Holsters

[mffjm8509]

Has anyone found or seen a holster that mounts horizontally accross body armor?

I'm looking for something to wear that allows for a cross draw while riding in a vehicle and can access my drop holster very well.

mp

[Razor]

Well, there are several options to make this happen. First off, you can go the expensive route and get the Paraclete 'taco' holster, which provides a user-adjustable cant, but costs around $95 (you can probably get it for much less through GSA, though). The drawback of this (besides price and availability) is that with the holster mounted horizontally, there won't be as much secured Velcro between holster body and 'taco' attachment panel. Check out Lightfighter.com for a good picture of this holster.

Next, you could contact Gene at High Speed Gear and order his horizontal PALS holster. Its specifically made for horizontal carry (I've attached a pic, as I didn't see one on his website) and PALS attachment. Not sure on availability or price on this one. Downside is possible limited availability, and you're fixed at horizontal carry only.

Another option is the Tactical Tailor modular holster. Yes, I know its set up for vertical carry, but if you weave some MALICE clips through the vertical webbing on your vest or plate carrier, you can now mount the holster on the MALICE clips, making it horizontal. Drawbacks are extra bulk and weight due to the additional MALICE clips, and possible retention problems (not sure how well the pistol would ride in the holster as the retention strap is made for vertical security).

One other option would be to contact a custom gear maker, and have him sew up a PALS panel adapter that allows you to mount gear horizontally on vertically oriented PALS webbing. Then you could use any PALS compatible holster to solve your orientation issue. Drawbacks are the same as those for the TT jury rig idea above (extra bulk and retention). There are a few of us here that could do that for you pretty easily.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

[mffjm8509]

Thanks Razor,

That HSG photo looks similar in design to the parclete one. I've tossed around the idea of rigging a TT model on, and I may end up doing that. I've written both paraclete and HSG now, and hope to get something back from them soon.

I've looked into the paraclete model before, (with no answer back from them on accually HOW it mounts w/ the velcro). The photo on lightfighter.com is kind of vauge, and obviously I dont want to rely on velcro for retention.

Diamondback also has a plate that is adaptable to the safariland 6004 holster. It rivets to the plate adn the plate attaches to the front of the armor. I havent been able to take a close up look at that system as of yet.

As ussuall, I've waited until nearly the last minute to make yet another change to the kit. I should've started on this when I came back from my site survey a couple of weeks ago. :o

mp

[Smokin Joe]

mffjm8509,

Just throwing ideas out b/c you are short on time. How about lacing a standard belt slide holster horizontally through your malic channels with a malice clip?

It might be a temp fix until you can get what your looking for.

[mffjm8509]

I may go that route w/ one of our old eagle thigh rigs. With some modification I can probably ziptie it through the molle loops.

I'm hoping to find a GP holster that will accept both the beretta as well as a 1911 as thats the pistol we are attempting to transition to. I'll have to check the fit of the Eagle holster in the team gear locker.

thanks,
mp

mffjm8509,

Just throwing ideas out b/c you are short on time. How about lacing a standard belt slide holster horizontally through your malic channels with a malice clip?

It might be a temp fix until you can get what your looking for.

[eggroll]

FWIW

the HSG holster is roughly equivalent in price to the Paraclete, BUT the quality and robustness of design and construction is in the HSG court.

Good luck in your search.

[El Cid]

I figured it was best to revive an old thread on the same subject vice starting a new one. :)

Anyway, I have left active duty to work in LE and the raid vest/body armor we get issued has MOLLE strips on it. Because we will be in vehicles quite a bit I am leaning toward a holster that will mount on the vest rather than the thigh.

I think I have it narrowed down to either the BDS (SOE) holster or the Blade-Tech. They both mount the weapon at a 45 degree angle for ease of draw (I have long arms). Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with either? I searched the pro gear forum and found neither mentioned.

Thanks in advance.

Kev

BDS Holster (http://www.bdstacticalgear.com/pd_bds_tactical_modular_holster.cfm)

Blade-Tech Holster (http://www.blade-tech.com/Tactical-Chest-Rig-pr-970.html)

[NousDefionsDoc]

I would go with Blade-Tech, I have some of their products and they are great. I would be worried about BDS customer service - now.

[Team Sergeant]

Each and every time we went on a mission and geared up we did a number of individual equipment checks. One of those equipment inspections was a “noise” check.
Nylon easily passes the noise check, kydex on the other hand would not.

