Dangerous Holsters?

[pulicords]

With a new Chief of Police, our department has recently announced that all holsters other than the city issued (S********d) brand with a rotating hood will be prohibited. This means that officers like myself who carry a good quality holster with a conventional type thumb break retention strap will have to change. After using thumb break type holsters for more than 30 years, I'm sure that my muscle memory is such that a change at this point will be more dangerous than attempting to adjust to the different style of release.

I also note that the vast majority of officers who I supervise routinely approach vehicles and suspects with the straps of their issue (S********d) holsters unsecured. When questioned, they tell me they don't feel they can quickly unstrap their (hood type) holsters quickly enough in an emergency. I never unstrap my thumb break holster, unless it's to draw my weapon and I believe I'm safer because of that proficiency. Am I missing something here?

The COP claims that conventional holsters are more dangerous because the safety strap can get wedged inside the triggerguard when a pistol is being reholstered, causing a discharge. I've neither seen or heard of this happening and wonder if this is just a word of mouth thing or there's some study to back up his claim. Any input would be appreciated.

[Five-0fromSoCal]

Its happened to guys on our dept. Our dept changed our holsters due to it also.

[breedlove23]

Ive noticed (not that I carry that much) the rotating hood was not bad to get used to. But the hood will sometimes rotate without my knowledge. When I look down uh oh and snap it back. I think with or without a change practice through training is the way to go regardless.

Bob

[psotyrone]

With a new Chief of Police, our department has recently announced that all holsters other than the city issued (S********d) brand with a rotating hood will be prohibited. This means that officers like myself who carry a good quality holster with a conventional type thumb break retention strap will have to change. After using thumb break type holsters for more than 30 years, I'm sure that my muscle memory is such that a change at this point will be more dangerous than attempting to adjust to the different style of release.
The COP claims that conventional holsters are more dangerous because the safety strap can get wedged inside the triggerguard when a pistol is being reholstered, causing a discharge. I've neither seen or heard of this happening and wonder if this is just a word of mouth thing or there's some study to back up his claim. Any input would be appreciated.

it is news to me. i never heard of it. i'm not the range guys who test the stuff, but we have never gotten any info about that. i have been on for six years and that whole time have had the triple threat leather holster. our department is 1800 + strong and over 95% if not all have the same holster and no a.d.s. i couldn't even imagine how that could happen. i know from time to time my top thumb strap get stuck on the slide when i am reholstering and i have to fetch it out, but it gets no where close to the trigger. i use the sig pro 2340 and previously we used the sig 226 and 229 with the same brand and type holsters. no problems with any of them that i know of.

is anything possible. yes!!!!!!!! just like winning the lottery, eventually someone wins the millions and it appears that the guy from 5-0's department won.

[ofc129]

I haven't heard of an ND caused by the strap, but I have seen and heard of officers who had an ND try to blame it on such.

As far as the hood-style holster, I switched departments and after 9 years of triple-retention had to learn a new hooded holster. Any officer wandering around with his hood down is lazy, IMO. An officer is responsible for knowing his equipment and using it properly. Muscle memory can be changed if one takes the time to do it. Same with the guys who never go to the range except when the department makes them and never dry fire, and then wonder why they can't hit the broadside of a barn.

[John from Maryland]

We've used the rotating hood holsters that apparently shall go unnamed for some years. While I wasn't an enthusiast for them at first, I've become a believer in them. I don't find them any slower than thumb-break holsters. They are definitely faster to reholster and secure if you need to transition to hands-on or less-lethal.

I had used a thumb-break for about eighteen years before transitioning to the unnamed hood. While that's only about half the time you've had packing a pistol, I did not have a particular problem transitioning.

While I realize that law enforcement is not a military operation, many of the troops downrange seem to much favor the hood over the thumb-break.

[xdrcx]

Ive noticed (not that I carry that much) the rotating hood was not bad to get used to. But the hood will sometimes rotate without my knowledge. When I look down uh oh and snap it back. I think with or without a change practice through training is the way to go regardless.

