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Belt Slide Holsters

793 views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Demon  
#1 ·
In my search for a holster for a 1911 I run across a lot of Belt Slide Holsters.
I have yet to understand the purpose for this method of carrying a handgun.
I appreciate a minimalist design and I will be the first one to say "to each his own", but who uses these holsters and for what purpose are they designed?

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Protection of the gun is zero to none and retention is the same. Is this basically a range holster or what? It looks as though the gun could easily get "floppy" on you in one of these holsters.

I remember seeing photos of some of the old "experts" posed with their guns in these rigs. But I've never thought a holster like this suited my purposes. Why are they so popular that almost every holster manufacturer offers one or more designs - but I never see one in use?

Who uses them and why?

Thanks,

m49
 
#2 ·
I have used several of those and they all work fine. Retention is better than you think as your belt pulls the holster inward as it wraps around your hip creating tension. They ride nice and tight to the body too giving a low profile to your carry package. I'm not a cop so I'm not planning on having to roll around on the ground with a BG so I don't particularly care for thumbbreaks anyway. As far as protection goes the same applies. I'll not be doing dive rolls in a rock quarry so my untucked shirt covering my gun will protect it enough. Most of mine are stainless anyway and are carry pieces not show pieces.
 
#3 ·
rantingredneck,

Which style(s) of Simply Rugged holsters do you own? I've looked at them and they look like a good holster for the money.

I'm thinking about a Cuda for my 1911. Would that be a good choice? Most of what I'd be using it for would be carry to the range and in the field (as in woods).

Thanks,

m49
 
#4 ·
I have them for both of my "carry every day" guns (J frame and Colt Defender) and won't use anything else. Retention provided by the tightness of the carry belt as well as holster material and protection is what you make it. There is no "faster into action" holster made.
 
#5 ·
rantingredneck,

Which style(s) of Simply Rugged holsters do you own? I've looked at them and they look like a good holster for the money.

I'm thinking about a Cuda for my 1911. Would that be a good choice? Most of what I'd be using it for would be carry to the range and in the field (as in woods).

Thanks,

m49
I have Simply Rugged Sourdoughs for my GP100's (3" and 4") I have a Tribute model (with thumbsnap) for my Ruger MK III. I don't have a Cuda so I can't really speak to that one.

I do have a couple of Don Hume JIT Slides for other guns as well as a Ron Graham belt slide that looks very much like the JIT. I also use occasionally a Bianchi Minimalist (looks a lot like your picture). They all work great, with the exception that after a couple of years of hard use the Minimalist got a little loose on me. I don't use it much anymore and have others I use instead. (Graham and JIT).

The JIT's are a great value in that they typically run about 25.00 shipped to your door and they hold up very well.
 
#6 ·
I have used several of those and they all work fine. Retention is better than you think as your belt pulls the holster inward as it wraps around your hip creating tension. They ride nice and tight to the body too giving a low profile to your carry package. I'm not a cop so I'm not planning on having to roll around on the ground with a BG so I don't particularly care for thumbbreaks anyway. As far as protection goes the same applies. I'll not be doing dive rolls in a rock quarry so my untucked shirt covering my gun will protect it enough. Most of mine are stainless anyway and are carry pieces not show pieces.
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