Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2

In the world of tactical and duty gear, few names command the respect and reliability of Safariland. The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2 is a testament to their commitment to providing law enforcement, military personnel, and responsible armed citizens with secure, dependable, and rapidly accessible firearm carry solutions, particularly for those employing red dot sights. This open-top holster, featuring the Automatic Locking System (ALS), offers Level I retention without the cumbersome straps or snaps often associated with duty holsters.

As someone with over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear realm, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go, each promising the world but often falling short in practical application. I was looking for a duty holster that provided secure retention, allowed for a rapid draw, and accommodated my increasingly common red-dot-equipped pistols. The promise of the Safariland 6390rds seemed to hit that sweet spot, addressing the growing need for RDS-compatible duty holsters.

The Safariland 6390rds arrived in typical Safariland packaging – functional and no-frills. My initial impression was one of solid construction and thoughtful design. The materials felt robust, and the mid-ride design appeared to offer a good balance between accessibility and concealment. Compared to some of the bulkier Level III holsters I’ve used, the 6390rds felt surprisingly streamlined.

Initially, I was excited by the prospect of a Level I retention holster that could accommodate a red dot sight. I have previously used Blackhawk! and Safariland Level III holsters, but was looking for something with a quicker draw for competition use without sacrificing retention. The Safariland 6390rds seemed like the perfect middle ground and filled that gap.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6390rds at my local shooting range, incorporating it into my usual practice drills. I practiced drawing and reholstering with dummy rounds initially, then moved to live fire to assess its performance under pressure. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for familiarization.

The draw stroke felt incredibly natural. The ALS system disengaged smoothly with my thumb, and the pistol cleared the holster quickly and cleanly. The mid-ride height also felt comfortable and provided a secure platform. There were no immediate issues, and I was able to achieve consistent draw times right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6390rds has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a muddy obstacle course and during a week-long training course in the desert. The holster has held up admirably.

Despite the rigors of training, the holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The Safariland SafariSeven nylon blend has proven to be incredibly durable and resistant to abrasion. The ALS mechanism still functions smoothly and positively, and the holster remains easy to clean with just a damp cloth.

In comparison to my previous experiences with other duty holsters, the Safariland 6390rds significantly outperforms them in terms of speed and simplicity. While Level III holsters offer a higher degree of security, the 6390rds provides a faster draw without sacrificing adequate retention for most duty applications.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2

Specifications

The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance:

• Automatic Locking System (ALS): An internal locking device that secures the weapon in all directions without the need for straps or snaps. This is the core feature of this Safariland holster and defines its Level I retention.
• Open-Top Design: Allows for rapid draw and reholstering, crucial for high-pressure situations. This contributes directly to the speed advantage compared to Level II and III holsters.
• Mid-Ride Belt Loop: Positions the holster lower on the hip, providing a comfortable and accessible draw. This offers a good balance between concealment and accessibility.
• SafariSeven™ Construction: A proprietary nylon blend that is highly durable, non-abrasive, and resistant to heat and cold. This ensures the holster can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
• Red Dot Sight Compatibility: Specifically designed to accommodate firearms equipped with red dot sights. This is critical for modern duty and tactical applications.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the holster’s functionality, durability, and overall user experience. The ALS system provides secure retention without hindering draw speed, while the SafariSeven construction ensures longevity and resistance to the elements.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6390rds excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and reliable draw. The ALS system is intuitive to use and provides a positive, audible click when the weapon is holstered.

Its main strength lies in its balance of speed and security. The draw stroke is incredibly smooth and natural, allowing for fast target acquisition. One area for potential improvement is the accessibility of the ALS release lever for users with smaller hands.

Overall, the Safariland 6390rds meets and exceeds expectations for a Level I retention duty holster designed for red dot-equipped firearms.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6390rds features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The SafariSeven material provides a comfortable feel against the body, while the mid-ride belt loop ensures a secure and stable platform.

The holster is relatively lightweight and doesn’t add excessive bulk, even with a firearm installed. There is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS system, but once mastered, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6390rds is built to last. The SafariSeven construction is incredibly robust and resistant to wear and tear. Based on my experience, I expect this holster to provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed. The SafariSeven material is also resistant to solvents and chemicals, making it easy to clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6390rds is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops, leg shrouds, and tactical mounting options. While it doesn’t come with any specific accessories out of the box, the modular design allows users to customize it to their specific needs.

It’s also compatible with various red dot sights, provided they are mounted on a compatible firearm. The open-top design easily accommodates different RDS sizes and configurations.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2

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Who Should Buy Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2?

The Safariland 6390rds is perfect for:

• Law enforcement officers who prioritize speed and accessibility in a Level I retention holster.
• Competitive shooters who require a rapid draw and secure retention.
• Tactical professionals who utilize red dot-equipped firearms.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who require a higher level of retention (Level II or III) for specific duty applications.
• Those who do not use red dot sights on their firearms.

A must-have modification would be upgrading the belt loop to the Safariland QLS system for modularity and quick holster changes.

Conclusion on Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2

The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8192-131-2 is an exceptional duty holster that strikes a perfect balance between speed, security, and durability. Its red dot sight compatibility makes it a modern solution for those embracing optics on their firearms.

The price of $165.99 is justified given the quality of materials, construction, and performance. For those prioritizing a rapid draw and secure retention in a Level I holster, the Safariland 6390rds is an excellent investment.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6390rds to anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing duty holster for their red dot-equipped firearm. Upgrade your carry system today and experience the Safariland difference!