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Archive for the ‘Holsters’ Category

US Army Announces Improved Modular Tactical Holster Winners

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

Way back in December, 2012, the US Army released a pre-solicitation for a new Improved Modular Tactical Holster (IMTH) for the M9 pistol. The concept was to look for:

improvements to be made to the current Army Tactical Drop-Leg Configuration Holster System for the Army M9 specification Beretta 92F / 92FS pistol. The improvements sought are increased modularity including a drop-leg configuration, that can be quickly transferred to a hip configuration, as well as the capability to be worn/attached to current Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE), load carriage equipment such as rucksacks and the Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) or on individual body armor such as the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) or the Solder Plate Carrier System (SPCS).

Just over a year later, on December 19th, 2013, Natick announced the winners. Interestingly, the Army split the award between ADS Inc ($24,288,000.00) and Military Hardware, LLC ($49,000,000.00).

As we understand it, ADS bid a Serpa system from Blackhawk, probably similar to what they successfully won the Marine Corps contract with. To be sure, the Serpa is popular and has been adopted by militarized all around the world.

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Military Hardware on the other hand, offered a G-Code system that we have covered here on SSD in the past.

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The Military Hardware/G-Code holster consists of the XST holster along with Duty Drop Leg, H-MAR adapter for vests and MOLLE belt mount. The Kydex XST features an two forms of retention; the Over the Top, Power Assisted, Retention Canopy as well as their Adjustable Pro-Safe Tensioning. It is also outfitted with G-Code’s RTI (Rapid Transition Interface) which allows the user to securely move their holster from mount to another.

According the the pre-solicitation the overall 5-year IDIQ contract would not exceed $49 Million and consist of 225,000 holsters. Considering the ceiling on the Military Hardware award meets this, we are unsure how the Army plans to leverage this contract vehicle. Doubly so as they bid entirely different systems from different manufacturers, featuring different retention mechanisms. However, based on the two award amounts, it looks as if the Army expects to purchase twice as many G-Codes as Serpas.

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On a final note, earlier this year, US Air Force Security Forces opted out of using the Serpa and mandated the Safariland 6004/6005. Likewise, the 75th Ranger Regt as well as other SOF organizations also issue the Safariland holster.

Bad Company Tactical – R2S

Wednesday, December 25th, 2013

www.badcompanytactical.com

Kaos Concealment Fusion-L Holster

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

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Kaos Concealment’s Fusion-L (light bearing) holster is an IWB holster made to fit a Glock pistol with an Inforce APL. G-code clip or soft loop capable and fully ambidextrous, the Fusion-L features an adjustable ride height, adjustable retention, and a double high sweat guard. Holsters currently exist for Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23 pistols. Fusion-L models that accept alternate light systems to be added soon.

www.kaosconcealment.com/products/kaos-fusion-l-light-bearing

Additional Details On The H&K MP7 Holster

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

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One of only two new Blackhawk Serpa platform-based HK MP7 holsters in the US popped up in Los Angeles last weekend at a major Metropolitan PD K9 unit testing the validity of deploying the MP7 as a secondary weapon for the K9 handler. Currently, this particular department usually deploys one K9 handler with a cover team which could be fellow K9 officers equipped with carbines or it could consist of SWAT officers or in a less dangerous situation, the handler could be teamed with just street patrol.

While the K9 officer has a cover team for protection, he is usually equipped with a 1911. While the 8-10 rounds of .45 can be extremely lethal, the officer could still be in a world of hurt if he finds himself alone. This is a definite possibility if the officer and his K9 are required to enter a crawl space or a small confined area where his cover team, with much more powerful weapons cannot accompany him. In this case he becomes the tunnel rat with his loyal dog and his trusty 1911. Hence, the agency evaluation of the MP7 as possible secondary weapon choice for the handler to provide a lightweight, high capacity weapon in an extremely compact package.

While the MP7 is being evaluated, the holster was provided by HK for the K9 team and the PD’s firearms division as part of the test. So far this represents one of only two MP7 holsters available Stateside. This holster isn’t really a holster but more like a hanger in design. It has a rocking lever where the operator can push it forward or rock it backwards to release a locking tab located half way down the machined structure of the holster. This also makes the holster ambidextrous. This coupled with a proprietary rail where a receptacle for the locking tab is machined into the rail, the lock tab on the holster engages the receptacle on the rail to lock the weapon in position. The user would simply angle the weapon into the bottom of the holster, as the rail catches on a recess on the aluminium hanger, the user then just rocks the MP7 inward toward the leg, into the locking tab. When reholstering, the user does not have to use the locking lever, it is only to draw the weapon, when the user would have to flick it forward or back. In the draw, the user will either press forward or backwards on the locking lever and angle the weapon slightly outward to release it from the holster.

