[Magnum Mikie]

I'm just curious how many guys have a thumb strap to secure their piece in the holster. I've seen a few holsters without straps and I wonder if the pistol ever falls out of the holster or if somebody could take it from you easily.

 

[GeneticsDave]

I'm just curious how many guys have a thumb strap to secure their piece in the holster.

I believe the correct term is "death strap". I have a strap on my cheapo range holster (uncle mike's sidekick), but I wouldn't use one with a carry holster. IWB holsters tend to not have them as they are typically concealed (no real need for retention other than just tightness), but OWB holsters should have a retention mechanism besides just tension on the firearm, in case someone tries to grab it from you. In this case, I think the BlackHawk SERPA retention mechanism is far superior to a "death strap".

As per the firearm falling out, my IWB CompTac C.T.A.C. holds a fully loaded firearm upside down and only releases with vigorous shaking (I guess it might fall out if I were upside down being bounced up and down, but that seems unlikely). As per the SERPA, the firearm WILL NOT fall out accidentally and the mechanism is hard to maneuver from any position other than that used by the wearer.

Hope this helps. Please excuse my dogging on the "death strap", some people like them, I'm just not one of them.

 

[rdoggsilva]

I use a Gould & Goodrich with the Death Strap, when I OC. I have practiced with It so that I can pull just as fast, as someone with a IWB. You just have to practice with it or any holster. I also use a ROG holster that holds my weapon real well, even upside down.
This is my ROG holster.

This is how it looks when I wear it

 

[Dustin WJ]

I love the Blackhawk SERPA. It has excellent retention, but you can still draw your firearm very quickly.

 

[Magnum Mikie]

Thanks guys. I've been carrying a CZ-82 in a OWB holster (pictured below) that's concealed by wearing my shirt tail untucked. The pistol fits snugly enough that it won't fall out even if I didn't use the "death strap". I don't plan on doing any OC so I'm not worried about anyone grabbing my gun.

I've been thinking about removing the strap. What do you guys think?

 

[GeneticsDave]

If it stays in of it's own accord when you bend over, work in the yard, etc. I would say take it off. It's just one more thing that could potentially get in the way and delay your draw in a critical situation.

 

[Paul]

If you OC IMO you better have some type of retention. I believe it would be irresponsible any other way. Concealed, don't worry about retention other than enough to keep your gun from falling out during normal activity. Gravity and a snug fit take care of this type of retention.