Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain is a seemingly simple piece of hardware, but in the world of law enforcement and tactical gear, it can be a crucial component. Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and reliability in duty gear, produces this adapter. This adapter is designed to bridge the gap between older and newer holster attachment systems, providing compatibility and extending the lifespan of trusted gear. My experience has taught me that even the smallest parts can make or break a mission.

I was led to this product by a frustrating need to update my duty belt setup without completely replacing my existing holsters. I had recently transitioned to a new belt system that utilized a more modern attachment method. However, I still had a couple of older Safariland holsters I was unwilling to retire due to their proven performance and custom fit.

My initial unboxing experience was, admittedly, unremarkable. The adapter is a small, unadorned piece of hardware. It’s a simple black plate, precisely machined. The build quality is immediately apparent. It feels solid and durable, giving me confidence that it could withstand the rigors of daily duty use.

I considered a few other options, including universal adapter plates from lesser-known manufacturers. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain because of Safariland’s reputation. With cheaper adapters, I’ve experienced premature wear and eventual failure.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was hopeful that this little piece of metal would save me the expense of replacing perfectly good holsters.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain was at the local shooting range during a practical pistol course. I used the adapter to attach my trusted Safariland ALS holster to my new duty belt. The weather was mild and dry. This provided a relatively benign environment for initial testing.

The adapter performed flawlessly. The holster felt secure and stable, with no noticeable wobble or play. Accessing and re-holstering my weapon was smooth and consistent. I didn’t need any time to get used to it. It felt like my old setup, just on a new platform.

There were no immediate issues or surprises. The adapter did exactly what it was supposed to do. It bridged the compatibility gap seamlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on duty, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain has proven its worth. It has held up exceptionally well to the daily grind of patrols, training exercises, and the occasional foot pursuit. There are no signs of wear and tear, no loosening of screws, and no degradation of the finish.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth along with the rest of my duty gear. Compared to some other adapters I’ve used in the past, this one far exceeds expectations. The others quickly developed play or even outright failed.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain

Specifications

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain is designed to adapt older Safariland holster mounting patterns to newer attachment systems.

• Finish: Plain. This likely refers to a matte black or similar non-reflective coating for durability and tactical advantage.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for replacing the “new style shank.” It bridges the gap between older and newer Safariland holster attachment systems.
• Material: While not explicitly stated, Safariland typically uses high-strength steel or aluminum for these types of adapters. This provides exceptional durability and resistance to bending or breaking.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the functionality, reliability, and longevity of the adapter. The robust material ensures the holster remains securely attached to the belt, even under duress.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain performs its job admirably. It provides a secure and stable platform for attaching older holsters to newer belt systems. There is no noticeable wobble or play. Accessing and re-holstering the weapon feels natural and consistent.

Its main strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. Its weakness is, that it is only compatible with the Safariland system.

It meets and exceeds my expectations. It has allowed me to continue using my trusted holsters without having to invest in entirely new gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The adapter boasts a simple and functional design. Its low profile minimizes bulk and interference with other gear on the duty belt. The build quality is excellent. The materials feel robust and durable.

The adapter is extremely user-friendly. Installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the robust materials and solid construction, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain should last for many years. Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functional.

Accessories and Customization Options

This is a simple adapter, so there aren’t any included accessories or extensive customization options. Its primary function is to adapt existing holsters to different attachment systems. However, its compatibility with Safariland holsters means it benefits from that line’s modularity.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain

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Who Should Buy Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain?

This adapter is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and competitive shooters. They will benefit most by adapting their existing Safariland holsters to new belt systems or platforms.

Anyone who doesn’t already own Safariland holsters or is looking for a more universal adapter should skip this product.

There are no must-have accessories or modifications required for this adapter. It’s designed to be a simple and self-contained solution.

Conclusion on Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Plain is a simple but effective solution for bridging the gap between older and newer holster attachment systems. Its robust construction, ease of use, and compatibility with trusted Safariland holsters make it a worthwhile investment.

The price of $39.99 is justified by the adapter’s quality and the cost savings it provides compared to replacing entire holster setups.

I would personally recommend it to anyone who needs to adapt their existing Safariland holsters to a new belt system. It’s a reliable and cost-effective solution that will extend the lifespan of your trusted gear. Don’t replace your favorite holster, adapt it!