Do You Need A Thumb Break Retention Strap?
Posted by Rob Longenecker on July 14th, 2006
Do you need a thumb break on your new holster? Most of the time I don’t think you do.
Here are pictures to illustrate what we’re talking about. First an HF1 without the thumb break, then one with the thumb break:
The reason I don’t recommend a thumb break retention strap for most people, is because of the way Tucker fits a holster — you almost magically have both good retention and a smooth, easy draw.
Talk to the folks who own one of his holsters. They’ll all tell you the same thing.
Now, if you’re a police officer or federal agent then a thumb-break or another style of strap may be required by your department. Of course, we’re not talking about level II and level III retention holsters often used by street cops, we’re talking about plain clothes or off-duty requirements.
Because when you’re around crowds with an unconcealed carry gun, u can see how it makes more sense to have one than not.
If you carry a 1911-style pistol cocked and locked, and feel a thumb break will save you from an accidental discharge by blocking the hammer fall, then consider this:
The chances of the gun firing, after it’s safely holstered, is remote in the extreme.
Even if your thumb safety is disengaged, the gun is designed to be safe and has survived high-impact motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents without firing.
Civilians who plan on doing trapeze work or hanging upside down from tree limbs may also need a thumb break. Sometimes farm or ranch work may require one.
My personal preference is to have none, and most people share that preference. If you’re more comfortable with one, then that’s the way you should go and to hell with all other opinions. My job is to give you all the information and you make the call from there on.
Bottom line: If you want one, you can have one, and it’ll cost you extra.
September 5th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I have stumbled onto your site here while searching for a holster for my kimber ultra carry. I like the idea of a thumbstrap but one drawback for me is the snap tends to throw my thumb safety off at times as I periodically check my weapon while concealed. Maybe just over stressing about safe carry but it’s what I feel the most comfortable with. I am thinking a thumbstrap with the snap on the outside, odd yes but super safe to carry maybe? Also am thinking of a smooth finish with edge stamping and the Tucker logo nicely stamped in the middle. Thanx and glad I came upon this site, C W Fade, Euless Tx