Belt Holster vs Paddle Holster

[twomillenium]

[/quote]

Thanks, that is Houston PD, I thought there was on from Harris County Sherriff's Dept. There is a HUGE difference between the two.[/quote]

While I am sure that is true, the Harris County DA was sitting there... so if the Harris County DA says something like a drop leg is perfectly fine, would it not follow that it would not matter if it was the HPD or HCSO who was calling the intake desk to ask about whether or not to arrest you?[/quote]

Yes but it is Houston Police Dept that put on the video. The city of Houston is in more than one county.

[gljjt]

I feel the need to share this. I wrote an email to my local PD's designated PR officer and asked about this exactly, specifically paddle and drop leg holsters.

The officer replied that if a holster is on or near the belt line or chest/shoulder area, then you will be fine. I asked specifically if they saw someone carrying in an inappropriate manner ( I used the example of OCing in an ankle holster) would they be arrested. He related it to the last legislative session where "no cell phones in school zones" law went into effect, he said they spent the first couple of months just warning drivers and not writing tickets. He said that he could not see an officer arresting a licensed carrier just because they were carrying in a holster that was less than legal. He said the officer would contact you and would let you know and ask if you could carry it concealed or tuck it in your waistband until you get back to your vehicle or something, and that only if you refused would you be subject to arrest.

Will Austin PD give you that leeway? Probably not. But based on the video from Harris County, it looks good for most of us.

If you have a paddle, carry with it until a cop tells you not to. If you go 30 years and a cop never tells you not to... then who cares?

You also might try to send an email to your local DA, and maybe include the hyperlink to that Harris county video with a time stamp to have them hear the most populated county in Texas' DA say that the type of holster worn on or near the belt is a non-issue... it does not create legal precedence, but it can only help.

I think your PD is planning to do exactly what the legislature intended. I hope and think most law enforcement aren't going to get caught up in details like whether the belt threads through the holster or if it is a paddle holster. If it is in a holster that attaches at the waist, I think LE will take that as meeting the legislative intent. Especially if the holster is threaded onto a belt, clipped to a belt,retained by a belt or just touches a belt.

[The Annoyed Man]

Maybe it has been resolved, but I read until my brain was full, and never found an answer. I do not wear a belt, ever. I have a paddle holster that goes over my waist band like there was a belt there. Is this going to pose a problem or am I good to go with my Fobus on my waistband? I CAN put a belt in it, let it hang down very low for fast draw if that is what they want.

Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but why? I am prompted to ask because of the way you stated your preference.......as if you found having to wear a belt offensive.

I assume that your concern has to do with OC.....because it matters not one bit for CC. One of the very good pieces of advice repeated over and over again on these pages to newbies who are trying to figure out how to conceal a handgun without having to change their personal dress habits (i.e. skinny jeans, tight-fitting shirts, stuff like that) is: "dress around the gun, not the other way around". If wearing a belt, even loosely, will fix your problem as to whether or not you can open carry with a paddle holster, then why not just wear the stupid belt?

I apologize if I have misunderstood your opinion about belts.

[Pecos]

I would definitely wear a belt with either holster. Safer that way. these holsters are meant to be worn with a belt, More stable too.
Just saying.

[DutchGiessen]

I asked the same question on another thread, not realizing that this one was already started.

Reading through it, it sounds like nobody really knows for sure at this point whether or not a "belt holster" really needs to be on a belt or not. I guess the safe bet is to just wear a belt.

My dilemma, however, is that I own suits that have suspenders for the trousers and if I carry using a paddle holster and I take my jacket off, I could be in violation of the law until this is sorted out.

[mojo84]

I asked the same question on another thread, not realizing that this one was already started.

Reading through it, it sounds like nobody really knows for sure at this point whether or not a "belt holster" really needs to be on a belt or not. I guess the safe bet is to just wear a belt.

My dilemma, however, is that I own suits that have suspenders for the trousers and if I carry using a paddle holster and I take my jacket off, I could be in violation of the law until this is sorted out.

I responded to you in the other thread.

[twomillenium]

I asked the same question on another thread, not realizing that this one was already started.

Reading through it, it sounds like nobody really knows for sure at this point whether or not a "belt holster" really needs to be on a belt or not. I guess the safe bet is to just wear a belt.

My dilemma, however, is that I own suits that have suspenders for the trousers and if I carry using a paddle holster and I take my jacket off, I could be in violation of the law until this is sorted out.

If you wear a belt with your suspenders and carried a pistol, the folks would think "There goes a man, who seems to be ready for anything".

[Rvrrat14]

Someone commented about snatching your paddle holster off when not worn with a belt...........I have Safariland ALS paddles and they have a 'catch' whereby should someone pull up on your holster, it snags your pants and will not come off. I too hope I can wear without a belt, should I elect to open carry.......

[mmtex63]

Dang it!!!!!!!! I was hoping this would be a discussion for someone looking for a paddle holster for his 4" XDS lol.

[carlson1]

I have not taken time to read all of the post in this thread. I do think common since says if you have a paddle holster on with no belt in NOT a belt holster.

On the other side of the coin if you are wearing a paddle holster along with a belt then you have a holster on a belt.

[mojo84]

This topic has been hashed, rehashed and beat to death already. This thread may shed some insight or muddy the water more. Nonetheless, here you go.

viewtopic.php?f=133&t=76734&hilit=defin ... lt+holster

Chiefs and DA's have said they are not going to split hairs over a paddle holster being considered a belt holster or whether it is actually attached to the belt. They have indicated a paddle holster is fine as long as it is affixed to the pants in the waist area. One example of such a comment is in the Williamson County/Round Rock forum. I have not seen one authority indicate if it is in the waistband of the pants where a belt normally goes but there is no belt, the person will be arrested or prosecuted.

I would be interested if anyone else can provide a link to where they have said they would arrest and prosecute based on there being no belt.

[C-dub]

What mystifies me the most is how anyone can actually carry a handgun on their waist without a belt.

[Rvrrat14]

What mystifies me the most is how anyone can actually carry a handgun on their waist without a belt.

WITH DUE RESPECT TO ALL..........

Some of us are 'leaner' than others. Some of us wear warm ups and/or shorts, or the like. Hard to wear a belt sometimes with what you wear. A good paddle holster is all it takes. I wear a ranger belt everyday to work, hunt, and a dress belt when I attend church. When I get home, comfort is the thing. No Belts. Need to make a run to the store, slip the paddle on with whatever you're wearing, and it's just fine. Don't need belts/suspenders to hold my pants up, gun or no gun. This is the main reason I love a paddle holster and mainly carry a small pistol when CCW. I also carried my Glock 20 in Yellowstone without a belt. HIked all day. No problems.

Merry Christmas and safe holiday travels!

[FCH]

What mystifies me the most is how anyone can actually carry a handgun on their waist without a belt.

My pants have a thick material belt around the waist. The brand is Sansabelt. They are designed to be worn without a belt. In addition, I use suspenders. I have no problem supporting the almost 2 lbs of my loaded CZ 75D Compact.

[Abraham]

" The brand is Sansabelt."

Wow!

I thought they stopped making those things in the 80's or early 90's.

I knew a really old guy that swore by them...