Thumb break on a larger, heavier 1911 pistol

[Kenk]

So is a holster thumb break of much value / necessary on a larger, heavier 1911 pistol?, and if so, is it realistic to get by without one for the time being
Thanks

Ken

[Rick R]

Where are you going to wear the holster/pistol combo?  Standing on a square range or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane to protect the free world?  Thumb breaks are kind of a throw back to older holster tech where the holster was more a gun bucket that didn't fit the pistol securely.  I found that I frequently found the snap undone on every thumb break holster I ever owned. 

I have a "Summer Special" style IWB holster, a leather pancake, a kydex OWB, and a Safariland SLS style security holster for 1911s.   Every occasion from shorts, T-shirt and sandals to Armageddon is covered.   

[Kenk]

Thanks, pretty much everyday activities, no airplane maneuvers: )

[Rick R]

My LEO time dated back to duty holsters that used flaps, straps and thumb breaks.  All were prone to coming undone without notice.   Modern security holsters are a HUGE improvement, but over kill if you don't anticipate an attempted gun take away. 

I recently received a "pancake" style OWB kydex holster from Bravo Concealment for my SR1911.  After a week of wearing it I'm happy to replace my old leather pancake.  A good kydex holster sucks the pistol in when you holster and allows you to readily present it when needed.   I could hang upside down by my feet and the pistol is going no where.  But can draw in an instant when motivated.

[Kenk]

Thanks Rick!

[Rojo27]

So is a holster thumb break of much value / necessary on a larger, heavier 1911 pistol?, and if so, is it realistic to get by without one for the time being
Thanks

Ken

How do you carry?  Open or conceal carry?

[Sobrbiker]

I don't like thumb breaks for 1911's-for me having the strap/release across the back of the slide isn't conducive to a proper firing grip on presentation.
There's better retention systems available.
As asked already, is it for open or concealed? High activity level or low? Chance of going hands on without drawing? Falling down a hill hunting? Taking a spill on a motorcycle?

Define the job, then pick the tool.

[Kenk]

Morning,
My average, everyday activity with a non-thumb break 1911 setup would consist of running errands, driving, walking, and so on. When hunting, fishing, and other recreational outdoor activities, I carry my G20 in a Kenai Chest Holster. From what I gather, the non-thumb break holster should be more than adequate for my given use. My initial concern was due to the weight of the Rock Ultra full size HC 10mm (2.9 lb. empty weight) and that the thumb break would help with overall stability. I do use a thick, and relatively wide gun belt, so this should add to the overall stability
Thanks

Ken

[Sobrbiker]

My standard for ordinary open top retention is to be able to hold holstered weapon upside down and jiggle a bit. If it doesn't fall out it passes.

[Kenk]

Great retention test  : )

[Graybeard]

That's a lot of gun (weight) to carry. I carry some version of a 1911 quite often, usually a Kimber Ultra, sometimes a Custom, but both have alloy frames. One of the best holsters for the weight of all steel 1911s I have is a Safariland Model 5181. Its a fairly large open top paddle holster. The leather will be nicer to your finish than kydex. They're molded very well for good retention. The wings work pretty well to keep the safety from getting bumped off. It should fit your Rock. If I remember correctly, they're about $65 at optics planet.com, which isn't bad for decent leather.

[Kenk]

Thanks, will give that one a look

[sep]

I use a leather Daltech Force with thumb break for woods carry. I have a few other holsters made of more modern materials which offer retention and thumb breaks. I spend a fair amount of time on small boats primarily fishing. I have tipped over canoes and been tossed out of a raft into the ocean surf. I also use a Man Gear chest holster for those times I'm fishing salmon streams and it too has a thumb break. I just prefer the extra security offered by a thumb break. All the holsters I wore during my military career had thumb breaks or flaps so I guess I grew accustomed to them over the years. The hip holsters for my 22 pistols all have thumb breaks as well. So, it's a feature I am accustomed to using.       

   

[Kenk]

Thanks Sep!