paddle or belt loop

[thedub88]

Hi My name is Jay and wanted some help to help me decide. I have my ccw and going to buy a 1911 full size (i know its huge) any who, I'm looking at the black hawk serpa holster. It comes with both paddle and belt loop platforms. Im also looking at the black hawk mag holsterwith assecory rail. The assecory rail comes in either belt loop OR paddle. What one do you think is better and why

Thanks for the help

[Glockster20]

Hi My name is Jay and wanted some help to help me decide. I have my ccw and going to buy a 1911 full size (i know its huge) any who, I'm looking at the black hawk serpa holster. It comes with both paddle and belt loop platforms. Im also looking at the black hawk mag holsterwith assecory rail. The assecory rail comes in either belt loop OR paddle. What one do you think is better and why

Thanks for the help

Are you going to open carry or conceal?

[Xader]

Whichever is more comfortable/secure

Most modern kydex paddles are very secure. My Safariland paddle wont budge when I dont want it to. No experience w/Serpa, but I imagine the paddle is probably just as good. Also, paddle is more conducive to open carry, as the gun tends to sit a little further from the body than with the slide.

The slide will be more secure on your belt, and will tend to hug your body more, which is better for concealing. It's also a pain to take off.

And as for the 1911 FS, I dont know your body type, but 1911s tend to be the best if you ever want to carry IWB, as they have a very slim body style.

[thedub88]

Are you going to open carry or conceal?

I plan to use an IWB holster when I carry concealed in the summer, but in the winter, i plan to use the serpa when carrying concealed. I will be using the mag holster concealed in both winter and summer. Just wanted some help deciding which mag holster to go for, the paddle style or the belt loop style

[matthewaynelson]

I have a Blackhawk CQC Serpa for my H&K USP .40—and I use the paddle. I secure my CCW & holster in my desk while in office; so, the paddle is the only way to go for me! :)

[JJFlash]

I carry a full-size 1911 in a Mernickle slide holster (I'm assuming this is what is meant by a belt loop?). Works perfectly (as long as I check the screws periodically) and when I'm at work I slide the weapon in my desk drawer. No one recognizes the slide as a holster; most probably think it's a cell phone holder or something. Suits me fine.

[Xader]

I plan to use an IWB holster when I carry concealed in the summer, but in the winter, i plan to use the serpa when carrying concealed. I will be using the mag holster concealed in both winter and summer. Just wanted some help deciding which mag holster to go for, the paddle style or the belt loop style

Since you're just talking winter, the paddle should be fine-if it stays secure. If you find it moving a lot or trying to fall out, switch to the belt slide! Also, any concealment you would've lost using the paddle is regained by a winter cover garment.

[TAC]

I prefer the belt loops on my Serpa.

Even though I need to undo my belt to remove the holster, I find it easier. The paddle is easy enough to put on, but I find it a royal pain to get off.

[willyd]

I like the Don Hume paddle for my S&W 642 with Crimson Trace. It fits well.

[usmc guy]

I have carried both as an LE officer, private investigator and civilian the paddle is nice if you are working undercover and need to hide a weapon quick (your cover does not support being armed) or some agencies do not want you to display weapons when you are in the office - so it makes it fast and easy to take your gun off.

On the other hand if your are only going to put the holster on once in the morning and take it off when you get home I have found the belt loop holsters seem to work better. Plus I'm getting a bit fat in my old age and the paddles tend to get unconformable or hot if you sit all day. I've also seen paddles come along with the gun on a panic draw which makes for some quick thinking clearing action drills if the guy you were drawing on does not laugh himself to death or worse yet your buddies on the range saw it.