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While I realize that thumb break equipped holsters are mainly for retention, I am looking for one for my Defender that will allow the strap to fit between the cocked hammer and the firing pin. The cheap one I have, the strap was too wide and had to be distorted somewhat to do this. As it was a cheap nylon one, I cut it off. It's hard to tell from manufacturer's pics which one will work (most look too wide anyway), as no pics show them with a real pistol with the hammer cocked.

The only time I've carried a 1911 was open carry in the military, and it was not carried cocked and locked. I have also read that if the thumb break strap is used between the hammer and the firing pin, there have been cases of the thumb safety disengaging when the snap is released. Don't know if this is Internet folk lore, or true. If any has any recommendations as to holsters for my Defender, I'm all ears TIA

...I had either a Bianchi or Safariland that way in the 70s for a Combat Commander...might try them...also I'd call Don Hume...the number's on their website...their customer service's really helpful and knowledgeable...they might have one...I liked it because I carried it off duty and several times my shirt pulled the thumb safety down...the leather under the hammer was more peace of mind...

speedsix wrote:...I had either a Bianchi or Safariland that way in the 70s for a Combat Commander...might try them...also I'd call Don Hume...the number's on their website...their customer service's really helpful and knowledgeable...they might have one...I liked it because I carried it off duty and several times my shirt pulled the thumb safety down...the leather under the hammer was more peace of mind...

That's exactly what I wanted it for, peace of mind.

EDIT: My memory has been jogged by a fellow member. The Colt Defender has the Series 80 firing pin block which prevents the hammer from moving unless the trigger is moved rearward. That said, I see no need for the thumb break between the hammer and the firing pin. As Emily Latella used to say, "Never mind."

Are you open to other types of retention? Bianchi 82 is what I carry my Officer in. I have 4 other holsters that I tried first and the Bianchi is my favorite by far.

Thanks for the tip. Retention was not my primary concern, it was placing a barrier between the cocked hammer and the firing pin. However, as the Series 80 design has a built in firing pin block, I think now that it is unnecessary. I have been looking at this holster (Don Hume), but would like to hear more why the Bianchi 82 is your favorite .

http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... ucts_id=44

Can I ask why that strap matters on a Series 70?
If it's for drop protection, don't most newer Series 70 1911's have heavier firing pin springs which prevent a discharge upon a drop?

I'm somewhat new to the 1911 world, so excuse the ignorance. I'm just wanting to know for my own sake as I'm really enjoying my 1911 and am currently shopping for others.

Scott in Houston wrote:Can I ask why that strap matters on a Series 70?
If it's for drop protection, don't most newer Series 70 1911's have heavier firing pin springs which prevent a discharge upon a drop?

I'm somewhat new to the 1911 world, so excuse the ignorance. I'm just wanting to know for my own sake as I'm really enjoying my 1911 and am currently shopping for others.

The straps are really designed for gun "retention" while the gun is holstered, hammer down. However, when carrying a 1911 cocked and locked, some like to place the strap between the hammer and the firing pin just as a precaution. The Series 70 has no firing pin block (original JMB design) and IF the hammer falls while holstered, the gun will discharge. The Series 80 has the firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving, even if the hammer drops, if the trigger is not also pulled rearward to release the block.

Some like the Series 70 as there are less parts to go bad, or interfere with the original JMB design, and others like the added security of the FP block. It's basically different strokes for different folks

G26ster wrote:

Scott in Houston wrote:Can I ask why that strap matters on a Series 70?
If it's for drop protection, don't most newer Series 70 1911's have heavier firing pin springs which prevent a discharge upon a drop?

I'm somewhat new to the 1911 world, so excuse the ignorance. I'm just wanting to know for my own sake as I'm really enjoying my 1911 and am currently shopping for others.

The straps are really designed for gun "retention." However, when carrying a 1911 cocked and locked, some like to place the strap between the hammer and the firing pin just as a precaution. The Series 70 has no firing pin block (original JMB design) and IF the hammer falls while holstered, the gun will discharge. The Series 80 has the firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving, even if the hammer drops, if the trigger is not also pulled rearward to release the block.

