Review: Huang Replica v. Safariland 6004/6005

[Ming_the_Merciless]

Huang Replica - Safariland 6004 (1911 4" Barrel)
Personal Background/History
I never was really a fan of nylon holsters, and thought that Kydex (Carbon Fiber/Plastics/Composite) holsters that contour to your handgun was either too expensive and not really needed in airsoft. Ever since I got into real-steel shooting, and plan on getting into IDPA/IPSC/among other shooting competitions, its an absolute must to have a Kydex holster of some type, among those manufacturers are: Forbus, BladeTech, Safariland, and BHI. Originally I got the SERPA holster for the Springfield Armory XD 45 Compact, I absolutely love it, compared to the retention, secureness, and draw time of common nylon holsters. Blackhawk Industries SERPA is versatile in that you can easily have three platforms in which to draw from: belt, paddle, or thigh. Simply purchasing another SERPA allows you to use the same thigh rig by attaching it to the platform, and you'll get the same amazing retention that is fast, secure and safe on a robust & stable thigh rig. However there is a possibility of the release mechanism jamming, and more importantly for myself some shooting schools state side, actually have banned the SERPA at there ranges for that reason.

However, I still needed a thigh holster that could accomodate the Streamlight TLR-2 (laser/light combo) with the XD. After some research, I found Safariland. It took approximate 3 months, and after using it since then I am a believer of Safariland. I prefer the rotating hood, opposed trigger finger release mechanism on the side of the SERPA. Moreover, the felt lining protects the custom finish. Though the Safariland uses the conventional one point design, opposed to the two point on the SERPA thigh rig, it is resoundingly comfortable.

Fast forward now to my current rig. For static range use, training schools, and god-forbid SHTF scenario I run my Safariland 6005 with my 1st line. For airsoft use, I used the SERPA thigh rig with my WEP14, but still prefered the Safariland.

Huang recently came out with a new line of holsters:
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthr...t=55473&page=6

I couldn't resist and ordered one.

The package arrived rather fast, in a zip-lock styled bag. Huang is a great guy to deal with, and service is oustanding. The holster did not come with any instructions, but the learning curve is not difficult at all. Simply push down and out on the thumb break and with a firm grip, keeping index finger along the side of the holster draw and present the firearm. Holstering the firearm with trigger finger indexed outside the trigger guard and thumb on the rear of the side, and then push the rotating hood back into position.

Materials/Construction/Stitching
The leg platform is made of similar material, but the Kydex shroud is somewhat different. The material construction of the platform is great, but the straps leave a lot to be desired. Moreover, those leg straps that hold the holster to the thigh do not have any anti-slip materials added to the backing. The hoop & loop (velcro) strap that runs from the belt to the holster does not have great rigidity compared with the latter. A thicker strap would prevent twisting. The two straps that hold the holster in place are extremely elastic, and when the holster arrived with the plastic loops oriented in the wrong direction, and had to be adjusted.






(New verisons should incoporate a thicker strap leading from the holster to the belt, and anti-slip material should be on the back side of the straps holding the holster to the thigh.)


(Perhaps a quick detach model (6005) can be made in the future?)


(Huang verison runs with very elastic straps, thus the difference in the lengths.)


(Safariland 6004/6005 comes standard with the addition of the thumb break protector, designed to hinder attempted gun take away situations from a bad guy)


(Moot point for airsoft, though if you really wanted, it looks compatiable)

End Notes:
For a fraction of the price for using Huang's verison opposed to the Safariland is appealing to airsofters especially. I have no doubt that this would equally work with real-steel. Also, the rotating hood was some what stiff, and I applied a bit of silicon oil to the mechanism and that helped. I nearly forgot, the addition of a felt lining would be a nice touch, but for the value I can't complain.

Another great replica from Huang!