Safariland 5378 - finally, a concealable retention holster

[ddan]

Great find! I just got a 6378 for my MP9C, and it conceals ok under a sport coat. However, I haven't discovered an easy way to put it on or remove it from pants/belt. I assume the 5378 has the same paddle - is ther some secret to getting these things on/off easily?

-dan

 

[Rastoff]

Great find! I just got a 6378 for my MP9C, and it conceals ok under a sport coat. However, I haven't discovered an easy way to put it on or remove it from pants/belt. I assume the 5378 has the same paddle - is ther some secret to getting these things on/off easily?

-dan

The hook attached to the holster works great to hold the holster on. Here's what I do to remove it:
Grasp the holster by the lower portion with your shooting hand, keep your hand away from the muzzle of your gun, and pull out.
With your support hand, push the paddle in toward your leg.
Rotate the holster and it should come free.

 

[wittmeba]

Obviously, an IWB will pull the gun in closer; that's the nature of IWB. I would have to buy all new pants if I were to go IWB.

I'm kinda impressed with the comfort of a hybrid. As I stated I bought an AlienGear for my M&P .40 full size. I thought at first "That's a lot of stuff to put in my pants and be comfortable"...but the rough part is against the belt and the large smooth & soft panel is against the underclothes and skin.

I'm OK with pant-size for now if I watch my weight. I had cancer surgery May/June 2013 (Carsinoid tumor removed) lost lots of weight and reduced my waistline. Just went to the doc yesterday - I am cancer free! Yeah!

The hook attached to the holster works great to hold the holster on. Here's what I do to remove it:
Grasp the holster by the lower portion with your shooting hand, keep your hand away from the muzzle of your gun, and pull out.
With your support hand, push the paddle in toward your leg.
Rotate the holster and it should come free.

I think this is just a matter of getting a little practice - being new to carrying it will come.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

Sorry, but the holster in question is not capable of concealment in any manner suitable for a private citizen...

In addition, this type of holster is a bad idea for other reasons as well. Anything that is held together with bolts, screws and widgets is not well thought out...

Having carried concealed handguns for the past 35 years in all manner of carry, I completely disagree.

For starters, concealment is relative. Some have need to have the weapon in total deep concealment, unable to be observed by the most trained spotter…. but this is not the typical choice, nor is it the most practical for self-defense. These types of holsters and carry modes - which albeit are popular - are very slow to draw from. In the event that the weapon is needed, the amount of time, work and telegraphing needed to extract the piece, almost places it in the category of not having a weapon at all. At worst, they will get the wearer killed in the typical armed encounter. If you are some kind of secret ninja working undercover these deep cover holsters have their place… but that place is limited.

If you are carrying legally for the usual purposes of self-defense, "concealed" does not require or legally mean that level of hiding. I agree that the ALS paddle holster is more suitable for exposed carry; however it can be concealed for most purposes depending the clothing worn… Miami Beach in the summer not being one of them. The newer 5378 is a tighter ride to the body and more concealable. Having said that, ANY paddle holster - or plastic/kydex holster for that matter - is going to be less concealable than a modern leather concealment holster secured with belt slots, or any IWB holster.

But to say that the 5378 is not not concealable as a blanket proposition is not true.

As far as the screws, bolts etc… I have been using Safariland products - paddle, belt slot, duty, tactical - including those containing screws, nuts and bolts, professionally for almost 30 years, under hard use. None of the holster hardware has ever failed or even come loose. Their magazine pouches that contain screws can loosen up and fall out (and this is true for every magazine pouch I've ever used or seen used), but like any piece of gear this usually happens to those that conduct NO inspection or maintenance of ANY of their gear and expect it to perform as issued forever. Nothing will ever satisfy those type of people, in any aspect of life involving man-made products.

I trust Safariland products completely. I don't work for them nor receive any benefits from them. While I prefer leather holsters for concealment, their ALS, SLS and other kydex/plastic/laminate products are reliable and work.

 

[wittmeba]

Ras,

Paddle Holster for Pistols & Revolvers :: HOLSTERS.com

Not real important as I am not looking at them, but I don't find a 5188 but a 518 then some additional numbers. Don't see a model for the S&W M&P Full Size regardless.

I noticed the first line of the description indicates "Suede Lined". Also indicates the paddle is Suede covered. It appears everyone of them are $83.50 also. That isn't cheap to me.

 

[Rastoff]

Ras,

Not real important as I am not looking at them, but I don't find a 5188...

Here ya go: Object moved

I do find it interesting that they are not listed on Holsters.com as that is Safariland's site to buy holsters on line. Neither is the M&P listed as a model it's made for. I didn't notice that before because the one I bought is for a 1911. Here they are on Optics Planet: Safariland Model 5188 Holsters FREE S&H Safariland Model 5188, Safariland Holsters.

Prices range from $20-$52 depending on model and if it accommodates a light or not.

