Chindo, yes, I guess the tshirt is like a belly band. It's like a big, deep pocket. Bad for a fast draw. But I'm trying to figure out how that could be safe if a holster that doesn't cover the trigger is unsafe?
kayla: I'm only caveating Glock type weapons (striker fired SA / trigger bar safety) when it comes to covering the trigger with something solid (a layer of leather, polymer, etc.).
There is no second chance with striker fired pistols whose only safety external safety is that little trigger bar. Anything that could get into the trigger inadvertently (fingers, bunched up clothing, etc.) COULD press the trigger when you don't want it to be pressed. When Glock first marketed their weapon they offered a little one piece molded belt slide...that covered the trigger...and offered adequate retention...and was basically a polymer Yaqui Slide. Simple, cheap, and effective. I've still got mine.
I can safely carry a holsterless double action S&W snub nosed revolver in my pants or jacket pocket (or a large pouch or belly band). Nothing is going to be able to exert enough pressure to simultaneously hook the trigger and deliver a long double action pull (or inadvertently cock the revolver to unplanned for single action readiness). The same applies to any DAO or DA/SA semi-auto. The problem lies when folks start adding other things to their pocket (like a key ring, loose change, or anything else that could become lodged inside the trigger guard AND possibly catch on the inside of the pocket when you go to draw).
A proper holster ensures that only your trigger finger ever gets inside the trigger guard...and only when you intend for that to happen.
If you put your XD into a large pouch held close to your body, theoretically something (or someone you are struggling with) could cause the grip safety to become depressed at the same time the trigger is pulled. Not very likely with the XD's setup, but a definite possibility and
much more so with the Glock.
Virtually ALL holsters protect the trigger. The Stealth Holster you linked to is one of the very few holsters I've ever seen that doesn't. In the Intelligence Analysis world, that's called an Indicator.
The Serpa body was originally designed as a military OC holster and was not optimized for slimness. Blackhawk started adding paddles to them for wearer convenience. After adding the paddle and connecting hardware to the holster body, that particular rig does not have as low of a body hugging profile as some other brands specifically designed for CCW from the get go. Nothing wrong with it...just a Ford vs. Chevy thing.
Who told you your Serpa was not designed for concealment? A good cover garment (coat, blouse, sweater, jacket, windbreaker, heavy untucked shirt, etc.) will cover it just fine.
Go to:
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx and read everything that Kathy Jackson (our own TFL Moderator "pax") has written (especially the discussion on holsters, concealment, and the very different aspects of male vs. female anatomy as they relate to CCW).
P.S. - Fobus cracked the code on marketing a cheap and functional RANGE holster that can serve for emergency CCW use. You wakeup at 0200 in the AM, slip the inexpensive Fobus paddle on and you are ready to deal with things without having to have the weapon in your hands. Not the best holster to walk around the mall with. Definitely not the holster to get into weapon retention struggles that a cop must be prepared to deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes, an individual Fobus will cling to a particular weapon like a tick, precluded a swift draw or (in extreme cases) causing you to have a complete hangup when you really need the gun.
There are a lot BETTER holsters out there, but the Fobus is OK and light years better than no-name, one-size-fits-many-guns, generic nylon pouch holsters in the same price range.
But...for about $22, Fobus has sold a bazillion of them. I have several. I use something better for daily carry.
