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Writer's pictureMark Brooks

To Break, or not to Break (Thumb Break, that is)

Updated: Jun 19, 2021




Thumb breaks on holsters are an interesting topic. In many cases, the extra retention is more a psychological element as much as a practical consideration. Most of my waist-level carry holsters do not include a thumb break in the standard design. Guns are held in the holsters, primarily by friction. A good holster, regardless if it’s leather or Kydex, will allow a gun to “snap” into the holster. You will have a definite seating of the gun and you should feel that. The holster should form on the trigger guard and usually the ejection post on semi-autos. All of that being said, some people just feel better having a thumb break. Confidence is a part of carrying effectively. If you’re more confident with a thumb break, I’ll put one on.


As a side note, since most holsters function by applying friction, a daily-carry gun will show some burnishing over time, usually around the muzzle. If you keep your gun clean and in good working order, this shouldn’t be a concern. In fact, I usually consider it a good thing, like a sign that you and your gun “know” each other. Imagine, if you will, you have to point your gun at some ne’er-do-well. If he sees a burnished muzzle on the Cerakote finish, he may realize you know how to use that thing.


A few of my designs do include a standard thumb break, and always will. Shoulder holsters, chest rigs, ankle holsters and any design that moves the gun into a horizontal position or away from the natural reach of your shooting hand will include a thumb break. Some designs put more emphasis on concealability & security over ease of access. That’s a line we walk all the time in this craft.


Incidentally, at the other end of the spectrum, Western single-action holsters feature a hammer thong. In addition to holding the gun in the otherwise-zero-retention holster, they serve two distinct purposes: They look cool AND they let you know when the high-noon shootout is about to begin.


There is one other consideration for getting a thumb break on your new holster. It’s a reason that overrides all others. It’s often viewed as more important than efficiency, comfort, ability to deploy, safety, perhaps even the law or the will of God. My friends in law enforcement may already know the answer. It is … Department Policy. Some police agencies require a thumb break on any holster carried for duty, and maybe even off-duty. If you operate under the guise of your office, you have certain civil protections (although some of that is sadly being eroded away). If you operate outside your department’s policy, not only might you give up that umbrella of protection, you may well be painted as a rogue actor, playing out your best impersonation of Dirty Harry.


Finally, with regards to thumb break designs, I discovered some years ago when I purchased a leather thumb break holster, a new holster will appear to be THE WRONG size when you first put your gun in it. It didn’t seem “awfully tight” or “hard to get in position”. It felt WRONG! It wasn’t. In order to fit properly, especially over time with a material like leather that changes shape and size with use, a new holster requires some coercion and patience to insert your gun at first. Over time, and sometimes a short time, it will fit perfectly. If it doesn't fit tight, or at least snug, the snap won't release when you need it to. I have a wooden dowel that I have sharpened to resemble a flat head screwdriver to push the snap stud into the socket. I will even do that for you if you’re local or come to the gun shows to follow up with me.


Thumb breaks are sometimes a deeply personal choice and some people have very strong feelings on the matter. A good custom holster should be made to fit your desires and requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask. Make good choices on your gear.


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