Do you trust an open-top holster for field carry of pistols like a full-size 1911 or Beretta? I like the slim looks of some of the open-top leather holsters, but just can't seem to get over the fact that the pistol is not secured by some sort of strap, etc.. I keep envisioning that the first time I jump across a ditch or crawl through some thick brush that I'll lose my gun....

Perhaps I should refine my original question some: I'm referring to LEATHER open-top holsters with no sort of tension-type retention....

I've always used one with some kind of strap or retainer for security and peace of mind.

I have a couple. I won't say it's impossible for the gun to come out.... but I keep using them so must feel comfortable enough with them.

I guess if I knew I was going to have to roll down a mountainside I'd choose something more secure.

My normal CCW ensemble includes a Glock 19 in an open top belt holster with no strap. The holster is wet-moulded to the gun and has a tension screw. You would have to hold me upside down and shake me pretty hard to dislodge it.

Both my CCW holsters are open at the top, NO thumb break etc. If I need to draw that pistol I want speed and no hinderance of a strap or cover.

Now if I am walking in the woods etc, I may very well have a holster with a cover over my pistol, however I still have my backup CCW pistol hidden with no top.

Any top quality holster won' let the gun just fall out. If your worried just get a Serpa with the trigger lock.

Yes. I've got an old Safariland holster that will still allow me to turn it upside down with a fully loaded 1911.
Pretty hard for it to come out with running. Hard to get past the rib cage over the right hip. I've got a military style holster that I use sometimes with the full flap removed. Works well enough.
Not so with revolver holsters. I've never seen a form fitted revolver holster that would retain the gun upside down.
As with alot of things in handguns, test it and see what you think.
Frankly, unless I'm hiking a long way in the mountains, I much prefer the inside the waistband, strong side, butt to front and canted back position for accessability with either hand, security, even when running, concealablity and ease of draw. In otherwords, no holster at all. E

Yep! Trust them with my life. For the 1911, I use Milt Sparks for both my CC holsters; VMII and BN55. For my 4-5/8" Ruger NMBH in 45 Colt, I used the Mernickle Field Holster II in cross draw for my Grizzly hunt to Alaska last year. As long as the gun fits the holster VERY well, it will work great.

Alan

Exactly..

I've got several - Sparks, El Paso, Rosen et al., and they're just tops in fit, finish and retention.. Never had one come out that I didn't want to come out..

Only two I have with straps are for very large revolvers - one is scoped and both, in these two cases, do need straps.. .

Trust them with my life. Desantis and Galco open tops for years. I carry Glocks, 1911's and revolvers in them. I prefer the Galco for revolvers as they are wet fit around the cylinder and they will not fall out. Bianchi revolver holsters are too loose a fit unless you cinch your belt up tight. That puts pressure on the ends of the holster and makes for good retention, but the Galco works well no matter how tight the belt is or what you are wearing.

I use nothing but open top holster for CC Carry and the only other type i would consider would be the Thumb Break. For hunting the strap holster is fine .

Another thing to consider is whether or not you might want to use a lanyard. You can buy one made specifically for that purpose or rig one out of an old coil-type phone cord and some black duct tape. It might not win a beauty contest, though...

All my carry holsters are open top...in 20+ years of training people to draw everyone under stress muffs a draw when a release is involved...it has been especially bad with the new Sherpa.

The exception would be on horse back or 4-wheeling in very rough territory...then if the gun had to be on the outside of my clothing I would want a holster with a strap.

I am not big on thumb break holsters as TWICE I lost 4" barrel revolvers from top name brand LE holsters when running and the thumbsnap came undone...

Bob

I don't know how many suspects I chased at full gallop, over fences, through fences, etc...and the cheap Glock factory holster held my G20, and the cheapo Glock mag carriers held my mags. I wouldn't hesitate to strap that little band of plastic on and shove the G20 in and go about my business.

Perhaps I should refine my original question some: I'm referring to LEATHER open-top holsters with no sort of tension-type retention....

...no. Especially on a 4-wheeler. A friend had a nice S&W M17 6" .22 pulled out of an open top holster while riding...had to backtrack over a mile to find it and was lucky the gun sustained almost no damage from the fall...could have been gone for good.

Bob

I trust them.

BTW, all of the holsters in this morning's show have been brought to you by Milt Sparks Holsters.

Except the home made rig in the deer pic!

...nice holsters...and a "few" leftover BlackRifles?

Bob

Field carry in KS to me is woods carry, so I misunderstood the post. I have a .41mag Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel that I have woods carried in a Triple K 196-15 thumb break since the 80's. I recently changed the Blackhawk hammer to a Bisley hammer. It makes the thumb break a little tight, but it still works great. Good luck.

Look at the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake, I have several and for the money it's the best thing I have ever used. Outstanding retention and fairly fast presentation. They ride high and tight and out of the way. Perfect for canoe or horse. You can have one made with a retention strap if you would like.

You won't be disappointed.

Mackay,

How do you like the Sparks #200 AW? I've been thinking about one for a 4" N frame. Also, it looks like you have a Sparks HSR as well. Of the two, which do you like better and why?

Just got a Fobus paddle holster for the Glock 19. It's light with no excess material. Pull straight up, hard and the gun slides right out. A bubble formed in the plastic inside holds the gun in at the trigger guard. Everywhere else inside there's a little play so you're not rubbing finish off the gun.

I like both a lot as they are both very high quality and will last a lifetime. Of the two I prefer the 200 AW simply for the fact that it has a piece of additional material that protects my clothing (jackets, coats, cover garments)from getting shredded by the sharp S&W hammers. That being said, you really cannot go wrong.