Some like the Series 70 as there are less parts to go bad, or interfere with the original JMB design, and others like the added security of the FP block. It's basically different strokes for different folks

Thanks! My only 1911 is the Ruger SR1911, and it's a Series 70. Ruger made real clear in the marketing material that the hammer falling without the trigger being pulled is basically not possible, and they emphasized the stronger firing pin spring to prevent a discharge from just the sheer inertia of the pin moving towards the primer after a drop (no hammer hitting it, but the weight of the pin and its inertia causing the discharge).
I have heard folks say the Series 70's have 'better triggers' because there is less action taking place upon the trigger depression. I wonder how much of that is psychosomatic though. I shot a series 80 recently and thought it felt fantastic. I'm sure there are just many variables besides which design it is that affect the trigger feel.

The leather strap seems to be more of a 'feel good' measure on a holster IMO. (And admitted limited knowledge)
That strap is irrelevant if the trigger is well protected. No trigger pull, no hammer fall, right? Not to mention you still have the safety itself...

Scott in Houston wrote: Thanks! My only 1911 is the Ruger SR1911, and it's a Series 70. Ruger made real clear in the marketing material that the hammer falling without the trigger being pulled is basically not possible, and they emphasized the stronger firing pin spring to prevent a discharge from just the sheer inertia of the pin moving towards the primer after a drop (no hammer hitting it, but the weight of the pin and its inertia causing the discharge).
I have heard folks say the Series 70's have 'better triggers' because there is less action taking place upon the trigger depression. I wonder how much of that is psychosomatic though. I shot a series 80 recently and thought it felt fantastic. I'm sure there are just many variables besides which design it is that affect the trigger feel.

The leather strap seems to be more of a 'feel good' measure on a holster IMO. (And admitted limited knowledge)
That strap is irrelevant if the trigger is well protected. No trigger pull, no hammer fall, right? Not to mention you still have the safety itself...

To me, almost anything is "possible." Yes, it is a "feel good" measure to have the strap there, because with any firearm, parts (or the operator) malfunction on occasion. But, as Fernando says, "It's better to look good, than to feel good."

EDIT: In all seriousness, the number of safeties on a firearm is always a personal choice. Some like no safeties, some like the addition of a grip safety to also having a thumb safety, some like the firing pin block, and others like the strap between the hammer and the firing pin. I'm content now that with the FP block, thumb safety, and grip safety, I'm good to go without the strap between the hammer and the FP. It's all just personal decisions.

G26ster wrote: To me, almost anything is "possible." Yes, it is a "feel good" measure to have the strap there, because with any firearm, parts (or the operator) malfunction on occasion. But, as Fernando says, "It's better to look good, than to feel good."

EDIT: In all seriousness, the number of safeties on a firearm is always a personal choice. Some like no safeties, some like the addition of a grip safety to also having a thumb safety, some like the firing pin block, and others like the strap between the hammer and the firing pin. I'm content now that with the FP block, thumb safety, and grip safety, I'm good to go without the strap between the hammer and the FP. It's all just personal decisions.

Yep. I suppose, given your name, you're like me in some ways. I actually prefer no safeties (as in Glock style). I know there are 3 safeties on a Glock, but you know what I mean. I prefer less things to manipulate with fine motor skills if I ever need to use my gun. (God forbid)

On my 1911, I'm fine with "cocked and locked". In a way, I'm almost fine with cocked, and holstered, but no safety on. I don't do it that way, but I could be talked into it. As long is you have a QUALITY (key word) holster, and the trigger is completely protected as it should be in a quality holster, the other safeties are just extra baggage IMO.

Once I got the Bianchi 82 broken in it's the most comfortable of the holsters I have. It rides higher than my others so it hangs down below the belt less (if you are sure to get the right one, they kept trying to sell me the one for the 5" 1911 for some reason). Also the trigger area is well protected by the retention part, it's a piece of rigid plastic of some kind.

FWIW, I carry a 3" Kimber cocked and locked without a thumbstrap, in a Galco Concealable Belt Holster:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?P ... &GunID=175

I feel perfectly safe with this holster, and the retention is outstanding.

Thanks TAM. Nice holster. Looks like better trigger protection than the Don Hume shown here that I am considering, but they don't show the actual 3" 1911 in the holster so it's hard to tell how well it will cover the 1911 trigger. I do like the Don Hume for the body shield and the price though. decisions, decisions.

I had a Galco like that but my Colt fit too loose in it. My neighbors 4" Springfield fits it perfectly so I gave away a 90 somethin dollar holster. The Bianchi fit both guns.

I picked up a Tagua Thumb break for a 3" 1911. Cost me about $40 at one of the LGSs.