I'd stick with nylon or leather for a couple of reasons. It does not make noise. Trust me, there is nothing "tactical" about thumping a holster against something and it making a noise like a drum.

Also, nylon and leather does not "bounce" off objects like the kydex. The first time you land on a kydex holster let me know.......Kydex does not “give”.

Kydex is great for the "game" shooters where noise, being non-tactical and never landing on ones holster is a way of life. I own a couple of Blade Tec holsters and they are the best made kydex holsters on the market. I wear them on the range while I'm teaching or fun shooting.

I wore a tanker holster while I was doing bodyguard work. It never got in the way while getting in and out of cars. You are a LEO, save comfort for the civilians. If it’s not practical, tactical and scream “Speed, Surprise and Violence of Action” it ain’t worth dropping your hard earned money on.


TS

(Someone is going to make a lot of money "re-inventing" the tanker holster. Ever wonder why the tankers wore those holsters????;))

[NousDefionsDoc]

I agree with the TS 100%. Kydex will not pass the sound check. My reply above was a simple answer to your query on those two specific options.

There are several companies that make nylon for this purpose. Eggroll can also fashion you one if you can wait.

Given a choice, I would much rather go face down on nylon than kydex.
Another thing to consider is the versatility - often you can fit a different pistol in soft nylon - kydex is not as adaptable in my experience - for example, I can use almost any nylon I have for either the G19 or G17. My Bladetech G19 will not hold the G17 - much to my disappointment.

[Team Sergeant]

Another thing to consider is the versatility - often you can fit a different pistol in soft nylon -


I was going to make the same point and forgot.:rolleyes: I carried a Beretta 9mm in that tanker holster during the war......

Thanks NDD.

TS

[El Cid]

Thanks for the quick replies gentlemen! :)

I am not stuck on the two holsters I posted... they just seem to be the best fit. If you have other suggestions please fire away. I agree about the noise and impact side of plastic. I see so many 6004s out there though I figured it wasn't that big of a deal.

I did find these that appear nice, but I'm not sure I'll like the vertical position. Has anyone tried this 45 degree adapter (http://www.lightfighter.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=TT-080!005&csurl=/istar.asp?a%3D29)? I have to wonder how secure and tight a holster will be with multiple mountings.

Tactical Tailor (http://www.lightfighter.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=TT-046!005&csurl=/istar.asp?a%3D3%26dept%3DHOLSTE%26class%3DMOLHOL%2 6sortby%3D%26numperpage%3D28)

Blackwater Gear (http://www.blackwatergear.com/pc-49-5-universal-holster-with-molle-adjustability-system.aspx)

Looking at Eggroll's site gives me prices, but no pics or detailed descriptions and (just my luck) SKD's website is down for improvements. After re-reading Razor's post above I may need to get more creative. As it is nobody seems to make holsters (or other Molle gear) in navy blue which is the color of our vests.

Thanks again.

Kev

[eggroll]

yes... I am in the process of transitioning my websites to reflect some direction changes.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask. What type of pistol? What is the desired placement location, interefering equipment/magazines, how well does the vest rig flex with confined space movement?

EGG

[Smokin Joe]

Kev,

Also nylon won't break in extreme cold or get as bogged down with dirt.

[El Cid]

Thanks gents. So, folks have had kydex gear crack or break in cold weather? I am being assigned some place tropical so that is not a worry for now.

Egg, the weapon is a G22. I want it just to the left of my belly button on the front of the vest. Not quite in the center, but definitely not under my left arm. I'd also like it at a 45 degree or so angle. Must have a thumbbreak.

The vest doesn't flex much. It is a concealable level IIIA that we stuff inside a carrier that has thick, soft trauma plates. As for other equipment... I'll have a radio pouch, ASP baton pouch, cuff pouch, pistol magazine pouch and most likely a mag pouch for a shoulder weapon. Problem is... I don't know where it will be placed as using the Molle setup is all new to me. I am thinking I need to leave enough room to have the M4/MP5 magazine pouch to the left of the holster (as I look at it) since I am right handed. I don't know that the other pouches will matter much so long as I can reach them. Of course the first time I go on a "real" arrest I may decide to move everything. Sucks starting from scratch again. :)

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks gents. So, folks have had kydex gear crack or break in cold weather? I am being assigned some place tropical so that is not a worry for now.



