Hopefully someone will know the answer to this question.

During some viewing of Iraq/Afghanistan war footage I've noticed that some of the soldiers have a holster for their sidearm that seems to ride on the thigh as opposed to the hip.

I'm very interested in whether or not anybody knows the identity/name of this holster and even moreso how to obtain one?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Reed

There are several makers out there most any police and military suppler has them. Do a search for Police supplys I sure you well find one.

Our present standard issue holster was designed by Bianchi. It can be configured as either strong hand web belt or pants belt, crossdraw, shoulder and tactical (thigh), flap or open, either hand, with the proper attachments. While the military is using copies made by a cheaper supplier (it shows) the original is still available from Bianchi.

Gentleman,

My thanks. I will look at the Bianchi site and see if I can find what I'm looking for, possibly with a link back to this thread.

Reed

What you're looking for is the M12 holster with tactical hip extender. There is also a thumb break replacement for the flap AND you can get an adapter to make it a chest holster (to serve the same function as the old M7 leather shoulder holster). I didn't find it at Bianchi but I did find it at several suppliers of whom International Military Sales Plus is but one .

Hey Hobie, looks like we were doing the same thing at the same time.

Natchez is a pretty decent supplier.

http://www.bianchi-store.com/BIA/site/product.cfm?id=BI15140

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum1609.php

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2206.php
(Basically the same as the first link)

I'm curious if the first and third links would work for a S&W Model 629 Mountain Gun (4" barrel)?

Most everything I see has nothing but semi-auto models listed. I'm curious if they can be switched out for a DA revolver (S&W 629 4" or perhaps a Colt Anaconda 4")?

My use is during riding and this seems to get it off the hip and in a good spot if needed.

Thanks in advance for any further input.

Reed

For that double action on horseback, you might want to look at a good thumbbreak crossdraw. Move it past a left appendix position to just past the point of the left pelvis.

Many of the SF guys use the Safariland 6004 leg rig, often for the Beretta with a surefire light attached. That said the guys I know that spent a lot of time in the jungle prefered either the standard belt holster or put the pistol in on of the chest pouches of thier LBV as the thigh rig often had the pistol under water and muck, of course this was before the lights were so widely issued.

Jason

Blackhawk,

It could be cold when I will truly need this rig so I might be fighting several layers of clothing possibly even a backpack on my back.

This will be a Wyoming elk hunt in country containing both big cats and bears. My first line of defense would be my elk rifle but there are times when it may not be accessible, etc., and I'd like to have something that is both effective AND light such that it's always on and handy.

I don't even own the pistol yet although I will most likely buy a 629 Mountain Gun at the Tulsa show or else if I don't find one there I may buy a 329 as I can get one new at cost. I already have a heavier Model 29 but don't care to carry it for this use.

What I'll most likely do is get on the horn with the various companies supplying these sorts of holsters once I've purchased the pistol and go from there.

Thanks to all for all the help.

Reed

I always carry a handgun while in the woods. mostly for hunting but also for just bumming around and scouting.
I suggest you try one of these thigh holsters before you buy one. I have tried many, but all have been uncomfortable to me.
Some leg tie downs will work loose & others will make your pants ride up - but all are uncomfortable to me for one reason or another.
I prefer to carry my sidearm on my belt just over my back pocket on my right side where it is out of the way yet readily available. As long as your belt is wide enough to distribute the weight evenly it should be much more comfortable and will be easier to put on and take off.
I admit the tactical thight holsters look impressive, and make for a fast draw (about like a western buscadero holster) BUT they are not comfortable.

David