First Impressions of Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl – a name that practically screams preparedness. This holster isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s a statement. It says, “I’m serious about my sidearm, my optic, my light, and most importantly, my safety.” For those of us in law enforcement, security, or even responsible armed citizens, a duty holster is more than just a carrying device. It’s a crucial component of our personal safety system, offering secure retention, rapid access, and compatibility with essential accessories.
My previous holster setup, while functional, lacked the specific accommodations I needed. The red dot sight (RDS) revolution has changed the game, and my old holster couldn’t handle my Glock 19 MOS with its Trijicon SRO and Streamlight TLR-2 HL. I needed a holster that offered both Level III retention and accommodated my specific weapon and light configuration.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The holster feels incredibly robust, constructed from their durable SafariSeven nylon blend. The low-ride design felt natural as I have always preferred the gun to sit lower. The initial manipulation of the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) mechanisms felt smooth and intuitive.
I considered a few other holsters, notably some offerings from Blackhawk and Alien Gear. However, Safariland‘s reputation for bombproof durability, combined with its dedicated design for RDS-equipped firearms and weapon lights, ultimately won me over. I was excited and hopeful that this holster would solve my specific needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl at my local shooting range during a training session. The range offered a dynamic environment to practice drawing and reholstering under stress, a crucial test for any duty holster. Drawing from the holster proved to be surprisingly fast and natural after a brief period of familiarization with the ALS and SLS releases.
During a portion of the training involving simulated building entry, the holster remained secure even while moving through doorways and awkward positions. Even with sweat from the intense physical activity, the retention mechanisms worked flawlessly. There were no unexpected issues, and I felt confident in the holster’s ability to retain my firearm under duress.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland holster has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve worn it during multiple training sessions, both in dry and rainy conditions. The SafariSeven material has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of cracking or degradation.
The only maintenance I’ve performed is occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Compared to my previous leather holster, which required regular conditioning, the Safariland is significantly easier to maintain. It absolutely outperforms my previous holsters in terms of retention, light compatibility, and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl
Specifications
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl is designed specifically for the Glock 19 MOS (Modular Optic System) platform with a Streamlight TLR-2 HL weapon light. It is a Level III Retention holster, meaning it employs multiple security features to prevent unauthorized access to the firearm. The holster is constructed from Safariland’s proprietary SafariSeven nylon blend.
The ALS (Automatic Locking System) secures the weapon upon holstering, engaging the ejection port. The SLS (Self Locking System) is a rotating hood that further prevents the weapon from being drawn. It features a low-ride belt loop, positioning the holster slightly lower on the hip for easier draw and increased comfort. The specific models it fits are: Glock 19 MOS, Glock 45 MOS, and weapon lights such as the Surefire XVL2, Trijicon SRO, Leupold Deltapoint, Trijicon RMR, Dr. Optic, J Point, Vortex Viper, and Burris Fastfire.
These specifications are crucial because they ensure compatibility with my specific firearm and accessories while providing a high level of security. The SafariSeven construction ensures durability and resistance to the elements, vital for real-world duty use.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl excels in its primary function: securely retaining the firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The combination of ALS and SLS provides a high degree of security without compromising speed. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent, requiring only a thumb release of the SLS hood and a middle-finger activation of the ALS lever.
The holster’s strengths lie in its robust retention, light compatibility, and comfortable low-ride design. One minor area for improvement might be the initial stiffness of the SLS hood, which requires a bit of break-in to achieve optimal smoothness. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty-grade holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland holster boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both security and user comfort. The SafariSeven material provides a secure grip and a smooth, snag-free draw. The low-ride belt loop positions the firearm at an optimal height for a natural and ergonomic draw stroke.
The holster is user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS and SLS mechanisms. After a few practice sessions, the draw becomes intuitive and second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The SafariSeven material is exceptionally durable and resistant to abrasion, moisture, and extreme temperatures. With proper care, this holster should last for many years.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. There are no user-serviceable parts that require regular lubrication or replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl doesn’t come with many accessories, as its primary focus is on secure firearm retention and light compatibility. However, Safariland offers a wide range of belt loops, leg shrouds, and other mounting options to customize the holster to individual preferences. The holster is compatible with various Safariland accessories, allowing for a modular and adaptable setup.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The combination of ALS and SLS provides Level III retention, offering superior security compared to many other holsters on the market.
- Light Compatibility: Specifically designed to accommodate the Streamlight TLR-2 HL, ensuring a secure and reliable fit.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven material is incredibly tough and resistant to the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Low-Ride Design: The low-ride belt loop provides a comfortable and ergonomic draw stroke.
- RDS Compatibility: Designed to accommodate red dot sights, making it ideal for modern pistol setups.
Cons
- Initial Stiffness: The SLS hood can be a bit stiff initially, requiring a break-in period for optimal smoothness.
- Price: At $182.89, it’s pricier than some other holster options.
Who Should Buy Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl?
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and responsible armed citizens who prioritize firearm retention, light compatibility, and durability. It’s also ideal for anyone who uses a Glock 19 MOS or Glock 45 MOS with a red dot sight and Streamlight TLR-2 HL weapon light.
This product may not be necessary for casual range shooters or those who don’t require Level III retention. A must-have modification would be a compatible Safariland quick-release belt attachment for easy removal and installation of the holster.
Conclusion on Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl
The Safariland Model 6365rds Als/sls Low-ride, Level Iii Retention Duty Holster For Glock 19 Mos W/ Streamlight Tlr-2hl is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional retention, light compatibility, and durability. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the peace of mind and reliability it provides are well worth the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone seeking a secure and dependable carrying solution for their Glock 19 MOS or Glock 45 MOS with a red dot sight and Streamlight TLR-2 HL. If you’re serious about your firearm and your safety, this holster is an excellent choice. Invest in your security; you won’t regret it.