Safariland 6004/6005 pictures, Drop Leg

[wake.joe]

Been using a Blackhawk Serpa for a few years, and have never used anything else.

The serpa has never given me any trouble, but I'd like to try a Safariland. Using a 1911 without a rail.

But, does anyone have any action shots of it? The angle the holster sits on the thigh platform looks odd to me, and I don't want to waist 150 bucks on something that isn't going to be comfortable.

Any opinions on the matter, or should I just stick with a serpa?

[Failure2Stop]

I have used and loved the 6004 for many years (as much as one can love a thigh-holster at least).

The only "Con" of the 6004 vs Serpa is that the Serpa is undoubtedly faster.
Enter the Safariland ALS series of holsters.
They are every bit as fast as a Serpa (arguably faster since the Serpa requires a little push down to ensure that the gun clears plastic) with the build quality of Safariland.

If retention is of lower priority than draw speed I would recommend one of the ALS holsters over the 6004 SLS type holsters.
I am currently using a 6378 (IIRC) with the hood removed, mounted on a 1.5" drop attached to a Specter belt under a Specter MOLLE/PALS overbelt. It is lightning fast, works when wearing armor and fully jocked up, and doesn't make my leg sweat.

The ALS holsters are economical (around $55, another $15 for a 1.5" drop platform- total ~$70 +shipping), and the 1.5" drop off a belt is better than a thigh holster for many reasons.

If retention is of a higher priority, the Serpa would have to be disregarded as well, making the comparision irrelevant.

My .02, but I spent a whole lot more than that coming to my conclusion.

[JSantoro]

Agreed, regarding the ALS line. Having a SERPA release get jammed by a small piece of gravel at exactly the wrong moment swore me off of those things unless there was nothing else available.

I swap a Safariland 6378 for each pistol of mine (a 1911 and an M&P .45) off of a HSGI Universal Drop Holster Platform, as needed. The only thing close to an issue I've ever had was the slides getting pushed back a bit while re-holstering, but that was easily dealt with by keeping my thumb on the back of the slide while re-holstering until the holster was properly adjusted/broken in.

I'm still playing with the belt drop F2S mentioned. I like how it rides for the same reasons, but the leg strap on my drop-leg platform keeps the belt from getting pulled up on the draw. Work in progress.

[shooter521]

I'm currently using a 6320 ALS holster for my G17/M2 combo, mounted to my ALS War Belt using the standard mid-ride loop. It has worked very well, even when I'm wearing my plate carrier. I experimented with the 1.5" drop, but found it put the holster too low for my liking. I have a 6320 for my G34/35 with M2 on order; it should work with my G17 suppressor host (extended/threaded barrel), as well.

When concealment isn't a priority, I wear my G23 in a 6378 ALS paddle holster.

I'm a fan. :cool:

I have a friend who uses a 6305, which is the thigh rig with the ALS lock *and* the SLS rotating hood. He likes it, but the dual release motion takes a little getting used to.

[Rickenbacker53]

I'm currently using a 6320 ALS holster for my G17/M2 combo, mounted to my ALS War Belt using the standard mid-ride loop. It has worked very well, even when I'm wearing my plate carrier. I experimented with the 1.5" drop, but found it put the holster too low for my liking. I have a 6320 for my G34/35 with M2 on order; it should work with my G17 suppressor host (extended/threaded barrel), as well.

When concealment isn't a priority, I wear my G23 in a 6378 ALS paddle holster.

I'm a fan. :cool:

I have a friend who uses a 6305, which is the thigh rig with the ALS lock *and* the SLS rotating hood. He likes it, but the dual release motion takes a little getting used to.

I just bought the 6305 and also the 6360 to see which one I liked best. I am not sure but the 6360 seems to be better quality holster than the 6305. Both have the SLS and ALS setup. The perfect setup would be a 6360 or 20 holster attached to a 6005-10 small leg shroud.

I have owned a 6378 and dumped it because my gun was loose inside. (M&P 4.25 inch)

Just my opinion. It also seems like a strap around my leg would make fast running more difficult than a UBL.

The Safariland 6004 series are more popular because of looks - but the UBL series I feel is more functional for real life.

[wake.joe]

Deleted

[Rickenbacker53]

How tight do the guns rest in the holsters?

I'll be doing a lot of running and climbing, and don't want the gun rattling back and forth. Doesn't hurt anything, but it's an annoying distraction none the less.

