Safariland 5378 - finally, a concealable retention holster

[Mr. Satchmo]

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?

I found that the safariland paddle also fits closer to my body than others I have owned.

Speaking of the 5378, anyone have suggestions of where I can get one online for a great price?

 

[Blindsquirrel]

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.

Just for giggles, have you checked Bianchi 57 Remedy Outside the Waistband Holster Right Hand? Its OWB but long shirt covers it well for me. Good retention for open leather holster and prices under $50.
Not a level II but tight to the body if in 3 or 4 o'clock position. Puts the butt of the firearm against my kidney above belt level. Trigger rides at or slightly below belt level. Leather holds up well and fits the M&P line well.

Good info in thread and civil discussion.

Use the Serpa while working at range. Trained while pulling it to use first joint of index finger to work release. Never use finger pad to disengage.

Chose IWB for casual carry. Some rigs take to much time to access, as mentioned earlier. You've got to think it out in advance before tucking everything up IMHO.

Bottom line to all is train well and safely with what you have.

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

I found that the safariland paddle also fits closer to my body than others I have owned.

Speaking of the 5378, anyone have suggestions of where I can get one online for a great price?

I got mine from Red Diamond in Ohio. First time I've bought from them, they were good to work with.

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

I got mine from Red Diamond in Ohio. First time I've bought from them, they were good to work with.

Thanks! I just sold my 6378 and I'm bought the 5378, I got it for $31.99

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

If anyone is curious, this is what the full size M&P holster looks In the holster, mine came in today. It's a bit awkward at first since I got so used to my ALS holster, it will take some time to get used to it but overall I'm happy. It's as concealable as a serpa cqc in my opinion

 

[Rastoff]

Thanks for the pics Mr. Satchmo.

 

[forrestinmathews]

I like the design of this holster, but I wonder….if a threat tries to grab the gun, won't they automatically be able to get the gun out of the holster just by gripping it??

If a threat grabs the gun, the retention holster itself may not be retainable. Retention in a paddle holster seems more about holding onto the gun through body motions than a gun grab as it's not really anchored to the user.

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

I've been practicing with my new holster and it actually feels more natural than the thumb release on the als

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Interesting thread with some really helpful comments and reviews. I'm looking for something to replace my SERPA for open and not-having-to-be-too-concealed carry. I think you all have convinced me to try a Safariland.

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. Sooner or later, the holster body remains in one place and the belt loop, belt hanger, paddle, or whatever attachment method the user chooses goes with the wearer to a different location. Screws and bolts have a knack to loosen and fall apart at the worst possible time. If you get one of these, put your hex wrench on your key ring - you will need it.

The answer is simple.

This.

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

Interesting thread with some really helpful comments and reviews. I'm looking for something to replace my SERPA for open and not-having-to-be-too-concealed carry. I think you all have convinced me to try a Safariland.



The answer is simple.

This.

I have a serpa for my 1911 and I like it, but I wanted to try something different, this holster feels nice mad solid and has the suede inside to protect the gun. Plus you can get these for around $30 online, even some reputable eBay stores have them. To me this feels superior to my serpa

 

[Rastoff]

I don't like the Serpa style holsters for the simple fact that they require and extra function from the trigger finger. The trigger finger should be doing nothing other than finding the reference point at step 2 and the trigger at step 5.

If used properly, they are not unsafe, just not as reliable as others. The GLS has the benefit of using a normal firing grip to deactivate the lock. This is a very good thing.

 

[wittmeba]

HD Ken - I can't quite tell how the GLS works. Perhaps you could explain along with the second picture you posted comparing the top view widths.

Saturday, I ordered the two I wanted - DeSantis Sof-Tuck IWB (tuckable) and the Gould 3 Slot Pancake. Should be here Friday. I'm anxious cause I don't like the Blade-Tech paddle attachment carries. It rides too far from my body.