I have seen dirt freeze a weapon in a kydex holster and I have seen kydex crack due to extreme cold.

I still like kydex for certain things but nylon is more forgiving.

[ctlist]

This man makes a Kydex type that configures in various places/angles depending on what you order, but once configured, it stays that way. Left side/Right side/butt up/butt down/chest rigs, etc. If you talk with him about it, he may be able to suggest ways to make the configuration more flexible for you = additional harness, etc.

I own one of these, and the comments on Kydex are correct, this holster is noisey. If you have a need to be quiet - this isn't the way to go.

survivalsheath.com/holsters/index.htm

Am not entirely certain this will fit your requirements, but it may give you some ideas.

Scroll down to Chest Rigs at the bottom of the holsters page.

Good luck.

Chris

[Team Sergeant]

This man makes a Kydex type that configures in various places/angles depending on what you order, but once configured, it stays that way. Left side/Right side/butt up/butt down/chest rigs, etc. If you talk with him about it, he may be able to suggest ways to make the configuration more flexible for you = additional harness, etc.

survivalsheath.com/holsters/index.htm

Am not entirely certain this will fit your requirements, but it may give you some ideas.

Scroll down to Chest Rigs at the bottom of the holsters page.

Good luck.

Chris

Chris, re-read the rules before you post again.

Team Sergeant

[Gene Econ]

I was going to make the same point and forgot.:rolleyes: I carried a Beretta 9mm in that tanker holster during the war......Thanks NDD.TS

TS:

I carried my Beretta in that shit hole Haiti in the Tankers Holster I got while in the 24th ID some years earlier with a issued 1911 (not an 1911A1). Had to cut it some for the Beretta to fit but it did fit and I still have that holster.

Folks short change that Tankers Holster but it certainly was comfortable and easy to get to the pistol while seated. I believe that type of holster could be across the chest and also rigged for underarm wear.

I believe that if I had to wear the body armor today and if I were issued a pistol then I would try to rig that old Tankers holster as kind of a cross chest draw thing on my body armor. Fact is that with the body armor, it is real hard to reach a holster hanging anywhere below the bottom of the vest / body armor. Front and back plates really restrict a guy.

I have seen more than a few cross draw holsters fitted to the front of the issued body armor though. All were Kydex from Blade Tech but that goes with the territory around here as you can imagine. Logan Coffey doesn't make a true cross draw rig for the body armor vest.

FWIW

Gene

[Team Sergeant]

Folks short change that Tankers Holster but it certainly was comfortable and easy to get to the pistol while seated. I believe that type of holster could be across the chest and also rigged for underarm wear.

Gene


My point exactly, it was comfortable and didn't catch on anything, hence the name "Tankers Holster". It worked great in closed spaces and in and out of vehicles. I'd wear it again in combat......

TS

[kgoerz]

I purchased a couple of Black Hawk Serpa holsters. One for my Glock 17 I use at work and the other for my 1911 Kimber. After getting use to not having a hood to rotate down it is quicker on the draw. The Rail System on the holster platform is very useful for Magazine attachments and the M6 Light seen in the photo. The double drop leg straps add to the stability of the holster, especially when running. Only draw back is the release button is very sensitive. I can see it accidentally getting pushed in when you are in a cramped environment and the Pistol falling out. Other then that It's an excellent holster. Anyone else been using Black Hawks new Serpa Holster?

[The Reaper]

Anyone else been using Black Hawks new Serpa Holster?

No, but there is a post here somewhere about how sand and mud can lock one up, IIRC.

TR

[Team Sergeant]

No, but there is a post here somewhere about how sand and mud can lock one up, IIRC.

TR


And here it is.....

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8774

[kgoerz]

I thought about that happening and wanted to take the Holster apart but was afraid I would never get it back together right. Every time I clean my Pistol I always clean out the Holster using an Air hose. Hopefully that will reduce the risk of it locking up. I know there are a lot of people who are not too fond of Black Hawk but the Company I work for has been donating and using their gear for over three years and it has held together under some pretty harsh usage. I have only delt with customer service on two occasions and had no problems. I believe the Company went with Black Hawk Products because at that time they were the only ones who could mass produce equipment in the several hundreds at the time. No I don't work for Black Hawk or have any affiliation with them.