Recently picked up 2 of my favorite holsters: Safariland 29 Black basketweave with elk suede lined. One is for my model 66 and the other is for my Python.
Safariland Leather
- Thread starter saemetric
- Start date
27 Man
SWCA Member
Nice holsters. I have several. A bit bulkier than Bianchi but quality made none the less.
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
I have a few by Safariland.
First, on the left, is a model 561 on a Sparks gunbelt with my 1911 Colt.
2nd is an early vintage SST (I think that means Sewn Site Track), shown
with my S&W Model 29 on a Haugen gunbelt.
3rd is a "Top Gun" model also shown with my 1911 Colt.
Last is my little model 16 shown with my S&W Model 642-1
First, on the left, is a model 561 on a Sparks gunbelt with my 1911 Colt.
2nd is an early vintage SST (I think that means Sewn Site Track), shown
with my S&W Model 29 on a Haugen gunbelt.
3rd is a "Top Gun" model also shown with my 1911 Colt.
Last is my little model 16 shown with my S&W Model 642-1
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Scharfschuetzer
Well-known member
Much of my gun belt on my PD was made by Safariland as that was the issue leather on my PD. I wish I still had my holsters like yours now. I had them in 4" K Frame, 6" K Frame and 1911 Colt at different times.
After taking a lateral transfer to a different department, I ended up with leather custom made by Hoyt. I still have much of that leather.
After taking a lateral transfer to a different department, I ended up with leather custom made by Hoyt. I still have much of that leather.
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Aircrewman
SWCA Member
To me, it is a bittersweet part of the past that is quite unlikely ever to return. The large concerns were humming away.... Bianchi, Safariland, Safety Speed, Lawrence, Hume. The smaller and medium makers were also in the thick of it... Alphonso, Sparks, Hoyt, Myers and to a lesser extent Lewis, Nelson, Alessi.... only a few left and are a shell of what they once were.... if you couldn't find one the great makers that had something to suit you,.... you couldn't be satisfied with anything.... gee I really miss those days. I came across a Safariland pants belt in "fancy stitching" that I wore every day for 10 or 15 years.... it is worn out but I kept it for some reason... I could fit my right thigh around it but not my waist... man, I want to cry....
xfarfuldog
Well-known member
In my years at my PD we purchased our own guns, ammo, speed loaders, and leather gear. I purchased Safariland from the beginning. I had tried regular holsters, break fronts, the judge, even the SS70 security holster. I settled on the Top Gun. When we went to semi-autos, I stayed with the Top Gun.
After I left the department, I went to work for a security related company. Had to carry their gun but at least they provided all Safariland leather gear including speed loaders.
After I left the department, I went to work for a security related company. Had to carry their gun but at least they provided all Safariland leather gear including speed loaders.
I used mostly Safariland leather during my cop days. My favorite holsters were the Model 29 high ride thumb break for DA revolvers, the Model 2 for my 1911 and the Model 43 single action.
Though my duty gear was all black basketweave, I really like their tan basketweave leather. If anyone comes upon a tan basketweave Sam Browne, size 46, please drop me a PM.
Though my duty gear was all black basketweave, I really like their tan basketweave leather. If anyone comes upon a tan basketweave Sam Browne, size 46, please drop me a PM.
nate-dogg
Well-known member
Here is my one and only Safariland. 8 3/8" N Frame left hand
OP
That’s a beauty
I had occasion to visit the Safariland plant back in the mid-‘80’s. They were still in Monrovia in those days. It was litigation-related business and I spent the day with Neale Perkins, the founder. He was a fascinating guy, had a lot of great stories and was a real entrepreneur. His plant was very impressive as well. He told me he was in the middle of production of an order from LAPD for 10,000 belts and holsters for the department. I asked him how long it was going to take him to produce an order that large thinking it would be a couple of months at least. He said it would take a little over a week! Geez! Bought a holster for my pre-29 .44 mag from him - literally. I handed him the cash, he gave me the holster. Still have it and still use it.
JM4151
Well-known member
Is Safariland still in business? When is was still working for the PD they were the best, but I have been retired for over 15 years now.
OP
Afaik, they are still in business. Mostly concentrate on police gear. They own Bianchi who caters to the sportsman. Unfortunately Bianchi holsters are made in Mexico and quality ain’t there.
If you want old quality Safariland and Bianchi holsters, go to the Forum Classifieds or eBay...to me there’s nothing better than some of the holsters shown above.
If I was left handed, I’d be begging nate-dog for that Safariland basketweave.
If you want old quality Safariland and Bianchi holsters, go to the Forum Classifieds or eBay...to me there’s nothing better than some of the holsters shown above.
If I was left handed, I’d be begging nate-dog for that Safariland basketweave.
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Those are great old holsters, beautifully made, and nothing easier on the finish of an S&W than the orthopedic elk lining, IMHO. I’m not fond of black-dyed leather, but if I saw those holsters I’m sure I’d make an exception. 
xfarfuldog
Well-known member
I forgot to mention in my earlier post. My Python only has slight holster wear. I attribute this to the elk hide lining on my Safariland holster. The lining does a great job protecting your finish. I haven't purchased any holsters for years, I wonder if the elk hide lining is still available?
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