Drop leg vs chest carry vs anything else

[ThePlato]

For guys who have been deployed what is the best option for pistol carry? I've tried both for limited amounts of time. I won't be in a vehicle much. The only problem I've had is that the thigh holster tends to swing around like mad after maybe a short sprint or jog. Does anybody (hold on, let me clarify - no airsofters) have any good recommendations on a solid holster that will hold up while deployed?

I saw that specter gear had a drop leg platform for the M12 holster, has anyone tried that?

[GorkoSan]

I only have extended experience with HSGI holsters for my Glocks. Carried it on the vest (HSGI Wasatch), vertical as well as horizontal. The horizontal carry obstructed the mag changes as well as weapon shouldering from time to time. Switched to a vertical HSGI modular holster and finally mounted it on my Woosatch (A), performed much better, however drawing the Glock was a bit slow due to the fact it rode to high. Now use a Tactical Tailor mounted on a SO tech pistol belt for my G34+X400 works very good for me. I never really liked the drop leg holsters as they seem to tend to move around to much when running. Tried the HSGI version of the drop leg which was quite OK, did not like the Eagle or Blackhawk drop legs either, never got to test the Safariland. Never used any of this this in actual combat only on shooting ranges, training and close protection jobs. Hope this helps.

[Rattfink]

I hated drop legs. Too flappy, disabled a cargo pocket and too low for my taste. I also hated seeing people walk around with the chest rigs that were all flappy. The same guy who would chew your ass for "flagging" with your rifle muzzle would have no qualms letting his pistol point directly at anyone standing behind him.

My preference was for a pistol belt and holster. It afforded the best balance of control, retention and accessibility. It kept out of the way when I was doing anything else. With enough practice I could transition from rifle to pistol and back as easily as with a drop leg.

When I was driving an LAV I had no room for my M4 or SAW so I wore my pistol in the same holster, but mounted on my flack with 4 spare magazines. That was because I was right up against the fire wall on my right side. That was all I had on my flak. My IFAK was next to me in a cranny where my VC knew to look for it should it be needed.

[James]

I really got to like a low slung belt holster when I worked in A'Stan. Mine is from Blade Tech, and it was fantastic. I too dislike thigh holsters, but for a long time the only other option was a concealment holster, which frequently interferes with body armor.

If I was mounted/mech I'd probably go for a chest mount on my BA. I worked as a contractor over there, so we were always in civvies and frequently low profile.

Check out Blade Tech, they're good to go.

[Sir Zach of R.]

I'm with James on this one. Depending on your chest rig your best bet is a 3:00 o'clock carry on a belt. I would also suggest some type of holster that has a decent standoff from the body line, but that is only if you're running some type of pouch on your strong side that would restrict a lower-profile holster. Blade Tech or Comp-Tac would be my first recommendations. You can also check out DSG Arms Alpha holsters but I've found them to be slightly large for vehicle carry.

What I DON'T recommend is anything by Blackhawk, Uncle Mikes, or Fobus. There's nothing horribly wrong with them, but the SERPA if my memory serves correctly has been banned from military use, and Fobus and Uncle Mikes are not what I would call "downrange quality."

Comp-Tac

Blade Tech

[afallan1]

When I was in Afghanistan, I went through a couple different set ups. None were ideal for all situations. Going through ECRC, I was issued a Safariland for the M9, which was fine for limited duration and when wearing the IBA. What I did to make it more comfortable was remove the upper strap and ride just low enough to clear my IBA. While in garrison, I was using a Serpa paddle holster. I know those have had a bad reputation, but I think it's a training issue and it was unlikely I was going to be crawling through dirt and debris to get the locking mechanism jammed. From my experience, go with a belt mounter holster that will ride low enough to clear your armor, something like a duty holster, which ride about 1.5 - 2 inches below the waist. Having a dropleg/anchor sucks especially when you're just walking to the DFAC and back to the office.

