Safariland duty holsters on ebay?

[Axis II]

I will be starting with a local police academy in 2 weeks and in need of a new holster. I am looking at safariland 6360 and 7360 and see a lot of the 6360 both lightly used and new on ebay. My concern is how are guys selling new and slightly used $150 holsters for $25-60? I don't do ebay and never had and just a little concerned but if i can get a screaming deal on a holster for half off or more id like to. The 7360 is the newer version of the 6360. I currently have a Blackhawk level 3 but I'm slightly uncomfortable with it.

Any LEO have experience with the 6360? Should i keep my Blackhawk and worry about the safariland when i have extra $?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Doesn't the academy mandate which holster you use? I carried a Safariland 6280 for 2 years. I loved it but everyone I worked with hated it.

 

[sean m]

If I was in your position, I would think going to a police supply would be the best option. Nothing wrong with EBay "for buying a holster for" a loafing gun, but one that you are going to depend on for survival and to prevent any litigation, I would rather have a new one that meets your dept. Requirements.

 

[sean m]

Midway has been running a lot of sales recently for safariland.

 

[Spats McGee]

My concern is how are guys selling new and slightly used $150 holsters for $25-60?

This would be my concern, too. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I'd be thinking either stolen, or a cheap copy of whatever it claims to be.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would have no problem buying a used duty holster. They probably came from departments that swapped guns, uniforms, or gun lights, ect....In my career, we probably changed holsters half a dozen times for various reasons. The old ones usually went to the dumpster even though they were still serviceable.

 

[Axis II]

Doesn't the academy mandate which holster you use? I carried a Safariland 6280 for 2 years. I loved it but everyone I worked with hated it.

Nope. Ohio offers an open enrollment one because a lot of dept wont send you anymore they want the certification already.

 

[Axis II]

This would be my concern, too. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I'd be thinking either stolen, or a cheap copy of whatever it claims to be.

This is what concerned me. I was at a local gun show and a guy had a lot of them and said they were all for M&P and put a gun inside one and the holster just felt odd to me so i passed.

I rounded everything up last night and between boots, pants, holster and night sights I'm $300 in the hole.

For those of you who are LEO do you guys think i should buy night sights for the academy or wait until i hit the road? I will be starting with a small village and will need to provide my own stuff for awhile this is why im buying my own stuff.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I worked the first half of my career without night sights. We had to shoot a night qualification course. I always passed. Others sometimes struggled. When we were issued night sight guns, overall scores went up....Get night sights.

 

[Axis II]

I worked the first half of my career without night sights. We had to shoot a night qualification course. I always passed. Others sometimes struggled. When we were issued night sight guns, overall scores went up....Get night sights.

Thanks!

 

[edwardware]

My concern is how are guys selling new and slightly used $150 holsters for $25-60?

If you have time, consider that ebay's guarantee policy is pretty good. I've received full refunds on several items that arrived not as described.

 

[Axis II]

If you have time, consider that ebay's guarantee policy is pretty good. I've received full refunds on several items that arrived not as described.

A lot of sellers list no returns so i would assume paypal would need to be used for fraudulent things?

 

[Old Dog]

I wouldn't be concerned that "it's too good to be true," myself -- many agencies (and individual officers) are disposing of vast quantities of quite serviceable holsters due to changing requirements, either change in issued pistol or requiring a WML w/compatible holster ... Even if you buy new, research and you find that prices vary wildly (sales are common) from retailer to retailer (especially on-line), sometimes as much as $40 to $75 for the exact same holster.

Personally, I'd go for the 6360 just 'cause it looks better, sleeker and molded vs. the stupid holes and ridges on the 7360 (which improve nothing).

AFAIC, the 6360 is one of the best LE holsters ever produced. I've been using the same two for pretty much the last twelve years, one through a lot of tactical team training with some fairly extended physical stuff. Just make sure the rotating hood (if you get the Level III) works and the ALS thumb-release button works (the condition of the inside of the holster is more important than any scuffs or dings on the outside). Also, you'll want to end up using some Lock-Tite on all the screws to make sure none ever loosen and get lost.

