Tacticool and thigh rigs

[The Director]

So I've heard it a million times. Thigh rigs are for mall ninjas, for tacticool losers. No professional operators use them, except when they run out of real estate on their belts what with all the mag pouches, grenades, and light sabers.

Still, I find a thigh rig puts the gun right where my hand is and feels really comfortable.

So do these guys feel the same way? Why no belt holsters?

[okimreloaded]

I think thigh holsters are cool. I don't have one but I've thought about it. I just like the accessibility and how the weight is carried. i was considering getting one for hunting. Now if you just want one to walk around your neighborhood... or stalk around your house maybe not.

[cc56]

I used one in Afghanistan, my flight vest made it hard to have a belt holster. Screw what others think, if it makes you happy then go with it.

[stphnman20]

It dont matter what other say dude, go with what feeling comfortable for you.. After all, your using it and not them...

[Plisk]

To be very blunt, I like thigh holsters because I have love-handles. It is hard for me to comfortable draw from a close belt holster. I run a second leg platform for a few extra AR-15 magazines. And whatever else I need to throw on the molle for any specific situation. Like extra glow-sticks, etc.

[Fot]

I like the look, seems like would be a good height to draw from. Curious about the gun being that exposed though. Could get tangled easier then a hip holster.
I'm sure sooner or later I will get one to try out.

[joelogic]

Throw on some body armor with side rifle plates and you will see why you cant use a belt holster.

Thigh rig when you cant run a belt holster.

But its really practicality. Average Joe should learn to fight from a belt holster, unless you are totally kit'ed out when you leave your house.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I'd say try one and see how it works out for you. If it works, run with it. I trained too many years with belt holsters to be comfortable with thigh rigs. If retention is an issue, thigh holsters are harder to protect. Neither one might apply to you.

If it helps you any, I'm the guy at a "tactical" shooting class wearing jeans, t-shirt and a concealment holster when everyone else is camoed/BDU'd/LBV'd/whatever. If I wind up in a shooting situation, the odds are overwhelming that's what I'll be working with, not tac gear. Train as you expect to fight.

[randy]

I'm not a fan of thigh rigs but I don't get kitted up. They are generally slower to draw from, but if you need the space you need the space.

I can understand why the guys in the pictures are wearing a thigh rig. If that's where they carry their pistol when they are kitted up it is where they are going to look for it should they need it in a hurry. Mussle memory.

[BigAL]

I've run both thigh (safariland 6004) and waist (IWB and OWB) holsters. I have a lot more practice with IWB as that's how I roll in real life. Some people just don't like stuff strapped to their legs, but I find the pistol location to be very intuitive. Dealing with the thumb lock/retention device slows me down a bit but that's a training issue.

[stagman]

Anyone who judges someone on the gear he chooses is a mall ninja!

If you are comfortable with it, and can use it efficiently, then use it...

I tried one, and couldnt get comfortable with it, so back to the IWB for me. Its about preference, and use-ability (if thats not a word, then it is now).

[wildcard]

I own both. I prefer thigh holsters because it's less in the way when you're moving with a rifle slung to your side. I used to get around the problem by cross drawing my pistol.. but that was a compromise.

[DVLDOC]

I used a Blackhawk thigh rig for my M9 when I was in Iraq. I think it was way better than the belt holster because of all the gear that I was already carrying.

[WeekendWarrior]

I have one but I only really use it when shooting on BLM land. In my opinion, they are mor comfortable that a belt holster. I have long arms, so no hitting my sidearm with my elbo either. If I was a police officer carrying on a daily basis I would got with a belt holster as it would be easier to really run around in if necessary and they elastic would probably start to relly irritate your thigh after awhile. I dont normally wear a sidearm, so when i shoot on BLM land, I go for comfort and something out of the way for my torso. Call me mall ninja if you will, but I only use the thing a few times a year.

[Wildhawk66]

I think they are actually ideal for open carry on BLM or Forest service land where you might be wearing a large jacket or sweatshirt that you could unintentionally end up concealing a belt holstered weapon with.