If you, or anyone else, is looking for a holster for their M&P, you might consider this one: Object moved

This is the 568 and you can buy it here for $53: Custom Fit Holster :: HOLSTERS.COM I don't have this one, but Safariland assured me that it is fully lined, not just partially like the 5188.

However, both of those are cheap holsters. If you plan on carrying every day, I'd recommend some others first. Of course they will cost more.

 

[wittmeba]

Ken or Satchmo -

I don't have a problem with retention but with the grip sticking out when using the
paddle or Stingray Belt attachment. I need to find a paddle holster for M&P .40 full size that won't do this. Will any pictured above do any better?

 

[joestacey06]

Model 5378 GLS? Concealment Paddle and Belt Slide Holster | Safariland?

Ordered mine on 2-18. Wish it would show up. My Shield came in yesterday.

Posted from my 4g face melter

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

Ken or Satchmo -

I don't have a problem with retention but with the grip sticking out when using the
paddle or Stingray Belt attachment. I need to find a paddle holster for M&P .40 full size that won't do this. Will any pictured above do any better?

It won't be too much different, but I've found the Safariland paddle does fit closer to my body than most others.

 

[Rastoff]

I don't have a problem with retention but with the grip sticking out when using the paddle or Stingray Belt attachment. I need to find a paddle holster for M&P .40 full size that won't do this. Will any pictured above do any better?

What is your spending limit? The holster you have pictured looks like a straight drop. Have you tried one with some cant?

 

[wittmeba]

What is your spending limit? The holster you have pictured looks like a straight drop. Have you tried one with some cant?

It is a Blade-Tech and is adjustable. I just re-assembled after boiling and added about 15° cant. I'm hoping that will help. That may be why the AG feels much better (and closer to my body).

My limit - ??? just reasonalbe ~ $50.00 or so but I want it to work. Whatever goes IWB must be tuckable - that's my requirement.

 

[Rastoff]

The 15° cant helps conceal the grip more, but you have to wear the gun further back or it will be difficult to present the gun. That's what I do.

Only you can decide your $$$ limit, but $50 really limits your choices. Going up a little will get you an Aker International like this:

I used one just like this for a couple years. It holds the gun quite tight against your side. They cost about $75, but can be found for less. The drawback to this holster is the thickness of the leather. They tend to get a little less rigid after a year or two.

I like this one better: OWB Holsters - R Grizzle Leather

This one is $110, but I've been using one for four years now and it is still stiff like it should be. Yes, it's more money, but it's worth every penny.

 

[wittmeba]

Thanks, Ras. I've looked at the website for R Grizzle but not the first - Akers. Grizzle are very attractive but pricy as you mention. Aker Intl may be worth looking at.


One of the best looking I've seen. $65.00 (75.00 as shown). They are not taking orders at this time. It's been a while so I don't know if they will be back in business.

Hazel Leather Samples

This looks nice too - little more money.

Gould & Goodrich | 803 // Three Slot Pancake Holster

 

[Rastoff]

Those look decent, but you have to hold one to be sure.

When considering a holster for OWB, look closely at where the trigger guard is in relation to the belt slots. Note that the Aker rides the gun a little higher than the Hazel Leathers you pictured. With a long enough shirt it's not an issue, but if you reach over your head, will the gun show?

Along the same line of thinking, you don't want a gun so high it's difficult to clear the leather as you present. Take all this into consideration when choosing a holster.

 

[wittmeba]

Ras - agreed. I visualize a line across the top of the belt slots and where it crosses the trigger guard. I want most of the trigger guard under that line especially without a thumb strap.

My shirts are quite long - that's part of why I'm hoping summer T-shirts/Polo shirts will be easier to use with the AG IWB tuckable.

 

[wittmeba]

The 568 looks like a nice choice. Not too expensive either. Might fix the "stick out" problem I have with the Blade-Tech paddle.

568 - Rear view:

568 - Front view:

 

[Rastoff]

I don't have a 568, but the paddle looks just like my 5188. Yes, it does hold the gun close, but I find the paddle to be a bit large. Of course, this could just be my body shape.

 

[wittmeba]

...Yes, it does hold the gun close, but I find the paddle to be a bit large. Of course, this could just be my body shape.

I'm quite sure you could trim the paddle and sand the edges with light sandpaper or a sandpaper foam fingernail file - I use them all the time for handy sanding jobs - they work very well. Wife gets them at the Beauty Shop. It might remove the small roll on the edge but if cleaned up you should never feel it.

Also you could heat yours a bit (hair dryer or boiling water) and flatten it out if needed - if that would make it feel/fit any better.

 

[Rastoff]

I'm quite sure you could trim the paddle and sand the edges...

Yep, I could do that. I just haven't. It's not the shape so much as the overall size. Standing is just fine, but when you sit, the paddle can dig into your thigh. Of course that depends on body shape and where you wear the holster.

 

[wittmeba]

Anywhere less than 3:00 you will have that problem. I could likely remove the bottom below the lowest slot and smooth it out and be ok too.

If it has a belt retention piece on the backside the size may not be as important for stability - the piece across the back shown here: