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AR15.COM
12/9/2002 8:04:49 AM EDT
After years of searching finally found one of the old LAPD Safety Speed clamshell rigs.  Anybody know when these first came into use?  I'm guessing mid sixties (based on Adam 12 reruns).

Neat rig, fun to play with.  Probably dangerous for everyday use, but I don't intend to use for anything more than collecting.  And maybe an IDPA match just for hoots.  

Now if I can just find the old Illinois State Police full flap rig for the Smith 39.......

12/9/2002 8:50:19 AM EDT
[#1]
What exactly is a clamshell rig? Can you post a photo?
12/9/2002 9:08:30 AM EDT
[#2]
talk about stumbling opon a memory...
i had an adam-12 lunch box!
i'm curious too.
12/9/2002 10:22:20 AM EDT
[#3]
Its an old swivel holster design.   It has a piano hinge along the back edge to the holster.  In the front edge is a small hook  assembly.  When you push the release button located inside the trigger guard the holster swings open like a clamshell.  Made by the Safety Speed Holster Co. of Monrovia CA (which is still in business by the way).  It was primarily a west coast thing from what I can tell.  

I know LAPD used it as standard issue, probably several other SoCal PD's as well.  Quite scarce here in the midwest.  This in the only one I've seen in 20 years of looking.  Dealer that had didn't know what it was or how it worked.  So I got for a bit less than the going ebay rate.  Last one I saw there went for $175.  

I collect old police leather.  This was one of my holy grails.