Let’s Dive into Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster is a purpose-built piece of kit for those needing quick access and secure retention of their sidearm. From Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and military gear, this holster promises durability and reliability, boasting their innovative SafariSeven nylon blend and the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS). This review will explore whether this holster lives up to its reputation and if it’s the right choice for serious users.
As a gear specialist, I’ve spent years searching for the ideal balance of speed, security, and comfort in a tactical holster. Too often, I’ve found myself compromising one for the other. I was particularly interested in a drop leg platform that wouldn’t shift and bounce during dynamic movement.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster felt substantial and well-constructed. The SafariSeven nylon had a unique texture, and the ALS mechanism clicked reassuringly. The single strap leg shroud appeared streamlined, hinting at a more stable platform than traditional double-strap designs.
Compared to my older Blackhawk! Serpa drop leg and a cheaper molded polymer holster from an airsoft brand, the Safariland felt leagues ahead in quality. The Blackhawk! was bulky, and the other was flimsy, while the Safariland promised a refined and rugged solution. I chose this Safariland model because of the Safariland’s reputation for quality and the unique material and locking system.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could this holster truly provide the speed and security I needed without sacrificing comfort? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster was at an outdoor shooting range during a training day. The weather was typical for late spring: intermittent rain and muddy conditions. I wanted to see how the holster performed under less-than-ideal circumstances.
The ALS system was intuitive to use; once the Sig Sauer M18 was holstered, it locked firmly in place. Deactivation was smooth and natural with my thumb, allowing for a quick, clean draw. There was a slight learning curve adjusting to the draw stroke needed for optimal results.
The holster did not disappoint; it held securely even when transitioning between running and kneeling positions. The SafariSeven material repelled water and mud, and the interior design prevented any debris from interfering with the firearm. I was surprised at how little the holster moved, even with just a single leg strap.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster has proven its worth. I’ve worn it during multi-day field exercises, tactical training scenarios, and even some rigorous hiking trips. The holster has consistently performed without issue.
The SafariSeven nylon shows minimal signs of wear, even after being scraped against rocks and exposed to harsh weather. The ALS mechanism remains smooth and reliable. The holster cleans easily with just soap and water, making maintenance a breeze.
Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland significantly outperforms them in terms of durability, security, and comfort. The Blackhawk!‘s plastic showed scratches easily and the release became sticky in dusty conditions. The cheap polymer holster simply fell apart after a few uses. The Safariland is a clear upgrade in every aspect.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster
Specifications
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster is designed specifically for the SIG Sauer M18. It comes in a right-hand configuration only.
It’s constructed of SafariSeven, Safariland’s proprietary nylon blend. This ensures resistance to heat, cold, and abrasion.
The holster utilizes the Automatic Locking System (ALS) for Level I Retention. This secures the weapon until deactivated by the thumb.
It features a single strap leg shroud with an accessory mounting system. This allows for the attachment of pouches or other gear.
The holster is black in color. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of tactical loadouts.
It’s designed as an open-top holster. This offers fast access to the firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster excels at its primary job: securely holding and quickly deploying a sidearm. The ALS system provides excellent retention without hindering draw speed. The single-strap design, while unconventional, offers a surprising degree of stability.
The holster’s strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. The ALS is intuitive, the draw is clean, and the SafariSeven material is incredibly durable. A weakness is the lack of adjustability in the leg strap, which may not fit all body types perfectly.
The holster meets and mostly exceeds expectations. Its durability and security are top-notch, but the fit could be improved with more adjustability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster features a streamlined design. The SafariSeven material is lightweight yet rigid, and the open-top design allows for a full grip on the firearm. The single leg strap keeps the holster close to the body.
The holster is generally user-friendly. However, some users may need practice to master the ALS release. The placement of the release lever is optimal for most hand sizes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster is built to last. The SafariSeven nylon is highly resistant to abrasion, heat, and chemicals. The ALS mechanism is robust and reliable.
Maintenance is simple; the holster can be cleaned with soap and water. The durable construction suggests a long lifespan even under heavy use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster comes with the leg shroud and single leg strap. It features mounting points for adding accessories like magazine pouches or flashlights.
The holster is compatible with Safariland’s extensive line of accessories. However, due to its specific design, it may not work with all aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg HolsterPros
- Extremely Durable SafariSeven Construction: The material is practically impervious to the elements and heavy use.
- Reliable ALS Retention: The Automatic Locking System provides secure weapon retention with a quick and intuitive release.
- Streamlined Single-Strap Design: Offers improved stability and reduced bulk compared to traditional double-strap designs.
- Open-Top Design for Fast Draws: Allows for a full grip and rapid presentation of the firearm.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleans easily with soap and water.
Cons
- Limited Leg Strap Adjustability: May not fit all body types perfectly, potentially affecting comfort and stability.
- Right-Hand Only Configuration: Excludes left-handed shooters.
Who Should Buy Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster?
Pros
- Extremely Durable SafariSeven Construction: The material is practically impervious to the elements and heavy use.
- Reliable ALS Retention: The Automatic Locking System provides secure weapon retention with a quick and intuitive release.
- Streamlined Single-Strap Design: Offers improved stability and reduced bulk compared to traditional double-strap designs.
- Open-Top Design for Fast Draws: Allows for a full grip and rapid presentation of the firearm.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleans easily with soap and water.
Cons
- Limited Leg Strap Adjustability: May not fit all body types perfectly, potentially affecting comfort and stability.
- Right-Hand Only Configuration: Excludes left-handed shooters.
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security professionals. It’s well-suited for anyone who needs a secure and rapidly accessible holster.
Those who prefer a more traditional double-strap drop leg setup or require a left-handed holster should skip this product. Individuals with significantly larger or smaller than average leg circumferences might also find the fit less than ideal.
A must-have accessory is a compatible Safariland magazine pouch that can be attached to the leg shroud. This allows for carrying extra ammunition. Adjusting the ride height of the holster for optimal draw comfort could be improved with an aftermarket adaptor, if one were available.
Conclusion on Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster
The Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster is a high-quality, purpose-built holster that delivers on its promises of durability and security. The ALS system is reliable, the SafariSeven material is incredibly tough, and the single-strap design offers surprising stability. While the limited adjustability and right-hand-only configuration may be drawbacks for some, the holster’s overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment.
At $169.99, the price is justified considering the materials and construction. This holster is built to withstand serious abuse and provide years of reliable service.
I would definitely recommend the Safariland 7TS AlS Nylon Tactical Drop Leg Holster to anyone needing a dependable tactical holster. If you value security, durability, and speed, this holster is a solid choice. Invest in your gear, invest in your safety!