Bob

If you dont have the plastic hood that protects the release button, your vest may be pressing the button when you sit in your car. There was a safety alert on them that a few guys got in fights and their gun dropped out on the suspects chest or back as they wrestled them. My dept made the hood mandatory after that.

[pulicords]

Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I noticed that the Director of Marketing for the S********d company is mentioned on their website as being appointed to the board of directors of our state's chiefs of police association. Wait a minute, I'm a cop I don't believe in coincidence!

[SRT936]

I haven't heard of an ND caused by the strap, but I have seen and heard of officers who had an ND try to blame it on such.

Truer words have never been spoken. The vast majority of discharges are caused by operator error (i.e. stupid).


As far as the hood-style holster, I switched departments and after 9 years of triple-retention had to learn a new hooded holster. Any officer wandering around with his hood down is lazy, IMO. An officer is responsible for knowing his equipment and using it properly. Muscle memory can be changed if one takes the time to do it. Same with the guys who never go to the range except when the department makes them and never dry fire, and then wonder why they can't hit the broadside of a barn.

And again, the perfect grain of wisdom. YOU are responsible for knowing your equipment, no one else. Practice with your equipment whether is what you've been using for years or something you just got. I was recently issued a new holster that is radically different from what I carried for many, many years. I spent an incredible amount of time drawing and reholstering with it before I ever wore it on the street. It's a routine that continues today and will continue on until I get the next new holster.

[SA13]

After using thumb break type holsters for more than 30 years, I'm sure that my muscle memory is such that a change at this point will be more dangerous than attempting to adjust to the different style of release.Don't worry, if you will actually put a few hours into practicing with the new holster you will adjust to the rotating hood easily.I also note that the vast majority of officers who I supervise routinely approach vehicles and suspects with the straps of their issue (S********d) holsters unsecured. When questioned, they tell me they don't feel they can quickly unstrap their (hood type) holsters quickly enough in an emergency. I never unstrap my thumb break holster, unless it's to draw my weapon and I believe I'm safer because of that proficiency. Am I missing something here?The only thing you're missing is disciplining those officers for a poor habit which could get them killed. The rotating hood is not slower than the thumb break if the officer puts just a bit of time into practicing using it properly. There is no excuse for having the hood forward unless you are actually drawing the gun.

[pulicords]

Although I've heard that management has "no problem" with officers making contacts with the hood down, I'm of the mind to start writing them up as a safety violation to correct the problem. On a nightly basis, I find officers carrying their guns this way and up until now, I've just had them secure the holster or reached over and did it myself for them (with a suggestion they be more careful). If the "brass" doesn't support the concept of keeping a holster secured until the gun needs to be drawn, I think I'm fighting a losing battle. Don't tell me to wait until guns are lost in foot pursuits or altercations (due to being unsecured), it's already happened.

Again, I strongly believe that whatever system (retention level) the officers uses, he/she should be confident enough that they can draw the weapon from a secured holster to keep it secured until the gun needs to be drawn.

[psotyrone]

Again, I strongly believe that whatever system (retention level) the officers uses, he/she should be confident enough that they can draw the weapon from a secured holster to keep it secured until the gun needs to be drawn.

i agree with you practice until it is muscle memory and then keep practicing. u can call me a squirrel, but when i bought my off duty holster i practiced for hours drawing and putting on target. it takes alot to get through clothes and especially in stressful moments it needs to be muscle memory. although i believe that the operator must feel comfortable and well trained with the equipment or it will be viewed as useless. for instance i know vests save lives after i saw a col. in afgahnistan get shot, multiple times in the chest, with an ak and only receive a bruised rib

[ofc129]

Although I've heard that management has "no problem" with officers making contacts with the hood down, I'm of the mind to start writing them up as a safety violation to correct the problem. On a nightly basis, I find officers carrying their guns this way and up until now, I've just had them secure the holster or reached over and did it myself for them (with a suggestion they be more careful). If the "brass" doesn't support the concept of keeping a holster secured until the gun needs to be drawn, I think I'm fighting a losing battle. Don't tell me to wait until guns are lost in foot pursuits or altercations (due to being unsecured), it's already happened.

