To thumb break or not?

[ricbri69]

Hello, I'm new to CC'ing and I just picked up my M&P 9c. I've pretty much determined that my body type does not comfortably allow IWB carry from trying a few of my friend's holsters. I found a nice desantis holster on smith and wesson's website and it's available with and without a thumb break. I know it seems like it would be a lot more secure in the holster with the thumb break (i.e. sitting, driving, etc.), but I'm afraid it would be a huge hassle in a needed situation. Just looking for commentary from people that carry either way.

Here is a link to the thumb break holster I was looking at. The non-thumb break is identical, obviously w/o the break.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...0301&training=

Thanks!

[Falcon118]

Personnaly I prefer the BLACKHAWK line of holsters level 2 retention or better. The design allows for a natural draw stroke and is quite smooth. man that almost sounds like a commercial

[edstephan]

I use the RH De Santis thumb break for my 659 and 4506 and found them very comfortable either OC or CC
Just my 2¢
Ed

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by ricbri69

I know it seems like it would be a lot more secure in the holster with the thumb break (i.e. sitting, driving, etc.), but I'm afraid it would be a huge hassle in a needed situation.

If you're referring to a thumb-break inhibiting speed of draw the difference is negligible.

The problem is holstering.

The thumb-break effectively blocks access to the mouth of the holster that in most cases requires the use of the support hand to "clear a path" for the muzzle to enter the holster. The tendency is to cover the support hand with the muzzle.

If your primary mode of carry is CC, I'd opt for the open top version.

[PennsyPlinker]

Originally Posted by TonyF

If you're referring to a thumb-break inhibiting speed of draw the difference is negligible.

The problem is holstering.

The thumb-break effectively blocks access to the mouth of the holster that in most cases requires the use of the support hand to "clear a path" for the muzzle to enter the holster. The tendency is to cover the support hand with the muzzle.

If your primary mode of carry is CC, I'd opt for the open top version.

What Tony said here. I have a speed scabbard and a thumb break, both from DeSantis. I prefer the speed scabbard for CC only! If I am going to OC, I will use the thumb break. If I am only OC, I prefer a Blackhawk, as it is easier to reholster.

What Tony did not mention is that sometimes the snap on the thumb break snaps real easy, and sometimes you have to pretty near get undressed to get it in front of you to get it to snap! But I have never had a problem with it staying snapped or coming open quickly.

[ricbri69]

Thanks guys, these are some great inputs! I'll have to look at the blackhawk in addition to the desantis. Such a difficult decision...

[mythaeus]

Originally Posted by ricbri69

Thanks guys, these are some great inputs! I'll have to look at the blackhawk in addition to the desantis. Such a difficult decision...

Inevitably, you will end up with more than 1 holster so don't waver too longer. I'll put in another vote for the BH Serpa due to the rentension without thumbreak. I use is for CC.

Al

[ricbri69]

Total weaksauce! Blackhawk doesn't make a holster for the compact M&P. That's a shame - I really liked the Serpa design. Oh well - guess I'll just get the Desantis, probably without the thumb break. THanks again guys!

[mjfletcher]

Ill chime in and agree with a couple others, if you're going to only CC then no thumb break isn't an issue, if you plan to OC then get the thumb break version (either instead of the nonTB or as well as) or some other retention holster (again, either instead or as well as)

[gklugie]

I have a Desantis OWB holster with thumb break my Taurus Millenium 9mm compact. Reasons I prefer thumb break:

1. I am active, and would not want my piece to come flying out.
2. Less chance of a "gun grab" by some crazy if I open carry.
3. I am not too concerned about a need to quick draw.

http://www.desantisholster.com/001.html