The Alien Gear ShapeShift holster continues to evolve and grow. I reviewed the full system earlier in the fall and enjoyed the modularity of the system. Since then I’ve received three different expansion packs. The MOLLE adapter being one of the three. The ShapeShift MOLLE adapter is a simple, well made, and customizable attachment. The MOLLE Adapter is an affordable way to adapt your ShapeShift Holster to your MOLLE paneled gear.
Where it Begins
The MOLLE Adapter requires the complete shell without the paddle attachment. The ShapeShift MOLLE adapter features the same attachment point as the paddle attachment and thigh rig. This allows the shooter to adjust the gun’s cant in 12-degree increments for 360 degrees of customization. On a MOLLE adapter this is quite important. Depending on how you have your gear laid out on your war belt of plate carrier you may need to access alternative angles.
The ShapeShift MOLLE adapter allows you to install your holster of choice in about 3 seconds. It attaches simply but is secure. Wearing a gun on your kit may seem odd when there are so many more easy to reach options but I carried my M9 on my chest for most of my Marine Corps career. I kept the gun on my chest for easy access when in the prone. As a machine gunner with an M240, this is where I’d likely be. While traipsing through the fields of Afghanistan and the Helmand river I also found myself getting waist deep quite often. Having the gun on my chest meant objects below me weren’t interfering with my gun. With the handgun mounted to my chest, It was easier to get in and out of vehicles and through doors in a hurry.
The ShapeShift MOLLE Adapter and Options
It’s always good to have options. The ShapeShift holster system is all about options. What’s unique is how the part interchange so easily. If I’m not wearing armor and carrying my pistol via the paddle system I’d good to go. Then bang, I need to toss my carrier on and get ready to go. All I need to do is detach the gun from my paddle and mount it to my ShapeShift MOLLE Adapter.
Or let’s say I find myself humping through the swamps, my Glock in my ShapeShift thigh rig and I have to cross a wet patch. Instead of getting the gun wet or trying to juggle it in the hand I simply remove the holster and gun from the drop leg rig and attach it to the ShapeShift MOLLE adapter. It’s simple and rapid. The MOLLE adapter is small and doesn’t take up much space so it’s not an issue to just keep it mounted when not in use.
Installing the ShapeShift MOLLE adapter
Installing the adapter is stupid easy. Slide the two legs through the MOLLE or PALS webbing as far as possible and then attach the end plate. That’s it. The panel the accepts the holster can be arranged to go upwards or downwards to adjust the height of the holster a bit. It mounts easily to my plate carriers and I prefer it to be installed in a cross draw position on my cumberbund. That’s just me. I find with a rifle mounting directly to the chest means the guns in the way of my magazines. (I miss my simple belt fed weapons.)
What’s Next?
Alien Gear was kind enough to send me a Backpack adapter, which is the latest expansion set. So far I’m impressed at Alien Gear’s dedication to making this the last holster I’ll ever need. (For my Glock anyway. Make CZ shells!) The ShapeShift MOLLE adapter is an excellent addition to the lineup. I wish I had this kind of holster when I was moving and grooving through Afghanistan. Alas, now I can at least enjoy it as a civilian.