That's what I was thinking after reading your original post, but I was not going to presume to tell you how to supervise your people. I would surely like to hear any defense to walking around with a weapon unsecured...I doubt they'll remember to secure it prior to taking off on a jump and run or in the middle of a fight. My last use-of-force involved the suspect grabbing for my gun after we went to the ground, and "Oh s**t, is it secured?" is not a thought I would have wanted running through my head.

The argument should be made that if officers already have a bad enough feeling about a contact that they have to wander up with their weapon unsecured, then it should already be out of the holster or they should not be approaching without backup. Our management would have our *** for walking around with an unsecured holster, but with proper articulation have no problem with an officer approaching a vehicle or subject with the weapon in hand, down at side out of initial view. Having the hood down is not going to exponentially increase the officer's ability to draw and get the first round off, and the risk is far greater than the reward.

[School Cop]

Ive noticed (not that I carry that much) the rotating hood was not bad to get used to. But the hood will sometimes rotate without my knowledge. When I look down uh oh and snap it back. I think with or without a change practice through training is the way to go regardless.

Bob

Funny - mine's been doing that several times a day for a week or so now. I tightened down the screw on the hood in hopes of an easy solution, and today it didn't do it. It's almost 2 years old, and I take the gun out every night, so maybe it was just loose.

[ateamer]

Years ago, we had an AD where the thumb strap went into the trigger guard and a deputy shot himself while reholstering. After that, we began training to sweep the thumb strap out of the way with the trigger finger when reholstering.

As far as unsnapping, every car stop I make, I have my hand on the gun in a firing grip, holster unsnapped. I currently use the Safariland 6285, but am awaiting arrival of a Bianchi Luminator to test. Our issue holster is the 070 - that is the only approved duty holster, unless you have a tac light.

Personally, I think that officers should be allowed to use the holster of their choosing. Heck, LAPD still wears swivel holsters with a standard thumb break and you don't hear about them getting their guns taken. Retention is a function of the officer, not so much the holster.

[John from Maryland]

OK, I guess we can say "Safariland" on the forum. I thought the name was blocked.

School Cop, Safariland makes a Hood Guard that I believe now comes standard. It costs about five dollars. This will keep your vest or seatbelt from pressing down on the hood release. It may require some dexterity to access the gun from the front with your support hand, but overall it requires minimal training.

[Sabre]

I also note that the vast majority of officers who I supervise routinely approach vehicles and suspects with the straps of their issue (S********d) holsters unsecured. When questioned, they tell me they don't feel they can quickly unstrap their (hood type) holsters quickly enough in an emergency.

That holster can be fast. When I qualified with it I was able to draw from an interview position, with my hands together in front of my chest, and put 7 rounds on target at 4 yards in a total of just over 2 seconds.

It's easy to re-secure, though. If the hood is flipped forward (unsecured) and your hand on the grip of the pistol, all one has to do is reach to the front of the holster with the fingers of your firing hand and flip the hood back, and it locks. Therefore, if one of your guys is walking up unsecured and happens upon a non-deadly-force emergency, he can re-secure almost instantly. It takes me way less time than it takes to re-secure into my Safariland SSIII at the other department.

As noted, however, the bottom of your vest can rest on the "button" that opens the hood. Once I got out of my car and walked into the office before I noticed that my pistol was unsecured. Solution: get the shield that Safariland sells ($7), or check it when you get out of the car (free).

Overall, it's a pretty decent holster. The Michigan State Police all use them (with no shield) and Ingham County just went to them (with a shield) after using the Safariland "Top Gun" (thumb-break only) for many years.

[tacleberry]

I currently use the SLS 6280 holster. I had the same problem with the hood rotating mysteriously open when I wasn't looking. I tried the "hood" but did not like it. It got in the way and I caught it on things. So I went with the "safety latch" instead. It is a small latch that attaches to the hood release on the back side of the holster. It has to be released before the hood will rotate forward. It took a small amount of practice to learn to use it, but now that I have it, i am just as fast as the guys carrying level 1 holsters with thumb break snaps. and it would be hell for a GB to get my gun. Check their website for more info on the safety devices and PRACTICE....

