Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg might not sound glamorous, but for those of us in the tactical gear world, it can be a crucial piece. This seemingly simple adapter bridges the gap between older Safariland holster mounting systems and more modern platforms. It’s a niche product, certainly, but one that solves a specific problem with efficiency and, hopefully, durability.

I stumbled upon the need for this adapter when trying to repurpose a classic Safariland duty holster I’ve had for over a decade. The holster itself is still in fantastic condition, but its original mounting system wasn’t compatible with the newer MOLLE vests and belt attachments I was transitioning to. That’s where the Old Style Shank Adapter Hg comes in, promising to be the link I needed to keep using my trusted holster.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was that it’s a no-frills, functional piece. The adapter is made of what appears to be durable polymer, and its construction seems robust enough to withstand the rigors of duty use. Its weight is negligible, which is a definite plus when you’re already carrying a load of gear.

While I can’t compare it directly to another adapter designed for the exact same purpose (they are fairly uncommon), I did consider replacing the entire holster. Ultimately, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg won out because it allowed me to retain the specific draw angle and retention of my existing holster, something an entirely new system might not offer. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its promise of seamlessly bridging the old and the new.

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

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg was at a local shooting range during a training session focused on rapid draw techniques. I mounted the adapter onto my MOLLE-compatible battle belt, attached my old-style Safariland holster, and ran through several drills. The conditions were dry and temperate, ideal for testing ergonomics and draw speed.

The adapter performed surprisingly well during the initial drills. The holster felt secure and the draw stroke was smooth and consistent, just as it was before I changed the mounting system. I needed very minimal adjustment time because I was already used to the holster itself.

One slight issue I noticed after the first few uses was a bit of movement between the adapter and the holster. This wasn’t a catastrophic failure, but it did require tightening the screws periodically to maintain a solid connection.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a multi-day training exercise in varying weather conditions, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is still holding up. The adapter has seen rain, mud, and plenty of dust, but it continues to function adequately. Some of the screws still need occasional tightening.

While there are minor signs of wear and tear (primarily cosmetic scuffing on the polymer), the adapter hasn’t shown any significant structural weaknesses. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to simply buying a new, modern holster, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg allows me to maintain the familiarity and comfort of my existing setup. It doesn’t outperform a dedicated modern holster mount in terms of stability, but it more than satisfies my desire to keep my preferred holster in service.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg

Specifications

• The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is designed to adapt older Safariland holsters to newer mounting platforms like MOLLE vests or updated duty belts. This is its primary and most important function.
• The adapter is constructed from a durable polymer material, chosen for its balance of strength and lightweight properties. This ensures it can withstand daily wear and tear without adding unnecessary bulk.
• It is compatible with a range of older Safariland holster models that utilize the three-hole mounting pattern. Confirming compatibility is crucial before purchasing.
• The adapter uses standard screws for attachment, making replacement easy if needed. This simplifies maintenance and ensures longevity.
• The weight is negligible, adding minimal weight to the overall setup. Lightweight tactical gear is paramount to avoid fatigue.

These specifications are vital because they determine whether the adapter can actually solve the problem it’s intended to address. The polymer construction needs to be tough enough to handle the stress of repeated use, and the compatibility with the older holster is obviously non-negotiable.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg performs its job adequately: bridging the gap between old and new. It securely attaches the older holster to the newer mounting platform, allowing the user to retain the familiar draw stroke and retention. There are, however, some drawbacks.

The primary weakness is the occasional need to tighten the screws. This is a minor inconvenience, but it’s something to be aware of. The adapter meets my expectations, but it does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is simple and functional. The polymer construction is adequate, though it lacks the refined feel of higher-end materials. It is comfortable enough when worn, and the weight is negligible.

There is a slight learning curve involved in attaching the adapter correctly, but the process is straightforward once you understand the mechanics. Instructions could be clearer.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer material of the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg seems durable enough for regular use. With proper care, it should last for several years.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is primarily intended to be used with existing Safariland holsters and compatible mounting platforms.

Customization options are limited, but users can potentially experiment with different screw types for improved retention. Compatibility with third-party accessories depends on the specific mounting platform being used.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg

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Who Should Buy Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg?

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and tactical enthusiasts who already own and prefer older Safariland holsters. It is ideal for those who want to upgrade their mounting platform without replacing their trusted holster.

Those seeking maximum stability and a completely seamless integration should consider investing in a new, modern holster system instead. While not strictly necessary, thread locker (like Loctite) for the screws would be a helpful addition.

Conclusion on Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg

The Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is a practical and functional solution for a specific problem. It allows users to bridge the gap between older Safariland holsters and newer mounting platforms, saving them the expense of buying an entirely new holster.

At $39.99, the price is justified given the utility it provides. I would personally recommend it to anyone in need of this specific adapter.

If you have a trusty old Safariland holster that you’re not ready to retire, the Safariland Old Style Shank Adapter Hg is a worthwhile investment. Grab yours today and keep that classic gear in service!