Open or closed muzzle holsters?

parrothead2581 · November 23, 2006, 07:43 PM

Which do you prefer, an open or closed muzzle holster? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each? Thanks!

hpg · November 23, 2006, 07:54 PM

All of my holsters are open bottom. The advantage may be that the open bottom does not trap lint or dust.......hpg

parrothead2581 · November 23, 2006, 08:02 PM

I suppose my concern about the open bottom is increased wear or damage to the muzzle. I do like the idea of being able to carry different barrel lengths of the same model in one holster however.

tony pasley · November 23, 2006, 08:36 PM

Concealed carry I like open end holsters but for field holsters I like closed end to protect the muzzle.

skeeter1 · November 23, 2006, 09:10 PM

I've got a couple, and they are both closed at the muzzle end, but that's just me. I could see going either way. Whichever type works best for you, is well.. the best one to have.

BobMcG · November 23, 2006, 09:39 PM

Open for me. they don't collect crap.

Don H · November 23, 2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

I suppose my concern about the open bottom is increased wear or damage to the muzzle. I do like the idea of being able to carry different barrel lengths of the same model in one holster however.

A lot of good open bottom holsters (Milt Sparks VM-2, for example) are a bit longer than the muzzle and curl in slightly to protect the muzzle. This, of course, would prevent holstering a gun with a longer barrel. One of the things to watch for when using an open holster for a longer barrel is the front sight snagging on the draw.

COYOTE165 · March 7, 2014, 04:59 PM

I have a Holster from the 1970's that my Dad bought for his Ruger Security Six 4" Revolver. The Holster for it was made by Cobra Leather back then it is a Closed bottom holster. I make sure that there is no lint etc. collecting at the bottom of it each time that I wear it etc. I have no problem with this closed bottom Holster.? All of my newer Holsters are with Open bottoms. I do not think that there are any holster makers today that use the closed bottom style any more.? I may be wrong on this though.?

JNad · March 7, 2014, 05:14 PM

Who are you people with no crap in your open bottom holsters? I only have open bottom, so maybe I just don't know how bad it [I]could[I] be. However, I have to tell you I constantly marvel at how much lint, etc accumulates in my carry holsters.

ClydeFrog · March 7, 2014, 05:17 PM

I've used both styles, on duty & off.
I'd prefer a open type. It allows air to circulate around the firearm. Open styles also allow water(rain, sweat, moisture, etc), grit, lint, dirt, etc to fall away & not scuff/damage/rust a weapon.
It's not a big deal(I don't store or keep handguns in any type holsters).
The new Safariland AS7 holsters are impressive(open type, polymer).

Wyosmith · March 7, 2014, 05:26 PM

I MUCH prefer closed bottom holsters as a rule.

I own both open and closed.

The idea that closed bottom holsters "collect debris" is something I have never found to be a problem. I have been carrying a handgun most days for over 40 years now, and if I have to knock a few twigs out of my holster about 1 time every year I don't consider it a problem.

What I do see as a problem (and I have had to deal with) is sitting down in the snow, dirt or mud and packing the muzzle of my gun.
THAT'S a problem!

So, for me I ALWAYS make a closed muzzle when I make my own holsters ort order one made. I do accept open muzzle on my "town holsters". (Those that are for concealed carry when I go to town, but I only have 2 handguns that I carry only for C.C.)

All my others are as much for field use (or more) than they are for C.C.

ironman615 · March 7, 2014, 05:57 PM

I guess this is kind of sad, but I've never thought about it. I did just check my holsters, and I don't have a single closed-bottom holster. I don't think I intentionally acquired only open-bottom holsters, but they must appeal to me, because that's what I have!

pax · March 7, 2014, 07:02 PM

An open bottom holster can allow the gun to pop out of the holster when you sit down, if you bump up against something. The classic for me is sitting in the driver's seat of a car, and bumping the seat belt latch with the muzzle of the gun. Pops it right out of the holster almost every time.

My preferred holster style is an open bottom holster that features the curl over the muzzle end. That prevents the gun from getting bumped out of the holster, but still allows debris to pass through rather than collecting in the bottom of the holster.

pax

SHE3PDOG · March 7, 2014, 09:58 PM

Mine are closed.bottom. I don't know if there is any real merit to my logic, but it feels more secure.

