Need input on Beretta M9 thigh holster

[nextmayor]

Alright, this is kind of a basic question but in need some general information on thigh holster. If you need to know, I am looking for one for my TM Tactical Master M9.

I know I want a thigh holster, but I was under the impression that not all real steel holsters would work on airsoft versions. Something about the fit being to tight and snagging or something about the minor size differences between real steel and airsoft.

I have been looking at the Blackhawk CQR, Omega VI Assault - Airborne, and the Omega VI Assault with inserts. I can't tell from the pictures, what's the difference?

Also what about the Uncle Mikes thigh holsters? Any good? Are there any other brands of Beretta M9 thigh holsters out there that are good and won't break the bank?

Thanks,

[D_Man]

Blackhawk Discrepincies....

Okay, got the catalogue in front of me to straiting this all up.

--CQR (Close Quarters Retention) Holster--

BHI newest thigh holster solution, the CQR model features their patented "Talon-Flex" technology which more or less is a plastic molded piece in the holster which grips the gun to hold it in place and allow quick re-holstering without have to re-clasp the thumb break. Downside to this? If the talon-flex grasp is to strong, it could litterally crush your gun. Remember, plastic slides are easier to break.

--Omega IV Assault with inserts--

Good-old thingh holster design. Simple to use and adjust to your liking. The plastic inserts help the holster hold its shape when the gun is draw to allow easier re-holstering.

--Omega IV Assault with airborne strap--

Design wise, idential to the Omega IV Assault but with the addition of an "airborne strap" that goes over the grip to allow extra security from loosing your sidearm durring extream contions (i.e. jumping out of airplanes, hense the name). However, in airsoft, I see little need to invest in this addition as it will only slow draw time. May or may not have the plastic inserts, depends if you get an older version or a newer one.

And as a pointer, all BHI thigh holsters now feature the same thumb-break system with little security flap as well as the rubber-impregnated leg straps to prevent the holser moving around your leg. IMHO, all great holsters, even if they are on the pricey side.

[nextmayor]

Alright, I got the BHI holsters covered, are there any other options? I'm not talking about the $10 airsoft holster here, but are there any more generic holsters that would fit my TM Tactical Master M9 as well as my WA SVI. If it comes down to it I would rather have a good holster for my M9 than an iffy holster that fits both.

Thanks

[Chaos008]

I have a Bianchi holster. I've heard it called a M12, UM89, and even just a plain old M9 holster. Military design, has the flap closure. Olive drab, but they do come in black as well. Overall, works great. Protects my guns well. I have both a TM Tactical Master and a WA Infinity Prokiller 3.9. I've had it for about 4 years maybe, and it's been through a LOT of abuse.

As for price, I've seen them run anywhere from $30-80 for the holster. I got my drop-leg attachment for $12 at a local camping supply store. It seems to fit any medium framed automatics.

[DeltaSniper]

Im with Chaos on the Bianchi. Its good, and solid. looks good, and it can be used as a hip holster or thigh. it attaches very solidly to your belt.
its good stuff. i ganked mine from -ender- (he doesnt use sidearms so he let me use his) and its all i stand by as far as holsters. They also arent too expensive.

heres one thing ive learned though, and maybe i just have NO luck with pistols. Its kind of off topic, and dont take it as a bust on the bianchi or any holster... buti thought it was pertinent here.

How often in combat will you change mags in a pistols? Depends... but more often then not..... rarely. So what I have learned to do is tape the magazine in. Even when Chaos loaned me his bianchi one day out at EAG in PA, i still lost the magazine from my WA m92fs PV. It was not by far the holsters fault. Wasnt really my fault either. luckily the mag was recovered at a later time. It jsut goes to show that with airsoft guns, even a nice holster cant save you from losing stuff.
A strip of black electric tape will do the trick.

[D_Man]

YES! Delta, loosing mags is a major concern reguardless of how great the holster is. In fact, thigh holsters present even more risk of accidental mag drop because of the leg movement. At CM2, I lost my whole pistol for the entire day, but luckily found it after the missions where over. Since then, I have invested in a pistol Lanyard, but still the mag is at risk. So I;m currently trying to devise a second lanyard attached to the pistol one, that attaches to the mag. However, it is proving troublsome for my one piece CZ mags :mad: Something with a removable end plate would be much easier to devise.

[nextmayor]

I really like the idea of the flap from the Bianchi M12, UM89, or M9 holster (whatever it's called). However, with the vest I just purchase, a thigh holster is required. I read that you guys said that there are kits to convert the above holster to a thigh holster, do you have any links. How secure and stable is the Bianchi holster when used on the thigh.

After reading the above posts I looked around some more and found the Blackhawk Special Operations Holster. It appears to be a more generic holster than the other ones listed in this thread, but is that a big deal? Any way it appears to be you basic Blackhawk thigh holster with a mag pouch on the front spine and a flap. After finding this holster, I am really interested in it. My main sidearm is my TM Tactical Master M9, but I also have an SVI. I have yet to carry my SVI because my current holster did not offer enought protection.

So, does anyone have the BHI Special Operations Holster? Any opinions?

[D_Man]

Here is a very interesting piece made by ICS.

http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/beta/html/nukebrowser.php?filnavn=/reviews/ics_holster/ics_holster_review.htm

With holster and thigh mount combined it should run you about $40-$50 and by what DumboRat claims, its a fine holster. Might be worth a look :)

[Chaos008]

http://www.rangerjoes.com/catalog/selection.cfm?category=main&id=488

The picture there shows the holster and some accessories you can aquire for it. As for stability of the pistol, both my Tac Master and my Prokiller were secure, very little wobbling. It is secured to your leg via one nylon strap and a plastic clip like one on a tac vest. I thought this wouldn't be enough and I'd need another strap to secure it better, but I never really did need a second strap.

http://www.rangerjoes.com/catalog/selection.cfm?category=main&id=2627

Also found that modular panel, allowing you to attach more accessories on your thigh. No personal expirience with this piece however.

[nextmayor]

Okay, I like the look of the Bianchi Holster, but I would also need the Bianchi Double Mag Pouch and the Bianchi ™ Tactical Hip Extender. All of those item added together equals roughly $117.00

The Blackhawk Special Operations Holster is only in the range of $60, even the Blackhawk Omega Assault is in the $60 range.

I am not married to either of the holsters listed above, but is the Bianchi holster $40 better than the Blackhawk. I'm not talking about looks here, just how well each secures a pistol.