[pulicords]

A week ago tonight a couple of our officers made a t-stop on a DUI/reckless driver. The suspect pulled over and as the officers made an approach on foot, took off again. After a short pursuit, the suspect bailed out. One of the officers jumped out too and his pistol went flying across the street... Holster was department approved Safariland 6280. The officer told me last night he isn't sure how/why the hood was down. He said it often drops when he brushes his arm against it or when it comes in contact with the seatbelt.

[david30816]

Holster was department approved Safariland 6280. The officer told me last night he isn't sure how/why the hood was down. He said it often drops when he brushes his arm against it or when it comes in contact with the seatbelt.

I had the same problem however mine was caused by my vest when getting in and out of the car. I purchased a $7.00 switch (Sentry Switch) and then continue to practice with it and I am able to present and discharge rounds just as quickly as those without... The key is to continue to practice.

http://www.swatgear.com/products/SDG6001

David

[pulicords]

Thanks for the info. I'll make note of it. In the mean time, I brought up the issue at a staff meeting and we're going to start taking official notice when we (supervisors) see officers with unstrapped holsters. Not a discipline thing, but examining the training/equipment issues. If the officers' gun is not secured, we're going to ask if it was intentional or not and (if they know) why. We'll start keeping notes for awhile and see where it goes.

[elp915]

What i dont like about the hood feature, is the holster itself has no auto-retention in it. I prefer the thumb strap and strap by the trigger, as it's harder for someone to pull my weapon out of the holster. It seemed with the hood holsters that you can just pull the weapon straight out. I also heard people added the switch to make it a level 3 instead of a level 2, but that's not a true level 3, as there's still only two retention levels.

[billtex213]

If you slap at the strap from the front (or rear for that matter) in a downward motion it will rotate down EASILY! I have done it myself and and it is easy to grab the weapon out of the holster. You can buy the extra piece that would prevent this from happening for $70 from S********d!

[cogslave]

cleaning up

[lionheart45]

We also use the 070, but fortunately we have weapons with a de-cocker so we don't ever have to worry about the mysterious strap setting off the trigger while re-holstering.

I would never want to goto a weapon w/out a de-cocker.

[KenW.]

The Safariland rotating hood holsters are no more dangerous than the officer using them, or the Glock carried within.

I'm VERY happy with my 6280/1911 combination.

[david30816]

...or the Glock carried within...

Now whats that supposed to mean?

[Sabre]

Now whats that supposed to mean?

It means the holster is no more dangerous than the pistol.

[KenW.]

Now whats that supposed to mean?

It means that officers who carry weapons without manual safeties should not complain about their HOLSTER being "dangerous".

[kcsd823]

Try the new(er) ALS holster from S********D. It also has a retention for the ejection port that retains the weapon in the holster with the hood released. I am getting ready to put mine on this weekend.

As far as slap-rake to release the SLS and grab the gun, I am still showing some co-workers how easily this can be done. Some were frankly amazed.

[patroldog]

Personally, I like the new S**** triple retention duty holsters, to me you can't buy a safer, more difficult to defeat retention holster, yet, draws easily. Single retention holsters should not be used for duty purposes---period. Stay Safe out there

[B4uGO]

With a new Chief of Police, our department has recently announced that all holsters other than the city issued (S********d) brand with a rotating hood will be prohibited. This means that officers like myself who carry a good quality holster with a conventional type thumb break retention strap will have to change. After using thumb break type holsters for more than 30 years, I'm sure that my muscle memory is such that a change at this point will be more dangerous than attempting to adjust to the different style of release.

I also note that the vast majority of officers who I supervise routinely approach vehicles and suspects with the straps of their issue (S********d) holsters unsecured. When questioned, they tell me they don't feel they can quickly unstrap their (hood type) holsters quickly enough in an emergency. I never unstrap my thumb break holster, unless it's to draw my weapon and I believe I'm safer because of that proficiency. Am I missing something here?

The COP claims that conventional holsters are more dangerous because the safety strap can get wedged inside the triggerguard when a pistol is being reholstered, causing a discharge. I've neither seen or heard of this happening and wonder if this is just a word of mouth thing or there's some study to back up his claim. Any input would be appreciated.

