Lanyard loop on handguns?

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To me, it's kind of like the crank on a Model T. Or to cite a more recent example, a kick starter on a motorcycle.

Each had it's purpose once, long ago. Today, not so much.

Once again, my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it.
 
Actually, today as much as before. A lot depends on your lifestyle and what you do too I suppose. Many people are not all that "active" these days, and that may be part of getting it or not. Same goes for going places that tend to be unforgiving if you arent prepared. You usually only get one chance in those cases. Maybe its an "age" thing too.

I always thought dropping the kick starts on the bikes was a bad idea, so maybe it also just goes to mentality. I always felt kind of stupid running the bike down the street trying to get it started popping the clutch when the battery was dead. :)

Nothing wrong with back ups, and in fact, I think your foolish if you dont have them. Ill bet people who dont use a lanyard when appropriate, only carry one gun too. :)
 
If all you do is take your guns to the range and make noise, then no, you probably wouldn't have a use for one. If you get out there and use them in the field, it might be a consideration. Unfortunately, most shooters fall into the former group.

Not at all like the crank on a Model T or kickstart on a motorcycle. Both of which have suitable electric replacements. I prefer to judge such things based on merit and 'my' needs, not what everybody else is doing.
 
Not at all like the crank on a Model T or kickstart on a motorcycle. Both of which have suitable electric replacements

Until the battery or the starter takes a dump on your day halfway between Nowhere and Can't Get There from Here in dead flat country. Then that kick starter will look mighty good.

I prefer to judge such things based on merit and 'my' needs, not what everybody else is doing.

DINGDINGDING!!!

And we have a winner!

A flat statement such as:

"It's just not necessary in this day and age." implies that because (generic) "you" don't have a need for it, nobody does. If I'm to be out in the wilds of Boondocks USA...I want a lanyard on my pistol and my belt knife. Better to have with no need than to need with no have, y'know.
 
Well, I sure as hell would hate to have to kickstart a Twin Cam!

Well...speakin' from an over the handle bars experience that I had with an old 900 Sportster too many moons ago than I care to think about...I don't wanna kick start anything over 300cc.

It didn't break my leg, but you couldn't have proved it by me.

To this day, my knee tells me that rain's on the way 3 days before it gets here.
 
Here's a picture of me on the range (Kuwait) firing my 1911A1 complete with idiot cord. This was taken a couple of weeks after hostilities had ended (Desert Storm). (Note the shell casing :D)
-Chuck


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HEY! I just bought a new (old) streetbike (850cc) with a kickstart! (And it works pretty good as long as you aren't trying to get a completely cold engine going in 35* weather, all that does is make you whine and complain at PT the next morning.)

Depending on what I am doing, I like the idea of retention. I also like the idea of going with paracord, and if necessary, a knife to cut myself free. I already carry at least 2 with me. Hey, I already use paracord as boot laces, so the more uses the merrier!
 
The original M1911 magazines had lanyard loops and for a long time I assumed both the pistol and at least one magazine were to be attached to the soldier using a lanyard.

But, I was once challenged to confirm that belief and, as I said, much research failed to turn up even one picture or official manual of any U.S. troops armed with the M1911/A1 using the lanyard. The loop on magazines was discontinued prior to WWI.

I have never used a lanyard, but I wonder if the ability to retain the pistol is not countered to some extent by the fact that the lanyard also might allow an opponent to jerk the pistol out of the user's hand or use it to strangle him.

Jim
 
I think that for most people, not dropping your trusty sidearm off horseback, out of a treestand or into the river is probably a more likely purpose than weapon retention during a gunfight-turned-wrestling-match.
 
Lanyards are a must for any activity where you will be moving around a lot, climbing, jumping, crawling or even just sitting on the ground. It is embarrassing as heck to find out when you finally get to your campsite or that perfect vantage point in rough country, that your pistol is somewhere back along the long, crooked, steep and rough path you took to get there. Remember Indiana Jones?
 
Oh even if you don't actually need it to keep from losing your gun, it never hurts to have a nice length of cord or a strap if you need it.

Kinda like the fringe on a buckskin coat. Nowadays it's just for purties but in the old days it was there in case you needed a strip of leather for something.
 
But, I was once challenged to confirm that belief and, as I said, much research failed to turn up even one picture or official manual of any U.S. troops armed with the M1911/A1 using the lanyard. The loop on magazines was discontinued prior to WWI...

MPs used them, especially on gate duty. Don't ever recall seeing one on a GI, even an MP, in a combat zone.

It's actually pretty hard to strangle someone with a properly worn lanyard. You don't wear it like the the lanyard the coach uses for his whistle. Of course there were some uses that looked pretty risky to me: the RCMP used to wear them around their necks and looped through the epaulets of their dress uniforms and I think British Army officers did the same. I suppose you could have strangled one of them, providing they didn't use the other end to deploy their revolver and shoot you. On the other hand, the U.S. Army MPs wore them looped around the right arm and through the epaulet. Be real challenging to strangle one of them.

As mentioned, the best way to wear one is around the neck and then under the strong-side arm.

Used to have an old Colt Official Police from WWII complete with lanyard loop and original issue flap holster. Thought about getting a lanyard but decided I didn't want to look like Sgt. Preston of the Yukon. There have been plenty of times I have wished for a lanyard loop and lanyard when hunting or hiking.
 
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My sig pro 2022 came with a lanyard loop hole on one of the grips.
 
Well, I sure as hell would hate to have to kickstart a Twin Cam!

It wouldn't matter. Unlike older bikes, the ignition system requires a certain amount of battery power to start. Simply spinning the motor won't do it. Off road bikes still function using kick starters quite nicely.
 
Lanyards were also popular with alpine and mountain troops.
There was always the possibility of dropping a handgun while skiing or climbing, or losing a handgun in deep snow.
 
It wouldn't matter. Unlike older bikes, the ignition system requires a certain amount of battery power to start. Simply spinning the motor won't do it. Off road bikes still function using kick starters quite nicely.
I know, particularly with the EFI models which need sufficient voltage just for the ECM to operate. My comment had more to do with the size of the motor and the compression than the viability of actually converting one to a kicker.
 
Most SIG factory grips have lanyard mounts; even the new E2 P229 grip has a lanyard loop, well-recessed, but there. I believe they are good to have as an option when off pavement. Most folks, nowadays, never find themselves on anything more primitive than short, manicured grass. I do sometimes go places where a lanyard is a good idea.
 
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This is a very interesting thread. I was under the impression (mistaken, apparently) that the belt lanyard also served as a "sling" of sorts to steady the pistol when raised to firing position and adjusted for taut. Was this ever a purpose?
 
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