I'll also be wearing it higher up on the hip. Even my serpa, the top "Strap" is so loose, just because I have to angle it down like a climbing rig to fit around my leg. Thought about removing it, but never have.

Thanks for the valued input. I'll go try one on! :D

I am hoping the sls hood helps hold the weapon tighter. The gun isn't going anywhere with the ALS system, however in the 6378 it wasn't very tight. If you run the gun jiggles around.

[BushmasterFanBoy]

How tight do the guns rest in the holsters?

I'll be doing a lot of running and climbing, and don't want the gun rattling back and forth. Doesn't hurt anything, but it's an annoying distraction none the less.

I'll also be wearing it higher up on the hip. Even my serpa, the top "Strap" is so loose, just because I have to angle it down like a climbing rig to fit around my leg. Thought about removing it, but never have.

Thanks for the valued input. I'll go try one on! :D

You adjust the tightness by means of an allen screw on the holster, you can get it very tight, I prefer mine to be a bit on the loose side, as I'm never running it without retention.

[JSantoro]

I had to loosen mine up.

[Rickenbacker53]

You adjust the tightness by means of an allen screw on the holster, you can get it very tight, I prefer mine to be a bit on the loose side, as I'm never running it without retention. That's what I am saying. With just the ALS retention the gun bounces some. If you tighten it so it doesn't you can't draw the gun. I am hoping with the SLS hood it will hold it in place more. Not to mention I bought it from Midway (6378) I think they send you one that fits a Glock 20,21 as well. Maybe if I got the real holster to fit the M&P it would be great.

[wake.joe]

Deleted

[scottryan]

That's what I am saying. With just the ALS retention the gun bounces some. If you tighten it so it doesn't you can't draw the gun.



I don't believe that.

My ALS can be as loose or as tight as I want. I can have it hold the gun solid but still draw the gun.

I can have it so tight where it will push the slide back when I reholster.

I can also have it loose so the gun might have 1/8 inch of play.

You need to adjust the adjustment screws on the holster and tweak it for your liking.

[Rickenbacker53]

I don't believe that.

My ALS can be as loose or as tight as I want. I can have it hold the gun solid but still draw the gun.

I can have it so tight where it will push the slide back when I reholster.

I can also have it loose so the gun might have 1/8 inch of play.

You need to adjust the adjustment screws on the holster and tweak it for your liking.
Like I said, I think Midway sent mt a Glock 6378 instead of one for a M&P. It fits, but not really

[wake.joe]

Well, I got my Safariland.

I went into Leed's in Oregon City (www.leedway.com) and asked about the Safarilands.

Didn't want to pay as much for the full drop-leg ALS holster, and he didn't have any non ALS for my 1911 in stock. So, he got out a "used" 6004, hood-only holster. A local PD dropped them into him, because the ambi-saftey on their Kimbers didn't fit in the holster. So used, but basically new, holster. He sold me the holster piece for 20 dollars, and opened up the package from the ALS holster, and sold me just the thigh rig, for 85 dollars.

So I ended up with a basically new 6004 holster, on a quick-release buckle leg rig, mounted and out the door for 99.99. :)

First thoughts; It's very sturdy. I haven't decided if it's more or less comfortable than my Serpa. I definitely see the advantage of Blackhawks dual-belt-loop system. However, the Safariland is less complicated. No adjusting for different style pants (Belt loop placement), what I might be wearing under my uniform (Underarmor, regular boxers, nothing at all..), or even if I just need to shift it forward while in a vehicle.

The thigh platform itself is much lower profile. I can sit without the rig resting uncomfortably on the seat. However, the holster itself is very robust, and sits away from my leg a great distance. So far, it appears to only be from my first-person visual angle. I haven't bumped it on any doors or anything, yet. But the single thick strap to the belt is very stiff, and made it uncomfortable to low-crawl across a field across the street. Not impossible, but I definitely had to fight the holster.

Now, onto a tossup. Inside the holster, there is a suede "lining". I assume this is not only to protect the finish on my gun, but to hold it steadier too. It succeeds in both. But, I don't mind about the finish on my gun (Good tools are used tools.), and I think the retention would be fine without it. However, the gun is not going ANYWHERE unless I remove it myself. I think, even if I left the hood down, the gun would not flip out of the holster.

