Holster questions

[Aluisious]

1) What's a good cheap holster for use in SHTF/friendly competition/classes? I was thinking about those Uncle Mikes soft holsters. I had a BladeTech before once but it cost a lot and weighed more...retention benefit and a quick draw I guess.

2) What's the pros and cons of thigh holsters vs belt holsters?

[CaliTheKid]

The Blackhawk CQC with the Serpa retention is about $40 bucks and works well for what you are asking.

[slick_711]

The Bladetech's are great, the Blackhawk Serpa is also great, but personally I wouldn't want a retention holster for IDPA/general range shooting. The Uncle Mike's soft holsters and Uncle Mike's kydex paddle holsters work pretty well and are very in expensive.

As to belt or drop leg, it just depends on what you're doing? Drop leg is a bit faster draw for most people, as you don't have to raise your elbow anywhere near as high on the draw. But if it's something you're carrying drop leg is a bit of a hassle, I used to beat the *#^% out of my M9 just getting in and out of the car because of the stupid drop leg holster. In warm weather the straps will bunch up your pants and be uncomfortable as well as cause extra sweating; but it is a bit faster, and more tacti-cool. Just depends on what you plan to do.

Really the fastest draw would be an appendix draw, but that's much less common of a holster and I don't think you'd find one inexpensively. Also a bit less orthodox for carry.

[Stanze]

Belt holsters are easier to conceal(duh.), thigh holsters lower your sidearm so you can wear your load bearing vest. Depending on your idea of S.H.T.F. either one is fine. I think Blackhawk makes the best design thigh holster because you can access your clip pocket knife easily.

I have the Blackhawk CQC for my GLOCK 17 without the SERPA button(for a quicker draw during IDPA), I like it a lot. You didn't mention what pistol it was for, I'd be extra careful if I was going to use a SERPA with a GLOCK, some folks inadvertantly stuck their finger in the trigger guard while drawing and gave thier leg an instant membership to the Fine Red Mist club!

Good discussion here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=41260 on inexspensive GLOCK holsters, but I'm sure the companies mentioned also make them for other handguns.

[Aluisious]

I had a SERPA for a Glock. I'm not sure how you'd shoot yourself on the draw.

Now, I have a Kimber TLE.

[Stanze]

I had a SERPA for a Glock. I'm not sure how you'd shoot yourself on the draw.

Now, I have a Kimber TLE.

It's happened. http://www.teddytactical.com/archive...01_Feature.htm

Nice piece, spend appropriately on a holster for it.

[Aluisious]

Oh, yeah.

Well that sucks.

My opinion on the SERPA was that it solved a problem I didn't have.

[Stanze]

Also, if you are going to enter IDPA, you need a "real world" belt holster and mag pouch that would be practically used in CCW, drop-leg tacti-cool stuff is not allowed.

IDPA rulebook: http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

[Aluisious]

Yeah, the belt holster is the way to go I think. I was trying to figure out why ppl used the drop leg holsters and it's obvious now that it's because of those vests. I don't have any need for that.

[brando]

Blade-Tech is great for IDPA. I've risked my life with Safariland 6004(5) series holsters, so they are my preferred overall tactical holster (but not IDPA friendly).

[Aluisious]

I'm thinking of either an Uncle Mike's belt holster, a soft one for cheap, or one of those 1911 combos from Bladetech, with a holster and dual mag pouch deal for 40 bucks or so.

I already have mag pouches, Uncle Mike's ones, but they have fold over velcro retainers. A lot of the Uncle Mike's holsters have retaining straps which I don't really get.

[m1371]

1) What's a good cheap holster for use in SHTF/friendly competition/classes? I was thinking about those Uncle Mikes soft holsters. I had a BladeTech before once but it cost a lot and weighed more...retention benefit and a quick draw I guess.

2) What's the pros and cons of thigh holsters vs belt holsters?

You spent a good chunk of change for your 1911, don't cheap out on the holster & mag pouch.

BladeTech has an IDPA approved holster and mag pouch that should fit your needs.

http://www.blade-tech.com/Belt-Holster-IDPA-APPROVED-pr-871.html

http://www.blade-tech.com/Double-Mag-Pouch-W-SR-loop-IDPA-APPROVED-pr-1015.html

From looking at their website, they are running a "Competition Special" with a holster & mag pouch combo for $95.

http://www.blade-tech.com/Competition-Special-pr-1025.html

[Aluisious]

What do you think of http://www.blade-tech.com/Combo-Pak-Special-pr-897.html

Half the price.

[m1371]

What do you think of http://www.blade-tech.com/Combo-Pak-Special-pr-897.html

Half the price.

Doesn't say anything about whether it is IDPA approved, which is something you might want to verify first.

Personally I will not use an injection molded holster unless it's all I can get.

Guess I'm just a Kydex snob.

[Stanze]

I'm thinking of either an Uncle Mike's belt holster, a soft one for cheap, or one of those 1911 combos from Bladetech, with a holster and dual mag pouch deal for 40 bucks or so.

I already have mag pouches, Uncle Mike's ones, but they have fold over velcro retainers. A lot of the Uncle Mike's holsters have retaining straps which I don't really get.

Don't know if you've done IDPA yet, but all those soft holsters, thumb-breaks, velco straps, eat up your's and everyone's time. IMO, hard-form fitted quick draw holsters and mag pouches are much superior. Hell, even all the 1911 guys fiddling around with their safeties, constant mag changes and jams!(yeah, I said it!) start to test your patience when there's 50 shooters on the line waiting to IDPA qualify after a long day at work.