[TrucksNCoffee]

A couple of weeks ago, a good friend got up from his folding chair in a room at church, and his concealed pistol "unconcealed" itself from his small-of-back holster* and fell to the floor. He quickly picked it up and no one said anything, mostly because it's well known in our church that we have a Safety and Security Team mingled among the membership. He told me, this morning, that when we meet for breakfast tomorrow he'd like to talk about getting a small-of-back (I'd use the initials, but then I might have to ban myself) retention holster.

Any suggestions on what works or doesn't work for you?



(*We both already know the arguments against small-of-back carry. This thread is not about that.)

 

[mark38090]

I've never tried one but when I've talked to others that have I haven't heard any comfortable versions other than Galco and Desantis leather versions.

 

[TrucksNCoffee]

My friend can work around the comfort thing, he's mostly concerned with retention.

 

[BangBang]

I would think any left hand, if he is right handed, IWB holster would give him retention. If he wants a soft holster with a strap look at Uncle Mike's. Sticky or Remora might also be a good bet.

Don

 

[sig_230]

While considering another holster where it is worn can have a big effect on both comfort and security. Too often I see folk wearing an S-O-B holster in the middle of their back. That is a recipe for getting hurt, discomfort and having the gun knocked out. Just moving the holster from the spinal area to the naturally softer padding over the kidney area often improves security, comfort and concealment.

 

[papajim]

I'm on my 2nd Uncle Mike's, my first lasted for 15 years worn almost daily and my latest one I picked up at Walmart for under $20. It a comfortable holster has a pouch for extra mag and for me it's the most comfortable place to carry.

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[garyh]

I prefer a pancake holster myself. I also have a shoulder holster that works well for church.

 

[TheOldRedneck]

I'm a huge fan of custom leather, BUT in warm weather in the south I sweat, a lot. The rig papajim suggested is great. I carry a small Glock 45 acp in one in warm weather. Like having extra mag, gun is secure yet easy to get. Never had a problem. Small of back is my favorite carry position but doesnt work for everyone.

 

[papajim]

Old ******* I totally agree, I live in a swampy area on the Nature Coast of Florida and being covered in sweat is given that's why I like this setup not to mention it is very comfortable.

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[TrucksNCoffee]

I'm on my 2nd Uncle Mike's, my first lasted for 15 years worn almost daily and my latest one I picked up at Walmart for under $20. It a comfortable holster has a pouch for extra mag and for me it's the most comfortable place to carry.

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Do you have a model number on this Uncle Mike's holster, papajim?

 

[papajim]

Trucks it's a number 16, perfect fit for my S&W Sc 1911. They make multiple sizes, I had one for my 5" 1911 but forget what number it was.
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[45 Forever]

I have a nice leather Don Hume IWB, but my Uncle Mike's size 16 is just so easy to put on and go. It's easy to take off and with a good belt I forget I have it on.

It holds my older XD-9 and a extra 16 round mag.

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[GhostHorse]

Ah, small of the back. The worst place to have a gun when seated. I wonder how the person sitting next to a small of the back carrier would feel about retention. And trigger coverage - by the holster, I mean.

Sorry, didn't mean to side track the thread.

 

[GreenWolf70]

Personally, I make my own Cross Breed clone, but there are many on the market. These are the most comfortable IWB holsters made IMO. They are comfortable sitting, standing or driving. I made one for a friend and he drove from Alabama to New Jersey and back wearing it. He said it is the most comfortable holster he has ever owned.

Here is one of mine. I am a lefty so I wear mine at 8 o'clock. I can draw while seated/driving.


I use horse hide to tackle the sweat problem. I look for holsters that cover the trigger, cover the mag release, and cover the end of the barrel. I cover the mag release because being a lefty it is exposed and there is nothing worse than leaning back against a counter only to have your mag pop loose. I started covering the end of the barrel after sitting down in a booth and the seat edge popped my pistol out of my holster.

 

[FLShutterbug]

Ah, small of the back. The worst place to have a gun when seated. I wonder how the person sitting next to a small of the back carrier would feel about retention. And trigger coverage - by the holster, I mean.
Sorry, didn't mean to side track the thread.

Not to mention should you get knocked down or fall on your back while carrying SOB, you stand an extremely high chance of breaking your backbone. You also have to be very cautious when sitting down to not allow the gun to THUMP against the chair thus giving away that you are carrying.

 

[papajim]

Having carried SOB for 30+ years I still hear this myth about falling on your back and breaking your spine, I will ask here as I have asked many many others if they can please offer evidence/proof of it ever happening? That is the same as saying if you carry at the 3 o clock position and fall sideways you will break your hip/pelvis.

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[GhostHorse]

Personally, I don't need proof. I've fallen on my back, where a handgun would have made the experience much more painful, even if nothing gets broken. I can't say that for 3:00 carry.

3:00 carry also keeps the muzzle in a safer direction, and requires less of a stretch to draw. But you do what works for you, and I'll do what works for me.

 

[FLShutterbug]

Using a Blue Gun, try to draw your carry while seated in your normal chair at home, at work (if you are allowed to carry while working), in your vehicle, and without any gun while in a restaurant you frequent to see how easily you will be able to draw your gun to defend yourself without demonstrating to the whole world what you are trying to do in case the bad guys are watching you. Trying to draw from SOB is very difficult while seated, especially in a vehicle. And SOB carry makes your firearm readily available to anyone standing behind you.

 

[GreenWolf70]

Using a Blue Gun, try to draw your carry while seated in your normal chair at home, at work (if you are allowed to carry while working), in your vehicle, and without any gun while in a restaurant you frequent to see how easily you will be able to draw your gun to defend yourself without demonstrating to the whole world what you are trying to do in case the bad guys are watching you. Trying to draw from SOB is very difficult while seated, especially in a vehicle. And SOB carry makes your firearm readily available to anyone standing behind you.

I have done all of those drills you mention, without any issues. I carry at at 8 o'clock (cause I am a lefty), not exactly SOB. I have been struck on my holstered pistol and the leather in conjunction with the Kydex was enough to essentially spread out the impact so I didn't feel it in my kidney. The 2 clips also spread out the load on your gun belt so if carries a little easier to carry than a single clip on IWB, or even a OWB holster carried in the same position. I usually carry with my shirt tucked in, and it is difficult to tell I am carrying. I also have no illusions that I am going to out draw anyone. My mantra is find cover, and then draw. In fact, I believe the first time the bad guy should see your weapon is at the same time you are pulling the trigger. I would never, ever, try to warn someone away by drawing my weapon. If it comes out of my holster, it is because I intend to use it.

And yes, I have already thought about someone drawing my weapon from behind. In fact I have told my wife to get behind me if something happens and pull out my shirt, if need be draw my weapon and hand it to me, but essentially keep anyone from getting behind me. But that is if I am caught in the open and can not move. Otherwise, I seek cover and then draw.

 

[Ellis653]

I just received the crossbreed freedom holster. Gives you the option of carrying in a variety of positions. Does need a little break in period. I bought this one for the PT 740 slim. Retention is good. This may work.