Recommend a good thigh holster

[Sudden Impact]

I am looking to purchase a thigh mounted holster and have abslutely no idea which to get. I do know (think) I want nylon as opposed to the "krylon" type. I've seen them in training videos with belt, extender and two straps for aroung the leg which is what I want . The searches I've done are overwhelming with so many companies and prices. If I spend I want the best so I'd like to get some experienced advice before I "Buy once,cry once!"

 

[Andy T]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

If you don't have a real requirement for a thigh holster, don't get it. They get uncomfortable and shift. Your best bet is a belt or a belt holster with drop and offset attachment.
I would also avoid all nylon holsters. Their time has come and gone. The golden standard is usually Safariland. Model 6007, I believe.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Try one before you buy. It takes a large amount of determination to like a thigh holster. If i had a choice, I would rather have a burlap sack to tote the hogs leg in. If you are in a situation where you are forced into one, reassess the situation.

 

[plong]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon Lester</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try one before you buy. It takes a large amount of determination to like a thigh holster. <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">If i had a choice, I would rather have a burlap sack to tote the hogs leg in.</span></span> If you are in a situation where you are forced into one, reassess the situation. </div></div>

^^^ THIS ^^^ x2

I personally can't stand any crap hanging on my legs

If you must Safariland is pretty-much the gold standard: Safariland 6004

but I'd strongly recommend a belt-mounted with drop-offset if you need additional clearance (for a chest rig or plate carrier?)

This is what I use: Safariland 6285

I've also heard good things about this (but no personal experience): Blade Tech DOH

 

[Guerrilla Monsoon]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

I've got a 6004. It stays put. Granted, I have it set up so it rides pretty high - high enough that I only run the bottom leg strap.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Thanks for all the input. I think I'd better go to a store and try one on before I go any further. I will try to find Safariland since it seems to have a lot of support. Until now I never thought there may be better alternatives but I may look into a shoulder rig of some kind as well. Thanks again guys!

 

[McCrazy]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Safariland ALS is a very good holster. Easy to draw from and automatic retention once you holster your weapon again.

Thigh rigs are a PITA but if you run it high like previously mentioned using only the bottom strap they are ok. At that point they are really only uncomfortable when running or when it is hot out as there is no air circulation. Running body armor it is sometimes a necessary evil sometimes.

 

[Mute]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

I only use a thigh holster if I have load bearing gear or a vest that interferes with a belt mounted holster. I personally like the thigh rigs from Safariland and G-Code.

One quick tip about using a thigh rig. Most people keep them too low, thus the shifting around while on the move. You should get it as high on your leg as you can as Guerilla Monsoon mentioned. I use a Safariland 6004 and have it riding high enough that I only use one of the leg straps. This keeps the rig tight enough against my leg that it doesn't flop around no matter how much I'm moving.

 

[Andy T]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sudden Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may look into a shoulder rig of some kind as well.</div></div>

Why shoulder rig? In what kind of environments do you intend to carry the pistol?

 

[krg648]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Safariland 6004

 

[USMC mustang]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

I've had a Safariland 6004 for nine years and deployed with it three times, great piece of kit.... but's its still a thigh holster and a PITA, particularly if you have to run somewhere. Bottomline, if you NEED a thigh holster the 6004 is the one to get. If you don't I would seek a good belt holster.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

My wife has one of these from Nevada leather for her PPK, it works well for concealment when you're wearing a dress.

 

[jaeger416]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Depends on what you plan on using the rig for.

If it's for casual or game playing, get whatever looks the coolest to you.

But, if the idea is professional, there are many things to consider.

If you're going to be in and out of vehicles (especially civvie vehicles) a thigh rig is shit, especially if you're in the front and it has bucket seats. Matter of fact, anything you have strapped to your legs is going to suck balls.

But, if the plan is a lot of foot work, then it will depend on personal preference. Since you asked about thigh rigs in specific though, these are my thoughts:

If you insist on a thigh rig, I also suggest the Safariland series of holsters (with either the ALS, SLS) retention systems, with my first vote going to the ALS retention. But, if you are running a Beretta or the like, you'll have to use the hood (sls) retention. They're solid, durable, dependable, and easy to use. Muscle memory is easy to form regarding the retention systems.

