Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster Review

First Impressions of Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster promises a blend of secure weapon retention and comfortable, concealable carry for light-bearing handguns. Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military-grade holsters, aims to deliver a practical solution for everyday carry without sacrificing tactical advantage. Its two-in-one design, accommodating firearms with or without a light, is an intriguing proposition that caught my attention, promising versatility.

For years, I’ve grappled with finding an OWB holster that balances concealment, accessibility, and secure retention for my H&K VP9 with a weapon light. Most OWB holsters either print excessively or lack sufficient retention, especially when accommodating a light. The Safariland 557 seemed to offer a potential solution to this problem.

Upon receiving the holster, my initial impression was positive; the STX Tactical finish felt robust, and the overall construction appeared solid. The holster felt surprisingly lightweight considering its ability to accommodate a weapon light. Compared to a bulky, light-specific Kydex holster I was previously using, the Safariland 557 immediately felt more streamlined. This led me to pick it over a Blade-Tech Total Eclipse and a Blackhawk SERPA, both of which felt less versatile or secure for my specific light-bearing VP9 configuration.

I was cautiously optimistic; Safariland has a reputation to uphold, and the design showed promise, but the true test would be in real-world application. Would it live up to the Safariland name?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster at my local shooting range during a practical pistol course. The course involved drawing, firing, and re-holstering under time pressure, simulating real-world scenarios. In both dry and humid conditions, the draw stroke was surprisingly smooth and consistent, and I did not need any time to adjust.

The ejection port detent provided positive retention without hindering a clean draw, making for a very comfortable drawing experience. I was immediately impressed with the holster’s stability on my belt and secure firearm retention with or without the weapon light attached, even during dynamic movements. The only slight issue was a minor adjustment needed to my belt positioning to minimize printing under a light jacket.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily carry and multiple range sessions, the Safariland 557 has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on either the holster body or the finish. The STX Tactical finish has held up well against scratches and scuffs from everyday use.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous experience with a leather holster that required regular conditioning, the Safariland 557 is significantly easier to maintain. It outperforms my older light-bearing holster in both concealability and retention.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster

Specifications

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster is specifically designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, focusing on concealment and ease of access. It is made from a durable synthetic material with an STX Tactical finish, offering resistance to scratches and the elements. Its belt loop accommodates belts up to 2 inches wide.

The holster is designed to fit the Heckler & Koch VP9 with a variety of weapon lights, including Streamlight TLR-1/TLR-1HL, SureFire X200/X300/X300U, Inforce APL, and Nightstick TWM series lights. The light/laser attachment capability is a key feature, allowing for a versatile carry option. The use of an ejection port detent ensures secure weapon retention, an important factor for OWB carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster performs its primary function exceptionally well: securely holding the firearm while allowing for a smooth and consistent draw. The ejection port detent design works as intended, providing positive retention without hindering the draw stroke. Its strength lies in its ability to accommodate a wide variety of weapon lights on the H&K VP9.

The main area for potential improvement would be further refinement of the molding to minimize printing, but this is a minor issue. It meets and slightly exceeds my expectations given its price point and features. The holster has proven to be a very functional and well-designed piece of equipment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 557 is designed with a low profile to aid in concealment, and is surprisingly lightweight. The wide belt loop design distributes weight evenly, enhancing comfort during extended wear. The STX Tactical finish provides a secure grip and a professional aesthetic.

The holster is reasonably user-friendly; there is no significant learning curve, and the draw stroke feels natural. The Safariland 557 also has a simple design which is user friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

Given Safariland’s reputation and the materials used, the Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster is expected to last for years under normal use. The STX Tactical finish is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and moisture, contributing to the holster’s longevity. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

This holster is a dependable holster. The Safariland 557 is easy to maintain and is durable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster does not come with any additional accessories; however, it is designed to be compatible with a range of popular weapon lights. While the holster itself doesn’t offer direct customization options (e.g., adjustable cant), its compatibility with various belt attachments allows for some degree of personalization.

The ability to use the holster with different belt loops or platforms can significantly enhance its versatility. The holster is compatible with any Safariland belt attachments.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster?

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster is perfect for law enforcement, security professionals, and responsible armed citizens who carry an H&K VP9 with a weapon light and prioritize secure retention and concealability. It’s also well-suited for individuals who frequently transition between carrying with and without a light, thanks to its adaptable design. Those who value a streamlined, no-nonsense holster with proven reliability will find this an excellent choice.

Individuals seeking a high degree of adjustability or those who do not intend to use a weapon light should skip this product. A quality belt is a must-have accessory to ensure stability and minimize printing.

Conclusion on Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster

The Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster delivers on its promise of providing a secure, concealable, and versatile carry solution for light-bearing H&K VP9s. The price of $58.40 is justified by its durability, functionality, and the peace of mind it offers in terms of weapon retention. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable OWB holster for their VP9 with a weapon light.

If you are looking for a practical and dependable holster for your light-bearing H&K VP9, the Safariland 557 is a solid choice that will not disappoint. Invest in your safety and confidence – add the Safariland 557 Model Concealment OWB Holster to your gear today!