The GOOD DEALs and INTERESTING find thread!

[Diamondback]

Mini-review on Safariland 6004SS-53-552--take into account most of my life and career has been spent with a cheap Uncle Mike's POS, so this is from a "n00b POV":

Second try ordering one of these... and it was worth the fight! Once you get things dialed in (which admittedly takes a little work but you get the hang of Safariland's adjustment system quick) adjusting it to fit you, it STAYS PUT in both the straps, the holster and until you release the thumb-break the sidearm in it--I was actually able to adjust my belt including 10lbs of keys and other stuff in my pants pockets just by grabbing the grip in holster and using it as a handle. Push-down-and-pivot retention system takes a little practice, but once you get used to it your pistol isn't leaving holster until YOU want it to but once you make the decision and flick your thumb it's quickly accessed.

TL/DR: Would enthusiastically buy this again!

If anyone else out there's built an M45-style carry rig, what all else am I missing to go with this, belt and the two mag pouches?

[Stickman]

Mini-review on Safariland 6004SS-53-552--take into account most of my life and career has been spent with a cheap Uncle Mike's POS, so this is from a "n00b POV":

Second try ordering one of these... and it was worth the fight! Once you get things dialed in (which admittedly takes a little work but you get the hang of Safariland's adjustment system quick) adjusting it to fit you, it STAYS PUT in both the straps, the holster and until you release the thumb-break the sidearm in it--I was actually able to adjust my belt including 10lbs of keys and other stuff in my pants pockets just by grabbing the grip in holster and using it as a handle. Push-down-and-pivot retention system takes a little practice, but once you get used to it your pistol isn't leaving holster until YOU want it to but once you make the decision and flick your thumb it's quickly accessed.

TL/DR: Would enthusiastically buy this again!

If anyone else out there's built an M45-style carry rig, what all else am I missing to go with this, belt and the two mag pouches?

Are you asking about a belt for training and the woods? Or are you asking about a duty belt?

I use and strongly prefer the Safariland 6004 style holster, and have them on 6 or more belt setups. Some belts are for different guns, and some have more equipment while others are much less. Some have harnesses, and some don't.

I think its all a matter of what you are looking to do, but whatever it is, those holsters are solid.

[Diamondback]

Stick, this is trying to build up a "Teaching Rig" for the "now" half of "Then vs Now" hands-on learning sessions. (The lesson-plan being "kit out like a Guadalcanal Marine and fire his Garand and 1911 in a representative course of fire, then repeat with today's gear and the M4* as a counterpoint, then write a compare-and-contrast paper." I think we've previously discussed my teaching philosophy of "get the student as close as possible to walking in a participant's boots without actually putting them in any danger," though some might have trouble seeing a difference between learning-by-doing and LARPing Timmy.) I have the parts list for the Marine Individual Assault Kit the 6004 is issued as part of, the sticky part is trying to learn how all the pieces go together and connect to the FILBE gear aside from obv the top-strap going around the belt.
*Functionally the M45A1 is still the same WWII 1911 in all the important ways, so I'm comfortable using the same pistol for both halves of the exercise.

Good Deal related: Somehow, after an asschewing over their previous botch where some shitbird in the warehouse swapped a 6004 for USP into the 1911 6004 zipper-bag, they made me an offer of $80 price if I'd give them a second chance. (They refused to publish my review, but I know they read it because the offer was below what I'd quoted as my "MAYBE I'll give it a second chance with you guys if you come in below X, otherwise I'm gonna call Safariland direct and see if they have one shelfwarming.")

[Stickman]

Stick, this is trying to build up a "Teaching Rig" for the "now" half of "Then vs Now" hands-on learning sessions. (The lesson-plan being "kit out like a Guadalcanal Marine and fire his Garand and 1911 in a representative course of fire, then repeat with today's gear and the M4* as a counterpoint, then write a compare-and-contrast paper." I think we've previously discussed my teaching philosophy of "get the student as close as possible to walking in a participant's boots without actually putting them in any danger," though some might have trouble seeing a difference between learning-by-doing and LARPing Timmy.) I have the parts list for the Marine Individual Assault Kit the 6004 is issued as part of, the sticky part is trying to learn how all the pieces go together and connect to the FILBE gear aside from obv the top-strap going around the belt.
*Functionally the M45A1 is still the same WWII 1911 in all the important ways, so I'm comfortable using the same pistol for both halves of the exercise.

Good Deal related: Somehow, after an asschewing over their previous botch where some shitbird in the warehouse swapped a 6004 for USP into the 1911 6004 zipper-bag, they made me an offer of $80 price if I'd give them a second chance. (They refused to publish my review, but I know they read it because the offer was below what I'd quoted as my "MAYBE I'll give it a second chance with you guys if you come in below X, otherwise I'm gonna call Safariland direct and see if they have one shelfwarming.")

Don't discount eBay, I've picked up most of my holsters from them for around $20-25 each.

I think the below holster was $18. A little paint, and its not a cop holster anymore. A different color paint, and it will play well with this setup.

[Diamondback]

Don't discount eBay, I've picked up most of my holsters from them for around $20-25 each.

I think the below holster was $18. A little paint, and its not a cop holster anymore. A different color paint, and it will play well with this setup.

That a Blackhawk Serpa?

Good point to keep in mind when I go looking for the right-hand counterpart; I'm a southpaw and we get the shaft every time on holsters. (AR, the only ambi accommodation I need is a safety: I work the CH, bolt release and mag catch with my right hand, never taking my left off the grip.)

For the record, I'm obligated to note this isn't some kind of "USMC Cult Worship" thing; they simply offered me the most information about their equipment and training courses-of-fire. If the Army had edged them out I'd be designing Ardennes-vs-Iraq lesson plans similarly, and I still hope to draw those up since each theater and adversary brought its own unique challenges.

[Stickman]

That a Blackhawk Serpa?

No, I won't touch a serpa....

[Diamondback]

No, I won't touch a serpa....

My bad... still have quite a bit to learn about "modern" holsters, I still prefer old-school leather made the old-fashioned way for my own use.

[czgunner]

No, I won't touch a serpa....

Good call. Saw one at a class get jammed with a tiny pebble and the shooter could not draw his weapon. Never had an issue with Safariland.

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[vandal5]

No, I won't touch a serpa....

Was painful, over the weekend we were at the annual Santa's pancake breakfast our town does. One of the officers there (younger guy) had a serpa. Feel like I should have said something.


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[vandal5]

Don't discount eBay, I've picked up most of my holsters from them for around $20-25 each.

I think the below holster was $18. A little paint, and its not a cop holster anymore. A different color paint, and it will play well with this setup.

Hey Stick,
Did you paint this holster or buy it like that?


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