passive retention pistol hosters

[seppuku]

has anyone used one of those passive retention pistol holsters, something like this one (http://www.midwesttactical.com/product.asp?itemid=284&catid=106)? i like the concept, but i'm worried that the gun might fall out when running through brush or something. thoughts?

[Texx]

I had one of those for my realsteel 1911. It worked very good as the pistol "locked" into place right around the triger guard. At the time, I had carried my 1911 a few nights while working at a convenience store (I had to make cash runs to a few other stores). It allowed a smooth, quick draw (not that I ever really needed it). The holsters are inexpensive. The only thing i didn't like about the belt model was the fact that it tends to move around. The "pancake" holster was actually very comfortable to use plain clothes and with some of the field gear I took with me on the range.

You might also check out the Blackhawk Industries CQC holsters. They run around the same price but have a different retention device. Some of the newer Kydex holsters out there come in diferent colors - tan, black, OD, camo, etc.

[Ghostbear]

Remember that when you are dealing with this kind of holster, you are still using it with a toy and it was designed for steel.

So, with the Fobus holster that I have for my Glock (real) it works great, but the slide is a tight fit, and keeps it ready without a thumb brake. If I were to holster the Airsoft Glock, the holster has enough 'grip' to push the slide back and then you have to push the back of the slide to get it into the holster. Or keep your thumb on the back of the slide as you holster it. That is not good for the airsoft gun. Not to mention that if you get ANY dirt into the holster and it gets wedged in between the kydex and the gun it will scratch the 'hell' out of the plastic slide. Because it is the softer plastic of the two.

But it is up to you.

[Timmay]

paddle holsters work good, but remember Brads points about the slide and dirt. otherwise the draw is fast and quick with no device in the way.

[seppuku]

good points; sounds like i'll probably pass on the passive retention type holster. the other thing that i was kind of on the fence about, is that i'd need a different holster for every different type of pistol i had.

another question: i like the rotational ability that some of those passive retention holsters have; are there other types of holsters that have that ability? i'd like to have a belt (or modular) holster that can be worn vertical, horizontal, or at an angle.

[Maple]

another question: i like the rotational ability that some of those passive retention holsters have; are there other types of holsters that have that ability? i'd like to have a belt (or modular) holster that can be worn vertical, horizontal, or at an angle.

Most of the MOLLE holster that I have seen that can be rotated are a platform that hooks to your gear and the holster itself rotates. Unfortunately, the ones I know of use a fitted holster for the gun (i.e. a different holster for each gun)

I use a BHI M-4 pistol holster which can be mounted anywhere on my MOLLE gear, including a drop leg mount. It holds most small and medium framed pistols.

[Texx]

You also have other issues to worry about. Some holsters will depress your magazine release. On many of the real steel prototypes, the magazine release springs have much more tension behind them, making a magazine loss unlikely. But on many airsoft pistols, the magazine release is somewhat weak.

There are other fitting issues similar to what GB and Tim had mentioned. Many airsoft guns are not perfect 1:1 replicas. I would avoid most "fitted" holsters unless they are more accurate copies such as many of the WA 1911s, some of which are compatible with realsteel frame dimensions.

Luckily, many of the Kydex holsters are cheap enough that buying one to insure proper fit is not overly expensive. Also, many gun retailers may allow you to purchase the item and return it if it does not properly fit your gun. No need to tell them it was an airsoft gun. ;)

[Davidson]

If you put a bit of ducktape to hold the pistol mag in it shouldn't fall out. I lost two clips for my de before I started to duck tape them in, after that I have not lost any.

[seppuku]

thanks again for the input everyone. Maple, do you have any links for those rotatable MOLLE holsters? i'd be curious to check them out, just to see what they're like.

i just saw today that Tactical Tailor has a 90 degree mod panel (http://216.105.57.73/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=143) that they must have just come out with. plus they have a 45 degree one (http://216.105.57.73/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=58) as well. it wouldn't be the most economical or efficient means of reaching my ends, but i guess it would work.

i've also had a mag pop out once when i was using a thigh holster - luckily i found it though. since then i've always been real careful, and i'll actually keep the gun holstered without a mag loaded. it hinders my quickdraw capabilities ;) and crap gets inside the magwell, but it's worth the peace of mind. maybe i'll just start taping the mags in though, as Davidson suggested.

[Beest]

I've been tapeing mags in for quit some time now. I think upwards of a year and a half. From my point of view if it draws easy it will more than likely fall out easy. Depending on how hard you play I guess. I use a SOE drop leg and have never looked back. At 75 bucks it wasn't the cheapest but it's built very well.