Sidearms & Scatterguns Safariland qls vs gcode rti

[C_R_Slacker]

Does anyone have experience with both systems? I'm looking for a system that allows quick changing of outside the waistband holsters. This will be for training, classes, and casual range days. Possibly also for a few uspsa matches.

Both look and cost very similar. Any preference for one over the other?

 

[strikeeagle1]

First, what firearm ?
I don't have any experience with Gcode; let them chime in. I also have never met anyone that has more Safariland equipment than me. I have been a Bill Rogers / Safariland disciple for the past 15 years. I believe the Safariland equipment to be the best professional grade equipment available and the standard against which other holster manufacturers prefer to compare themselves without any possibility of being comparable. The QLS works well with belt / leg drop / carry bag / competition rigs / chest rigs / in-vehicle mounting options / belt clip / hip mount / situations; the lower profile ELS system works well for mounting compact / subcompact firearms. IF you require a security style holster, no other holster system has a security retention "Level System" to compare products. A small fraction of examples:

 

[C_R_Slacker]

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply. I'm going to be using it for a vp9, Glock 19, 1911, and possibly vp9sk for now. With the ubl mid ride, does the grip of the pistol hit about at the waistband? That's what I'm trying to end up with.

 

[Bonjourjr]

I have both and I prefer Safariland. The main reason why is that when you lock in your holster...that’s it. No secondary actions needed. With g code, you have to lock in your holster, then slide the lock lever over. A secondary action is needed when using g code.

Forgetting to lock the g code holster sucks when you attempt to draw your pistol and the holster comes with the gun. Both are nice systems and with enough training the g code is a viable system.

I also thought the gcode system might be more low profile than Safariland but it makes the holster stick out just as much as the Qls. I will stick with the Safariland. The gcode will be used as a backup I guess.

 

[J McGriddle]

With the ubl mid ride, does the grip of the pistol hit about at the waistband? That's what I'm trying to end up with.

I use the mid ride UBL with a secondary belt to achieve this. I also run the thigh strap from T.Rex Arms and love the setup. As a side note, my suppressor height sights were not compatible with the ALS system.

 

[J-Ham]

I wish the 2 companies would get together to make the ultimate system because I like aspects from both of them. In my opinion...

1. Safariland has better holsters, although the ALS not fitting suppressor-height sights is a problem that I was unaware of & a bit of a deal breaker for me. I always felt their products are more geared towards police, which stands to reason since they're a MUCH older company. With G-Code being based near Jacksonville, I always assumed there was some connection with the USMC which is more along the lines of what we're doing here.

2. I REALLY like G-Code's Operator Belt system, and their Softshell Scorpion mag pouches.

3. In my opinion QLS & RTI both work equally well. RTI is lower profile when it's not being used. One nice thing about the QLS is that due to the bolt spacing, you can pair the QLS plate with the midride drop thingy & run a single leg strap between the two. I've done something similar on one of my G-Code holsters but it doesn't work as well & the strap should really be attached to the mount, not the holster. G-Code now makes a single strap mount deal but I'm kinda pissed at them because I asked them to make that like 5 years ago when I built my rig & they just rolled it out this year.

 

[pmclaine]

Love the Safariland retention system but cant seem to find similar holsters for all my guns.

I use the GCode RTI wheels to mount my holsters and like it. Recently upgraded to the wheels with leg strap.

I use Garret Industries Silent Thunder Holsters for my non Safariland supported guns. Ill use a lanyard for retention in those cases.

I have some non strap RTI wheels I could sell you if you need em.

 

[J-Ham]

Out of curiosity, since you're using the RTI, why do you run Garrett holsters as opposed to G-Code? As long as you don't mind the absence of the ALS, G-Code makes a great holster.

 

[pmclaine]

Out of curiosity, since you're using the RTI, why do you run Garrett holsters as opposed to G-Code? As long as you don't mind the absence of the ALS, G-Code makes a great holster.

Just got used to GI as I have found it to be my ideal CC owb gun bucket.

Love the leather lining, love the lack of sound from metal running through plastic and Im a squeamish girl that cares about the finish on a bunch of my guns that should be considered "collectable" but I like to carry them.

My duty gun rides the Safariland. Same controls when at work or training and likely the go to in time of need.

Commanders, M45A1, various S&W revolvers drop into GI leather lined plastic. Guns I generally use just for fun.

All are fit with GCode adapters so I can run them on my RTI wheel.

My dislike for many plastic holsters out there is they are bulky.

 

[J-Ham]

Gotcha... I'm a squeamish girl at times too, haha!

 

[strikeeagle1]

Safariland has been using their SafariSeven polymer for several years now...the holsters will not scratch firearms and any scratches on the external surface are easily rubbed off . The older kydex models had a suede lining for for two reasons, they were form molded and as such could not be made as precisely as the new generation injection molded methods; second, the kydex was abrasive to firearm finishes and finally because of a "loose" fit to the firearm they were noisy when walking and on the draw / re-holstering when noise discipline was important. These are no longer issues with modern Safariland holsters.


The Sig holster posted above is a Model 6378, old style kydex with suede liner. Now I use the newer pro-fit style GLS style with SafariSeven for Sigs.
Below is a Sig p320 GLS holster with very tall Dawson suppressor sights (0.55") mounted with QLS on a drop leg rig that can easily be transferred to hip paddle QLS or belt clip QLS mount.
Safariland has been promising a "optic ready" (i.e. optic hood cover w/ ALS) for Sigs for more than a year now, still not available.

 

[srt-4_uk]

If your plan is to use it for USPSA matches, I'm not sure either we'll meet the requirement for distance away from inner belt. I use a qls on a G-Code holster, I like the QLS because there are enough mounting holes you can put it on a safariland, gcode, or bladetech holster.

 

[pmclaine]

Top is my gear set up when wearing "over" shit. It has a sweet Safariland holster. Love everything about this particular holster. That holster does have some sueded finish protection and is a very compact, streamlined, quiet option......its just not available for all my guns. Works well with my S&W M&P.

Bottom is my belt set up when intended to be worn with an inner belt on the pants belt loops. It sports a GI holster for my M45A1 in this case.....

 

[pmclaine]

My latest revolver acquisition....

and the GI plastic I fit with RTI hardware to carry it....

 

[Choid]

I get knuckle interference on the draw with Safariland sometimes with some attachments. Gcode is better that way.

 

[pmclaine]

I get knuckle interference on the draw with Safariland sometimes with some attachments. Gcode is better that way.

Have you ever been called a "Knuckledragger"?

 

[Choid]

Have you ever been called a "Knuckledragger"?

Is that you, Mom?

 

[pmclaine]

Is that you, Mom?

No, but she is right here, want me to nudge her awake?

 

[J-Ham]

 

[Choid]

No, but she is right here, want me to nudge her awake?

Nah, just keep her happy.

 

[pmclaine]

SnipersHide.......where America can still express humor whether innocent or repugnant.

 

[J-Ham]

This country has lost its damn sense of humor... Don't ever change, Hide.

 

[pmclaine]

This country has lost its damn sense of humor.

You aint shitting........and if it could use anything right now it would be a good laugh.