Over the years I have served in various enforcement and security positions over the last 17 years. Today I work for an agency that has switched to the holster you are talking about. For over 9/10's of my carreer I have used a strap or thumb break style holster. I must say that with very little practice it was very easy to get used to the hood. Yes muscle memory may be a concern, but practice, practice, and more practice improves and reenforces muscle memory. Our department has over 5500 members in both divisions and I have yet to hear a complaint. The draw is natural there is never a worry about the hood being in the way upon reholstering. Over all a good quality piece of equipment. And, anyone just randomly leaving the holster hood down is just lazy a dumba** who doesn't care enough about himself or his fellow officers and the public which they are sworn to serve:mad: , IMOHO. Stay Safe :) .

[B4uGO]

We have 5500 + employees not had

[pulicords]

Our department has over 5500 members in both divisions and I have yet to hear a complaint.

Our policy has been changed to allow "dual or triple retention" holsters of other makes/models. I still see officers with the hoods of the issue holster down on a daily basis. They're not dumba****, but all have said that the hood regularly flips down while entering or exiting the vehicle or that they're uncomfortable doing approaches with it engaged. Another officer told me that he doesn't like the holster because it is extremely difficult to draw the weapon from a seated position. I'm not saying you're wrong about the lack of complaints, but with our department of 220+ I hear and see problems every day. I believe if you're happy with it, fine. But "no complaints" among 5500 members? Perhaps someone isn't listening.

[patroldog]

It means that officers who carry weapons without manual safeties should not complain about their HOLSTER being "dangerous".

Check the history, you will find that many officers have been hurt or killed because in the heat of the moment, they neglected to disengage the "safety" on their weapon. Glock pistols are as safe as a revolver and revolvers do not have safety levers, pull the trigger, it fires, just that simple, as far as holsters, the new s***a level three duty holsters do not have any protruding areas to accidentally engage a trigger pull, GLOCKS RULE

[KenW.]

Check the history

I'd like to; Is there official documentation to check? I've never seen that study. As far as forgetting to disengage a safety; if real, that is a training issue, and I don't believe your statement.

Not to pick on any one manufacturer. I include any semi-auto sidearm with no manually operated safety. XD, M&P, etc. For the most popular police sidearm, Why the New York trigger? To make the pounds of pull the same as a revolver thereby making it "safer"?

[shftat6]

The agency I used to work for switched from a traditional thumb break to the rotating hood. I disliked it at first but once you get used to the movement you can become very quick with it.

I currently use a triple retention holster with the two snaps and ejection port piece in the holster. After a lot of practice I have gotten quick with it. I still have issues getting it reholstered because the top strap will get caught up with the weapon as I reholster it and then sometimes I have difficulty with the trigger guard getting caught on the backstrap not allowing the weapon to slide in easily. Those are the times I miss my 'old' holster with the rotating hood.

[FrankCastle1]

I own and love my model 6360. It was very easy to get used to, and it is a level 2 retention. Even with the hood down, the weapon cannot be drawn unless you push the secondary thumb release. Also, the hood cannot be pulled over the weapon if the hammer is cocked. At least it won't on mine. I carry A Sig 226. During initial contact on traffic stops and such I will roll the hood down. I feel very safe and comfortable with this holster.

[KenW.]

During initial contact on traffic stops and such I will roll the hood down.

And if you find yourself in a foot chase or wrestling match you re-engage it?

[FNA209]

My PD has used the SL 070 type LV III and Glocks for at least 15 years now- no "strap-induced" NGs to date.

[FrankCastle1]

And if you find yourself in a foot chase or wrestling match you re-engage it?

We were taught that during intial contact you keep your hand on the grip of the weapon. After the first few seconds of the intial contact, after you feel that there is no threat, you take your hand off the weapon. I made it a habit to roll the hood back as I take my hand off.

[gonzo1510]

Some of the posters have stated that their vest caused their hoods to roll down. I would suggest looking into either the 6285 which is the same holster but sits a bit lower or buying a holster drop from the same company which is simply qan adapter to lower your current holster...

