Techna Belt Clip

For several months now I have been road testing the belt clip style accessory on my small frame backup gun. You can get these clips on Techna.com.

These things are like the clips on half my pocket knives. Keeps them from moving around. Overall I really like the clip. I have had a couple issues though which I will detail later. 

THE GOOD STUFF:

1) It is Very Inexpensive. 

Compared to holsters the clips are VERY inexpensive.  They are available for a variety of small autos with more models coming all the time. They also do not interfere with a variety of aftermarket LASER targeting packages.

2) It's Easy to Install.

This Youtube video shows just how easy it really is. Only took me a couple minutes.

 

3) It's Small.

There are times when carry options are very restricted by your clothes. These clips give you way more options, especially for women.

I have worn the clip inside the waist band of my swim trunks at the beach.

I have a pair of boots that it fits perfectly just in the top inside.

I often carry a backup gun on my offhand side. This clip works perfectly in my left hand pocket with the butt facing forward.

There are also other creative options, as you can see, in the photos to the right. She wouldn't let me take a pic of an inner thigh, stocking/garter, setup but I trust your imagination can get you there.

Done right the clip keeps it where you want it.

4) It's Simple.

When you are trying to minimize the bulk of the gun you are carrying you reduce the size of the gun and the size of the holster. You can't get much smaller than no holster.

Once you start exploring the options it gives you, you will be surprised how many different places and ways you can use the thing. I found a perfect stash spot just under the dash in my truck where I can put it when I can't carry it.

Techna.com actually sent me one for review. I liked it so much I actually bought a few more for other guns I have.

THE NOT GOOD STUFF:

1) The Lint Buildup.

After I began using the clip I discovered that I would end up with serious lint buildup inside my firearm. The lubricants would be leeched away and in some cases would end up resulting in feed jams on the second shot. This may be a problem for all pocket carry setups.  This was simply the first time for me to pocket carry in anyway.

I solved this problem by frequent cleaning. Even if it had not been fired. That stopped lint and kept it lubed.

2) Holster Constraints:

With the clip attached the gun will not fit in some holsters. Some are just fine.

3) The Clip Can Snag.

I was on a camping trip with friends and was wearing my usual summer clothes including cargo shorts. I had a backup gun clipped in my thigh pocket.

When I got up from a folding chair, the clip snagged on the chair and actually sprung from my pocket without my notice. When I turned to retrieve my soda, there it was, laying on the chair. The clip slightly bent. Not good.

If it had to happen, that was the right place. No harm, no foul, no embarrassing loss of a gun. No "splaining" to do. 

SUMMARY:

All in all, I recommend the Belt clip. It gives you options!