There is no shortage of debates when it comes to firearms and self-defense. One of the most hotly contested topics is whether or not a battle belt with a drop leg holster is a good idea.
On one side of the argument, some people say that it provides too much extra weight and bulk, making you less mobile in a firefight. On the other side, proponents say that it offers more stability and comfort, while also providing easier access to your firearm.
So, which is right? Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument and see what we can learn.
What is a drop leg holster?
A drop-leg holster is a type of holster that is attached to the thigh, typically with straps or some other form of harness.
This type of holster sometimes called a “tactical thigh rig” frees up space on the belt while allowing quick pistol and magazine access. Users can adjust the height of holsters for easy draws on the fly in tactical situations.
Drop-leg holsters are often used by military and law enforcement personnel, as well as by civilian shooters who compete in action shooting sports.
OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DROP LEG HOLSTERS
Should you use a drop leg holster with your battle belt?
Drop leg holsters are convenient, no matter what your tactical setup. However, they are particularly helpful when wearing bulky gear or body armor.
Placing the gun further down the leg provides more room, permitting a cleaner draw stroke. Users can continue walking or moving in tactical situations, drawing pistols from the holster and deploying them immediately.
Drop leg holsters are also helpful for users who may be sitting down at the start of a tactical situation. The positioning of the holster eliminates access issues that could arise if drawing directly from the belt.
The location, lower down on the side of the thigh, prevents body armor, other equipment, and the user’s own body from getting in the way during the drawing phase. Drawing is feasible, even when the user’s back is against the wall.
However, drop leg holsters can also be uncomfortable and can interfere with your movement they can also be more susceptible to snagging on obstacles. As a result, many people choose to use a battle belt without a drop leg holster.
While this may not be the most convenient option, it can help you to stay mobile and agile in combat situations.
In the end, the decision of whether or not to use a drop leg holster is a personal one. You will need to weigh the pros and cons based on your own needs and preferences.
What are the pros and cons of using a battle belt with a drop leg holster?
The pros of using a battle belt with a drop leg holster include:
- The ability to carry more accessories on the battle belt itself, instead of dedicating space to gun holsters
- Increased freedom of movement, including in both seated and standing tactical situations
- The ability to carry additional magazines both on the tactical belt and drop leg holster
- The ability to easily draw your weapon, even if you are wearing bulky body armor or a backpack
- They can allow for a quicker draw. Since the holster is attached to the thigh, it is closer to the hand than other types of holsters, such as hip holsters. This can be crucial in situations where every second counts.
The cons of using a battle belt with a drop leg holster include:
- If you attach the drop leg directly to your battle belt it can start to pull down your battle belt setup.
- One of the most significant disadvantages is that they can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- The inability to control the position of the holster and maintain control over the pistol (due to it being further away from the torso).
- Drop leg holsters also tend to be bulky and they can interfere with your ability to move freely.
OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DROP LEG HOLSTERS
Should you attach the drop leg holster directly on the battle belt or on your pants belt?
One of the key decisions when setting up a battle belt with a drop leg holster is determining whether to attach the drop leg holster to your battle belt or the belt of your pants. There are pros and cons to attaching it directly to the battle belt or to the pants belt, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
The biggest pro of wearing a drop leg holster on the belt of your pants rather than your battle belt is that IF for whatever reason you would take off your battle belt, you would still have access to your firearm.
A con for this type of setup is that the drop leg holster will start pulling your pants down and ultimately cause you discomfort.
How to set up a drop leg holster with a battle belt?
Begin by fastening the battle belt to your waist. Then attach the drop leg holster to one of your belt’s loops in a suitable position. Use the thigh straps to tighten the holster so that it doesn’t move when you walk but isn’t so tight that it restricts blood flow.
Once the holster is in position, insert the gun. Check that you can reach the butt of the piston without having to bend awkwardly. Also, check access when seated. If the position is wrong, vertically adjust the holster, moving it up or down.
Key Takeaways
Wearing a battle belt with a drop leg holster offers advantages, such as freeing up space on the battle belt and improving draw speed. However, to achieve these benefits, the setup needs to be perfect.
Ultimately it comes down to your specific situation and your own personal preferences and as always you should test it out for yourself and see if it works for you or not!