Looks like the Safariland above fixes that problem. But I don't think I want to order another holster - mama will start getting upset. You don't want to be around when she gets upset

 

[Rastoff]

This is the problem with finding the right holster; expensive. What works for me, might not work for you. The only way to really know is to get one and try it.

 

[Gunhacker]

Shopping for a holster is analogous to buying a pair of shoes, the same parameters apply... fit, feel, functionality, looks, quality, price.

All very individualistic... too bad there is no such thing as a "holster store", where like a shoe store you can go in to shop and try things out for fit before buying.

Once upon a time holster packaging allowed you to do that at a store, now its heat welded sealed plastic that you need a charge of C-4 to open.

 

[Rastoff]

Once upon a time holster packaging allowed you to do that at a store, now its heat welded sealed plastic that you need a charge of C-4 to open.

There is a store not far from me that has a wall of holsters. Every one is packaged in a zip lock bag and they encourage you to open them up and handle them. If you want to see how a gun fits, they will pull one from behind the counter and let you put it in the holster.

Unfortunately, there are just too many variations. Different guns, barrel lengths, different methods of carry, materials, the list just goes on and on. Then you have to double that for lefties. At least with shoes, there's a standard size and just about everyone has two feet.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

I don't like the Serpa style holsters for the simple fact that they require and extra function from the trigger finger. The trigger finger should be doing nothing other than finding the reference point at step 2 and the trigger at step 5.

If used properly, they are not unsafe, just not as reliable as others. The GLS has the benefit of using a normal firing grip to deactivate the lock. This is a very good thing.

I'm not fussed about the extra function of the trigger finger, it doesn't take enough pressure to change anything about the draw and it's where the finger should be indexing.

I concur that training and using it properly it's not unsafe - from everything I can gather it's people pressing the lever with the tip of their finger like a button... and being in a hurry with pressure there that results in ND's.

My complaint is the crappy plastic, the paddle that is not strong enough and the distance it sticks out if you need to conceal it... add to that that a large enough piece of grit getting under the mechanism and your gun is locked in there - depending where you train or work that's not good.

 

[wittmeba]

This is the problem with finding the right holster; expensive. What works for me, might not work for you. The only way to really know is to get one and try it.

You're exactly right!

Return programs are great but they can't help a mfg/dealer. No one wants to buy a used holster which any would be if returned. They have to be sold off as refurbished or used.

Wasn't it you, Ras, that pointed out the return program with Old Fashioned hybrids? Who's going to want your old one?

 

[Rastoff]

Wasn't it you, Ras, that pointed out the return program with Old Fashioned hybrids? Who's going to want your old one?

Yes, they have a fantastic return policy; you don't return it. Of course, after wearing it for almost a month, I can understand why they don't want it back.

 

[wittmeba]

There is a store not far from me that has a wall of holsters. Every one is packaged in a zip lock bag and they encourage you to open them up and handle them. If you want to see how a gun fits, they will pull one from behind the counter and let you put it in the holster.

Unfortunately, there are just too many variations. Different guns, barrel lengths, different methods of carry, materials, the list just goes on and on. Then you have to double that for lefties. At least with shoes, there's a standard size and just about everyone has two feet.

Just being able to handle them and look at all views would be a big plus from a picture on the internet. Especially for those only using a smart phone to shop and post.

 

[RobtJr]

Thank you for your review and opinion.

Oops, forgot the pic!

I want to thank you for the informative review and opinion you've expressed. Recently, I bought a S&W M&P Shield 9 and have had some difficulty finding the right holster for me. Usually, my Glock 23 is my carry weapon, but since getting the Shield 9 I've had a change of heart. I'm no longer in law enforcement, so this is just for personal defense and I've been reading review after review regarding which holster is best for the Shield 9. I kept coming back to this Mod 5378 GLS because I liked the retention feature. Trying to hide a Blackhawk Level II is quite the challenge with my Glock 23.

Your opinion just sold me on the Model 5378 GLS™ Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Holster.

Thanks again.

RobtJr.