Identical to there is no such thing as a one good gun to make use of as a hid carry weapon (CCW), there is no such thing as a one good holster for hid carry. Variables embody, however actually aren’t restricted to, physique form, sort of clothes, measurement of the gun, coaching ranges, retention sort, and most significantly, the mission. Let’s face it, if you’re a C-Suite degree govt and you might be strolling into the workplace with a drop leg holster, you both work for an superior firm otherwise you reside in Detroit. Equally, an contained in the waistband (IWB) holster most likely isn’t the only option for a uniformed officer. Let’s check out Safariland holsters, retention ranges, locking mechanisms, carry kinds, and the way I picked an ALS concealment holster for my new Gen 5 GLOCK 26.
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Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Know Thyself
A sensible expression from an historic Greek thinker, Know Thyself, will be interpreted in numerous methods. On this context, it’s a query I repeatedly pose to household, pals, readers, and particularly myself when trying to purchase new weapons or gear that shall be used for self-defense. An sincere self-assessment of your information, expertise, and talents will at a minimal, prevent from pointless cash expenditures and frustration. In case you consider conditions and environments, these decisions might imply the distinction between private security and severe bodily hurt.
Takeaway: The most well liked new gun available on the market will be the worst selection in your mission. The identical goes for holsters.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Above: A Safariland belt attachment (prime) and a Safariland QLS Fork (backside).
Coaching
A crucial side of each self-assessment and holster choice is coaching. Whichever holster you determine on shopping for and carrying, sustaining correct coaching is important. On a fundamental degree, shooters ought to be capable to comfortably and safely draw their weapon, put rounds precisely on track, and return to the holster when the menace degree dictates it’s protected to take action. On an intermediate degree, shooters ought to be capable to improve draw velocity, carry out reloads, and interact targets at various distances. Extra superior methods concerned disabled shooter drills, a number of targets, and taking pictures underneath hostile circumstances.
Sadly, correct and common coaching with a CCW is difficult by the truth that most ranges don’t permit for drawing and firing from a holster. My suggestion is to discover a reliable coaching course that focuses on taking pictures from the holster and take it every year. Then, a periodic mixture of static vary methods and dry fireplace observe can act as a complement. As a reminder, at all times follow the four rules of firearms security.
Takeaway: No matter your holster selection, discover high quality coaching and observe as repeatedly as doable.
Open Carry or Hid Carry
On a fundamental degree, holsters will be separated into two main classes – open-carry/duty-use and hid carry. Open-carry holsters will be seen in coaching conditions, competitions, and in uniformed companies. Hid carry holsters are supposed to be coated by clothes or different articles and are extra suited to on a regular basis carry (EDC) sort of conditions within the civilian and regulation enforcement worlds. We are going to briefly speak about some obligation holsters at this time, however our main focus shall be on hid carry holsters.
The GLOCK 26 is a subcompact 9mm pistol that’s designed primarily as a hid carry gun. With a shortened slide, barrel, and grip, the G26 has a smaller footprint than the compact GLOCK G19 and may extra readily be hid underneath clothes. You may completely carry a G26 in a drop-leg thigh holster, nevertheless, its main position is as a CCW and is designed to be, properly, hid.
Holster Retention
I’m a powerful proponent of holster retention and as a hid carry shooter, your holster ought to have some type of retention mechanism. However, your CCW holster most likely doesn’t must have a collection of locking mechanisms which might be extra fitted to obligation/open carry kinds. Friction-style retention holsters, the place the gun is held in place solely by the friction drive of the holster of the gun, could also be applicable relying on the coaching degree of the shooter and the state of affairs.
Personally, I’m solely snug carrying a friction retention holster that’s designed for appendix carry as a result of with each palms in entrance of me, I’ve extra management over the weapon. Alternatively, for holsters which might be designed for belt/outdoors the waistband (OWB) carry, I choose a locking mechanism type retention system as a result of the weapon is farther away from my space of management. In a worst-case state of affairs, somebody might try to achieve management of your weapon, and having a bodily locking system might provide the added fractions of a second you must stop that menace.
Finally, holster and gun decisions are a private determination and your coaching and expertise ought to dictate what type of holster you selected to hold.
