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Competition, Tactics & Training
Self Defense & Handgun Carry
Open Carry holster recommendations? Level II or Level III?
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<blockquote data-quote="rcnich" data-source="post: 1921349" data-attributes="member: 4193"><p>IMO, thumb break snap holsters only offer additional retention in the holster while running, etc. They are NOT secure against gun "snatch & grab" attempts. They are typically considered Level I holsters, and can easily be defeated during a violent attack. Another consideration, leather holsters can stretch during a violent gun "snatch & grab" attempt, which can further degrade their retention characteristics. I have personally witnessed a Safariland Level I holster ripped entirely off a duty belt during a full force gun grab demonstration (which is a different issue all together). In other full force-on-force demonstrations, I've watched the "bad guy" remove a blue gun from a Level I thumb snap holster and "shoot" the "good guy" in about 2.5-3 seconds, including the approach, grab and "shoot". And that's when the "good guy" was expecting it.</p><p></p><p>If you plan to open carry, a Level II or III holster is what you should use. You may find, however, that these type holsters don't have the "style points" that concealed carry holsters have. Some may consider Level II or III holsters big and clunky. Yet they are that way for a reason: to protect against gun grabs. </p><p></p><p>There may be more stylish Level II/III holsters out there, but I've not seen them. The Blackhawk Sherpa is a Level II holster that I've seen some LEOs use as a duty holster. But I personally think there are safety issues associated with that particular design (references to these issues can be found with a Google search).</p><p></p><p>Should you decide to open carry with a Level II or III holster, you'll definitely want to practice your draw, as there are some added manipulations of the holster during the draw process that you'll want to commit to muscle memory.</p><p></p><p>Here's a link to information about Level I-III retention holsters: <a href="http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/info/retention.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/info/retention.aspx</a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="rcnich, post: 1921349, member: 4193"] IMO, thumb break snap holsters only offer additional retention in the holster while running, etc. They are NOT secure against gun "snatch & grab" attempts. They are typically considered Level I holsters, and can easily be defeated during a violent attack. Another consideration, leather holsters can stretch during a violent gun "snatch & grab" attempt, which can further degrade their retention characteristics. I have personally witnessed a Safariland Level I holster ripped entirely off a duty belt during a full force gun grab demonstration (which is a different issue all together). In other full force-on-force demonstrations, I've watched the "bad guy" remove a blue gun from a Level I thumb snap holster and "shoot" the "good guy" in about 2.5-3 seconds, including the approach, grab and "shoot". And that's when the "good guy" was expecting it. If you plan to open carry, a Level II or III holster is what you should use. You may find, however, that these type holsters don't have the "style points" that concealed carry holsters have. Some may consider Level II or III holsters big and clunky. Yet they are that way for a reason: to protect against gun grabs. There may be more stylish Level II/III holsters out there, but I've not seen them. The Blackhawk Sherpa is a Level II holster that I've seen some LEOs use as a duty holster. But I personally think there are safety issues associated with that particular design (references to these issues can be found with a Google search). Should you decide to open carry with a Level II or III holster, you'll definitely want to practice your draw, as there are some added manipulations of the holster during the draw process that you'll want to commit to muscle memory. Here's a link to information about Level I-III retention holsters: [url]http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/info/retention.aspx[/url] [/QUOTE]
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