Finally, your footwear is probably the most important piece of gear you'll use, other than any firearm you choose. A $300 pair of Danners (which can be re-soled and last for years) over the $25 on-sale RG boots from Big 5 will save you a lifetime of foot, knee, hip and back problems. Nothing worse than the last few hours of third watch on a dreary mid-week day, watching the clock waiting for 0600 when your feet and your back are killing you ...

 

[edwardware]

A lot of sellers list no returns so i would assume paypal would need to be used for fraudulent things?

Paypal, or ebay's own guarantee. If you look under returns, it should say, "No returns, but backed by eBay Money back guarantee" or similar. I've used it twice in 3 years, provided pictures, and received a refund. YMMV

 

[Axis II]

I wouldn't be concerned that "it's too good to be true," myself -- many agencies (and individual officers) are disposing of vast quantities of quite serviceable holsters due to changing requirements, either change in issued pistol or requiring a WML w/compatible holster ... Even if you buy new, research and you find that prices vary wildly (sales are common) from retailer to retailer (especially on-line), sometimes as much as $40 to $75 for the exact same holster.

Personally, I'd go for the 6360 just 'cause it looks better, sleeker and molded vs. the stupid holes and ridges on the 7360 (which improve nothing).

AFAIC, the 6360 is one of the best LE holsters ever produced. I've been using the same two for pretty much the last twelve years, one through a lot of tactical team training with some fairly extended physical stuff. Just make sure the rotating hood (if you get the Level III) works and the ALS thumb-release button works (the condition of the inside of the holster is more important than any scuffs or dings on the outside). Also, you'll want to end up using some Lock-Tite on all the screws to make sure none ever loosen and get lost.

Finally, your footwear is probably the most important piece of gear you'll use, other than any firearm you choose. A $300 pair of Danners (which can be re-soled and last for years) over the $25 on-sale RG boots from Big 5 will save you a lifetime of foot, knee, hip and back problems. Nothing worse than the last few hours of third watch on a dreary mid-week day, watching the clock waiting for 0600 when your feet and your back are killing you ...

When I worked outside I wore nothing but danners but now I'm a desk jockey so no need for danners at the moment.

6360 VS 7360--what's the difference? I couldn't really find anything online between them other than all those cuts and the 73 is all plastic. I found a ton of 6360 on ebay and it seems some websites don't even carry 6360 anymore. I hate that tacticool crap on the 7360 but if its an upgrade I could deal with it.

What's your opinion of starting out with a 6360 and TRL 1 or wait until I'm done with the academy?

 

[Old Dog]

As far as I've been able to ascertain, the difference is solely the cosmetics (the 7360 tries for the "modern" tactical look while the 6360 goes for the smooth, molded faux-leather appearance). The TLR-1 is a great light, best out there for the buck, and the HL update is freakin' awesome.

What's your opinion of starting out with a 6360 and TRL 1 or wait until I'm done with the academy?

Well, this combo is presently serving a lot of folks who carry a pistol for a living, doing serious business, at home and abroad.

 

[Axis II]

As far as I've been able to ascertain, the difference is solely the cosmetics (the 7360 tries for the "modern" tactical look while the 6360 goes for the smooth, molded faux-leather appearance). The TLR-1 is a great light, best out there for the buck, and the HL update is freakin' awesome.
Well, this combo is presently serving a lot of folks who carry a pistol for a living, doing serious business, at home and abroad.

I would go with high lumen TRL1. I played with the original and high lumen and HL is pretty awesome!

I also agree with the sleeker, less tactical look of the original 6360. One thing I found online is its a little lighter in weight and less bulk.