While I don't really like full nylon holster systems, the fact is that they do have a lower profile (don't stick out from your body/leg) as much as the kydex holsters do, so for some folks they still have a place. Just remember that re-holstering can be a pain at times if the lip of the holster likes to flop down inside, and the snap systems can be easy to mess up unless you're looking at it while you do it. Not good of you need to keep your situational awareness.

I also fully agree with the above posts that suggest only using a single strap. The reason being that drop-leg holsters (the tactical type, not the old west type) was originally designed only to place a pistol far enough down so as to not interfere with body armor. The Brits (SAS) started the modern trend and had some extrordinarily nice leather holsters made just for this.

Once the fad caught on over here in the states, the "cowboy" mentality took over and the further down the leg the holster, the "cooler" it seemed. Unfortunatly, it also reduces utility. The worst case of this I ever saw was at a naval station where they issued 6004 holsters to ships force and let them play security guard around the dry-dock with mossy shotguns and M9s flopping around their knees. It was sad that they just went for "cool guy" gear and didn't bother teaching these guys how to properly adjust and use it. Had they ever needed to, it would have been a comedy of errors, but in a very bad way.

My best advice would be to get whichever two strap holster you decide on, remove the upper strap, and then reduce the drop of the holster so that the bottom leg strap is just under your twigs and berries, or as high up as it can go without binding into your crotch.

This *should* put the bottom of the grip somewhere at the same height as the bottom of your belt. If it does, you should be GTG.

This will make finding your grip easier, make your draw-stroke faster, make weapons retention easier (if you ever use the rig in a professional capacity) and keep the rig from bouncing around like Dolly Partons tits when you run.

 

[jerseymike]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

No need for it unless youre wearing plates. If so, safariland 6004 take the top strap off and run it up as high a possible, when i use mine the strap is almost touching my sack. Make sure u wear it slightly in front of your thigh. If not, good luck trying to skin your piece out while seated in a car........

 

[Sudden Impact]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Andy T</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sudden Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may look into a shoulder rig of some kind as well.</div></div>

Why shoulder rig? In what kind of environments do you intend to carry the pistol? </div></div>

Okay guys, I'm going to admit somethiing not easy to talk about for me...I was paralyzed in 1997. I thought of going to a thigh holster if the S ever HTF. I can't retreat or "bug-out." I am a veteran although I never did anything special during my tour of duty with the 82nd Airborne during my service of '79 thru '83. I have begun to practice precision long range shooting and wanted a rig to allow me access to my handgun while seated. I can't access my handgun in my pocket but I'll be damned if I ever give up my firearms. I can't bug-out so I will stand (sit) and fight if needed. I just thought a thigh rig might give me better access to my pistol, obvioulsy not in a public scenario. Sorry if I misled you all but I was extremely active before this derailed me and I wanted a backup and a way to access it from my odd situation. Thanks for all your advice which I take very seriously. I just have a hard to deal with situation but I'm trying to do the best I can with what I have to work with which isn't much. Thanks again.

 

[jaeger416]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Dude, no shame in admitting any of that. Nobody thinks less of you for it. And your service is always appreciated.

But it does put things in context so that better advice can be given.

If your real concern is SHTF, I'd suggest you also consider a chair mounted rig as well for backup if you think its feasable.

There's also the option of a chest mounted rig on something like a plate carrier. Very easy to access, especially when sitting. I know a few guys who do lots of vehicle work that prefer chest mounted rigs and don't like crap on their legs at all. This might apply to you as well if you are wheelchair bound, especially if you're not considering using it for regular every day carry.

The truth is that it will be difficult for most people to be able to give advice simply because they don't know of the issues that you have to deal with in your situation. Of course we'll do our best, but sometimes, a more experienced hand will be needed.

I think you should probably make some time to visit M4Carbine.net and go look up a guy with the screen name of 'RetreatHell'.

Click the following link and scroll down until you start seeing the pics. After you look at them all, register on the site and hit the guy up via PM.

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=39576

 

[yelton66]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

I don't think you will like having a drop leg. Depending on your chair, it will become a huge PITA.
I have not seen a quality "nylon" holster put out in a while. In 04 I had a Blackhawk rig that felt more like canvas than nylon. With your situation in mind, if you went with a drop leg, this is what I would get because of the profile of the holster. It will hold close to your leg.

