What to look for in an open carry gun

soundlzrd · Sep 6, 2009

imported post

I currently carry concealed on a daily basis when allowed here in WA. My primary carry is a G19 with a kel-tec bug. After lurking on this site and listening to some handgun related pod cast, I think I would like to open carry from time to time. My worry is carrying a gun openly that is easy to fire.

This may sound weird, but my aversion to open carry is being worried about someone else trying to unholster my gun and use it against me. I was thinking, if the worst case was to happen, having something with a more complicated battery of arms than the glock, would come in handy.

I understand it is my responsiblity to be aware of my surroundings when carrying, and I am more so when I do not carry, but for peice of mind, am I crazy? And what would you recommend.

MarlboroLts5150 · Sep 6, 2009

imported post

Me personally....I would recommend that you stick with a gun you are very familiar with, and get yourself a good retention holster. Practice continously with it so you can draw from it without thinking about it (muscle memory).

Not making light of your fear, and not saying it wouldn't happen. But I cannot find a single report of that happening. Most times the criminal element would already be armed. As well as most criminals would prefer UNARMED targets.

jeeper1 · Sep 7, 2009

imported post

If you are worried about you handgun being taken by someone and used against you then consider a cross draw holster. I carry cross draw in a Serpa holster but not for that reason. Someone trying to take it from you will have to be pretty much in front of you, not sneaking up from behind you.

ecocks · Sep 7, 2009

imported post

From what you say, my advice is to get a solid retention holster. I use a simple Uncle Mike's with the snap on the inside. If you carry a semi-auto you might want to carry without one in the chamber as an added precaution. You would know to jack one into the chamber but your assailant would find this difficult to accomplish if in a grappling situation while you went for your BUG.

Good luck!

Michigander · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

Just get a level 3 or4 retention holster from Safariland, and practice drawing from it 1000+ times.

Although we don't know of a case where a non uniformed OCer has had an attemped gun grab by a non cop, theoreticaly speaking, if a criminal is smart enough to figure out how to undo that complicated of a system before you draw on him, he probably will be smart enough to go bother someone else.

Here is an example of a good holster option for you.

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2090.php

Or, slightly less complicated and my personal choice,

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2088.php

If a criminal has your gun in hand, you're really up @#$% creek as is. Avoiding that is much more important than adding safety features to fumble over.

45acpForMe · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

ecocks wrote:

...my advice is to get a solid retention holster.

+1

I have heard good things about safariland and don't want to start the best-retention-holster debate again. I like my SERPAsome people like it, some don't but it feels natural to me. http://www.blackhawk.com/product/SERPA-CQC-wMatte-Finish,1145,1410.htm

The level2 holsters are fairly cheap. You can look at the level3 ones there also.

Michigander · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

45acpForMe wrote:

I have heard good things about safariland and don't want to start the best-retention-holster debate again.

There really isn't anything to debate about. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. It's an individuals choice.

45acpForMe · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

Michigander wrote:

45acpForMe wrote:

I have heard good things about safariland and don't want to start the best-retention-holster debate again.

Click to expand...

There really isn't anything to debate about. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. It's an individuals choice.

I agree but whole threads get hijacked talking about the pros and cons of each and rumors of failure from a friend of a friend. Both are good. Try them if possible and see which feels better.

Back to the OP, since you are not looking to conceal the gun, you can consider a large frame with hi-cap magazine. There is no reason you couldn't OC Glock19 though.

I OC my SigP220 but would feel more comfortable with 13-15 rounds in the magazine rather than my straight-8. I was hoping the Sig250 was going to meet or exceed the 13 round of Glock and XD but they only make 10 round mags for it.

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

Ignore what others are telling you in reference to a carry holster. I do recommend safariland, HOWEVER... if you're carrying a glock, go ahead and buy the best holster you can along with a duty belt. Links below.

Safariland 6070 raptor... select the option "SH", this will increase the holster LEVEL TO V.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/safaril...-holster-stx-tac-black-right-hand-6070-8.html

Here is a weekend coupon which is still active for memorial day, $10 off.
Coupon code: 4WKR94T

Total should be about $111.59... shipping is free unless you're not in the lower 48.

Also, read my thread on belts
http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum62/26872-1.html#p455675

You'll notice I'm anti-blackhawk in regards to holsters. This is with prejudice and with good reason. Don't bother with blackhawk holsters.

Stay safe,
iRoo

soundlzrd · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

Wow, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into wen I started to think about OC. I thought it would be an excuse to get a new gun and a new holster. Looks like I have much to learn about new holsters. After reading some threads on here, I was looking at the safariland ALS, but now people are mentioning different level and the price for the holster alone has jumped 100 dollars., about 70 more than I though an off the self holster cost.