Takeaway: Your holster is a part of a system that helps you keep full management of your gun till you determine it’s time to draw.
Let’s check out the Safariland retention ranges.
Defined: Safariland Holster Retention Ranges
Hyperlink: https://inside.safariland.com/education/holster-retention/
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Above an ALS/SLS mixture OWB holster.
Degree I:
A Safariland Degree I Retention obligation holster is supplied with the ALS® (Computerized Locking System) solely. The Degree I holster should go the Safariland Retention Degree Check, a simulated 5 second “seize and snatch” initiated by an adversary. That is the preferred retention degree for navy and aggressive shooters, because it firmly locks the gun into place, holding it from dislodging throughout working or transferring via obstacles.
Degree II:
The Safariland Degree II Retention fashions have the SLS™ (Self-Locking System) solely. The Degree I holster should go the Safariland Retention Degree Check. If after disabling the preliminary lock, the holster can once more fully go the Holster Retention Check, then it’s rated as a Degree II Retention.
Degree III:
The Safariland Degree III Retention fashions have each the ALS® lock and the SLS™ strap. Earlier than a holster will be thought of for a Degree III Retention ranking or above, it should first obtain a Degree II Retention™ ranking, after which be examined for added ranges of safety. This retention degree is the commonest mannequin for patrol and basic obligation use.
As a result of the GLOCK 26 is primarily designed as a CCW, I opted for a holster with a Degree I retention ranking. Let’s check out the Safariland locking programs.
Defined: Safariland Locking Methods
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Above an ALS/SLS mixture OWB holster.
ALS – Computerized Locking System
The ALS is commonly referred to as a thumb launch or lever, and it sits to the within of the physique of the holster in opposition to the person. The system makes use of an inner locking mechanism that secures the gun in all instructions merely upon re-holstering. To launch the firearm from a optimistic lock, the operator should press the lever again. As soon as the system is launched, the weapon will be drawn straight out of the holster with no twisting or different movement required. Moreover, holsters with this ergonomic design are fully operable with the thumb, and the straight up draw makes them very instinctive to make use of.
SLS – Self Locking System
The SLS makes use of a rotating hood retention system, which permits for a smoother, single-motion draw and larger safety in opposition to tried weapon takeaways. To unlock the mechanism, the person rotates the hood ahead as they get hold of the taking pictures grip, and holds it within the unlocked place, which permits a gap to attract the firearm from the holster.
The SLS strap has a ridge (a small flat buy floor) alongside the within space subsequent to the operator. The ridge or button have to be pushed down after which ahead to flip the SLS strap out of the best way, thus permitting the gun to be drawn.
GLS – Grip Locking System
The GLS is a singular retention system wherein the center finger is used to launch the firearm. With a correct taking pictures grip, the center finger sits immediately on the GLS lever. Throughout the draw, the lever is depressed permitting for a clean and simple straight up draw out of the holster. GLS holster fashions provide a low profile and compact design, good for concealability. The low minimize sides permit for a fast draw and simple re-holstering. The SafariSeven™ development offers glorious slot in a sturdy, light-weight holster.
I mixed 4 photographs from the Safariland web site that ought to assist higher determine their totally different locking mechanisms.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Truthfully, the Safariland mannequin designations and configurations have at all times been a bit complicated for me. There are fashions that begin with 5, 6, or 7, for practically each pistol available on the market, every with its personal optic, gentle, laser, or different equipment.
To assist navigate the confusion, Safariland has a holster finder on their web site that has not too long ago been up to date to extra shortly and precisely discover all of the appropriate holsters for a selected gun. My one criticism right here is that the holster finder is ideal for getting a holster immediately from Safariland. In case you plan on shopping for via a retailer/vendor, discovering the precise holster mannequin is a little bit difficult.
Let’s try the holster finder for the GLOCK G26.
