Possible Safariland 6280 failure mode

[ClickClickD'oh]

Okay, first off I want to say that I think that the person who brought this to my attention was a poorly trained nitwit and it doesn't deserve much credence, but I feel I need to due some due diligence and see if anyone has ever had the following problem.

So, the claim is that the 6280 has a problem with the hood being unintentionally closed while attempting to re-holster the firearm, thus preventing the firearm from being holstered. The only way I can figure this happens is if the hand or firearm is brought up from below and in front of the holster during the holstering motion, catches on the hood and rotates it up. This of course 1) requires extremely bad holster technique and 2) still won't rotate the hood to it's closed position.

Of course, this guys rant was capped of with a tirade about how crappy Safariland products are, how no law enforcement agency would ever use them and how we should all use Serpas like SEAL Team 6. So yeah, credibility level zero.

I just wanted to check to make sure. Has anyone ever seen an accidental closure of the hood on a Safariland 6280? If so, was the person it happened to using proper technique when it happened or was it a training issue?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Nope and no it can't be done if holstering correctly.

You're right, it can only happen if the user brings their gun to the holster from in front and below, when they should be approaching the pouch from above...the reverse of the draw stroke.

I tested this when my department was issued the 6280 for our SIG 226/229. If you bring the gun up from below and catch the hood on the way up...and you're moving fast enough...it is possible to move the hood into the locked position; but it isn't easy.

I'm betting that this friend "bowls" their gun out toward the target too

 

[Old Dog]

This is one of our authorized holsters, and a lot of agencies use this ... And I've never seen this alleged issue, nor even heard of it ...

Of course, this guys rant was capped of with a tirade about how crappy Safariland products are, how no law enforcement agency would ever use them and how we should all use Serpas like SEAL Team 6

Uh yeah, sure ... wonder why there seem to be increasing numbers of the Safariland ALS holsters and fewer Blackhawks seen these days? Frankly, I don't know how anyone who's ever used both holsters could still be a Serpa advocate. The ALS is way more durable, ergonomic and a pretty doggone fast draw. The ALS is the best development in law enforcement (and military) holsters in years.

Blackhawk makes a lot of good products, but I think Safariland's got 'em beat in the holster department.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I used one for a few years. Never saw it happen. Don't know how it could happen unless, as you said, they didn't know how to holster their gun.

I would also guess that their are more uniformed cops out their using Safariland holsters than any other brand, just based on observation.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I trained on this holster and liked it. I have no idea if that is possible, but it seems unlikely. But even if it were possible, I don't believe there is ever a competition to see who can holster their gun the fastest.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Thanks guys. The 6280 and 6360 have been on our list for a long time and we have never seen anything like this, but I thought I should do my due diligence to insure we weren't accidentally recommending gear with a serious fault.

 

[TestPilot]

It is not a common problem while rehostering, however it is not impossible.

It is plausible with a 6280. Not so much with a 6360, due to the hood cover.

However, I would not reject the use of 6280 for that reason. I'd still prefer a non hood cover model though. One I bought came with the hood, but I got rid of it soon because every time I rushed my thumb toward the rotating hood button, I felt like I was doing a carrier landing to get the thumb between the narrow zone between under the cover and over the button. Too high or too low, it is pain time.

According to my experience it is very plasuble that the rotating hood closed because the hood was sweeped while performing work with the gun was drawn. If you wear a jacket, the part of the jacket can snag the hood when the upper torso is rotated towards the holster.

There were a few times when I found the Safariland rotating hood to be closed when I had to reholster. But, the hood being closed at the time had nothing to do with reholstering.

Safariland makes good quality holsters, but I never particularly liked them. But, the reason for the dislike is not related to this issue.

 

[Jenrick]

If you end up having to roll around with someone, WHILE your guns is out (a practice I REALLY don't recommend you ever experience) it is possible. I can confirm that one from personal experience. Barring that it takes some weird gear kinks for it to happen. I've seen it a few times on the range from long gun slings catching after a transition for instance. It really isn't difficult to clear however, and you can even do it safely with primary gun hand with a pistol in it.

-Jenrick