Safariland holster help needed.

[C/O]

I have a Safariland 568 paddle holster for my 686. I like the holster, and feel that it will make for a good range/woods holster. The problem is, it is almost impossible to get it all the way in while wearing it. I have loosened the screws and backed the tension bar off but still have to really push hard on the gun to get it to fit all the way in the holster. I have tried putting the gun in and leaving it for a few days and it is still tight. I am afraid to back off the screws any more, I don't want them so loose that they fall out.

Anyone else had this issue, and how did you fix it?

 

[Pete99004]

Normally, they suggest placing an unloaded gun into a heavy duty plastic bag and then into the holster and leaving it overnight to stretch out the leather a bit - and I have heard of putting a lite coat of wax on the outside of the bag as well - for really tight fits. I guess the thought is the wax will hit the high spots of the gun into the leather and leave a bit of residue for later when the gun is placed in the holster without the bag and the wax residue will make for an easier installation. However, I'm sure someone on here will join in and has other methods that might work as well.

Good luck. Hope this helped.

Pete

 

[C/O]

Thanks, I will try that.

 

[Smith357]

Interesting, I have a 568 and though it took a few tries to get the tension on the holster where I wanted I have not had to do any adjustments in months and I use it a couple times a week. My best guess is the roller block is out of adjustment and binding on the barrel lug as you insert the gun into the holster.

 

[C/O]

Smith357, I just play with the screws some more and I got it adjusted to where it goes in and out easier, but when I take out the gun the screws seem real loose then. I wonder if I should try some blue lock tite?

 

[Ogandydancer]

I have a safariland with the ALS for my P229R and don't care all that much for it. It works but I won't buy another.

 

[Smith357]

Smith357, I just play with the screws some more and I got it adjusted to where it goes in and out easier, but when I take out the gun the screws seem real loose then. I wonder if I should try some blue lock tite?

I have mine sitting here empty and the retention screws are a bit loose, when I insert the gun they tighten right up. I don't see it as an issue because when the holster is empty it's on the shelf, when its on me and bouncing where the screw might work loose the gun is in it keeping them tight.

 

[NCW Ray]

According to Safarland's website it says this about the Model 568:

"In just four fits, this design can accommodate over 100 handguns."

So it sounds like to me it takes awhile for it to form to your particular pistol.

I've never seen the 568 but I've never much liked a one size fits many guns style of holster and generally shy away from them unless it was out of complete necessity.

I have their Model 6378 which comes with both a belt attachment and a paddle attachment. I use it as my range holster and fit is excellent. Safariland is top notch equipment. I used Safariland holsters/duty belts/cases throughout my 33 years as a LEO, never had a failure of any of it.