Shoulder holsters can be uncomfortable, wide shoulder straps and some loaded mags for counter balance will be a must.

Look into a small plate carrier, and the Blackhawk serpa chest rig. For SHTF I think this will be you best bet.

I prefer blackhawks to safaris but that is just preference, a Blackhawk CQC on a chest rig would be very fast and the CQC is level 2 retention.

 

[Lofty]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guerrilla Monsoon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a 6004. It stays put. Granted, I have it set up so it rides pretty high - high enough that I only run the bottom leg strap. </div></div>

That's the key. If you leave a thigh rig with the belt strap at normal length its miserable.

If you shorten the strap and bring it up real high....more like a drop holster than a thigh holster, it's much more usable.

 

[BW88]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Safariland 6004 is the best setup for a retention holster that says put. Raise as high as you can without having your draw stroke altered by gear. They are expensive, but worth the money.

A good drop holster is more comfortable to use if you aren't wearing a load bearing vest/plates.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sudden Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Okay guys, I'm going to admit somethiing not easy to talk about for me...I was paralyzed in 1997. ....and wanted a rig to allow me access to my handgun while seated. </div></div>

Then forget the thigh rig.

The "seated" issue is why I do not wear a thigh rig on patrol. I had to run one on entries because my armor comes below my waist and would block my draw on a standard holster. For the daily grind I run a mid-ride belt holster. Since it's an ALS I can draw "straight up" and clear the holster while sitting in a car, or any other place where someone would think I am at a "disadvantage". With a thigh rig unless you run it down at your knee you are going to have issues with a clean draw in the chair.

A shoulder holster or fanny pack may be a better way to go. I would HIGHLY suggest you not mounting anything to your chair. If something happens and it gets dumped over (or you do it intentionally to seek cover) you don't want to be without your handgun.

Whatever way you go, I would suggest keeping it concealed. Let them think you are meek and defenseless so you can choose the proper time to act.

 

[Dracozny]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

given the wheel chair issue I would suggest the chest rig, my friends dad is paralyzed from the waist down and he used a chest rig for several years comfortably. when he didn't have the rig on he would keep a pistol in a side pocket of his chair on the weak hand side.

 

[znztivguy]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

If shtf with armor I'd have to go with a chest rig or a thigh rig.
Very hard to draw from the hip with armor on.

 

[jaeger416]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [A shoulder holster or fanny pack may be a better way to go. I would HIGHLY suggest you not mounting anything to your chair. </div></div>

Not to be argumentative, yet I see, given the scenario the OP is concerned about, a place for a chair mounted BUG.

Although I do agree with you that any primary pistol should be attached to the body, which is why my original statement regarding the chair specifically stated "backup".

Given the totality of the OPs concerns, having access to more then one isn't a bad idea.

 

[Andy T]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

OP, have you tried belt mounted holsters? If you find strong side uncomfortable, give cross draw a try, since one of the benefits of cross draw holsters is ease of draw while seated.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Sudden Impact-

I STRONGLY urge you to check out the chest holster sold by Corbon under the name Gearline. I have a number of friends who use them while riding quads and driving side-by-sides in the WV mountains and although they are leather, they may very well be the PERFECT holster for your situation. Good luck with your quest.

http://www.shopcorbon.com/GL_KJ_H-1911/Product

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

I use a Hill People Gear kit bag (chest pouch) for carrying my pistol on the horse, atv, tractor, hiking etc. It will give you perfect access sitting down. Just a thought.
http://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/ctl/ProductDetails/mid/1916/ProductID/50/Default.aspx

When I use a thigh rig its a Safariland and then its really only just below my belt with one strap using their small tactical plate. I hate a regular thigh rig and the small plate sits as low as is practical for me.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/safariland-6...-fde-brown.html

 

[Sudden Impact]

Re: Recommend a good thigh holster

Thanks to all for your help. I thought I could use a thigh mounted rig lower down the thigh and "rolled" to the top of the thigh so I could conceal under a blanket. In stating SHTF, for me S ready hit the fan when I was paralyzed. I don't see the world coming to an end (maybe TEOTWAWKI) but rather seeing myself as a target of opportunity in a time of unrest or just being faced with local "predators." Anyway, thanks to all for the encouraging words and advice. I am researchimg all the info garnered here. Thanks again and I promise I will never give up! You guys are the best!