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Hey guys I am getting more and more comfortable with open carry as I find myself doing it more often. I am only allowed to CC at work but outside of that I am starting to stretch my OC legs. Right now I have a Desantis holster not sure of the model name but it has leather backing and kydex shell. Great holster and love it but I was thinking I'd like something maybe with a retention Device so I don't get my gun takin from me. This would be hard to do as I am very aware of my surroundings but it can happen to any one. I have thought about a regular old thumb break style or something that locks the gun in. I don't like Blackhawk Serpas and I don't won't one because I carry a glock 26 or 19 but I'm open to most anything else. Thoughts?

The best retention holster on the market is the Safariland 7ts system and the model 7377, or the duty version with the hood, the 7390. It is all plastic, no suede lining, smooth as glass, light weight, and the ALS locking system is intuitive and I honestly cannot screw up the draw with one.

If you want more security than that, I have taken to carrying in a 7360 lately. It has a SLS strap and then the ALS underneath it. Extremely secure, and no one is getting that thing out of the holster before you have time to put your elbow in his face. The downside, it is about .25 - .40 of a second slower on the draw (My own extensive tests with a shot timer), and I have screwed up that draw a bunch. It has taken about 1,500 draws to get it down to a sub 1% failure rate.

A 7377 can be had for $30-35 most places.

Here is a thread you may find helpful.

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=80026

I use the DeSantis Thumb break. I have used it everyday since Jan 1, and it allows me to CC with just a shirt over it. I carry a full size M&P 9 and it is very comfortable, and took almost no time to break in. The holster is very secure, and still allows for fast draw by un-snapping the thumb break on the draw stroke.

I second the Safariland 7TS series. I picked up the one for my Glock 19 that has both the paddle and belt loops from Amazon. Very smooth and natural draw and release from the retention.

I'm having a custom leather holster built by A.M. Baxter saddlery right now, and he does some pretty awesome work; along with many other leather guys. But until it's done I've been eyeing those fobus paddle holsters. They're like $20 and they are extremely plain jane, but it looks like they get the job done. I'm just wondering how far they stick out from your body. I'm not crazy about the other big name store holsters as they all look like cop holsters and are really bulky.

You'll find lots of options and related information in this thread.

AJSully421 wrote:The best retention holster on the market is the Safariland 7ts system and the model 7377, or the duty version with the hood, the 7390. It is all plastic, no suede lining, smooth as glass, light weight, and the ALS locking system is intuitive and I honestly cannot screw up the draw with one.

If you want more security than that, I have taken to carrying in a 7360 lately. It has a SLS strap and then the ALS underneath it. Extremely secure, and no one is getting that thing out of the holster before you have time to put your elbow in his face. The downside, it is about .25 - .40 of a second slower on the draw (My own extensive tests with a shot timer), and I have screwed up that draw a bunch. It has taken about 1,500 draws to get it down to a sub 1% failure rate.

A 7377 can be had for $30-35 most places.

I've got a 7390 as well, and it draws well. If you go with that one though, keep in mind it is a duty holster. So it is sized for a duty belt, so there will be some play if you put it on a smaller belt. The attachments for the conceal series of holsters will bolt on to it though, so can be made to fit a smaller normal wear belt.

I have the safariland GLS 578 profit. Works good for OC and CC. I very rarely OC but it would be harder for someone to try to rip my firearm from the holster if they came up behind me. As previously stated, there are plenty of threads on this forum to help you find the right holster. Let us know what you decide.

Jusme wrote: ... I carry a full size M&P 9 and it is very comfortable...

off topic
How do you like the M&P? I'm honestly thinking of getting the compact version. I checked one out at bass pro a few weekends ago and I am either going to get that or a 1911 for a back up EDC.

Edit: edited to fix quotation

vjallen75 wrote:I have the safariland GLS 578 profit. Works good for OC and CC. I very rarely OC but it would be harder for someone to try to rip my firearm from the holster if they came up behind me. As previously stated, there are plenty of threads on this forum to help you find the right holster. Let us know what you decide.

Jusme wrote: ... I carry a full size M&P 9 and it is very comfortable...

off topic
How do you like the M&P? I'm honestly thinking of getting the compact version. I checked one out at bass pro a few weekends ago and I am either going to get that or a 1911 for a back up EDC.

Edit: edited to fix quotation

I had one for awhile. I liked it except for the trigger. For some reason, the hinged trigger and I didn't get along. Other than that it shot well, takedown was easy.

vjallen75 wrote:I have the safariland GLS 578 profit. Works good for OC and CC. I very rarely OC but it would be harder for someone to try to rip my firearm from the holster if they came up behind me. As previously stated, there are plenty of threads on this forum to help you find the right holster. Let us know what you decide.

Jusme wrote: ... I carry a full size M&P 9 and it is very comfortable...

off topic
How do you like the M&P? I'm honestly thinking of getting the compact version. I checked one out at bass pro a few weekends ago and I am either going to get that or a 1911 for a back up EDC.

Edit: edited to fix quotation

I love it, My wife and I both have the same gun, mine has the FDE frame that Cabela's had on sale a few years ago. The trigger took a little getting used to, but after more than 2500 rounds through it, it seems to have smoothed out. I have been thinking about putting the Apex trigger and reset sear in it, but I haven't yet. I have never had a FTF or FTE, I haven't found any ammo that it won' feed and fire properly, and the accuracy is great. I did put a Hogue grip sleeve on it, the polymer frame does get a little slippery when my hands get sweaty. The more I shoot it the better it seems to get.

I have three alien gear holsters and love them

Jusme wrote:I love it, My wife and I both have the same gun, mine has the FDE frame that Cabela's had on sale a few years ago. The trigger took a little getting used to, but after more than 2500 rounds through it, it seems to have smoothed out. I have been thinking about putting the Apex trigger and reset sear in it, but I haven't yet. I have never had a FTF or FTE, I haven't found any ammo that it won' feed and fire properly, and the accuracy is great. I did put a Hogue grip sleeve on it, the polymer frame does get a little slippery when my hands get sweaty. The more I shoot it the better it seems to get.

I may get the compact for my wife, I am trying to get her to start carrying once she gets over her fear of guns. She has been around negligent people most of her life. Of course, this may take sometime to do. I carry an FNS-9mm and I liked the way the M&P felt when I held it. Signs seemed good, I didn't get to try out the trigger though. I may be sold on it already, if I don't opt to get a 1911 for myself as a backup.

Sorry to hold this topic hostage.