D-C said:
Thanks Niner,
It would be the OPD duty belt one that I am thinking about. The reason is I have a friend that just got a 226 for the range and doesn't like the holster and I have heard from some MP's that they really like the holster for it's safety reason.
D-C
Don't mind the peanut gallery.
And again, let me get even more pedantic: What holster does he have? Can you find a picture of it online? What doesn't he like about it? What does he do "at the range"?
In the past I have made many purchase decisions based on what others thought was cool or the latest and greatest, without factoring in if their use were similar to my requirements.
If your friend is looking for a pistol holster for the range then I want you to advise him against the SL 0705 which is issued for duty belt use. The requirements of an MP/Police officer on patrol, interacting with the public at large and bad guys are quite different than for someone shooting at the range, be it IPSC, IDPA, courses or even just plinking. Lets also add to this that the police world at large is (slowly in some cases) moving away from the Lv 3 leather snap holster. All the municipal departments local to me appear to be using 63XX holster.
I shoot a Glock 22 for fun and for training, with an X300 in a 6360 holster w/ ALS on a drop UBL (Low enough to clear armour, but high as possible). This set up has seen me through a handful of courses a few rounds here and there. My Wife shoots a S&W M&P 40 in a 6354 w/ ALS (hoodless) and likes it a lot. The only down side is that a SL holster nears $200 retail, but I have yet to hear anyone who bought one that complained about the price.
Kidex is also quite popular. Blade Tech would be a good place to start looking. I have no personal experience with Blade Tech, but well made Kydex holsters has served well a lot of people I shoot with. You should be able to find a Blade Tech holsters for ~$50.
I am no expert and the more info you can give me, the better I can help you.