WTB: Safariland 6004 - XD 45 Compact w/ TLR-2

[WTA_Delta]

I need help finding a holster for an XD 45 Compact w/ TLR-2 attached. Ideally I would like to carry it in a thigh rig set up, preferably Kydex, so naturally I'm looking at Bladetech, BHI SERPA, and Safariland 6000 series.

The only manufacture to date that looks like that offers this set up is Safariland, but searching online has come to no avail.

I found a website, www.copquest.com, but by calling them I find they do not have it in stock and would take approximately a month.

Has anyone had any luck, or is more up to date with the Kydex thigh holster market for the XD that could guide me in the right direction?

[WTA_Delta]

This weekend I stumbled on a local retailer, Sportsmans Warehouse, that sells the SERPA holster for the XD, and the thigh rig component for under $100.

Though I was really looking for something that could accommodate my XD and the TLR-2, this will have to be a temporary rig until Safariland and other Kydex manufacturers get up to speed making a holster that can fit various light/laser accessories for our "babies".

But this is also one good investment. I essentially get three platforms with one holster between hip, paddle, and thigh. Whats more impressive as I could simply buy a another SERPA holster for another handgun, attach it to the thigh rig, and get an the same amazing retention that is fast, secure and safe on a robust & stable thigh rig.

Im glad I didn't purchase the Safariland 6004 now, as I wouldn't have that versality I would find with BHI's SERPA. I only hope that BHI will produce a SERPA for an XD w/ TLR-2.

[DCSOXD40]

+1 For the SERPA. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. I have all three platforms (hip, thigh, and shoulder) and couldn't be happier.

[Wombatman]

The Safariland holsters have the same versatility. The holster body is held to the mount by three screws. You can get duty belt, drop-leg, paddle, and belt loop mounts separately.

[WTA_Delta]

Originally Posted by Wombatman

The Safariland holsters have the same versatility. The holster body is held to the mount by three screws. You can get duty belt, drop-leg, paddle, and belt loop mounts separately.

Thanks for the info; I did not know that.

After re-evaluating two in closer detail, SERPA and Safariland's ALS. I've changed my mind. If I was LEO, I would choose the Safariland. I didn't consider a attempted takeaway from a perp/BG, the standard addition of the hood prevents that, which the current SERPA (level two) for the XD does not.

However, BHI does offer the newer SERPA models (level three) that has a similar hood protection that looks equally reliable as Safariland's. Unfortunately, BHI offers this design to a limited model of firearms that currently many LEOs carry. Safariland also made some changes in the 6004 model, seen in the 6005, by adopting the quick detachment of the support points that the BHI Tactical Thigh Platforms incorporates.

The one inherent attribute that remains superior in the BHI SERPA is the use of a two point oppose to one point support for the thigh rig. This reduces stress by half, and in my experience using universal thigh holsters that are one point, it is the most comfortable thigh platform I've used yet. Albeit I haven't used a Safariland thigh rig, but if its similar to the other one points then it can be quite the load on the hips.

[Badshot]

Let me throw you another option... mostly because I'm not a Blackhawk fan and especially not a SERPA fan. That button has too much opportunity to get jammed. It isn't a mil grade holster in my opinion, for what ever that might be worth.

Here is another option.. http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductD...p?ProductID=30

swap out the insert and you're good to go if changing weapons around. Another issue some don't think about at first is having a holster than will handle your pistol with both the light attached and not. There are a few adjustable ones, but they are a monster pain to adjust.

I guess I would ask why you're ruling out a good Nylon holster?

[WTA_Delta]

Originally Posted by Badshot

Let me throw you another option... mostly because I'm not a Blackhawk fan and especially not a SERPA fan. That button has too much opportunity to get jammed. It isn't a mil grade holster in my opinion, for what ever that might be worth.

Here is another option.. http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductD...p?ProductID=30

swap out the insert and you're good to go if changing weapons around. Another issue some don't think about at first is having a holster than will handle your pistol with both the light attached and not. There are a few adjustable ones, but they are a monster pain to adjust.

I guess I would ask why you're ruling out a good Nylon holster?

You may be right, that for extreme situations the SERPA button that is the active part of the holster retention could get jammed, and is not "mil-grade" gear. Though I wasn't much of a fan too of Blackhawk gear, since I've used the SERPA my mind has changed somewhat.

