Safariland Raptor

[ORlaw]

Ok this is my last equipment question for awhile I promise! lol :D

I am looking at getting a Safariland Raptor as my duty holster. The question now is whether to get the dual retention or triple retention and whether to get the high ride (standard) or the dropped version. I know this is a new holster relatively speaking. Has anyone had any experiences with it? Pros, cons, any thoughts of which one might be better, preferences?

I've done a search and read past posts, but I was wondering if anyone has had any additional experiences with this holster since it has been out a little longer now since the previous posts.

As always, thanks again for the help!

-Orlaw

[SecretNY]

OR, I use the Raptor and I love it. By policy, all holsters have to have three retentions, so that's what I have (and I draw quicker than the SSIII). I have both the standard drop and the 1.5 drop and have used both. I like the standard better. The 1.5 digs into you when you sit down in the cruiser plus I like to be able to "lock" my gun under my elbow if someone grabs it. You can't do that with the 1.5 drop.

I bought it online (can't remember where) but I paid about $115.

Enjoy!
SecretNY

[Eaglearm]

Isn't it the rapture that has a spring loaded device to allow the button to push in and release the weapon. I looked at one of those and it looks neat. However, I would hate to get dirt and or a rock trapped in the spring system, it would probably jam up. Thus, cause lots of problems.

Best bet is to get a holster with limited amounts of mechanical parts. The Vail Drop is a good one. Have been using it for a while. Plus, there are lots of other departments and SWAT Teams that utilize it as well.

[Brettkazcop]

My department of about 110 officers all use the raptor. Personally, I like it a lot and I haven't heard any complaints about it.

They issue us the dual retention, but if I had my choice I would have purchased the triple retention - which I may still do at some point in my career. There was a few guys I went to the academy with who had a triple retention raptors and had just as fast of a draw as me or even some of the guys with the single retention Uncle Mike's holsters. It is definitely a good idea in my opinion to buy a quality holster now that you believe you will end up using while you are on the job - so when you get to the academy you get plenty of practice drawing from it. You will draw so much during weapons training and scenario training that triple retention will become second nature and your muscle memory will kick right in when a stressful situation hits.

The triple retention also proved to be very secure during our weapons retention training (but of course don't rely on equipment, rely on your tactics). I also think the standard drop on it would be your best bet. I have the standard drop and also have trained with the "lock" method SecretNY was speaking about. Most of the guys at the academy who did have he 1.5 drop ended up ordering a new piece from safariland to make it the standard drop.

Speaking of a new piece from safariland - you can also get a small extra locking switch if you choose that will make it impossible for the hood on the holster to rotate forward, hence the gun will not come out. This may make sense if you are going into situations like a bar fight and the place is up for grabs with people trying to grab your gun, etc.

Hope that helps. stay safe

Kaz

[LeeRoy]

We are looking at offering the raptor as an option to the 070 which is our standard issue. I've played with the level 3 version of the Raptor but not the level 2. Does the level 2 version still have the rock-back draw and just does away with the locking bar?

One concern I have about the level 3 version was with the locking bar in the back. Unlike the back snap on the 070 when you hit the locking bar and then let go it goes back to its locked position. My concern was that what if during your draw your finger slips off the bar you won't be able to rock back. Have any of you carrying the level 3 found this to be a problem?

I really like the idea of the rotating hood versus snap and I've replaced a number of 070's over the years after the top strap started cracking.

I wish the 6295 (hooded version of the 295) was made for the P220. I'd think I'd like to go back to a forward unlock rather than the rock back.

[SecretNY]

Never had a problem. You'll find that it doesn't require a lot of pressure to release the button. In fact it mimics the 070 finger method of releasing the weapon.

Of course it takes practice.

[ssween2]

If your tall like I am you are going to want to go with the high-rise. I have found that the mid-rise cuts into my leg while im seated in my vehicle. Also I use the double retention version. Triple seems alittle to muck to do for me. Although if you train with it you can become just as quick a draw. It comes down to your personal feelings.