A co-worker and I had the same issue , I carry a Glock 22 with the M-3 light attachment. He went with the drop since it was only $30.00 or so. I simply changed the type of vest I wear and haven't had an issue with it since.

[dave263k9]

they make a rotating lock that will lock the hood in place, its like 8 or 9 bucks, its worked well for me. just takes a little practice. but it helped with the hood getting pushed down. be safe all.

[KenW.]

they make a rotating lock that will lock the hood in place,

It's called a Sentry switch, and it converts the holster to level 2+. Very quick to disengage with the thumb then depress the hood for a draw that's still quite fast.

[jerrymaccauley]

Explain this to me. Safariland gets *****'ed out but Glock is permitted? Is this an equipment discussion thread that gets censored?

[KenW.]

deleted...

[KenW.]

Explain this to me. Safariland gets *****'ed out but Glock is permitted? Is this an equipment discussion thread that gets censored?

Huh? I don't understand the statement...

[jerrymaccauley]

Try the new(er) ALS holster from S********D. It also has a retention for the ejection port that retains the weapon in the holster with the hood released. I am getting ready to put mine on this weekend.

As far as slap-rake to release the SLS and grab the gun, I am still showing some co-workers how easily this can be done. Some were frankly amazed.

I was referring to the blocked out brand name in some of the posts. Is there a rule about posting the name, because I see it all the time. I know there have been some issues with posting competitors web addresses.

[pulicords]

I may have caused the confusion. I didn't fully write out the brand name because I thought it might cause problem(s) on this site as Safariland Products are among the items sold by sponsors of the site. I wasn't being sensored by the webmaster, the decision to partially spell out the brand name was mine alone.

[patroldog]

Check the history

I'd like to; Is there official documentation to check? I've never seen that study. As far as forgetting to disengage a safety; if real, that is a training issue, and I don't believe your statement.

Not to pick on any one manufacturer. I include any semi-auto sidearm with no manually operated safety. XD, M&P, etc. For the most popular police sidearm, Why the New York trigger? To make the pounds of pull the same as a revolver thereby making it "safer"?

What academy did you go to ? The academy I attended stressed firearm safety and a key issue was the engaging or disengaging of any safety levers on the firearm. And guess what, I DONT CARE IF YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT thats your loss, but it has occurred.

[Sabre]

Forgetting to disengage the safety is like forgetting to pull the trigger. Disengaging the safety with my .45 is a natural part of obtaining my grip. I don't have to remember it, my muscles remember it for me.

[KenW.]

And guess what, I DONT CARE IF YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT thats your loss, but it has occurred.

Temper, temper. It is common literary practice to list a reference that supports a claim. Got one? I enjoy learning from others, as long as they are able to provide references. I once had a reference that showed that if a bad guy got a 1911 from you, it'd take longer for him to fire it than if it were a Glock.

Your earlier post stated that many officers have been hurt or killed because they "forgot" to disengage a safety. I disagreed and asked for proof. One shouldn't spread sush falsehoods. That's what I'll call it until proved otherwise.

To carry a Glock in my Agency requires extra training (not so with the 1911, or any other weapon with a manual safety). Our lead armorer is opposed to sidearms without safeties. But, what's he know? He's a 30 year military veteran (in combat arms) and soon to retire with 20 years civil Law Enforcement.

I digress... This thread is supposed to be about holsters. I use a 6280 daily on duty, a SERPA off duty sometimes interchanged with a Galco IWB.

[twoseventysix]

I have an issue with the Safariland holster that everyone is discussing. Recently, my department has begun to issue these instead of the Safariland level III holster. My holster is a mid-ride holster and I have a problem with it when I sit down in my car. The holster sits so low that it hits the seatbelt recepticle and pushes my belt up. Does anyone else have this problem and does anyone have any solutions? Otherwise, I love the way I can draw my weapon from it.

[KenW.]

My holster is a mid-ride holster and I have a problem with it when I sit down in my car. The holster sits so low that it hits the seatbelt recepticle and pushes my belt up.

While I haven't had that issue with my 6280, I do with my Blackhawk SERPA duty holster.

