pistol retainer

[Jack Wagon]

Is there a PC way to retain your gun in the holster other than a flap?   JW

[dwight55]

Thumb break, . . . suicide strap, . . . hammer thong, . . . or a wad of bubble gum. 

Prefer not to use the last one, though, . . . the first three work pretty good.

If I have to have a retention device on a holster, . . . my first and preferred option is the thumb break.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Gabriel Law]

Pictures...?

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[St. George]

You could even try the type of holster actually used during the period, and those held the piece deep - not up high, to facilitate a fast draw.

Originals were made that way to protect them from the elements and to retain them - not for speed.

You can see them in Rattenbury's 'Packing Iron'.

Scouts Out!

[Red Cent]

"Is there a PC way to retain your gun in the holster other than a flap?   JW"

Are we talking a single action in a western loop or slim jim? Are we talking how to keep the gun in the holster other than the usual retention strap or flap.

If I am making a basic holster that calls for extra retention I use the front sight. You can also use the ejector button. This requires a little wet molding in certain areas but drag is the name.

[Slowhand Bob]

It has been a long time since I looked in the Stohlman Holsters book BUT I think he offers up two,  three or perhaps more retainers.  Beyond that I have seen all sorts of braids applied to the old plain loops to dress them up, shux, I have even seen many variations of the over hammer latches that I would have never thought of on my own.  The neatest, in my opinion, is on a no name 1911 competition rig that I picked up on Ebay some years back.  Kind of a quick thumb release strap that attached to the holster front with a snap, allowing it to be completely removed from the rig when so desired.  All my remaining stuff like that is currently packed away for an upcoming move so I can not help with pictures at the moment.   

[Cliff Fendley]

Two ways, gravity and friction.

[Camano Ridge]

Jackwagon, I think it has been eluded to but not answered directly. Cliff gave you pretty much what is PC correct, if you are refering to the 1800's. Holsters in the 1800's seemed to be deeper covering most of the gun there for keeping the gun in the holster simpley by the size of the holster and as Cliff said friction. For the most part hammer thongs are a part of the 1900's as are retention straps and thumb breaks. However a lot of CAS shooters etc. Opt for the hammer thong being far closer to being PC for the 1800's then thumb breaks and so on.

[Jack Wagon]

  Camano Ridge, that was exactly what I was fishing for. The reason I ask, is I made a holster for a short barreled 58' Remington using friction as the only retention devise. The new owner lives off the grid and thinks nothing of climbing on his bulldozer or hopping on an off-road vehicle with his gun belt on. If he had a full size 8" barreled pistol I wouldn't be as concerned about him losing it. I should probably put a hammer thong on this one. Thank's to all for the replies !   JW

[Camano Ridge]

Jack Wagon, that's a good looking holster. A hammer thong will look just fine on that rig.

[Cliff Fendley]

That is a really nice looking rig Jack Wagon! I agree a hammer thong will look fine on that rig. The extra keeper on the gun belt isn't 19th century correct either (probably closer to 1920 and later)so the hammer thong will compliment it perfectly. I'm sure your customer will be very pleased.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That rig looks good, Jack. Very nice work. Post a picture when you get the retainer on it.

[Jack Wagon]

Thank's for your help guys, will post a picture of the retainer Marshal.   JW

[Trailrider]

Sounds like your friend needs a practical retenion device that will secure the gun, but allow rapid access and will be styled somewhat as a western holster. One idea is to look at the #96X-series holsters at www.gunfighter.com/trailrider. NOT trying to sell anything, just showing a practical rig for rough riding in the field. You could add the thumbbreak half-flap fairly easily to your rig. One point IF your friend's gun is a double-action revolver or semi-auto pistol, NEVER leave the trigger exposed. A single-action sixgun should have the hammer spur shrouded. Both these are to prevent AD's from contact with brush or clothing.

[Jack Wagon]

Trailrider  That sounds like good advise, unfortunately being practical isn't one of my friends better qualities. Very nice work and designs, I like the high fronts that shield the hammer. I opted for the hammer thong, I realize it's minimal, but it's what he would go with. After much searching I could find only one author ( Mike Venturino) who claims authentic old west holsters did have hammer thongs in his article on Colt single action leather. I'm sure he has seen his share of 19th century gun leather, but other than some suspect looking holes in vintage holsters I haven't seen one with a hammer thong intact yet.  Thank you all for your replies.  JW

[Camano Ridge]

Jack Wagon, that looks like it will do just fine and compliments the holster nicely.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Looks good, Jack. It's very suitable for this holster. Thanks for the pic.