Single Stack Division holster questions

[Guest]

(Disclaimer - I apologize if this has been beat to death. I tried using my BE search-fu, but my search-fu may be weak today.)

After a discussion a few days ago with another forum member, Seeker, I started thinking about running a few matches in Single Stack and maybe work towards getting classified in that division.

I have the shooting hardware (in .45), and belt and mag pouches which would be Single Stack legal...but not a Single Stack division legal holster.

Ok, so here are my holster questions:

1. Between the Blade-Tech Stingray and the Safariland 5197 / 5198 / 5199 series holsters - is there one which is clearly better (i.e better made, draws better or smoother, secures the gun better, sits on the belt better, etc.) or is it a "Ford-vs-Chevy" thing?

2. I understand the Blade-Tech is not suede lined, but the Safariland is - is that correct?

3. I'm thinking of going to a Safariland ELS belt system. Are the Blade-Tech or the Safariland 5197 / 5198 / 5199 series holsters compatible with the ELS quick detach system?

4. If I decide to go with the Safariland, I'm not sure if the 5197 would be the best choice since it has the belt loops, or would the 5198 paddle with the 745BL quick clip be better?

5. Any other thoughts or considerations would be welcome.

Thanks.

[Carmoney]

I shoot Single Stacks quite a bit in competition, and have never found any reason to switch from my Uncle Mike's kydex belt holster that I bought for $17 at Sportsman's Warehouse years ago. If you haven't tried one, check it out--if nothing else, it's a cheap spare.

[trp]

I agree I have a comp tac that I love also but it cost like 60 bucks

[digby7]

for a SS holster I like minimal retention so i run them pretty loose - because of that they all really work the same for me. so from there it comes down to little things like how it attaches to the belt and overall quality of the thing.

Ive not tried bladetech but i have tried sidearmor and comptac. I really like the sidearmor holster but hate the way it attaches to a velcro belt. i'm on comptac now and really like their holsters and turn around time.

I'll probably try a ready tactical next.

[polizei1]

I have the Blade-Tech DOH/SRB and it's just simply awesome. I don't have one complaint of the holster, though I've never seen/used the Safariland so I can't comment on that. FWIW, I bought mine at Shooters Connection for $68, money well spent IMO.

[Guest]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I looked hard at the Uncle Mikes and Blade-Tech DOH/StingRay from Shooters's Connection, but decided to go with the Safariland because it was reasonable cheap (about 27 bucks), and I thought maybe it might stand a better chance of being compatible with the Safariland ELS system.

When it comes in I can report back if anyone is interested.

[dskinsler83]

Just remember it can't be dropped and offset

[Guest]

Thanks, I'm pretty sure the Safariland 5197 should be legal for Single Stack. Doesn't look to to be dropped or offset.

[Seeker]

I love it when a plan comes together.

I was going to say "you can try my bladetech stingray" but since I'm left handed, it would not be much help.

I presume you have the requisite half dozen SS mag pouches.

[Guest]

Hmmm....Back pocket good, front pocket no bueno?

[Gary Stevens]

The issue is a simple metric. The front strap of the handgun must be at or above the top of the belt all the way to the trigger guard, unless you are female. If you are female, you can have the heel of the butt at or above the top of the belt.

[gino_aki]

The Bladetech I have wants to come with the gun on the draw. The Safariland 5197? (I forget which one it is) doesn't. I AM using the Bladetech belt attachment with my 012 on my ELS L-10 rig 'cause it felt a little more secure yet can be shifted easily if I need to move the holster a bit forward or back.