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Open Carry Holsters

Acdrenik

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2012
Messages
68
Location
Auburn Hills, Mi
I was looking at different holsters to wear with my spring/winter jacket. Now I normally use a Blackhawk Serpa Level II holster while carrying. With my jacket covering 80% of the holster I really don't like doing the whole, tuck my jacket on the inside of the holster and sidearm. Does anyone have any positive and useful information about holsters that are secure that are easy to wear with Jackets?

I have invested in a leg holster but I really don't want any un-needed attention, because I really think this type of holster will draw a little too many negative looks, causing a LEO convention :uhoh:

photo.jpg
 

WalkingWolf

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
11,930
Location
North Carolina
I was looking at different holsters to wear with my spring/winter jacket. Now I normally use a Blackhawk Serpa Level II holster while carrying. With my jacket covering 80% of the holster I really don't like doing the whole, tuck my jacket on the inside of the holster and sidearm. Does anyone have any positive and useful information about holsters that are secure that are easy to wear with Jackets?

I have invested in a leg holster but I really don't want any un-needed attention, because I really think this type of holster will draw a little too many negative looks, causing a LEO convention :uhoh:

View attachment 10149

IMO you shouldn't worry about what others think, if you are legal, you are legal. And I also believe that people including LEO's would see the necessity for a drop holster in bad weather. I myself use a heavy belt to wear my holster on the outside of the coat in the winter. If weather is mildly cold I wear extra shirt and OC with the same belt. I also have a couple swivel duty holsters but have only used one of them once, but it worked fine for that day.
 

Nicholas A.

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
64
Location
MD
for a good jacket if you dont mind the price I've found 5.11 jackets very nice. The jacket has the side zippers, as well as two chest pockets and a sleeve pocket, The jacket is very well made, is very warm and wont draw an added attention
 

Michigander

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
4,818
Location
Mulligan's Valley
The first thing I would do would be to upgrade your drop leg system. The Serpa is something I am no fan of at all, but the serpa drop leg rig is much better than your current system and you may be able to get the system without the holster attached so you can switch your current one over.

The second thing I would suggest is to bear in mind that in terms of reactions that white men tend to get while OCing, dressing to the gun is by far the most important in terms of reaction from people, cops or otherwise. While a nasty cop incident isn't too likely anymore (in michigan), there is still no reason to create an undue stir. And my experience is that an alert, polite and outgoing demeanor combined with being dressed well, either professionally or otherwise presentably for the occasion, and definitely well groomed, is paramount, and counts for much more than the type of rig you're using.

To put it in perspective, long hair and nasty beard, converse all stars, torn up blue jeans, neon framed sun glasses and an older Anthrax t shirt, that's going to create a lot more concern than someone with a fresh hair cut, well maintained facial hair if any, leather shoes or boots, black pants or minty fresh looking jeans, and a nice shirt which maybe even buttons up.

If you act nervous, or in any way incompetent, this too will have a much larger effect on reactions than holster type. Public reaction from holster type is in fact something I would suggest against considering, just make sure that the system works well for you.
 

Tactical_MTN40

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Messages
19
Location
Grand county, CO
I couldn't agree with michigander more. I'm pretty young still and fairly new to OC but I found cleaning up and presenting yourself in a responsible manner will go a long ways. I make sure to wear a matching clean cut outfit and shave up well. I have come across plenty of people and cops while OC'ing and no bad experiences so far. I even had a small conversation with a sheriff here while I was out and about and didn't ask for my ID or even about the firearm. I think as long as your not grubby looking and running around with a bad attitude you should be fine. The most negative you will see is the guys on youtube filming themselves OC'ing just looking for a LEO encounter or a negative response from someone. That just shines a bad light on us. And as far as the holster goes it will have some effect on your appearance. I find I get less looks using my bianchi leather holster than my serpa or stock paddle holster. Don't know why but whatever. Just my two cents.
 

WalkingWolf

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
11,930
Location
North Carolina
I couldn't agree with michigander more. I'm pretty young still and fairly new to OC but I found cleaning up and presenting yourself in a responsible manner will go a long ways. I make sure to wear a matching clean cut outfit and shave up well. I have come across plenty of people and cops while OC'ing and no bad experiences so far. I even had a small conversation with a sheriff here while I was out and about and didn't ask for my ID or even about the firearm. I think as long as your not grubby looking and running around with a bad attitude you should be fine. The most negative you will see is the guys on youtube filming themselves OC'ing just looking for a LEO encounter or a negative response from someone. That just shines a bad light on us. And as far as the holster goes it will have some effect on your appearance. I find I get less looks using my bianchi leather holster than my serpa or stock paddle holster. Don't know why but whatever. Just my two cents.

Don't forget your OC badge clipped on your belt, maybe a polo shirt, and dockers with some tacticool boots.:banana:
 
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