Small Of The Back Holster

[horseplay]

I've made alot of holsters but not a back holster. I see that most small of the back holsters generally hold the gun in an almost up side down position. I have a customer who wants his holster the opposite way so that the gun sits in the holster right side up at a cant. Would there be a reason not to make it this way?

[Thor]

You mean like so http://glock.pro/attachments/carry-issues/4127d1365422601-small-back-holster-full-size-glock-but-different-wp_000099-large-.jpg?

Well lets answer this by self-testing. Grab behind your back and tell me which way is more comfortable and in which way you can grab the pistol better. In other words, sliding your fingers between your back and the grip, eventually get your fingers caught in the t-shirt... or just place your hand over the handle, grab it and pull. Get what I mean?

[glockanator]

The reason I went with the grip up was simply when drawing the firearm the muzzle would be index away from the body. If you go with the grip facing down you are more likely to draw the firearm and index the muzzle towards the body as you get on target.

[dakotawolf]

This is one I made for a friend. He told me he wanted a IWB SOB holster that had the grip down. I researched it on this forum, and learned the concerns (tendency to point the muzzle at your hip after the draw). I explained all this to him, but he wanted it anyway. He's a trained and competent gun handler, so I made it.

After I got into the project I realized it was a pain. The holster can't be canted much or the grip would be too close or below the belt line. This was a problem unique to the IWB.

He's had the holster for four months and reports good comfort and concealabilty. Holstering is difficult for him (maybe with all SOB holsters?). And he said where the belt loop attaches to the holster is a bit floppy. I figured it's main function was to stabilize the holster vertically, and the belt over it would keep it tight to the body.

I never posted these pics before, because I wasn't all that proud of this design. I didn't even charge for this one. I told him I'd consider it a prototype and wanted honest feedback for in return.

In summary, try to explain why a SOB holster (IWB or outside) is safer with the grip up. Have him simulate the draw both ways with his hand. It requires concentration not to flag your body with muzzle when the holster carries the pistol grip down, and that's when there's no stress.

Edited May 3, 2015 by dakotawolf

[Red Cent]

For those of us who have difficulty completing such a draw, the back of the hand draw is much more ergonomic. The most important challenge is to make it comfortable. A good sweat guard protecting the hammer at all times would be essential. 'Course, with the striker fired guns these days, that should be easy.

[horseplay]

Thanks all for your thoughts. These are the same thoughts I had. I had talked with the customer extensively when he placed the order and he felt the grip down gave less tork on his shoulder. I do see how it's easier to drag the barrel across your body as you draw though so it's something I will once again talk to him about.

[Dwight]

You may also suggest that if he is ever shoved down by an antagonist, . . . lands on his back, . . . with the weapon between his spine and the concrete, . . . he may be paralyzed for life.

I've had requests, . . . turned every one down on that simple thought alone.

May God bless,

Dwight

[RMB Custom Leather]

I've made alot of holsters but not a back holster. I see that most small of the back holsters generally hold the gun in an almost up side down position. I have a customer who wants his holster the opposite way so that the gun sits in the holster right side up at a cant. Would there be a reason not to make it this way?

[camano ridge]

Place a gun behind your belt in the small of the back and position it with the grip down now try to draw it without sweeping your kidney or other body parts with the muzzle.

[TwinOaks]

You may also suggest that if he is ever shoved down by an antagonist, . . . lands on his back, . . . with the weapon between his spine and the concrete, . . . he may be paralyzed for life.

I've had requests, . . . turned every one down on that simple thought alone.

May God bless,

Dwight

My thoughts and policy, too.

My doctor (an avid and expert shooter, qualified instructor, and reserve Deputy) and I discussed this in detail and he brought in an x-ray of a spine that had been damaged as described above. The vertabrae where the gun was was offset almost 1" ....which is really really close to the 1.18" width of the Glock the person was carrying - SOB and across the spine.