Terrorists couldn't unholster MIT cop's gun

[Guest confidence]

"The operating theory now in the investigation is they were short one gun. The older brother had a gun. They wanted to get a gun for the younger brother and the fastest and most efficient way they could think of doing it was a surprise attack on a cop, to take his weapon and go. Officer Collier had a locking holster, it’s like a three-way lock. If you don’t know how to remove the gun, you’re not going to get it out. There was apparently an attempt to yank it and they couldn’t get it and left."

 

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/04/23/miller-tsarnaev-brothers-killed-mit-officer-because-they-needed-a-gun/

 

A few random thoughts on this. The 3-way lock sounds cool but the question has to be asked: Was this locking mechanism too slow and that is why the cop possibly wasn't able to draw his gun on time? Also, the terrorists weren't too bright. They likely could have located a backup gun, if they thought of it. Oh, and here is an interesting one for you: Is this what things will come to if the liberals ban guns? The bad guys will just kill cops in cold blood just for their gun? Wonder if anyone has ever thought of that. Just goes to prove that no matter what you legislate, the bad guys can always find a way to get a hold of a gun one way or another. (Unless, they're too stupid, like these guys.)

[jgradyc]

What's a three-way lock?

[xRUSTYx]

jgrady ...

 

Here's SERPA's breakdown of its Level 3 retention holster:

 

Level 3 retention holsters have long been the standard for law enforcement duty use. Now, thanks to the proven SERPA Auto Lock technology, you can draw your weapon rapidly under stress, using your natural drawing motion with no unnatural maneuvers or complicated sequences to remember. Just grab and draw!

• Passive retention detent adjustment screw and SERPA® Auto Lock™ release
• Thumb-activated Pivot Guard for additional security
• No thumb break or awkward middle finger release to slow down your draw
• Reinforces full master grip and superior draw technique
• Immediate retention and audible click upon re-holster for increased officer safety
• No snaps or hoods to accidentally open
• Full-length holster body protects rear sights
• Same drawing technique for undercover, tactical, and duty
• Includes angle-adjustable jacket-slot belt loop
• Mid-ride and high-ride belt loops also available

 

And here's the info on a Safariland Level 3 Rentention holster

 

• Self Locking System (SLS)
• Black
• Molded ejection port insert - push down on gun to lock
• Trigger guard lock
• Middle finger release tab
• Mid-ride position allows for excellent weapon protection and quick, easy draw
• Universal belt loop
• Rock slightly back to draw

 

Edited April 23, 2013 by xRUSTYx

[Mike.357]

if they needed a gun why didn't they just go to a gunshow?

 

Of course this act does prove that open carrying makes you a target.

[gjohnsoniv]

if they needed a gun why didn't they just go to a gunshow?

 

Of course this act does prove that open carrying makes you a target.

Be it that the guy is a cop I do believe open carry is a requirement.  That's all I'm going to say though before this turns into an OC versus CC debate and flame war.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Sounds like even the cop couldn't get to it in time, either. Must be some nawthin thang.

[MiddTennTaco]

I can draw a S&W 5906 from a Safariland level 3 holster just as quick as any other holster out there that I've tried. All it takes is training and getting used to. As an LEO it is an invaluable feature. After having carried in TN with a HCP for about a year now I won't have any reservations about going back to a level three holster when I get back into law enforcement.

[MiddTennTaco]

Of course this act does prove that open carrying makes you a target.

Good grief.

[Guest confidence]

I can draw a S&W 5906 from a Safariland level 3 holster just as quick as any other holster out there that I've tried. All it takes is training and getting used to. As an LEO it is an invaluable feature. After having carried in TN with a HCP for about a year now I won't have any reservations about going back to a level three holster when I get back into law enforcement.

 

I agree that Serpa level 3 holsters, etc. are fast to draw from. The article said it was a 3-way lock, though. You think maybe that is nonsense and what they actually mean is level 3, not 3-way lock?

[gjohnsoniv]

I think they meant level 3, Confidence.  I don't believe that a three lock holster would make for a good carry holster, but maybe up north it will be a requirement after this.

[RichardR]

Drawing a duty-sized weapon from the hip while seated in a vehicle is akward & slow to begin with (even with an OWB/IWB holster w/no retention), which is why I usually wear a shoulder rig or I'll place my handgun in my center console if I am going to be driving for long periods &/or driving through in areas of increased risk of being car-jacked, etc.

[Patton]

FWIW, a friend of mine up there says the holster was the Safariland with the fake strap across the front. They got the hammer strap off but didn't know the one on the side was fake and the real one is behind the trigger. Apparentl the officer never knew why hit him, he was shot from his blind side.

[Guest confidence]

FWIW, a friend of mine up there says the holster was the Safariland with the fake strap across the front. They got the hammer strap off but didn't know the one on the side was fake and the real one is behind the trigger. Apparentl the officer never knew why hit him, he was shot from his blind side.

 

 

Fake strap? Interesting. Do you happen to have a link where we can look at one? Couldn't find it on their website...

[Oh Shoot]

Like, they didn't consider simply taking the entire gunbelt? Duh.

 

- OS

[Patton]

I bet most people couldn't get my belt off. I use the wraparound Velcro and slide OC spray and handcuff pouches around. I do this to not have anything on my back, everything is accessible easily with both hands. I have an extra cuff over my left rear pocket which is hard to reach with the right hand but not impossible.

[Patton]

Fake strap? Interesting. Do you happen to have a link where we can look at one? Couldn't find it on their website...

I am affraid by posting a picture I may give away a secret that could save an officers life. There are a few holsters out there now with fake straps and buttons.

[Oh Shoot]

I bet most people couldn't get my belt off. I use the wraparound Velcro and slide OC spray and handcuff pouches around....

 

Well, a pocketknife should get it off pert quick, eh?

 

- OS

[MiddTennTaco]

I am affraid by posting a picture I may give away a secret that could save an officers life. There are a few holsters out there now with fake straps and buttons.

 

I deleted what I wrote before I posted for this very reason...

[Chucktshoes]

[quote name="Mike.357" post="957913" timestamp="1366746213"]

if they needed a gun why didn't they just go to a gunshow?

Of course this act does prove that open carrying makes you a target.[/quote]

Edited April 26, 2013 by Chucktshoes

[Guest carter]

i use to carry a safariland level 3 with a S&W 4006... still have the holster.... I'm not in that line of work anymore but have a duty belt with a serpa level 3 on it... just wandering what holster they wear

[Andyshowfan]

We're issued the Safariland level III holster. You really have to practice with it to get fluid with drawing your weapon. My belt is velcro the full length of it and my duty belt "adheres" to it and along with 4 belt keepers, I believe it would be very difficult to get the entire belt off. Someone without specific knowledge of how this holster works would be very aggravated trying to get it out, especially in their state of mind at the time.

[Patton]

Even with officers using the same holster as mine I have a hard time getting their weapon out during drills. It's different angles when taking away a weapon is something you have to get used to.

[Guest Cami]

Well, a pocketknife should get it off pert quick, eh?

 

- OS

City boys don't carry them specially up North...

[c.a.willard]

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/swf_pop.aspx?pid=070

 

 

I don't personally think showing it here is going to endanger anyone life, but if the mods feel different please remove.  The way I see it im not posting anyone that someone couldn't google based off of the information already in the thread.

[Oh Shoot]

City boys don't carry them specially up North...

 

No self-respecting terrorist should be without a pocket knife, what is the world coming to?

 

- OS