This lining also makes for a noticeably slower draw. Trying to pull the gun straight out, it's almost "locked in". If I rest just my fingers on the front-strap of the gun, I can NOT pull it out. It lifts the holster on my leg. However, if I give just a slight "twist" to the grip (Pulling the muzzle of the gun away from my leg, and pushing on the backstrap of the gun with my palm), it clears fairly easily. It's still noticeably slower, but if I were to ever not quite get the hood latched all the way, I doubt the gun would go anywhere.

So, in review; Serpa is a much faster draw. I will continue to use a Serpa on my belt. But, I do not worry about my sidearm while in the Safariland holster. I put it in, and I could literally forget about it. Sometimes with the Serpa, I would reach down "Just to check". I would imagine, with some rounds down range, the Safariland will start to prove fast enough over time. I've played with it for about an hour. I've been using my Serpa Mon-Thurs for two years. I don't think it will ever be as fast as a Serpa, but I bet I could get close.

I haven't decided which is more comfortable. I'll let you know (my personal opinion) Monday evening when I get home.

[Rickenbacker53]

Well, I got my Safariland.

I went into Leed's in Oregon City (www.leedway.com) and asked about the Safarilands.

Didn't want to pay as much for the full drop-leg ALS holster, and he didn't have any non ALS for my 1911 in stock. So, he got out a "used" 6004, hood-only holster. A local PD dropped them into him, because the ambi-saftey on their Kimbers didn't fit in the holster. So used, but basically new, holster. He sold me the holster piece for 20 dollars, and opened up the package from the ALS holster, and sold me just the thigh rig, for 85 dollars.

So I ended up with a basically new 6004 holster, on a quick-release buckle leg rig, mounted and out the door for 99.99. :)

First thoughts; It's very sturdy. I haven't decided if it's more or less comfortable than my Serpa. I definitely see the advantage of Blackhawks dual-belt-loop system. However, the Safariland is less complicated. No adjusting for different style pants (Belt loop placement), what I might be wearing under my uniform (Underarmor, regular boxers, nothing at all..), or even if I just need to shift it forward while in a vehicle.

The thigh platform itself is much lower profile. I can sit without the rig resting uncomfortably on the seat. However, the holster itself is very robust, and sits away from my leg a great distance. So far, it appears to only be from my first-person visual angle. I haven't bumped it on any doors or anything, yet. But the single thick strap to the belt is very stiff, and made it uncomfortable to low-crawl across a field across the street. Not impossible, but I definitely had to fight the holster.

Now, onto a tossup. Inside the holster, there is a suede "lining". I assume this is not only to protect the finish on my gun, but to hold it steadier too. It succeeds in both. But, I don't mind about the finish on my gun (Good tools are used tools.), and I think the retention would be fine without it. However, the gun is not going ANYWHERE unless I remove it myself. I think, even if I left the hood down, the gun would not flip out of the holster.

This lining also makes for a noticeably slower draw. Trying to pull the gun straight out, it's almost "locked in". If I rest just my fingers on the front-strap of the gun, I can NOT pull it out. It lifts the holster on my leg. However, if I give just a slight "twist" to the grip (Pulling the muzzle of the gun away from my leg, and pushing on the backstrap of the gun with my palm), it clears fairly easily. It's still noticeably slower, but if I were to ever not quite get the hood latched all the way, I doubt the gun would go anywhere.

So, in review; Serpa is a much faster draw. I will continue to use a Serpa on my belt. But, I do not worry about my sidearm while in the Safariland holster. I put it in, and I could literally forget about it. Sometimes with the Serpa, I would reach down "Just to check". I would imagine, with some rounds down range, the Safariland will start to prove fast enough over time. I've played with it for about an hour. I've been using my Serpa Mon-Thurs for two years. I don't think it will ever be as fast as a Serpa, but I bet I could get close.

I haven't decided which is more comfortable. I'll let you know (my personal opinion) Monday evening when I get home. Nice review. I have no experience with just the SLS set up. ALS on the other hand with an SLS hood is the best of both worlds. As mentioned earlier I purchased both a UBL Holster and a 6305 Tactical. Both coming with the ALS and SLS hood. From the sounds of your draw experiences. The extra money for the ALS system would have been well worth the extra funds. I am thinking the 6305 is a better all around set-up. The holster strap to you leg is easier to sit with and running isn't to bad. The 1 1/2 " drop on the ubl makes riding in a vehicle awkward at best. The mid-ride seems a better choice for UBL.

My plans are to return the 6365 an keep the 6305 than purchase just the UBL attachment so I can play around some. I see guys modifying the 6005 or 04 shroud not sure if I like that idea. Will have to play with the straps some to see.