Safariland 5198 - Open Top Concealment Paddle/Belt Loop Holster with Detent

I have had several different Polymer paddle holsters in the past. Fobus, uncle mikes kydex, blackhawk serpa, and a few off brands. This one is the most comfortable one i have used. The higher ride/draw height on the belt takes a little getting used to, but is worth it. The high ride height makes it much more comfortable when sitting and driving, and less likely to show the muzzle from under a shirt or jacket. It holds my full size FN pistol in tight to my side. The passive retention is more than sufficient when adjusted correctly. I can shake the holster with the unloaded pistol upside down and it stays, but still draws easy enough. The paddle is a little big, but the shape and curve keep the holster from shifting around. It also comes with a belt loop to replace the paddle if you prefer that. Great holster for the money, definitely recommended.

This is a great holster for IDPA style shooting. It has enough retention to hold the pistol securely, but it releases instantly when you draw. You do have to adjust the tension to your liking.The paddle keeps the holster far more stable and tight to your body than the belt mount. I would suggest using the paddle for the best concealability.Keep in mind that this is essentially a plastic holster with a small piece of leather glued to the body side of the inside of the holster to protect the pistol. After thousands of draws out of this holster, my Glock 17 shows signs of wear on the finish on the sides of the slide.Other than the finish wearing a little, this is one of the best holsters I have ever owned. In fact, I own six of them for the various pistols I shoot and they all work fantastic.

Of the half dozen or so holsters that I've purchased, this Safariland holster is by far the best. It holds my LC9s very securely, discretely and comfortably. The paddle is slightly curved which keeps the holster very comfortably positioned outside my waistband. The holster has a thin felt-like lining to protect the gun's finish. What I like most about this holster is that it holds the gun high and tight to the body with no flopping around. The gun is held very firmly, yet drawing and reholstering is quick and precise. This holster and the LC9s are an outstanding combination for concealed carry.

I was honestly surprised how good this holster is, considering the price. gun fits very well, you can fine tune the tension, and it rides very close to the body. it is very comfortable. the wide paddle distributes the weight of the gun, very well. it rides high, a big plus while sitting. it has earned the top spot in my carry rotation.I do have to be a little bitchy. I am somewhat disenchanted with putting it on, and taking it off. the biggest perk of a paddle holster is easy on and off. this holster does not qualify for easy on, or off. once on, it is there.....I have absolutely no fear of the holster becoming dislodged while drawing. IT STAYS PUT!! I personally think this feature outweighs the inconvenience of the difficulty of on and off. hopefully there is a learning curve for this dumb ole country boy.another petty little bitch, and I mean petty. the stitching looks like someone did it after a three or four or five martini lunch. this, in no way, affects the outstanding fit and function of the holster. like I said, I like it so well, it is my current favorite. I recently bought another brand, at over twice the price. cosmetically it is virtually perfect, but it rides lower, and it is nowhere near as comfy. the safariland meets my needs and liking, much better.this holster could prove to be very expensive. now I want to buy one for my M&P .45, my FNH FNS 9MM, and maybe even my S&W shield, in .40 S&W.I wish they made 'em for revolvers.........

Rides high for my preference, but fits my 1911 Officer. Good for range and woods, I don't carry 1911 CCW.

Safariland doe's make good products and this molded holster by it's self is a great example of their quality workmanship (great look)..Excellent adjustable tension and it works great.BUT, the paddle, when attached to the holster is way too large becoming intrusive when sitting or walking. That said, the holster also comes with a belt accessory that attaches to the holster. It comes with the required bolts and allen wrench. When used this way its a perfect fit. It has a 3 adjustable positions, straight up and down (I call this the center position which I luv), 10% front lean or a 10% rear lean from center. So if you can go without the paddle and easily loop it through a belt, you should love it.

This is a well made, sturdy holster. It is built for range carry and not really anything else. This is a poor choice for concealed or open carry with the open top and it doesn't cover the magazine release. But it is a good buy if all that you are wanting is a holster for the range. Some have said it doesn't fit the XDs. Mine fits perfectly. They must have received the wrong holster or have the XDs 4". Be sure when you order it says 5198-45-411( left hand 412) for the XDs 3.3" barrel. I don't think they make this holster for the 4" but the tip of the holster could be cut off about a 1/2" and it would work.

OMG! This holster is awesome! I would give it 10 stars if I could! The positive feedback when you hear the click and the ability to adjust the retention is absolutely grand. Also, there is a piece of suede on the inside that prevents my firearm from being scratched as it is inserted. I really thought that I was going to get an average holster because of the affordable price but this product has exceeded my wildest dreams. This is my first and last review but I had to give Safariland credit for the genius put into this holster. The molded paddle is just another well thought out addition for those who carry heavier full-size firearms for long periods of time.

Awesome holster!! Both belt attachments options work great.I picked up a second one for my FNS 9L. I am running that holster with the safariland mid ride attachment. I used a heat gun to open the Muzzle end of the holster just enough to allow the 9L's slide to pass through; no cutting or dremel work, just a bit of heat. With the modification the FNS 9 still fits perfectly.