new concealed carry holster decision

[dave77]

My IWB holster for my Beretta PX4c is starting to bother my hip more and more so I am getting ready to order a leather OWB.

I've decided on a MTR Custom Leather Quick Snap, about half way down this page, models A-5 and A-7.

https://www.mtrcustomleather.com/produc ... tband-owb/

I'm having a hard time deciding between the open top and the thumb break models. Won't be rolling around on the ground or standing on my head but will be wearing it working around my place. Talked to one of their reps and she said especially with lining and double stitching options, the open top model would have very good retention. However my PX4 does have a laser, which will affect retention.

I'm thinking that while the thumb break holster will definitely be more secure, the open top will be more comfortable to wear with a untucked tee shirt. Also, I've never owned a holster with a thumb break.

Since this will be a fairly expensive and non-returnable holster thought I would ask for any input I can get here.

Thanks

[krunchnik]

I carry mostly 1911's and do not even own a thumb break holster-I have never had a pistol come close to leaving my holster by accident.I do not like the thumb break for the fact of a second step in the case of an altercation where time may be a factor.Each to his own although.

[dave77]

Thanks, I am leaning toward the open top. I think I will like it more, with the double stitching and having it lined and also an extra $50 for expedited service (7-10 days to have it delivered instead of up to 10 weeks), I'm looking at around $200. I think the open top will retain just fine but for that much $$$ I did want a few second opinions.

[ESquared]

From the looks of those, plus the leather lining, open top would be just fine. Have carried everything from full-sized Sigs to 1911s to a Sig P232, and never felt the need for a snap strap.

Nice looking goods!

[markiver54]

I could never tolerate an IWB holster. I carry a SA XDS single stack OWB. Actually bought three different holsters for it and ironically, my favorite is the kydex they offered with the package. Holds securely, yet comes out quickly If I need it to. Open top is the way to go IMO. I do own a thumb break for my 6" S&W 357, however, that is only for rough riding on the 4-wheeler up the mountain. A heavier gun will ride out of the holster faster and more easily than a lighter SD weapon. Heck, I really don't like the thumb break even under those conditions, but when rough riding trails, I wouldn't even know if it fell out.
Besides...any good OWB holster is adjustable for retention. I might add, unless you are doing gymnastics, a relatively light weight SD weapon will stay put in an open top that fits the weapon properly.

[BrokenolMarine]

I have always gone for additional retention, but I come from a military / law enforcement background where I was trained and later trained others to expect the unexpected. Since I retired, I have fallen over downed limbs in the woods, got knocked down by a horse, large dogs roughhousing, and... A lazy old cow while fishing a farm pond. Never lost my piece. Also worried about the evil element out there, but that's me. My background makes me over cautious. I bow to those with civilian experience. Open top carry may have certainly worked just as well in similar circumstances.

My hat IS off to you for investing in a quality holster. I have known too many people over the years who spend hundreds, or more than a thousand dollars on THE gun the finally decided on... then carry in a $19 holster. Funny, they are surprised, and whine, when it falls out and is damaged.

[Greyhawk]

Whatever you decide, thanks for sharing their website. I am very impressed with their products, prices, and options. Hunting for holsters can be very frustrating and I will definitely look closely at MTR the next time I need one.

[Flinch]

An open top holster should be suitable for carry depending on your activity level. If you anticipate running, jumping, etc., during a self defense encounter, then retention of a holstered firearm is critical and a snap or other retention device is more important to the person who carries a concealed firearm. When we get older, our activity level in a self defense encounter would be less physical and we would be legally justified in applying deadly force sooner than someone much younger and more agile, so an open top holster may be more suitable.

I have had quite a few injuries over the past 50 years that somewhat limit my mobility. I am less able to physically fight off an attacker than I was 10 years ago. I carry a P938 in an open top outside the waistband/behind the belt holster.

The bottom line is select equipment that you are most comfortable with using based on your age, physical make up and physical ability. The holsters you are considering look like really nice equipment; thanks for the link.

[dave77]

Just ordered the open top, since I am getting it for improved comfort and my activity level should be low enough for decent retention it should be fine. If I have to stand on my head or roll around on the ground for any reason I'll be sure to check that my gun didn't fall out.

I'll post a photo when it gets here.

[BrokenolMarine]

Just ordered the open top, since I am getting it for improved comfort and my activity level should be low enough for decent retention it should be fine. If I have to stand on my head or roll around on the ground for any reason I'll be sure to check that my gun didn't fall out.

I'll post a photo when it gets here.

Look forward to seeing it, and a photo of you standing on your head, if you get around to THAT.

[markiver54]

Dave,
I know you will be happy with your choice, Quality holster,fit,and retention...all you need. I'm anxious for you to try it out and let us know what you think. IMO, you will be happy!

[Mistered]

This MTR has quite the selection and some interesting designs!
Looking forward to seeing yours.

[dave77]

This MTR has quite the selection and some interesting designs!
Looking forward to seeing yours.

If you haven"t, look at their entire product line. They have a lot of items other than holsters. Back when I did more outdoor activities I would have liked one of their UkoalaBags.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... 0UvQGdvm4E

This one is especially nice.

https://www.mtrcustomleather.com/produc ... ed-saddle/

[dave77]

Glad I spent the extra $50 for expedited service (includes shipping), just got a email saying the holster will ship in 1 week. I hated the thought of waiting for up to 10 weeks. They said the charge was to offset paying their craftspeople overtime to work on it.

[markiver54]

Glad I spent the extra $50 for expedited service (includes shipping), just got a email saying the holster will ship in 1 week. I hated the thought of waiting for up to 10 weeks. They said the charge was to offset paying their craftspeople overtime to work on it.

That's great Dave. I would pay extra too if it saved that much time. Now, still some waiting. That's the hardest part!
Don't forget pics when you get it!

[dave77]

Did get the holster in a week, have been really busy and just now got around to taking some photos of it.

Conceals quite well considering I'm just wearing a T-shirt.



More cant than I expected but it actually makes it very comfortable when sitting in my car seat.



Has a lot of curve to it so it does fit very close to the body. Glad I spent the extra $ for double stitching and lined, very well made, looks good, very good fit and retention.

[ESquared]

Very nice! I've always like as much cant as I can get. I've got several DM Bullard "Bodyguards," which are leather OWB, and are designed with 25 degrees of cant (vs. "FBI" of about 15 degrees) and it makes for very easy retrieval without having to worry about things falling out.

That's a very nice looking set-up, thanks for sharing!

[BigAl52]

Ive never carried on the waist band. Just dont like it. I have while hunting a time or two but now use a holster from El Paso leather called a tanker. I use a desantis frnt pocket carry holster for a sig p938.

[Mags]

.
Did you mean El Paso Saddlery?

Ive never carried on the waist band. Just dont like it. I have while hunting a time or two but now use a holster from El Paso leather called a tanker. I use a desantis frnt pocket carry holster for a sig p938.

[BigAl52]

Yes that would be the place