Dragline45 · March 7, 2014, 10:05 PM

For IWB I could care less, for OWB I prefer closed, especially if the open bottom holster does not extend the whole length of the pistol. When camping I have been known to sit down on large boulders and such, I would hate for the muzzle of my pistol to slam into the boulder, or even dirt for that matter.

Kreyzhorse · March 9, 2014, 07:02 AM

Makes no difference to me and I have several examples of both. Never had an issue caused by either types.

Derbel McDillet · March 9, 2014, 02:55 PM

I have some that are open and some that are closed.

If it's for CCW, OWB open muzzle, and you get knocked on your can during a confrontation or slip along a roadside ditch when you're fixing a flat tire on the side of the road - then there's a chance you can get dirt, mud and debris lodged in your muzzle.

Same thing can happen if you're carrying in the field and you somehow end up on your butt.

johnwilliamson062 · March 9, 2014, 03:56 PM

closed when available. I can clean out lint, but having the gun pop out, damage to the barrel, or suddenly mud/snow packed is an issue. Maybe ive slid down too many hills while armed though.

ClydeFrog · March 9, 2014, 04:06 PM

I could see a problem with a open muzzle holster not protecting a handgun's front sight or allowing the barrel to be damaged but I always look for holsters that offer a sight track or are engineered to offer extra protection for the sights.
To me, a well made, properly designed holster should protect the firearm from damage & provide a fast, smooth, fluid draw.
You can't be involved in high risk situations or critical incidents and need to wonder if your handgun/sidearm is safe & secure.
The same goes for hunters or any outdoor activity. Hiking, boating, biking, etc. To have a gun covered with rust or crud is not good.

8MM Mauser · March 9, 2014, 04:51 PM

Depends on the purpose. If it is going to ride inside or outside my waistband, concealed all day, then open makes sense to not accumulate all that crud that always shows up in pockets and such.

As others have said, if I will be out hiking or hunting I carry my Ruger MKII in a closed holster. It has a ten inch barrel so Uncle Mike's or custom are my only options here, and they tend to be closed. Plus is better protects the gun when out in the mud and grime. I remember when I was out one morning hunting whitetail last fall it poured for about two hours on me and a buddy. First in our blinds, and then we ended up losing eachother in the deluge. I didn't have my pistol that day, but I felt it necessary to take my old Mauser apart and dry every nook and cranny afterwards. I hate to think of my little Ruger, my grandpa's gun originally, getting covered in mud and dirt...

Brotherbadger · March 11, 2014, 12:20 AM

IWB: I go open. Outside I go closed.

Bob Wright · March 11, 2014, 09:13 AM

For my daily cary holsters, open bottom. For outdoors use, closed bottom. Sometimes an open bottom holster will allow dirt, mud, or leaves to pack into the bottom when sitting down in the woods.

Sunday thru Friday in town:

For hunting/outdoor season:

Bob Wright

Skadoosh · March 11, 2014, 09:31 AM

For both IWB and OWB carry, from experience I only use closed-end holsters. Closed holsters prevent muzzles from becoming damaged unnecessarily. It is also my experience that open-end holster promote rather than prevent the accumulation of crud inside of the barrel.

shortwave · March 11, 2014, 10:14 AM

Closed for hunting and woods carry. Open for everyday cc.

TRX · March 12, 2014, 04:14 PM

I alternate between a snubnose revolver in an "upside-down" shoulder rig and a full-size automatic in a horizontal shoulder rig.

The upside-down holster is closed, and everything stays nice and clean. I really like the upside-down setup, though it's not appropriate for most guns.

The horizontal holster is open at the muzzle end. That keeps the overall length shorter - the muzzle of the gun still prints slightly - but a truly amazing amount of "fluff" winds up inside the barrel, mostly fibers from my jacket lining, etc.