I would recommend the following in no particular order:

1. Any G Code holster mounted on the following: http://www.tacticalholsters.com/prod...ies/GCA30.html
2. Safariland 6395 ALS: http://www.copquest.com/23-0880.htm

afallan1

[ThePlato]

Thanks for the help guys! You pointed me in the right direction, I'll start looking at these options.

Hooyah

[Beowulf]

I really got to like a low slung belt holster when I worked in A'Stan. Mine is from Blade Tech, and it was fantastic. I too dislike thigh holsters, but for a long time the only other option was a concealment holster, which frequently interferes with body armor.

If I was mounted/mech I'd probably go for a chest mount on my BA. I worked as a contractor over there, so we were always in civvies and frequently low profile.

Check out Blade Tech, they're good to go.

This.

Chest carry is pretty great if you're in trucks/vehicles - the drop legs take up one of your cargo pockets and are a pain if walking long distance.

If you're using a plate carrier then belt carry shouldn't be a problem because you have a lot more space. My IOTV is "long" on me and the side plates eliminate belt carry as an option.

I have a battle belt with a safariland on it. The belt lets me switch between IOTV and plate carrier without changing anything - the safariland is raised up really high - the standard as I was taught is that you should be able to curl your fingers at the bottom of your holster - so my pistol sits just below my beltline anyway.

I keep a leather folding holster on my belt for on post - and on certain missions where I know I will downgrade for meetings and such. I can drop my armor and keep my pistol on my belt.

Although, now that I have the battle belt set up I will probably keep that on even if I downgrade.

[PvtPyle]

Drop legs rub. Every wrinkle, every bump, every seam rub and eventually hurt. In a vehicle your drop leg tends to roll under your leg, making it hard to get your pistol out. If you shift it to the top of your thigh, you armor makes impossible to get the weapon out. Belt is a good way to go, I prefer the chest carry. I can get to it in the driver seat, in the turret and even in the p r o n e if I had to.

[ThePlato]

Does chest carry make it hard to remove some of your primary weapon systems magazines? This was the problem I encountered when using chest carry.

What about using the psuedo drop leg holster where they barely come down and have just on strap to hold it onto your leg? It seems like a good option - sometimes my plate carrier tends to ride low on my and block or make belt drawing incredibly difficult. Does anybody have any reference photos on this stuff?

I'm such a geardo.

[BMF]

I've always gone for either A: Belt carry, or B: leg, with it hiked up as high as possible. I use a safariland with the upper leg strap removed, and the holster hiked up so far that the lower one is only an inch or so out of my junk. works great, been using it for a long time.

[greendzflash]

low slung belt holster seems to be the way ahead for the reasons mentioned above.

the drop leg has had its day....people now realised that the han solo look is quite a pain in the ass after a while!

and the chest mount just gets in the way.

[Beowulf]

I've always gone for either A: Belt carry, or B: leg, with it hiked up as high as possible. I use a safariland with the upper leg strap removed, and the holster hiked up so far that the lower one is only an inch or so out of my junk. works great, been using it for a long time.

ive got mine like this - perfect description.

[ZoneOne]

Get a holster the keeps the pistol on your hip. It's great for when you're in an area that doesn't require armor. A drop leg will chafe, and rub, and swing when moving. Some people love them though. I hate them. If you run into issues with the pistol interfering with your armor, look into a Safariland or similar that will drop it off of your duty belt. This way you can have the same set up and draw 24/7, your entire deployment, with or with out armor.

Not sure what you are carrying but I'm going to assume it's an M9. There's a lot of options.

[YourImaginaryStalker]

Note this might be a dumb question, but I've never had to deal with holsters before. Anyways with the leg holster how people always complain about the movement, don't the holsters has a thin ridged panel on them which would reduce movement but at the same time allow for movement. because to me that seems like a very simple idea that would prevent such extreme movement and can be easier design to flex and blend to it comfortable to.