Safariland holster recommendations

[rd62]

Like a lot of you surely did, I received a 50% of card when I renewed my IDPA membership last month.

I'm set for CCW and IDPA gear and thought I might use this discount to pickup a holster for my G17 w/ Surefire X300.

I'm interested in something belt mounted (no molle or thigh rigs), OWB, able to accommodate the weapon light. While this will be no duty rig, some mild retention maybe good for woods carry, training classes, and other active environments.

I've carried Safariland years ago and liked it, but it was issued, and quite frankly all the model numbers, combinations, etc make my head spin a little.

Any suggestions to fit my bill would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[JodyH]

Whatever model the ALS paddle holster is (6378?).
http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/HolsterSeries/Details/10120

I use one for my H&K P2000 in 3gun matches and it rocks.

[Suvorov]

Second JodyH

For general use, I find the 6378 to be the best holster you can get for the money. Not sure if they make one for a pistol and light though.

[JodyH]

The one I posted a link to is for a Glock 17/ Surefire X300.

[rd62]

Thanks guys! Do they make a 6378 in a belt slide? Never been a fan of paddles. I find them uncomfortable.

[Up1911Fan]

Thanks guys! Do they make a 6378 in a belt slide? Never been a fan of paddles. I find them uncomfortable.
Comes with both the rubber loops and a paddle.

[rd62]

Sounds about perfect.

[Suvorov]

Sounds about perfect.

As a general all around holster, they pretty much are perfect. The ALS system is about the fastest and safest retention device I have ever worked with, the holsters are well built and do a great job protecting the gun, they are comfortable to wear, and best of all quite affordable. Only downsides (other than no being available for all the guns I want them for) I feel are that the ALS locking tab can wear down and need replacement with a lot of use and they are on the large side for concealment, but for the mission you are describing, it will be perfect.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Comes with both the rubber loops and a paddle.

The 6379 version comes with a Safariland version of the tek-lok attachment. All three types can be used on the same holster body, not to mention their QLS system. Loops, paddle, and 745BL belt clip can all be purchased separately as well.

http://holsters.com/concealment/holsters/index.asp

http://www.holsters.com/concealment/accessories/index.asp

Here's a pic showing the clip:
http://safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=569

[GJM]

Latest, and I believe "greatest" is the new 7000 series. It works with or without the light mounted. I got one at Rogers last week. Contact: holsterops.com, and I am sure they will fix you up. It is universal, in that it will work on a QLS, paddle or belt set-up.

[Chuck Haggard]

For any mission where a not so concealable strong side hip holster is needed I am a big fan of the ALS holsters. The tek-lock they use is frankly kind of cheesy, I would avoid it. The belt loops however are very solid and stand up to full power gun grabs. The paddle ain't bad either, although I have an aversion to paddles, this one works.

[Chuck Whitlock]

For any mission where a not so concealable strong side hip holster is needed I am a big fan of the ALS holsters. The tek-lock they use is frankly kind of cheesy, I would avoid it. The belt loops however are very solid and stand up to full power gun grabs. The paddle ain't bad either, although I have an aversion to paddles, this one works.

Thanks for mentioning that.....I concur (I posted that before the coffee kicked in). I got the tek-lok to mount the holster on a 2" duty belt range-only rig, which works fine with keepers fore/aft, but it is not nearly so sturdy on the trousers belt. I found it difficult to position the holster just right with the loops and a thick belt, as it locks in place pretty solidly. As far as paddles go, the SL is probably one of the best executions on the concept.

I am also a huge fan of the ALS guard on ALS-only holsters: http://holsters.com/concealment/accessories/model6006.asp
I find that I use the exact same drawstroke as with the 6360 ALS/SLS....the added security is a bonus.

[JAD]

Does anyone have experience with the 5181? I have an adjustable sighted gun I'd like a range holster for.

Jon
KC

[Chuck Whitlock]

Does anyone have experience with the 5181? I have an adjustable sighted gun I'd like a range holster for.

Jon
KC

I've got one....what would you like to know?

[JAD]

I've got one....what would you like to know?

How you like it in the context of how you use it. Is it fast and durable? Is the paddle pretty easy to use?

[Chuck Whitlock]

How you like it in the context of how you use it. Is it fast and durable? Is the paddle pretty easy to use?

OK, background: I bought a couple like 10 years ago when they were having a ridiculous closeout sale. Was boxed up after a switch to the ALS, but recently dug it out.

My particular model has the STX finish. It is well made and durable for an open-top, adjustable friction-fit paddle holster. The paddle functions well. It is not as ergonomic as the current hip-contouring version, but is just as secure with the tooth on the back of the holster catching the bottom of the belt (you don't want to go thicker than 1.5"). Mine fits a Glock 19/23. It rides ridiculously high, with the trigger guard above the belt line, but is surprisingly non-floppy with that much of the gun's weight above the belt, and holds pretty tight to your side in spite of this.

One caveat: You don't want to remove the empty holster from your belt. Pulling on the bottom of the holster enough to clear the tooth from the belt can create enough torque to crack the holster where the paddle screws to the holster body (did that to holster #2). but with a dummy gun/empty gun no issue at all. Frankly, I don't even get worked up about removing the holster with a loaded weapon in it. Yes, you ARE placing your hand over the muzzle end of the holster, but the trigger guard is completely covered and secure, and if the holster is properly tensioned, then the weapon is secure in the holster as well. You will have to decide if this is an issue for you or not. this issue was addressed with their newer holsters.

I have no problem utilizing this holster when an open-top paddle holster will suffice for a particular need.

Hope that is helpful. Any other questions, fire away!