Whether it was originally the B-Western “Buscadero” rigs, Star Wars’ Han Solo, or the widespread military issuance of modern day flak jackets; the “thigh rig” holster has today become synonymous with “tactical” sidearm carry. Having worn one for a day or two, I’ll offer a few observations on the platform.
First, a word of caution. If you’ve ever seen someone carrying a pistol in a thigh rig riding somewhere about their knee, you’ve been in the presence of an amateur. The proper height for a thigh holster is so that the strongside wrist touches the pistol’s grip with the arms hanging naturally at one’s side. Running with a holster banging against your knee isn’t habit forming.
Next, the current day standard for a thigh (or “drop leg”) carry rig is the Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS) family. The ALS has a much more efficient locking system than the old Self Locking System (SLS) model of the early GWOT period and (as the name implies), automatically secures your pistol upon reholstering. Also, the ALS is easily upgradeable to level II or III retention if your duty requires being in close proximity to subjects.
Finally, the Safariland Drop Flex Adapter is a vast improvement over the way drop leg holsters were previously attached to the pistol belt and operator’s upper thigh. Doing away with the old double leg straps, the new system has a single leg strap which makes it even easier to wear the rig high on the thigh as described above and has enough “give” to allow the platform to flex when in a seated position. (As an aside, Google “US Model 1912 Holster.” Few things “new” under the sun, indeed.)
The “drop leg” or “thigh” rig has a lot of benefits when weighed down with modern body armor (which, thankfully, is continually being streamlined). Thigh rigs also possess a tremendously high CDI Factor which doesn’t hurt, either.
Next Week: OWB
Shane Morris is a retired soldier and teacher. Contact at: sigm11@yahoo.com (Subject: NtC)
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