Clip-On Vs. Snap-On Owb Holster Design...

[Double Daddy]

Hello everyone! I'm looking for some input regarding an OWB holster that either clips on or snaps on. The goal is to make it quick to take on and off. The pro's/con's as I see them thus far are: the snap-on is slower on & off but would likely be easier on the garments (belts, pants, etc) whereas the clip-on would be quicker on & off but the metal clip might be harsher on the clothes.

I've done a bit of scouring on LW.net on this topic but nothing too specific has turned up.

As you can see from my post count, I'm a green-horn "newb" (LOTS of looking/listening/reading, not much talking)...any wisdom to be imparted would be appreciated!

Chris

[camano ridge]

Snap on or snap around is a little slower but your only talking seconds. My opinion is that the sanp on is more secure. I have made and used both types and have found that the belt clip type when sitting down can get pushed up on to the belt or even off of the belt (some of that will be dependent on size of gun and or body style). Also there is a wide variance in quality of belt clips. If you go the belt clip route spend the few extra cents on good quality clips. I have nt notice a problem with clothing on either type however the belt clip style can chew up the edge of your belt. Another alternative you might look at if you are primarily concerned with ease of donning and doffing wouldbe the paddle holster.

[robertmeco]

How about a paddle holster easy on easy off

[Double Daddy]

Thanks for the replies, y'all! I've thought about a paddle design but just figured a clip-on or snap-on would be easier for someone of my experience....but I guess any skill's gotta start somewhere, right? Any pointers/tutorials you might recommend to get a fella headed in the right direction? Paddle source? Make my own?

Edited July 17, 2014 by Double Daddy

[Dwight]

Paddle holsters are easy on, . . . easy off, . . . and you just got about all the good things I know to say about them.

They bulge out, . . . they sway back and forth, . . . it's hard to get one to ride "comfortably" (I've owned 2 of them, . . . still have one).

I like the snap holster if the snaps have a belt ridge just above the rivet hole, . . . but I don't like a straight snap.

The straps that wrap completely around the belt is IMHO, . . . the most secure of the three, . . . rides more comfortably, . . . and does not "bulge" out as do the others.

YMMV

May God bless,

Dwight

[Mattbeck]

Milt sparks makes a snap on style that is great. Look at their axiom holster. Mitch Rosen also makes one sold through dillon called the premier that is nice. The premier is a pretty standard pattern I think.

[malabar]

I make a lot of paddle holsters, but only for smaller guns. They're the ultimate in convenience, but they don't hold as tightly to your body as other types of holsters.

My best selling holster is a strap-on model I call "The Shield" -- we make versions in cross-draw and strong side, for revolvers and autos. It pops on and off the belt almost instantly and hugs your body as tightly as any OWB holster. People love 'em.

[Abram]

I am not trying to hijack the thread but may I ask a question, for those more experienced holster makers is it better to have the straps come from the bottom or the top. I have seen it both ways and always thought it would be easier to remove and put on if the straps came from the bottom, on the other hand it would, to me, secure the weapon better if they came form the top.

[malabar]

I think it's mostly about the overall design. My straps are replaceable: They thread through the body of the holster and then go behind and over the top of the belt. This method allows me to make the straps replaceable AND to have more "meat" on the sides of the holster, to help hold it rigidly.

tk