Today I’m going to talk about a Safariland drop configuration you can custom make out of a standard 6004 holster. All it takes is a $14 accessory and a little bit of time.
While you may already be familiar with the 1.5″ drop Safariland UBL (Universal Belt Loop) Adapter, you may have also noticed how it flaps around on your draw. That alone was enough for me to shelve the adapter and discount it as a viable option.
A buddy of mine recently told me about a simple modification he and his team were running, that not only used the UBL, but used it without the trouble I’d encountered.
Why Modify?
If you’re not sure why a modification would even be necessary, you’ve obviously never had to run or do anything but stand around in a double-strap Safariland 6004 Holster.
These holsters are notorious for not only shifting on your leg (no matter how tight they’re cinched down) but also adding unwelcome bulk to your legs. As you can tell I’m not a big fan of drop-leg anything, and think its completely ridiculous to run things on your legs.
Most people are already weighed down with body armor, and if you have to move (not walk), drop-leg accessories don’t help the situation.
The Fix
For me, adding the 6075 UBL Adapter put my Safariland holster at a perfect height; it cleared my gear and got it low enough to draw, but not too far down. Also, being a belt adapter it was great to get rid of the standard velcro drop-attachment on the 6004. I’ve never cared much for that method of attachment.
Like I mentioned before, my only complaint with the UBL was when I’d go to draw, if my draw wasn’t perfectly vertical (which it never is under stress), the adapter would flip outward making my draw impossible.
Taking an existing Safariland 6004 holster, and the 6075 UBL Adapter, here’s how to simply add a leg strap to this configuration and forget about any more trouble.
- Take an allen wrench and remove the three bolts and washers that mount the Safariland holster to the leg shroud.
- Depending on your leg shroud configuration, either remove or unbolt a strap.
- Lay the strap across the rear of the holster (retaining the proper orientation), between the top two bolt holes and the bottom single bolt hole.
- Thread in the bolts with the washers finger tight.
- Ensure the strap is in proper position and then tighten the bolts down using the allen wrench.
Notes
I’ve only been running this setup for a few weeks now, but I wanted to share this configuration with everyone as soon as I knew it worked. Holsters are something that everyone winds up with a box of as you constantly struggle to find what works the best for you.
I started out with a double leg strap shroud 6004 before they made the hood guard as a standard configuration. When I wore that one out, and realized it rotated too much for me, I went to an HSGI UDHP custom configured from SKD Tactical, using my 6004 holster. That wound up rotating even more for me and I went back to a Safariland shroud again.
This time I used a single leg-strap shroud 6004 and removed the included hood guard. Then, I realized that I hated the velcro mounting option of the 6004, and bought the UBL. I’d also realized that I needed something that didn’t drop down as far.
So now you know my holster history, and the configuration I’m at now. This is simply an option I haven’t seen out there, and may not be what winds up working for you. Give it a shot and let me know what you think. I know I still need some time with it before I know it’s 100% what I like.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I did a similar thing with a standard drop leg shroud, I just cut the shroud around top strap and left the bottom strap. Worked a lot better for me.
Just like this one…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/harv24/I...
(Photo is courtesy of harv24/KevinB of M4carbine.net, and original idea by basicload of lightfighter.net)
I think a lot of people miss the boat when running sub loads on their legs. Instead of wearing them just low enough to clear their vests they have them around their knees. Just goes to show they've never run them for anything more than a facebook photo
Ken, this is definitely a good modification, but no different than what I started with. I think when the idea of cutting the shroud came out a few years back, Safariland took notice and started making the single-strap shroud shown in the article photos. This modification is simply another option as I found I disliked the velcro attachment and the UBL creates a much sturdier platform to draw from. This option also negates the holster moving on the single strap because its secured between the holster and UBL.
Thanks for the comment!
Bryan
You can always go with a shorter 2″ strap, and still retain the leg shroud, which helps with the draw, IMO. The shorter strap also allows you to remove the holster without removing the belt.
Cheers,
JT
Bryan, absolutly, and I must say good call on Safarilands part for seeing what people wanted and going after it. I havn't made up my mind on the velcro yet. I am running my belt like a LEO type belt as in a pants belt, and a gear belt over that with keepers. Seems to work well for me and the belt I am running has velcro on the back side (body side) so the holster never moves. I think this would work great for the higher level of retention like the raptor series of holsters that require the pistol be slightly rotated rearward before drawing. Good write up.
How does that work when sitting? I run a Raptor on a UBL, and have no problems drawing it, although I also use a 2.25″ duty belt, not a riggers belt as shown in your photos.
Surprisingly well Casey. I thought it would be an issue but it's really not. How does your Raptor do when sitting?
It tends to remain relatively vertical and digs into the chair a bit. I just imagine adding a strap would either rotate the holster and pull my belt down in the back or be extremely uncomfortable, given the rigidity of the UBL vs. the flexibility of a standard hanger.
This is actually something I've been doing for about two months now. I had always used the 2.5″ drop UBL for my holster and loved the clearance it gave me but disliked how much it flopped when I ran. I didn't cannibalize my shroud to get the strap but the theory is the same, just a different strap. I run a 6005 leg shroud for my Taser and it has done me well so far. My input on the leg shroud, for any weapon, would be to use the 6005 (detachable hanger) and run the strap through your inner belt as opposed to on your duty rig.
This gives you more support as the inner belt is more likely to be tighter fitted and also gives you the option to put a piece of gear over top of the hanger thus giving you more belt space. I've found the Taser on my leg (support side) doesn't really have enough weight to cause problems with rotation or cause problems when running.
My partner and I thought this option out after years of holding the bottom of our holsters as we chased people.
- Bryan, I guess great minds think alike.
By the way, I'm liking those grips on the Sig.
Trying them out myself… Got them from Top Gun Supply http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-grips-fac...
I guess they do! Thanks for adding your comments and tips. I can just picture you guys running after a perp holding your holsters LOL!
Casey, while it doesn't pull my belt down, it does dig into my hip a little (front most corner) while seated. It's not a big deal, but 12 hours straight I would probably start getting annoyed with it. I'll be in a PSD class soon moving in and out of vehicles quite a bit, so we'll see how it goes after that.
Nice fix and write up.
I’ve been running the Safariland DFA for a while now, I’ve got no complaints. It only cost about $13.
I also like being able to still use the platform.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6004-DFA