November 23, 2006, 07:43 PM	#1
parrothead2581 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 1,268	Open or closed muzzle holsters? Which do you prefer, an open or closed muzzle holster? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each? Thanks! __________________ But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

November 23, 2006, 07:54 PM	#2
hpg Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2002 Location: in the Bluegrass State Posts: 1,610	All of my holsters are open bottom. The advantage may be that the open bottom does not trap lint or dust.......hpg __________________ NRA member Semper Paratus

November 23, 2006, 08:02 PM	#3
parrothead2581 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 1,268	I suppose my concern about the open bottom is increased wear or damage to the muzzle. I do like the idea of being able to carry different barrel lengths of the same model in one holster however. __________________ But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

March 7, 2014, 04:59 PM	#8
COYOTE165 Junior Member Join Date: November 9, 2013 Posts: 10	Open & closed bottom Holsters I have a Holster from the 1970's that my Dad bought for his Ruger Security Six 4" Revolver. The Holster for it was made by Cobra Leather back then it is a Closed bottom holster. I make sure that there is no lint etc. collecting at the bottom of it each time that I wear it etc. I have no problem with this closed bottom Holster.? All of my newer Holsters are with Open bottoms. I do not think that there are any holster makers today that use the closed bottom style any more.? I may be wrong on this though.?

March 7, 2014, 05:17 PM	#10
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Holsters.... I've used both styles, on duty & off. I'd prefer a open type. It allows air to circulate around the firearm. Open styles also allow water(rain, sweat, moisture, etc), grit, lint, dirt, etc to fall away & not scuff/damage/rust a weapon. It's not a big deal(I don't store or keep handguns in any type holsters). The new Safariland AS7 holsters are impressive(open type, polymer).

November 23, 2006, 08:36 PM	#4
tony pasley Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2006 Location: western north carolina Posts: 1,641	Concealed carry I like open end holsters but for field holsters I like closed end to protect the muzzle.

November 23, 2006, 09:10 PM	#5
skeeter1 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 3,403	I've got a couple, and they are both closed at the muzzle end, but that's just me. I could see going either way. Whichever type works best for you, is well.. the best one to have.

November 23, 2006, 09:39 PM	#6
BobMcG Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Posts: 81	Open for me. they don't collect crap.

March 7, 2014, 05:14 PM	#9
JNad Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Posts: 105	Who are you people with no crap in your open bottom holsters? I only have open bottom, so maybe I just don't know how bad it [I]could[I] be. However, I have to tell you I constantly marvel at how much lint, etc accumulates in my carry holsters.

March 7, 2014, 05:26 PM	#11
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I MUCH prefer closed bottom holsters as a rule. I own both open and closed. The idea that closed bottom holsters "collect debris" is something I have never found to be a problem. I have been carrying a handgun most days for over 40 years now, and if I have to knock a few twigs out of my holster about 1 time every year I don't consider it a problem. What I do see as a problem (and I have had to deal with) is sitting down in the snow, dirt or mud and packing the muzzle of my gun. THAT'S a problem! So, for me I ALWAYS make a closed muzzle when I make my own holsters ort order one made. I do accept open muzzle on my "town holsters". (Those that are for concealed carry when I go to town, but I only have 2 handguns that I carry only for C.C.) All my others are as much for field use (or more) than they are for C.C.

March 7, 2014, 05:57 PM	#12
ironman615 Junior Member Join Date: March 3, 2014 Posts: 3	I guess this is kind of sad, but I've never thought about it. I did just check my holsters, and I don't have a single closed-bottom holster. I don't think I intentionally acquired only open-bottom holsters, but they must appeal to me, because that's what I have!

March 7, 2014, 07:02 PM	#13
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	An open bottom holster can allow the gun to pop out of the holster when you sit down, if you bump up against something. The classic for me is sitting in the driver's seat of a car, and bumping the seat belt latch with the muzzle of the gun. Pops it right out of the holster almost every time. My preferred holster style is an open bottom holster that features the curl over the muzzle end. That prevents the gun from getting bumped out of the holster, but still allows debris to pass through rather than collecting in the bottom of the holster. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

March 7, 2014, 09:58 PM	#14
SHE3PDOG Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 988	Mine are closed.bottom. I don't know if there is any real merit to my logic, but it feels more secure. __________________ Semper Fi Marine, NRA member, SAF Defender's Club member, and constitutionally protected keeper and bearer of firearms

March 7, 2014, 10:05 PM	#15
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	For IWB I could care less, for OWB I prefer closed, especially if the open bottom holster does not extend the whole length of the pistol. When camping I have been known to sit down on large boulders and such, I would hate for the muzzle of my pistol to slam into the boulder, or even dirt for that matter.

