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Nearly A Dozen Ways To Tote Or Stow Your Roscoe.

Many us of have little say in what gun or holster we use while working uniformed patrol. However, when it comes to off-duty concealed carry or detective work, things are usually a little different. Suddenly there’s a world of holsters and bags — strong-side, crossdraw, appendix, IWB, belt clip, paddle, shoulder, ankle, leather, plastic, etc. — which can be a little overwhelming. We’re here to help you navigate through the various methods and brands, but you’ll never really know what you like or what works best for your needs until you actually go out and try them. Here are some of the things we like…

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The reason you see Maxpedition bags and gear in the hands of cops and other professional-types is because it’s some of the best gear you can buy when it comes to humpin’ stuff around. The Sitka Gearslinger is compact and pocket-rich. Internals allow you to hide/store a laptop or iPad perfectly, along with enough goodies to make it a world-class carry-on (including an external water bottle pocket). A hidden, zippered pouch allows concealed carry, and the external straps allow you to secure your coat or other bulky stuff. It’s big enough to have “just enough” stuff in it, but not so big you’re tempted to toss in the 6-cell Maglight, bolt cutters and spare boots. Get it?

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For a snubnose revolver, the IWB “appendix carry” position is secure and fast! Since nobody knows more about snubbies than Bobby Mac, it’s no surprise he makes the best holsters for ’em. Here’s his SN-1 huggin’ John Connor’s Ruger LCR. It’s a great balance of flexibility and rigidity, and super comfy carried at the appendix or anywhere from 12 to 5 o’clock. The top of the belt loop sits right at the top of the cylinder — perfect!

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HT Holsters, designed and made in Finland, recently arrived in the US. Connor tested both their excellent SWAT holster and this one, their unique, patented Speed-Draw CC. A mechanically simple and intuitive security system releases simply by taking a natural grip on the pistol’s butt. The lever rocks forward and you’re in business fast! Another hidden feature is its 360-degree adjustable locking cant. It’s currently made for Glocks and a few other pistols. This one’s a winner!

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Inside the waistband or outside? It sure would be great to find a fast, concealable holster filling both roles, and Galco’s new Double Time does just that. Precision molded from Kydex, it features adjustable tension for security, maintenance-free construction and an open top for fast draw. And it quickly jumps back and forth from OWB to IWB with just a flat-blade screwdriver. Made for a couple dozen pistols, you’ll like the versatility and the price.

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If you walk, jog, run, bike or rollerblade, maybe you’ve been looking for a comfortable, easy-access, under-the-shirt carry system not as restrictive as a bellyband. Look no further and check out the PT-ONE and PT-2 by Pistol Wear. Worn low on the trunk around the hips — not the belly — the pouches are secure and offer noise-free entry. The material is light, comfy and washable, and the belts adjust easily. They’re a perfect way to stay safe when you’re out there exercising in the boonies.

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The folks at CrossBreed Holsters got a mold of the S&W Shield before the pistols even came out, and promptly made four outstanding holsters and mag carriers for it. Connor tried both the IWB QuikClip and OWB SnapSlide shown here, and he reports they’re extremely stable, comfortable and easy to draw. If you’re already a CrossBreed fan, you’re gonna like these, and if you’re not, they’ll make you a fan!

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The Vanquest ENVOY Tactical Messenger Bag is a sort of do-all daily bag to carry all that “take it to the office, go on a plane ride, drive across country, be a detective, carry it in my police car” stuff. It’s made from miracle materials like 1000-D Cordura and ripstop nylon, making it lightweight and super easy to maintain. You can stash up to a 15″ laptop in it and it has over 20 compartments, including a dedicated CCW compartment. I really like how the top zipper allows you to get inside without undoing the flap. A great design in a daily-use bag that doesn’t scream “tactical” or CCW.

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Safariland sure knows a thing or two about laminate materials, and the Model 5198 is just one example from their extensive line of laminate holsters. It has an open top and uses a detent screw at the triggerguard to keep your gun secure, and is ideal for concealed carry or for you detective types. It’s easy to draw from thanks to the low-cut sides. Historically, I haven’t liked paddle-style belt clip holsters because the paddle is usually too stiff to fit the narrow curve around my waist/hip area. Not so with this one: The leading edge of it has an acute curve, which helps keep it snug against my body — and makes it quite comfortable.

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BLACKHAWK! SERPA CQC holster takes the SERPA retention concept into the off-duty or plain-clothes side of the equation. Just because your gun is concealed doesn’t mean you won’t be rolling around on the ground some day with a miscreant. Why risk your roscoe going “thunk” on the concrete, or worse yet, getting into the hands of the bad guy? The SERPA’s passive retention goes “click” when you holster, holding the gun neatly until you need to draw it with a press of your trigger finger. Options abound for gun fits; they’re also available with a paddle accessory, making the on/off chore easier when you’re desk-bound. This is a solidly designed holster making sense in the real world of being a cop.

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0The Snagmag is a great idea, and like most great ideas, is simple in concept. Virtually all of us in our line of work carry a pocket-clip folding knife of some kind. And if you’re smart, you carry a backup or off-duty gun. But admit it now … you don’t always carry ammo for that gun, right? Right? The Snagmag solves that problem neatly. This molded plastic mag holder is minimalist in nature but big in performance. “Snick” your magazine into it, clip it into your pocket like a folding knife (in your off-side pants pocket), and as you grab the magazine, you press back slightly, allowing the “snag” hook to grab your pants. As you draw the mag, the clip stays in your pocket. It’s fast, secure and plain just makes sense. We really liked this idea!
By Suzi Huntington

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