Let me start off by saying that I currently have 3 nylon holsters, working with what was widely available at the time: from the bottom of the line generic nylon holsters ranging $20, to the near top teer nylon holsters similar to BHI's Omega VI series.

Holstering and un-holstering can get cumbersome without practice: having to play with straps to either secure or draw. I think if I were under some extreme or harsh environments, jumping out of a plane, rock climbing, doing what some of our armed forces do, then yes I would definitely need a heavy duty retention of straps and more to keep my weapon secure, that a SERPA level one or two simply couldn't guarantee, though a level three might, or Safariland equivalent.

In my opinion what is so appealing with Kydex from Bladetech, Safariland, BHI and others, is that it this thermal mold contours to the design of the handgun, and there exists two options between using a passive (friction), or active (the button/hood protection). And BHI's SERPA level two seems to be the middle ground between using straight friction or retention with straps and etc. I think that their new level three seems to add the additional safety from attempted take way making on par with the Safariland.

I've ruled the nylon holster out for the most part because of the once again cumbersome straps, and buckles. I believe that that level of retention maybe more than I need. I've liked using similar passive Kydex holster, and now that I got the SERPA level two, I find it fits my needs at the moment.

However, I don't believe I've seen the incorporation of a thermal mold with nylon shroud/platform. Thats an interesting holster you posted there, thanks for the information. I'll look at it in greater detail when I get the chance.

[Badshot]

I'm with you on most of the points. Though with the holster I primarily use (Tactical Tailor Modular Holster + small sub-load panel) I've had no issues especially with re-holstering. Getting the thumb break reattached is some times a chore, but nothing to worry too much about.

My issue with most of the Kydex is fairly simple. You can't have one for both a weapon with and without a light/accessory. I finally caved and am having one made that is adjustable so I can transition between a pistol with and one without a light attached and only have to adjust 2 straps. So for me, Kydex is right out the window because I train with 3-4 different pistols. All of them are approximately the same frame size, the rail attachment is the only difference. I just refuse to swap 1st line setups (much less have 2 or 3 different ones) just because I want to use a weapon light. The industry just isn't there on that concept.

Now I don't buy BHI crap because of their business practices and that the majority of their gear is just sub standard and sold as if it were top shelf gear to GI's who don't have the cash for the good stuff - their own ignorance because most of the top level nylon gear folks give them the stuff at or near cost- . They are constantly ripping off better gear makers and acting like the world owes them their business. Add that to a few other issues with the owner(s) and I just won't give them my money. Just as John Willis from Original SOE or the design team at TT, or Kifaru or London Bridge Trading company about their patent rights issues with BHI and you'll find that BHI is a gaggle of dirtbags that don't deserve our business much less the right to be in business.

But that's my money not to spend with them. A lot of folks are happy with their BHI stuff. I can't blame folks for buying the BHI stuff because the price is pretty fair on most of it. The quality isn't up there with TT, Kifaru, OSEO, HSGI and the likes, but you get what you pay for and I personal pay for stuff that is going to last me and be functional when I need it. Because when I need it, I really need it.

[WTA_Delta]

Heres an update to the original post. I've found a retailer in KS, Baysingers. Since they are a dealer of Safariland products, I'll probably place my order through them. Calling them I found the same thing, the wait would be about a month, but at least I've heard good things about this retailer. I just got to choose between either:

Safariland 6004: $107
Safariland 6005: $152

I don't understand where this $50 difference is coming from. As the only difference I can see is the detachable one-point support.

Also trying to find information on copquest, I came across some very unhappy customers.

Originally Posted by Badshot

I'm with you on most of the points. Though with the holster I primarily use (Tactical Tailor Modular Holster + small sub-load panel) I've had no issues especially with re-holstering. Getting the thumb break reattached is some times a chore, but nothing to worry too much about.

My issue with most of the Kydex is fairly simple. You can't have one for both a weapon with and without a light/accessory. I finally caved and am having one made that is adjustable so I can transition between a pistol with and one without a light attached and only have to adjust 2 straps. So for me, Kydex is right out the window because I train with 3-4 different pistols. All of them are approximately the same frame size, the rail attachment is the only difference. I just refuse to swap 1st line setups (much less have 2 or 3 different ones) just because I want to use a weapon light. The industry just isn't there on that concept.

