The Do-Everything Holster

American Handgunner, Jan, 2001 by Dave Anderson

A police detective friend who's been wearing a Safariland Model 560 "Custom Fit" holster on duty for over a year claims it's the best holster he's ever used. The paddle system is extremely comfortable even after long hours on the job, retains the holster safely, yet is easy to install and remove. Draws are smooth and consistent. The holster conceals well, even under a light summer jacket.

The 560 is another ingenious concept from holster designer Bill Rogers. It is constructed of a special non-stretching synthetic, so once tension is set, it remains set indefinitely. This officer shoots a lot, both for qualification and for recreation, so the holster has seen a lot of use. It still looks like new and tension has not changed from its initial adjustment.

The holster is fitted to specific gun models, in this case a Glock 26, via a screw on the rear of the holster. Operation is rather like an automobile floor jack. Turning the screw presses a plastic lever against the gun's receiver, tightening the holster. Two adjustment screws on the front of the holster permit gun retention to be fine-tuned. Clever, simple and effective.

Models are available to fit most modern handguns, in both left and right hand. If you don't care for the paddle, it can be replaced by a belt loop (supplied), Current list price is $83.