[twoseventysix]

When I get home, I'll find out what model it is. I basically refuse to wear the new gear until I can figure out how to make it more comfortable.

[jchughes05]

I qualified with a rotating hood holster, and I can draw from it as quick as I can my thumb-break leather ones. I never had a problem with the hood rotating on its own, either.

[Grizzly]

I was instructed to purchase a Safariland "Model 070 Duty Holster, SSIII Mid-Ride, Level III" retention by my coordinator. He stated that he and one other individual from his academy class were then only ones to retain their weapons during the "fight for life" part of the academy. I knew a couple of guys who lost their weapons during the fight for life who had level II's and none with any level III. I have used it for 1.5 years now and and had no significant issues other than blisters on my middle finger from praticing and I guess those are not really significant... :) I tried the level II hooded version and found it initially easier to draw. But over time I am able to draw as fast, if not faster than others with the level III holster. I am a reserve and I understand that I havent had as much time with that holster as most, but that is still my .02 worth.

[Ryobi]

The hoods are plenty fast if you train with them. As fast as a thumb break. No reason whatsoever to drop your hood every time you're approaching someone.

[david30816]

I was instructed to purchase a Safariland "Model 070 Duty Holster, SSIII Mid-Ride, Level III" retention by my coordinator. He stated that he and one other individual from his academy class were then only ones to retain their weapons during the "fight for life" part of the academy. I knew a couple of guys who lost their weapons during the fight for life who had level II's and none with any level III. I have used it for 1.5 years now and and had no significant issues other than blisters on my middle finger from praticing and I guess those are not really significant... :) I tried the level II hooded version and found it initially easier to draw. But over time I am able to draw as fast, if not faster than others with the level III holster. I am a reserve and I understand that I havent had as much time with that holster as most, but that is still my .02 worth.


Thats a great holster however my problem with it is that I have not seen one that allows a tactical light to be added.

[Frank Sector]

The Safariland rotating hood holsters are no more dangerous than the officer using them, or the Glock carried within.

I'm VERY happy with my 6280/1911 combination.


Same here. I carried my G22 with 6070 Raptor for a few years but am served well with my Level 2 6280 now. If they made a good Level 3 for the 1911 I might look at it (not the 070).

[SddR70]

I've used a S-land Raptor Level III 6070 mid-ride with the Sentry lock and hood protector - takes it to Level IV - for over 2 years now. The only issue I've had come up was the hood broke off after catching on my duty-coat several times. Otherwise, I'm sold on its safety level.

I normally carry it in level IV unless I'm approaching a vehicle on a stop. Then I disengage the Sentry and rotate the hood forward. Its still locked in there in Level II and even if I get into a foot pursuit, it won't come flying out on Level II.

As for drawing speed - I'm able to go from fully locked Level 4 to on-target in well under a second. This took a lot of practice, just as with any holster but it is achievable.

For once I've got a holster I'm confident in and am willing to trust (for the most part as I don't trust anything 100%).

[duke3478]

If they made a good Level 3 for the 1911 I might look at it (not the 070).

Why not the 070?

[Frank Sector]

Why not the 070?

I used the holster in the academy...it just gave me the heeby jeebies.

I just did not like it,I did not want to screw with reholstering and trying to snap both snaps to get it secured before I handcuff or lean down to get a suspect. I guess I am lazy, I like the positive action of sliding my pistol back in and pushing the hood back to secure it and feel it catch.

I am not anti-070, just pro 6280 and 6070.

[t150vsuptpr]

Ive noticed (not that I carry that much) the rotating hood was not bad to get used to. But the hood will sometimes rotate without my knowledge. When I look down uh oh and snap it back. I think with or without a change practice through training is the way to go regardless.

Bob

I like the rotating hood holster we use for our P-229s now, just takes some practice getting used to it. I can get it out as quick as I could with our prior holsters. I did notice that at first, I too would occasionally find the hood rotated forwards. I discovered that what was happening was me riding in the car and resting my right arm down by my side as I drove sometimes it was resting on it and releasing. I just trained myself to rest my arm differently.