Safariland 6280?

[VaughnT]

Has anyone had any experience with these new holsters? I'm curious about the bail, thinking it would be more secure than a standard thumb-break, but I am scared the closed mechanism could jamb if lint and such got into it.

The few officers that I've met with them don't like them for just that reason, but none of them were the least bit interested in the gun on their hip. Also, none of them could cite a specific instance of failure that they personally witnessed.

I like the safarilaminate material for durability and looks. I like Safariland for good design, overall, and would like to consider this holster for my Colt 1991. I guess I just don't want to be a guinea pig for an unproven design.

Can the thing be dismantled for detail cleaning? Has yours stood up to a year of duty and competition? Have you experienced any hesitation or grit in the travel of the bail after repeated operations?

http://www.safariland.com/dgcat/6280_ubl.htm

You're thoughts, as always are appreciated.

 

[COHIBA]

if you have used a rotating hood holster for a long time or are just getting into LE work then its a great design. if you have trained w/ a thumbreak and are transitioning to the hood then get a case of ammo and PRACTICE. i have seen too many parttime SWAT offices who use a thumbreak rig on duty and a rotating hood thigh rig go into competitions and try to break the hood open. i dont want to see you trying to do that on the street.
you say your in western SC. i have a store in spartanburg. give me a call and/ come by and we can play w/ a few different designs hands on.
kellet
864 573 8877
PSE
359 whitney rd suite 14 spartanburg SC 29303

 

[Dave Williams]

Another vote for the 6280. I've been using one since 8/01 with no problems. Also numerous friends use them with no problems.
Nice feature is the cavernous opening, and simple rotating hood for easy reholstering and securing when it's time to go hands on.

Dave

 

[VaughnT]

Thanks for the help, fellas. I've been carrying a 686 in a thumb-break holster for 3 years and am now in the process of transitioning to my Colt 1991. I was trying to find a holster that looked good and had a good retention.

The problem I've had with my thumbreak bladetech holster is that it doesn't allow me a quick access to the snap because of the long beavertail. Also, it isn't specifically made for duty use, being "adapted" from a concealment holster.

The 'bail' design would allow my thumb to simply fall down beside the holster to hit the pad. That seems faster and more reliable, but durability was a big issue.

Cohiba, I'm heading to G'ville for some shooting this AM. Look for my phone call around noon. We'll visit for a bit.

 

[TN-popo]

I've used the 6280 since early '99 and it's the best holster I've ever had.
I like for the exact reasons that Dave mentioned and I think they're a good balance between speed and security.

 

[Vern]

I've used the 6280 and a 6004 for a few years now in AZ and I've never (knock) had a problem with the hood. The instructions recommend you clean the mechanism when you clean the gun.
I haven't been that good about it

Just don't do what I watched a guy do at a school - he shot the entire day with the hood un-latched in a 6004. Who knows why.

 

[para.2]

"Just don't do what I watched a guy do at a school - he shot the entire day with the hood un-latched in a 6004. Who knows why."

Probably for the same reason I've seen officers shoot an entire qualification shoot with standard thumbsnap unsnapped. When I've questioned them, I've been told "It slows me down"!?

 

[Vern]

para - Yeah, I kinda knew that. What saddened me is that when it came down to drawing that gun for real (if he carried it on the street) if the hood was secure - I'm convinced the draw would get flubbed.

It's funny watching people try all the little things - unsnapped holster, hovering hand, unsnapped mag pouches. If they only actually practiced

 

[Dave Williams]

Vern

I use the Bianchi open top mag pouches. They're great. It's like cheating.

Dave

 

[skippie]

I have been using one for 4-5 years ( the mind really does go first, who would have thunk it??) The only problem that I have had is the beltloop broke on mine, but he never got the gun out...
One call to Safariland and they sent a new beltloop , did not even charge me, GREAT service....I would give the 6280 three snaps in a "Z" formation.