This opportunity presented itself during a conversation when I asked the testing officer if I could take some pictures and write up an article for Soldier Systems, I was granted permission if I could show up in 30 minutes. I had to act right away to meet his training schedule. With the short amount of time available, my exposure to the system was limited. but I did realize that with the gun mounted to the leg, it was too much kit to be hanging off one leg, especially with the Serpa platform where the two straps hanging the platform from the belt can not firmly secure the weight as well as one would like. even with the three leg straps, the entire system continued to drag on my right side and it require constant adjustment.

However, this shortfall does make me wonder if the same locking system were to be on a leg platform such the Safariland 6004-DFA, would it result in a better and more secure platform, or even the same platform on a MOLLE plate and mounted to the armor carrier?

Then, there is the elephant in the room, price. We all know HK does not make anything cheap, and this holster is no exception. I was told this platform for the MP7 will cost in the neighborhood of 700-800 dollars. Extremely well made, and like all HK products, extremely well designed, but at 700.00+ dollars, I can’t wonder if there aren’t better solutions.

– SMGLee

Fobus Holsters Announce The New CH Rapid Release Systems Holster

Sunday, October 27th, 2013

BENSALEM, PA (October 2013) – Fobus Holster proudly presents their newest lightweight polymer holster; the CH Rapid Release System Holster, now available for many popular GLOCK (GLCH) and H&K (HKCH) handguns.

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The CH holster provides Level 2 Retention while allowing virtually unhampered presentation of the pistol. This is accomplished by incorporating a releasing paddle that is activated by the index finger of the user without need to alter the draw stroke.

Simply slide the index finger upward across the paddle while executing your natural draw and the retention mechanism within the trigger guard is instantly released. Additionally, the releasing paddle has been located on the holster so that continuation of the draw naturally positions the index finger alongside the slide/frame, well above the trigger.

As with any new equipment, practicing to attain the proficiency that is possible with the CH holster is a reality that cannot be overlooked. This is especially critical if this, or any product, is to be employed in a tactical or self-defense situation.

CH series holsters for the S&W M&P (SWCH), Springfield XD (XDCH), Berretta PX4 Storm (BRCH), and Taurus PT 24/7 G1 (TACH) will be released in 2014.

www.fobusholster.com/

AUSA – H&K

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

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H&K is always rolling something new out but we thought this new holster for the MP7 might pique your interest as much as it did ours.

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But, let’s start with the MP7 itself. You may notice a few differences. One obvious item is the color. H&K now offers most of their models in Tan. Additionally, the MP7 now incorporates a 3-position stock rather than the old, in-or-out version. You may also notice that there is a notch in the Picatinny rail. This is for the holster and it is on either side’s rail for right or left handed use. This new Mil Std 1913 rail section is also reinforced. When mounting to the MP7 a metal insert is placed behind the barrel shroud and two additional screws are used in order to need up the rail that will bear the weight of the holstered weapon. H&K told me that they are also introducing a new forend that eliminates the fold down foregrip and instead features a removable 6 o’clock rail section.

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This is the drop leg holster. It is injection molded and features three (!) leg straps for stability. The release lever at the top can be pushed forward or rearward making the holster ambidextrous. Additionally, due to the holster’s design, the weapon cannot be mounted to the holster unless it is safe or semi-auto. If the weapon’s selector lever is set to full-auto, it will not mate to the holster.

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There is also a belt mounted version (not shown) as well as a vest mounted holster. As you can see, one side features PALS webbing. The magazine carrier is mounted to the vest via a PALS panel of pile tape offering more customization based on individual preference.

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The vest model crosses in back like a traditional shoulder holster and attaches to the trouser belt on either side for stability.

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As for the actual attachment of the MP7 to the holster; here it is, mounted. To holster the MP7, the bottom of the reinforced Picatinny rail is inserted into the recess in the holster and then it is rocked toward the holster into place so that the catch will engage. Due to this design, even with a mounted suppressor, the MP7 will still fit right to the holster.

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www.hk-usa.com

S.O.Tech – X2 Taser Holster

Sunday, October 13th, 2013

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S.O.Tech designed the X2-Taser Holster for the X2-Taser. It’s designed to be ambidexterious and the flap and buckle combination prevents accidental misidentification from a lethal weapon holster. An added safety feature keeps the taser in “safe” position when stowed. The X2-Taser holster comes with a speed clip belt hanger adapter so the holster can be snapped on in seconds, reducing clutter on leg, back strain, public view, and opportunities for damage. A reload pouch also comes standard with the holster.

specopstech.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=2327&page=

G-Code’s Improved Modular Holster System Entry

Monday, October 7th, 2013

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At Modern Day Marine we got an opportunity to check out G-Code’s entry for the US Army Improved Modular Holster System program courtesy of MilitaryHardware.com.

Their entry consists of the XST holster along with Duty Drop Leg, H-MAR adapter for vests and MOLLE belt mount. The Kydex XST features an two forms of retention; the Over the Top, Power Assisted, Retention Canopy as well as their Adjustable Pro-Safe Tensioning. It is also outfitted with G-Code’s RTI (Rapid Transition Interface) which allows the user to securely move their holster from mount to another.