March 9, 2014, 07:02 AM	#16
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Makes no difference to me and I have several examples of both. Never had an issue caused by either types. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 9, 2014, 02:55 PM	#17
Derbel McDillet Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2013 Location: Kitsap County, Washington Posts: 316	I have some that are open and some that are closed. If it's for CCW, OWB open muzzle, and you get knocked on your can during a confrontation or slip along a roadside ditch when you're fixing a flat tire on the side of the road - then there's a chance you can get dirt, mud and debris lodged in your muzzle. Same thing can happen if you're carrying in the field and you somehow end up on your butt.

March 9, 2014, 03:56 PM	#18
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	closed when available. I can clean out lint, but having the gun pop out, damage to the barrel, or suddenly mud/snow packed is an issue. Maybe ive slid down too many hills while armed though.

March 9, 2014, 04:06 PM	#19
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Open muzzle style, front sight.... I could see a problem with a open muzzle holster not protecting a handgun's front sight or allowing the barrel to be damaged but I always look for holsters that offer a sight track or are engineered to offer extra protection for the sights. To me, a well made, properly designed holster should protect the firearm from damage & provide a fast, smooth, fluid draw. You can't be involved in high risk situations or critical incidents and need to wonder if your handgun/sidearm is safe & secure. The same goes for hunters or any outdoor activity. Hiking, boating, biking, etc. To have a gun covered with rust or crud is not good.

March 9, 2014, 04:51 PM	#20
8MM Mauser Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2011 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts: 647	Depends on the purpose. If it is going to ride inside or outside my waistband, concealed all day, then open makes sense to not accumulate all that crud that always shows up in pockets and such. As others have said, if I will be out hiking or hunting I carry my Ruger MKII in a closed holster. It has a ten inch barrel so Uncle Mike's or custom are my only options here, and they tend to be closed. Plus is better protects the gun when out in the mud and grime. I remember when I was out one morning hunting whitetail last fall it poured for about two hours on me and a buddy. First in our blinds, and then we ended up losing eachother in the deluge. I didn't have my pistol that day, but I felt it necessary to take my old Mauser apart and dry every nook and cranny afterwards. I hate to think of my little Ruger, my grandpa's gun originally, getting covered in mud and dirt...

March 11, 2014, 12:20 AM	#21
Brotherbadger Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Posts: 1,149	IWB: I go open. Outside I go closed. __________________ Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " badger "

March 11, 2014, 09:13 AM	#22
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	For my daily cary holsters, open bottom. For outdoors use, closed bottom. Sometimes an open bottom holster will allow dirt, mud, or leaves to pack into the bottom when sitting down in the woods. Sunday thru Friday in town: For hunting/outdoor season: Bob Wright Last edited by Bob Wright; March 11, 2014 at 09:44 AM.

March 11, 2014, 09:31 AM	#23
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	For both IWB and OWB carry, from experience I only use closed-end holsters. Closed holsters prevent muzzles from becoming damaged unnecessarily. It is also my experience that open-end holster promote rather than prevent the accumulation of crud inside of the barrel. __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

March 11, 2014, 10:14 AM	#24
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Closed for hunting and woods carry. Open for everyday cc.

March 12, 2014, 04:14 PM	#25
TRX Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2008 Location: central Arkansas Posts: 400	I alternate between a snubnose revolver in an "upside-down" shoulder rig and a full-size automatic in a horizontal shoulder rig. The upside-down holster is closed, and everything stays nice and clean. I really like the upside-down setup, though it's not appropriate for most guns. The horizontal holster is open at the muzzle end. That keeps the overall length shorter - the muzzle of the gun still prints slightly - but a truly amazing amount of "fluff" winds up inside the barrel, mostly fibers from my jacket lining, etc.