Over the last decade or so, the old "drop leg (thigh)" configuration has lost favor -as have "sub loads" - due mainly to the double-bogey of lack of stability (the rig would shift and not stay in-place consistently) and lack of ability to retain comfort (chafing from loosening during high-effort and/or long-duration movement) without constant adjustments/input by the end-user. You'll see a lot of previous-generation rigs offered with two quick-adjust -later often elasticized- thigh straps in the attempt to overcome the way that all of our thighs are shaped: conical. End-users of these setups also sometimes complained of the added weight of these rigs (often pistol+spare mags or other accessories on the holster or a 4x20 or 30-round AR15 magazine sub-load) subjectively decreasing their perceived footspeed or mobility (vehicles or other confined spaces - that said, this was a compromise for being able to access the weapon while seated, so there's a bit of pro/con here
).
archives.fbi.gov
The reason why such a low-riding setup came into being -in this context- was due to the need to physically "drop" that loadout to clear previous-generation "turtle-shell" armor. Dropping the sidearm that far was really the only way to get an interference-free draw. Once this was exchanged in favor of more anatomical and lighter-weight modern concealable armor and/or modern plate carriers, we see what's favored now, with a higher mounting point that's actually more ergonomic. Compared to the drop-thigh rig of yore, modern rigs present the grip at or just below the shooter's waistline, and typically utilize just one strap, worn high at the hip/crotch, if-any, to offer additional stability.
With the holster actually anchored by the belt, there's virtually none of the pendulum effect seen with the older, lower setup. Additionally, the shooter's index for the draw is now consistent - versus a moving target that offers varying in presentation on his/her thigh as they are moving around.
I was an avid airsoft collector and skirmish gamer in the late 90s, and among other gear were the dual-strap Safariland 6004 and HSGI Drop Leg, and they both demonstrated the above shortcomings.
I currently do not utilize a drop setup with my war-belt mounted OWB holster, even for classes that require armor (i.e. site legality/liability requirements) as my armor does not interfere with my strong-side holster and as I specifically want to keep my OWB setup as close to my IWB setup as possible to allow for cross-training. That said,
@TEXASforLIFE , you'll find a lot of good offerings if you used the search terms "offset drop" or just "drop" in a Google search, in combination with the word "holster."
When you do, you'll see that Blade Tech (Drop and Offset - in varying lengths to suit end-user anatomy), Safariland (DFA/UFA, or specific models, such as their Model 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III), and G-Code (RTI/standard Optimal Pistol Drop Platform) all offer what are known-good-to-go platforms. Similarly, a lot of individual holster makers offer their own unique systems (e.g. the KT-Mech KT SP Plate Drop Leg, the DARA Drop/Off Set, or the Raven Concealment Drop/Offset kit, which is compatible with both their modern thermoplastic holsters as well as their legacy Kydex Phantoms).
muddyrivertactical.com
clingerholsters.com
