carry1
Designs for weapon lights seem to change monthly, with industry leaders like Streamlight, SureFire, Viridian and a host of others constantly upgrading the performance of their products. This can be a real headache for cops if their new light doesn’t fit their old duty holster.
Streamlight has addressed this problem with the new TLR-1HL. The HL stands for High Lumen; coming in at 630 lumens, it remarkably bright. It’s basically the same light as the TLR-1, just a whole lot brighter. It maintains the same housing, runs on two CR123 batteries and still puts out over an hour of runtime. Most importantly though, it fits all the same holsters as the standard TLR-1.
The same holster fit problem can exist with some laser products, depending upon their engineering. LaserMax’s integral guide-rod lasers solve the holster fit problem neatly. If the gun fits a holster before you install their laser, it will fit afterward too. There’s nothing added to influence holster fit. LaserMax recently added models for the Beretta Nano, S&W Shield and Ruger’s LCP and LC9 pistols. Their long-awaited guide-rod lasers for Gen 4 Glocks are also available, and the holster fit solution still applies there.
As a sidenote, a few years ago it was impossible to have a green laser without a large power source. Today, LaserMax has a rechargeable green laser in their Genesis model and a lithium-powered low-profile pulsating green laser in their Uni-Max model. Both attach to a Picatinny rail and might influence holster fit so you’d have to check.
Safariland’s Range Series holsters offer a passive retention feature and are near-perfect
range or competition holsters. An option is the canted drop belt loop, excellent for
women or for clearing hard body armor.
Unlike their guide-rod lasers, LaserMax Centerfire laser systems attach to the outside of
certain handgun models and do influence holster fit. Going with a laser is fine, just make
sure carry gear is available for it.
New Holster Options
Safariland has created a new line of holsters, hitting several targets at once. The Range Series holsters are designed for heavy use and are aimed at instructors, competitive shooters and anyone who spends lots of time at the range with a gun on their hip. The holsters are made of SafariLaminate and feature low-cut sides, a lightweight design and a straight-up draw. Passive retention in the Range Series is achieved via a friction detent in the triggerguard area. Interestingly enough, they are already IDPA approved, which is also a hint you might try that gun game since it’s a good way to get some hands-on training with your duty or off-duty gear — off of the police range. Competition is always a good way to practice under some pressure.
The low-ride version was designed with the female shooter in mind. It allows an easy straight-up draw even if your hips are larger than your waist. And guys, I found this design is also handy when trying to clear body armor, so get secure in your masculinity and experiment with this idea. It works.
After a brief hiatus, Galco has re-introduced the Gladius Belt Holster. This improved version features quick on/off snap loops, a thumb-break retention strap, an adjustable tension unit and a concealable butt-forward cant. The new Gladius has full slide coverage, completely protecting the weapon from the elements while protecting your clothing from the gun. Made of premium steer hide, it’s only available in black and for right-handed shooters. This is truly a beautiful holster and it functions as well as it looks.
If you’ve never used a “snap-on/snap-off” holster I think you’ll find it a real convenience. It’s more secure than a paddle holster, but just as easy (if not easier) to get on and off. At your desk? Snap-off. Leaving for lunch? Snap-on. And it’s just as convenient when you get home and have to stow your gun away from the kiddies. It beats having to get half undressed every time you take your gun on or off. Try it.
If you have any questions on carry-related topics, or have a topic you’d like to see covered, drop me a note via [email protected] addressed to me, and Suzi will make sure I get it.
By John Russo
Galco’s Gladius belt holster features snaps, allowing you to easily get it on and off
your belt. It makes life a whole lot easier for daily carry, either on-duty or off.
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