Keeping Your Firearm Secure: Exploring Tourniquet Straps for Holsters
For concealed carriers, keeping your firearm properly secured while still allowing for quick access is a top priority. An improper holster can be dangerous, but adding a tourniquet strap for holsters can provide enhanced stability and safety. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of tourniquet straps, what to look for when selecting one, and tips for proper use.
What is a Tourniquet Strap?
A tourniquet strap is an additional strap used to secure a holster to the leg or body. It wraps around the thigh or waist to prevent the holster from shifting around or coming loose. This helps keep the firearm properly oriented and avoids issues like printing under clothing.
Benefits of Adding a Tourniquet Strap
Improved Security and Stability
The main benefit of a tourniquet strap is it anchors the holster securely in place. This prevents shifting, riding up, sliding to the side, or even coming out accidently. It helps account for rigorous movement or activity without compromising your carry setup.
Enables a Snug, Customized Fit
Tourniquet straps allow the user to fine tune the tightness and positioning of the holster to their preferences and body type. This promotes comfort during extended wear and helps optimize the draw angle/presentation.
Low Profile and Discreet
Properly adjusted tourniquet straps don’t add significant bulk or obvious printing under clothing. This preserves a concealed carrier’s discreet advantage – others shouldn’t be able to tell you’re armed.
Supports Stress Positions
Whether assuming a shooting stance or dealing with a tense, physical altercation, your gear shouldn’t be a limiting factor. Tourniquet straps provide stability during combat or stress positions where holster shift could be more likely.
Backup Retention Method
While not the primary retention component, adding a thigh or waist strap acts as a failsafe should your holster’s locking mechanism accidentally disengage. It’s an extra safeguard against losing possession of your sidearm.
Considerations for Choosing a Tourniquet Strap
Material and Durability
Look for a sturdy woven fabric like nylon or durable elastic blends. The strap will undergo substantial stress, so it must withstand years of regular use without tearing, warping or losing elasticity. Only use mounting hardware designed for combat conditions.
Adjustment Range
The strap should include robust, low-profile adjustment hardware to customize the overall length and dial in your desired tension settings. This facilitates both comfort and stability. Approximately 24-36 inches is ideal for most users’ adjustment range requirements.
Width and Support
Wider straps around 1.5-2 inches distribute pressure more evenly. Narrow cords dig into soft tissue – which can restrict blood flow and discomfort over time. Disperse force across more surface area for long term wearability.
Quick Attach/Release Mechanisms
Convenient operation is key for combat preparedness. Seek straps with intuitive attachment points to your holster system, as well as fast adjustments and breakaway capability should emergency detachment become necessary.
Using a Thigh Tourniquet Strap
Proper Positioning
Place the thigh strap 2-6 inches above your knee depending on your leg length. Never position straps “high and tight” restricting major arteries. Adjust so the holster rides securely against your upper thigh without drifting outward or creeping up/down.
Mind the Angle
Setting the holster at an ideal draw angle takes experimentation. Generally forward rake allows a more natural grip without compromising concealment due to the leg’s natural contour. Consider impacts to your stance as well.
Configure Excess Webbing
Once fitted, secure any loose webbing through the strap’s adjustment channels. Roll then tuck excess tighter against the leg using hook and loop strips so it lies flat. Loose strapping catches unexpectedly during stressful situations.
Best Practices for Waist Tourniquet Straps
Attach at Midline
Position the strap’s hook and loop panel centered at your waist midline so it counterbalances the holster’s weight pulling outward. Off-center rigs increase rotation. Support even weight distribution.
Relieve Pressure Points
Reduce irritation in softer gut or love handle zones by placing a foam wedge or protective insert underneath rigs prior to strapping tightly. This dissipates localized pressure when torquing the belt down.
Loosen Before Sitting
Most waist straps don’t comfortably accommodate a seated posture – the holster rides up awkwardly. Loosen or detach straps if you expect you’ll be sitting for prolonged periods to avoid discomfort.
Emergency Quick Release Methods
Maintain proficiency disengaging your tourniquet strap rapidly under duress. Understand how to slice the strap cleanly with a knife, unhook clasps, or cut away using hook and loop tear-aways in an injury scenario. Never sacrifice safety or combat readiness – train both attaching and emergency release protocols.
Conclusion
Adding a dedicated tourniquet strap enhances the security and stability of holstered firearms. Look for wide, rigid woven straps with quick adjust functionality and strong hook/loop closure when selecting a model. Properly position the strap high on the thigh or at waist centerline depending on carry position. While improving concealment and retention, maintaining emergency detachment proficiency remains paramount.
