Dec 14, 2011

Carry Options

Choosing The Right Rig

The title says it all — there’s a sea of styles and materials to choose from. Your options include different levels of retention; the rake; leather, nylon or plastic (often referred to as Kydex, which is a proprietary name, like Xerox); at the waist, drop or swivel. Most agencies have specific policies regarding what’s approved, so always consult your policies and procedures before making any purchase.
For cops working undercover, in detective or SWAT units, the options increase. Now your choices include inside the waistband, belt, shoulder and ankle holsters (good for uniformed patrol too), thigh rigs, fanny packs and purses. There are plenty of other ways to carry, but I think you get the point.

In patrol, chances are agency policy will dictate the holster you carry. How the holster rides on your belt is well within your control. If you’re short in the torso, a slight drop keeps the gun from sitting right under your armpit. And for ladies, a slight outward cant of the holster keeps the gun out of your rib cage. Motor officers also do well with drop holsters that swivel because the riding position on the bike tends to push the gun into their sides.

You can also adjust the rake of the holster. Most holsters are made with a straight up and down rake because they’re designed for the average user. A good way to increase the speed of your draw is to go with a forward rake (the barrel of the gun sits forward and the butt tilts rearward). Your wrist is already in proper alignment as you draw the gun, but a drawback to this holster position is the discomfort it causes while you’re seated in a car.

A rear rake (barrel sits rearward and the butt tilts forward) helps alleviate pressure on your hip, but drawing is arguably a bit slower because of the angle your wrist must be in to draw the gun.

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