Gear & Equipment > Holsters & Leather Goods

Holsters: thigh rig vs vest cross draw

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ProtoPatriot:
I'm trying to debate whether I should get a chest holster or a more comfortable thigh rig (just got a basic one at the moment).

The benefits and issues I am currently seeing are:

Vest rig issues:
Extra layer while camping/hiking/other non-tactical activities.
Takes up space on the vest where you could put another pouch or other useful things.
Extra weight on the chest (which is already carrying enough weight with everything else on the vest)
Slower draw if you are not carrying a rifle
Less comfortable while relaxing
Not maintaining barrel in safe direction while carrying or drawing.

Vest rig benefits:
Keeps sidearm more defensible
Faster draw should you be carrying a rifle
Easier draw while in a vehicle

Thigh rig issues:
Possible snags as it is less noticeable to avoid things (though, from my experience this has been minimal)
Slower draw when carrying a rifle
Wiggles/moves slightly (though the dual strap version seems to have corrected a lot of this)
More difficult to defend (though this would depend on situational awareness)

Thigh rig benefits:
Moves the weight to a location less noticeable and less burdened
Faster and easier to draw when only carrying a sidearm as hand is already next to it
Less layers on chest
More comfortable while relaxing
Barrel in safe direction while carrying and drawing

gsd:
If you are in lincoln, you are more than welcome to test-fit my blackhawk drop leg. With two leg straps and two upper straps it does not move much at all, even at a full run.

pfinn:

--- Quote from: gsd on July 01, 2013, 08:26:51 AM ---From a strictly camping/hiking aspect, I would recommend a drop leg. With a crossdraw vest you are limiting your carrying ability regarding packs, not to mention adding yet another layer, unless you outfit the vest with other pouches to carry the majority of your miscellaneous camping gear.

--- End quote ---

Agree.

I've spent a good amount of time in the mountains, and accessibility and comfort are really hindered with a vest as it relates to packs and jackets. I always have a frame pack with me, and the straps interfere with access to the vest. Layers also need to come on and off (rain jacket), and I generally don't like messing with the rig that much.

I've used a thigh rig in this setting, and it has worked well, but it needs to be a good one so it fits both you and the firearm properly. Good fit can alleviate a lot of the wiggles/movement you mentioned. I'd actually rather carry the weight on my chest instead of on my leg, but it my experience the weight hasn't been an issue.

I've also rigged a standard OWB holster on the hip straps of my pack, and that works great, assuming you keep your pack on the entire time. Take it off to rest, and you've just lost access to your firearm.

NENick:
Does a chest mounted pistol really get in the way when in the prone position? I do like the idea that a chest mounted pistol probably will stop a bullet.

gsd:

--- Quote from: NENick on July 02, 2013, 08:18:31 AM ---Does a chest mounted pistol really get in the way when in the prone position? I do like the idea that a chest mounted pistol probably will stop a bullet.

--- End quote ---

Nick, A pistol on a vest, at least the one's i have seen/used, places the holster more towards the belly. Even a novice shooter is going to aim center mass, a solid 6-8 inches above where the firearm would be located.

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