Let’s Dive into the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a statement. A statement of readiness, reliability, and refined tactical preference, brought to you by the renowned Safariland. It promises rapid weapon deployment and secure retention, making it a critical piece of kit for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.
For years, I wrestled with holsters that were either too slow or not secure enough during rigorous training exercises. I needed a holster that wouldn’t compromise speed for security, especially when transitioning between drills. The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster caught my eye for its promise of a fast draw facilitated by the Automatic Locking System (ALS) without compromising retention.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was quality. The SafariSeven nylon blend felt incredibly robust, and the overall build exhibited the meticulous craftsmanship Safariland is known for. It felt lighter than expected for a tactical holster, which was a pleasant surprise.
Compared to my older Blackhawk! Serpa and a Blade-Tech OWB, the Safariland‘s ALS system seemed both more intuitive and less prone to accidental release. It felt like a step up in design and materials. I was excited to test the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster and see if its performance matched its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trial of the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster was at an outdoor shooting range during a tactical training session. The weather was typical for the region: dry, dusty, and with temperatures soaring into the high 80s. The session involved rapid draw drills, movement under simulated fire, and various weapon transitions.
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster performed admirably. Drawing was incredibly fast and fluid once I internalized the ALS release motion. The retention was reassuringly firm, even during dynamic movements.
Initially, I fumbled the ALS release a few times, but after a few repetitions, it became second nature. There were no immediate issues, and the holster felt secure and comfortable even after hours of use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use in diverse training scenarios, the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster has proven remarkably reliable. It has seen action in simulated urban environments, wooded areas, and even a brief exposure to light rain. The holster has consistently maintained its structural integrity.
There are minimal signs of wear, primarily some minor scuff marks on the SafariSeven nylon blend. Cleaning is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster significantly outperforms them in both retention and speed. The ALS system gives me confidence that my firearm is secure, and the rapid draw is a game-changer during tactical exercises.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster
Specifications
- The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster features the ALS (Automatic Locking System), providing secure retention with a simple straight-up draw once the release is deactivated. This balances speed and security effectively.
- Its open-top design without the SLS (Self Locking System) maximizes the speed of weapon retrieval. This design choice prioritizes rapid deployment in critical situations.
- Constructed from SafariSeven, a proprietary nylon blend, the holster is completely non-abrasive to the firearm’s finish. This protects your weapon from unnecessary wear and tear.
- Raised stand-off surfaces inside the holster create airspace around the weapon, allowing dirt and moisture to quickly clear. This design helps maintain functionality in adverse conditions.
- It features a standard double strap leg shroud with mounting holes for optional accessories. The adjustable vertical leg strap has a quick-release buckle for easy donning and doffing.
- This Safariland holster boasts a temperature tolerance of 300 degrees F to -50 degrees F. This ensures reliable performance in extreme environmental conditions.
- It also has excellent water tolerance, being able to be submerged indefinitely without losing its shape or function. This is crucial for operations in wet environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster excels at its primary function: securely retaining and rapidly deploying a firearm. The ALS system is intuitive and effective, providing excellent retention without hindering the draw.
The holster is exceptionally reliable. It functions flawlessly even when exposed to dirt, dust, and moisture. While the ALS requires a small learning curve, it becomes second nature with practice.
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster exceeds expectations. It offers a superior balance of speed, security, and durability compared to other tactical holsters I’ve used.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster has a streamlined and functional design. The SafariSeven material is both lightweight and incredibly durable, and the holster fits comfortably against the leg.
The ALS release is well-positioned and easy to access, even with gloved hands. There is a slight learning curve with the ALS, but the design is inherently user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. The SafariSeven material is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the holster clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster comes standard with a double strap leg shroud and an adjustable vertical leg strap with quick release. The leg shroud features mounting holes for attaching various accessories, such as magazine pouches or knives.
While the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster is primarily designed for specific firearm models (Glock, Beretta), its modular design allows compatibility with various Safariland accessory mounts and platforms. This allows for customization of the entire carry system.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS (Automatic Locking System) provides outstanding firearm retention, ensuring the weapon stays secure during dynamic movements.
- Rapid Draw: Once the ALS is deactivated, the straight-up draw is incredibly fast, facilitating rapid weapon deployment.
- Extreme Durability: Constructed from SafariSeven, a proprietary nylon blend, the holster withstands harsh conditions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
- Comfortable Wear: The double strap leg shroud and adjustable vertical leg strap provide a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended use.
- Accessory Mounting Options: The leg shroud features mounting holes for attaching various accessories, allowing customization of the carry system.
Cons
- ALS Learning Curve: The Automatic Locking System requires some initial practice to master the release motion.
- Limited Firearm Compatibility: The holster is designed for specific firearm models (Glock, Beretta), which may limit its use for individuals with multiple weapon platforms.
Who Should Buy Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster?
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security professionals who require a secure and rapidly deployable holster. It’s also an excellent choice for shooting enthusiasts who prioritize retention and speed during tactical training.
Individuals who primarily use subcompact or unconventional firearms might find this holster unsuitable. Additionally, those who prefer simpler retention systems with no active release mechanisms may want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory would be additional Safariland accessory mounts. They allow for the attachment of magazine pouches, flashlights, or other essential gear to the leg shroud.
Conclusion on Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster
The Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster is a top-tier piece of equipment that delivers on its promises. Its innovative ALS system, robust construction, and comfortable design make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a secure and rapidly deployable holster.
At $188.80, the price is justified by the holster’s exceptional performance, durability, and reliability. This is an investment in quality and peace of mind.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 7385 ALS Tactical Holster to anyone seeking a professional-grade tactical holster. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who values speed, security, and dependability.
