Holster with retention for competition?

[1KPerDay]

3 gun involves a lot of running about, often with pistol in holster. I have tried the Serpa and I'm not a fan. Can anyone chime in on a reasonably priced holster system that is quick into action? Safariland GLS caught my eye, and I know there are a couple with thumb press releases that seem kind of intuitive. Any input welcome.

 

[AZAndy]

I have a Bladetech Signature I really like. No lock button, but the tension is adjustable. I have it set so that a loaded pistol stays in place when the holster is turned upside down and jiggled, but it hasn't slowed the draw any. Belt attachment is adjustable to fit different belt widths. Legal for USPSA/IDPA.

 

[Jim Watson]

My guy makes this one.
https://cpwsa.com/products/ready-ta...edium=onsite&utm_campaign=raslbestseller&fp=5

No retention except tension screws and a deeper bucket without the "speed cut" of an IPSC or IDPA holster.

 

[1KPerDay]

I have blade techs and comp-tacs. I've seen several dropped pistols from them working out of standard type holsters while people are running around. I think I'd prefer an actual retention system in this case. Level I should be sufficient. Has anyone tried the GLS? Or the Safariland 6390, 6395 ALS holsters, or the Hogue automatic retention carry or powerspeed holster? Or Galco M6X?

 

[Winkman822]

Safariland 6377 or 6388 (depending on whether you want a belt loop or paddle). I have a 6378 for my P226 that I use for the very odd time that I may open carry as opposed to concealed carry. It has nice secure retention and the draw is intuitive and lets you keep your booger hook away from the bang switch better than the SERPA type holsters do.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Retention is a good idea if the course of fire is rough or requires you to crawl. It is also a good idea if you have to use a sling for the rifle/carbine.
Take a look at the Thumb Drive holsters and Safariland's ALS system.

I have a prototype retention holster from LAG tactical that I like that uses the Blade Tech bale style retention that is really outstanding, but it is a prototype and I am not sure if they are putting them into production yet.

I didn't start using a holster with retention until I participated in Hard as Hell 2016 out in Purgatory Flats, Utah.
This is me at Hard as Hell 2016 with the LAG:

ETA: cannot get the *profane* pic to show up.
EATA: Got it.

 

[1KPerDay]

Safariland 6377 or 6388 (depending on whether you want a belt loop or paddle). I have a 6378 for my P226 that I use for the very odd time that I may open carry as opposed to concealed carry. It has nice secure retention and the draw is intuitive and lets you keep your booger hook away from the bang switch better than the SERPA type holsters do.

Can you elaborate or point me to a source that explains the differences between all these safariland numbers?

 

[Winkman822]

Can you elaborate or point me to a source that explains the differences between all these safariland numbers?

The Safariland 63xx holsters use a passive tension screw on the holster and a thumb actuated internal locking system. The locking system locks onto the ejection port of the gun. To draw, you acquire a grip on the gun, and with your thumb, move a little thumb switch to the rear slightly while pulling the pistol out. When looking at these holsters, 6377 is the auto locking system holster with a belt loop attachment and 6378 is the same holster with a paddle attachment. I have a 6378 (paddle) for my P226 and a 6377 (belt loop) for my P2000.

Here's a link to the 6378:

http://www.safariland.com/products/...el-6378-als-paddle-holster-23341.html#start=1

Here's a link to the 6377:
http://www.safariland.com/products/...cealment-belt-loop-holster-23337.html#start=1

They are available for most popular semi-auto handguns.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks... so what's the difference between those and the 6390 or 6395? If anything

 

[Billy.Tif]

I used a thumb drive in a couple police pistol matches, worked a helluva lot better than my issued serpa.

 

[herrwalther]

I really like the look of the 5.11 Thumbdrive holster. If I were in the market for a OWB duty holster with retention. Unfortunately they do not make a holster for anything I carry, either private or work. So I am sticking with Serpa or Taclock holsters for the moment.

 

[Winkman822]

Thanks... so what's the difference between those and the 6390 or 6395? If anything

The 6390 and 6395 are essentially the same concept as the 6377 and 6378 except they have duty belt attachments. The 6390 is a mid ride height duty holster with ALS and the 6395 is a low ride duty holster with ALS.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thank you!

 

[FL-NC]

I like the Serpa, but regardless of what you choose, retention is a must. 3 gun and similar type matches are famous for surprises, and a dropped gun is an instant DQ.

 

[Varminterror]

Be sure to check your respective rule books before training with a SERPA. Many competitions prohibit them for safety reasons.

Blade tec and safari land.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

This last weekend the wife and I competed in the Hard as Hell 2 Gun Match at the Utah Practical Shooters near St. George Utah.

Because it was a 2 gun match (and the wife was going to be using my LAG Prototype Rig) I just used my regular IDPA holster from LAG with a piece of shock cord stretched over the hammer on my Sig p226 for added piece of mind.
I tied an overhand knot in the shock cord to make a loop that stuck up from the holster for easy grabbing.

Worked like a charm, but you have to remember the shock cord is there.

Cheap and simple solution, though.

I will see if I can get a pic.

 

[1KPerDay]

cool. got any footage of the match?

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

cool. got any footage of the match?

I do, actually, and I had a few pretty good stages. [humble brag] Came in 6 place overall on one of them [/humble brag]. Which is the best I have ever done at a match this big with this many top level competitors.

I should have something up on the channel soon. Will post one here too.