Now I don't buy BHI crap because of their business practices and that the majority of their gear is just sub standard and sold as if it were top shelf gear to GI's who don't have the cash for the good stuff - their own ignorance because most of the top level nylon gear folks give them the stuff at or near cost- . They are constantly ripping off better gear makers and acting like the world owes them their business. Add that to a few other issues with the owner(s) and I just won't give them my money. Just as John Willis from Original SOE or the design team at TT, or Kifaru or London Bridge Trading company about their patent rights issues with BHI and you'll find that BHI is a gaggle of dirtbags that don't deserve our business much less the right to be in business.

But that's my money not to spend with them. A lot of folks are happy with their BHI stuff. I can't blame folks for buying the BHI stuff because the price is pretty fair on most of it. The quality isn't up there with TT, Kifaru, OSEO, HSGI and the likes, but you get what you pay for and I personal pay for stuff that is going to last me and be functional when I need it. Because when I need it, I really need it.

I can see how one primarily advantage Kydex holster offer can be seen as a disadvantage. The inherent design of the thermal mold that contours to a pistol with or without a laser/light combo that makes for outstanding fit, and retention, also make it less versatile to some degree. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I suppose is function. Your absolutely right, no single Kydex holster today will allow you to switch between using the firearm with or without a laser/light. If you had to, you would either had to buy a separate rig or holster. This can be extremely lengthy task or expensive over time. Having to do either, would require the removal of straps/readjusting/belt, and in swapping Kydex holsters require further time playing with screws. Whereas with the nylon holster that offers the ability to simply adjust straps and in a pinch can accommodate your firearm or other firearms with or without a laser/light is superior. Not to mention the high cost of getting Kydex holster for a multitude of firearms that you train with. Therefore I understand why a nylon holster would be superior to Kydex in that sense.

Where I differ, and side with Kydex still: is the sacrifice in draw time, and the secure time. I've always used nylon holsters, in both at the range, and when I participating in force on force games such as airsoft. From that experience using nylon holster, it is just adds seconds having to un-buckle to draw, or to re-buckle to fasten the weapon. Weapon transition is already difficult enough, especially in airsoft as guns are not as rugged as real-steel, not to mention factoring the fatigue/stress under fire (even though simulated and fake), can further lengthen the time it takes to switch weapons due to a jam, stove pipe, or whatever failure it maybe. Overall I've just had a frustrating experience with the nylon holster in both drawing or securing, and though the level of retention maybe key in certain situations. I've never found myself contemplating climbing a steep rise with my weapon, bouncing off rocks, repelling, para-trooping, and other rough/rigid environments with a firearm that would demand a high level of secureness.One of the reasons I especially wanted to have a Kydex holster, compatible with the XD and TLR-2, was that over time having to remove the light/laser off the rail grew irritating with free holster that comes with the package, and though I have two nylon holsters that could hold the XD and TLR-2, I hated the playing with the straps and buckles.

As far as not supporting BHI, I've meet and experienced an resounding and surprising amount of resentment over the company. Especially from those that have many years in the tactical gear industry; even stories of people joking around at large gear conventions where manufacturers try to "hide" their product from BHI's booth among other things. I try to stay away from the politics in that arena, and really care if its a good product. In this cause SERPA is a indeed a good product.

[Badshot]

That's all kinda why I pointed at the SpecOps holster... still Kydex, but more flexible.

What really kills me with most Kydex holsters is the actual cost to make a Kydex holster. It's far less than Nylon in most cases. I've spent a great deal of the last 8 Months working on 2 designs. One Nylon modular (prototyping is a bitch and expensive) and a Kydex/Nylon IWB solution.

I'm real close on the Nylon modular holser.. 2 more prototypes and it's going public for testing with some LEO and MIL buddies. The real issue for me is not having to change rigs if I change weapons. Granted that isn't much of an issue in general but when I'm teaching or training I do swap weapons.

I like the idea of having one or maybe two holsters to deal with my pistols. I don't detract from the retention function that can be brought by Kydex, but for me Nylon works. I think your points about releasing retention can be an issue but that would depend on how you're using the retention. For me, a thumb snap/strap works for most situations. For fast movement I've gotten to the point where I favor both a length of shock cord looped around the grip and in some higher risk or heavier movement arenas I go with a full lanyard.

Can't argue your logic for Kydex. It's a great matierial and it's a crime that manufactures charge $50 for what cost them $8.50 (including labor) .. that's why the SpecOps holster is so damn attractive of an option to me.