Guess I need more research.

jsimmons · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

insane.kangaroo wrote:

You'll notice I'm anti-blackhawk in regards to holsters. This is with prejudice and with good reason. Don't bother with blackhawk holsters.

I went to both links and there's nothing there about you being anti-blackhawk. Why do you say don't bother with them?

I'm looking for a CC holster, and was considering blackhawk.

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

soundlzd,

I used to use the 6280, which is a level II upgradable to III(which I did).

If you want to carry securely... buy the Safariland I mentioned.

Also... in case you're hassled, it takes an officer quite a bit to figure out how to operate a 6280 with the upgrade... So think for a minute how long it will take someone trying to grab the gun off you while you make an attempt to defend against a grab.

Many I've seen use the nice dangerous leather holsters with just a strap over and snap for... a Glock. Good way to shoot oneself if the strap tugs the trigger. Many instructors will warn you about the hazard, yet some people will foolishly still buy such holsters. Safety over glossy "cute" leather.

The rotating system on a safariland is far better. The Blackhawk belts I linked you to are extremely durable and cheap, I have both the under/duty belt combo. The Safariland belts are overpriced IMO. No need for a belt which holds proprietary wrist ties nor a 80USD double locking belt which is available for a fraction of the price.

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

jsimmons wrote:

insane.kangaroo wrote:

You'll notice I'm anti-blackhawk in regards to holsters. This is with prejudice and with good reason. Don't bother with blackhawk holsters.

Click to expand...

I went to both links and there's nothing there about you being anti-blackhawk. Why do you say don't bother with them?

I'm looking for a CC holster, and was considering blackhawk.

I'm primarily talking about duty holsters.

Define CC holster.

With a mid or high ride duty holster, one can conceal with a jacket. Unless you're looking for an ankle, shoulder, etc.

soundlzrd · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

So why wont a normal gun belt work? I looked at safarilands website and found out how those holsters work. Appears to be sort of a push down to release type deal.

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

What is a "gun belt"?

Do you mean a trouser belt or a duty belt?
The purpose of a duty belt is not only for a firearm, but for any other items you wish to place on the belt.

I should also note, with a duty belt like the one I linked with the VELCRO, I just take it off when I want. No need for belt keepers or to take off the holster from the belt.

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6070
I don't believe the videos show a level V but just the III.

With a level V, you get...

- tension device making harder to draw the gun unless on your person
- SLS hood
- the locking system when you place the gun in the holster
- the sentry security add-on
- SLS security hood add on

You may not like the extra added security options with the SH. If you do not, you can remove the device.

Michigander · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

insane.kangaroo wrote:

Also... in case you're hassled, it takes an officer quite a bit to figure out how to operate a 6280 with the upgrade.

That isn't always the case. Some PD's issue the damn things. I got stopped by some rather rude individuals from just such a PD some time ago, and I was disarmed quickly and efficiently. :cuss:

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

Those are the PDs which are intelligent to force their officers to wear decent hoslters. None of the times I've been harassed did they quickly unlawfully seize my firearm.

Michigander · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

45acpForMe wrote:

I OC my SigP220 but would feel more comfortable with 13-15 rounds in the magazine rather than my straight-8. .

I carry the same gun and agree, but I do have a way around the low capacity.

I practice drawing a magazine with one hand while drawing my gun with the other. That way the one hand can hold the drawn gun while the other hand holds the magazine, with the wrist of the mag holding hand available to support the gun hand.

It's a slick and easy gun to reload. I can have an empty mag out and a loaded one in and chambered in well under a second. I'd prefer a double stack, no question. But it works well enough.

Michigander · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

insane.kangaroo wrote:

Those are the PDs which are intelligent to force their officers to wear decent hoslters. None of the times I've been harassed did they quickly unlawfully seize my firearm.

Different states have different idiosyncrasies.

I'm actually surprised they'd even stop you to begin with given Alaska's laws.

david.ross · Sep 8, 2009

imported post

The Alaska State trooper which harassed me got his ass chewed out by the captain. The Captain was so fricken upset he had me shaking in my boots.

The only other times I've ever been harassed was in Pennsylvania... I still find myself in disappointment in regards to a specific officer at the Pittsburgh PD.... The rest of the Pittsburgh officers are gentleman and ladies with in exception of the few who informed me they'd detain and run my ID/serial every time they pass me.

What to look for in an open carry gun

New member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Newbie

Regular Member

Newbie

Regular Member

New member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

New member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member