 

[bearcreek]

If I was in your position, I would think going to a police supply would be the best option. Nothing wrong with EBay for a loafing gun, but one that you are going to depend on for survival and to prevent any litigation, I would rather have a new one that meets your dept. Requirements.

He's not talking about buying a gun on Ebay, he 's talking about buying a holster to use at police academy.

My understanding is that a lot of the holsters for sale on Ebay are police or military surplus. You can go on some of the government auction sites and buy pallet loads yourself if you feel like. Like this, https://www.govdeals.com/?fa=Main.Item&itemid=1347&acctid=383 for example.

 

[herrwalther]

Doesn't the academy mandate which holster you use? I carried a Safariland 6280 for 2 years. I loved it but everyone I worked with hated it.

Not all the time. When I was in law enforcement the guidance (because they don't issue a thing except a badge) was "don't get (cheap) crap" for equipment. I thought there were going to be all sorts of rules about gun be X caliber or holster have level Y retention. Not the case at all.

There are lots of fake products on ebay. Not just for guns but for anything. And when it comes to firearms, I would not want to spend any money on something that has the high potential for failure. Do some practice with the SERPA until you are more comfortable. Worry about better equipment once you start getting a paycheck.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would be looking for a department that buys equipment. My department furnished everything but socks and underwear. Toward the end, they even issued cool undershirts to be worn under the vest.

 

[Axis II]

I would be looking for a department that buys equipment. My department furnished everything but socks and underwear. Toward the end, they even issued cool undershirts to be worn under the vest.

About 98% of depts. now require you to already have your academy done through an open enrollment process and most guys tend to work for the smaller villages because if we don't find a job within 1yr it expires. The villages require your own equipment other than the vehicle, radio and badge but the larger depts. issue everything. My plan is if i cannot find a large dept full time spot is to work for the village part time until something better comes along.

 

[bearcreek]

About 98% of depts. now require you to already have your academy done through an open enrollment process

I assume you're talking about just Ohio here? There are at least a few states that don't have open enrollment academies at all so I doubt this is true nation wide.

 

[Axis II]

I assume you're talking about just Ohio here? There are at least a few states that don't have open enrollment academies at all so I doubt this is true nation wide.

Yes I meant Ohio. Sorry!

 

[sean m]

He's not talking about buying a gun on Ebay, he 's talking about buying a holster to use at police academy.

My understanding is that a lot of the holsters for sale on Ebay are police or military surplus. You can go on some of the government auction sites and buy pallet loads yourself if you feel like. Like this, https://www.govdeals.com/?fa=Main.Item&itemid=1347&acctid=383 for example.

That part I understood, perhaps my choice of words were poor. I meant I would consider an used holster from eBay acceptable for a gun not used for self defense or for use as with a duty weapon. I did not mean for it to be construed about purchasing a firearm from ebay.

 

[Jenrick]

What gun are you looking for a holster for? I literally have a big cardboard box in the closet in my study full of duty holsters from doing this (LE) for a while. I'll throw in a flat rate box free of charge if I've got one you're looking for. Else they're just taking up space. I imagine a lot of the holsters on Ebay come from a similar circumstances. Civilian buyers don't want a duty holster, most cops don't need one without the gun in it. So unless you sell the gun to another cop you're stuck with the holster just sitting there.

The 6360 is a solid holster, what's on my patrol rig currently (I teach full time at our academy). Regardless what you use be comfortable with it. I prefer the basic TLR-1 over the HL as you don't have to worry about the strobe option. Strob'ing is a great idea that works horribly in practical application, I avoid it like the plague. LE lights need a momentary on/off and a constant on. Any other function for a light you'll use in a tactical situation is a recipe for disaster. I say this coming from 6 years of evenings and nights, and another 5 years teaching low light as one of our primary firearms and tactics instructors. I personally recommend spending the money on light and night sights now. If you wait you'll probably skip it. There is no feeling in the world like wanting a piece of gear in the middle of a call, that provides a real world increase in your chances of survival, and not having it because you cheap'ed out.