Safariland Holster Finder:
GLOCK doesn’t make a revolver (but), so we’re going to choose ‘Pistol’.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Use the drop-down lists to pick the producer and mannequin. Make sure to choose the precise mannequin since some generations of weapons will range barely in design and should not match holsters for older/newer generations.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
The GLOCK 26 doesn’t have a slide-mounted optic system from the manufacturing facility (but), nevertheless, some shooters decide to have their slides milled and add an optic to their gun. Make the correct choice.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
For my decisions, Safariland has 10 holsters which might be appropriate with the GLOCK 26 subcompact pistol.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
From shoulder holsters, inside-the-pants holsters, and belt holsters, the GLOCK 26 can just about be carried anyplace on the physique. Okay, nearly anyplace on the physique you pervs.
The G26 shouldn’t be a typical race gun, so the ‘Competitors’ header most likely refers to a holster that makes use of a friction match retention that’s greatest fitted to the vary and never hid carry.
As a result of I want Degree I retention, I had a selection between three holsters. One GLS lock and two ALS locks. I choose the thumb launch technique which left me with two decisions: the 6378 ALS and the 7378 7TS ALS.
The 7TS distinction refers back to the injection molded polymer materials that’s each gentle and sturdy. That’s my selection.
The one choices left to pick are proper or left draw hand and coloration/end. I’ll persist with fundamental black.
The Safariland 7378 7TS ALS GLOCK 26 Holster
I do know all of that appeared like an extended method to go to determine on a holster for a quite common gun, however I believe it is a vital train for each new and veteran shooters alike. Assess your self and your gear decisions repeatedly and make knowledgeable choices primarily based in your particular person wants. And at all times decide a holster that’s an actual match in your gun. Inner holster geometries can range between fashions and, if the improper mannequin is chosen, there’s a threat of miserable the set off because the gun is holstered.
The 7378 7TS ALS holster comes with two carry choices: a paddle attachment and a belt loop attachment. A paddle configuration is supposed for the comfort of shortly attaching and eradicating the holster from the belt. Whereas I believe Safariland does a fantastic job with the paddle system, it doesn’t provide the safety I want for my use case. My thought is {that a} Degree I holster ought to have a stable attachment system that’s looped via a belt. Swapping the paddle for the belt loop attachment is as straightforward as swapping three screws. All the {hardware} is included.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
The Safariland ALS Concealment holster is a straight pull out and in design that’s nearly frictionless. One of many defining attributes of Safariland holsters is a clean holster/unholster design with out hangups. There’s a feeling of confidence with every draw that’s outlined and repeatable.
As we mentioned above, the ALS retention is a thumb-activate button that’s pushed right down to launch. Mimicking the movement of breaking the snap on an outdated leather-based holster, the perform of the ALS retention is a pure motion and simple to decide to muscle reminiscence with observe. Reholstering doesn’t require the usage of the ALS button; simply place the pistol within the holster and let the load of the gun activate the locking mechanism or with a slight push.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Above the 7378 7TS ALS OWB holster mechanism.
For an OWB holster, the 7378 7TS ALS is slim and compact and will be hid simply underneath a free button-up shirt or T-Shirt. In case you are right-handed, it’s a slim sufficient bundle that it doesn’t intrude along with your seatbelt within the driver’s seat. The gun additionally rides far sufficient away from the physique to make for an environment friendly draw with out the concern of untucking a shirt within the course of.
With the G26 unloaded, I attempted to simulate a malfunction by including some sand particles into the holster and drawing the gun and reholstering. Whereas gritty, the GLOCK 26 nonetheless slid into place and locked into the ALS mechanism as designed.
Safariland Holsters: GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS Concealment
Priced at $70, the Safariland 7378 7TS Concealment Holster is inexpensive. A holster is a straightforward place for a brand new shooter to try to avoid wasting cash by shopping for a $19.99 market particular. My recommendation is to make an funding in a top quality holster, particularly for a hid carry gun that will see years of repeated use.
My solely criticism is an administrative one; I want that Safariland would make the fashions, kinds, and forms of holsters intuitive and simpler to navigate. In any other case, the 7378 7TS Concealment Holster is a stable piece of substances that provides reliable Degree I retention, a clean holstering course of, and a snug belt journey. That is my tenth Safariland holster and there’s a motive that they’re the popular model for the navy and regulation enforcement businesses. They’re constructed to final and function dependably when they’re wanted most.
Supply
GLOCK 26 Gen 5 ALS ConcealmentThe Firearm Blog is written by Pete for www.thefirearmblog.com