but it would be harder to get a good hit while trying to hold onto your firearm.
If you plan on laying on the ground and crawling around then by all means do not wear one on your chest but, then again, if you do that you probably wouldn’t be bogged down with 85 pounds of gear like I was at one time. I would definitely use a belt holster in that situation.
Basically, I would use a chest holster anytime I am lifting a significant amount of weight that comes with extra equipment restricting my movement and a belt holster without. So yea, thigh holsters should go but belt holsters should replace them. Of course, if you want to use a chest holster for any application (besides crawling) go ahead; just remember that your draw speed won’t be as fast. But you know we are only dealing in ‘what ifs’ anyway and we can never control everything but do our best.