What Makes Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30 Stand Out?
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30 is a purpose-built holster from Safariland, designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts who run red dot sights on their duty pistols. It’s not just another holster; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of equipment prioritizing security, speed, and compatibility with modern optics.
I needed a reliable and secure holster for my Glock 17 with a Trijicon RMR, something that wouldn’t compromise draw speed but offered dependable retention during dynamic movements. Many Level II and Level III holsters felt bulky and slow, hindering my response time in drills and scenarios. The promise of Level I retention with the Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a mid-ride height intrigued me, suggesting a balance between security and accessibility.
Unboxing the Safariland 6390rds, I was immediately struck by its robust construction and clean design. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend felt incredibly durable, and the molded shape perfectly cradled a Glock 17 with an RMR. The mid-ride belt loop felt substantial and secure, promising a stable platform for drawing and re-holstering.
Compared to my older Blackhawk Serpa Level 2 holster and a Blade-Tech Total Eclipse, the Safariland 6390rds stood out in several ways. The Serpa’s push-button release always felt a bit unnatural under stress, while the Blade-Tech lacked active retention. The Safariland’s ALS seemed intuitive and provided a positive lock without adding unnecessary bulk.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Safariland 6390rds felt like a professional-grade tool, ready to handle the rigors of daily duty and demanding training environments.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, where I ran a series of drills focusing on draw speed, re-holstering, and target acquisition. I focused primarily on assessing the holster’s ability to allow a smooth, unobstructed draw. The temperatures were around 80 degrees with moderate humidity, a typical day at the range.
The ALS system proved to be incredibly intuitive. With a simple thumb swipe during the draw stroke, the pistol unlocked smoothly, allowing for a fast and clean presentation.
I experienced no initial issues and was impressed with the improved draw speed and the secure feeling of the ALS system.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and a two-day force-on-force training course, the Safariland 6390rds has proven its worth. It has become my go-to holster for both duty and training.
The holster has shown minimal signs of wear and tear, a testament to the durability of the SafariSeven™ material. A few minor scuff marks are visible, but nothing that impacts functionality or structural integrity.
Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is typically all it needs to remove dust and grime. Comparing it to my previous holsters, the Safariland 6390rds significantly outperforms them in both speed, retention, and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30
Specifications
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30 is designed for firearms with mounted red dot sights. It features the Automatic Locking System (ALS), a Level I retention mechanism that secures the weapon without straps or snaps.
The holster is constructed from SafariSeven™, a proprietary nylon blend that is highly durable and non-abrasive to firearm finishes. It utilizes a mid-ride belt loop for comfortable carry and easy access. The open-top design is cut to accommodate red dot sights, ensuring a clear sight picture during the draw.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the holster’s functionality and reliability. The ALS provides a secure hold, while the SafariSeven™ construction guarantees longevity. The mid-ride height is a compromise between concealment and accessibility, making it suitable for duty use.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6390rds excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a sidearm equipped with a red dot sight. The ALS system engages automatically upon holstering, providing immediate retention.
The primary strength lies in its balance of security and speed. The draw stroke is fluid and intuitive.
The holster consistently meets and exceeds expectations, proving to be a reliable and efficient piece of equipment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6390rds features a streamlined and functional design. The SafariSeven™ material provides a lightweight yet robust platform.
The holster’s design allows for a full firing grip before the weapon is drawn. This eliminates unnecessary movement and promoting a faster, more consistent draw stroke. There is a slight learning curve to the ALS system, but once mastered, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The SafariSeven™ construction ensures that the Safariland 6390rds is built to last. It is resistant to heat, cold, and abrasion, making it suitable for a wide range of environments.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The simple design minimizes potential failure points, contributing to its overall reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6390rds is compatible with a wide range of Safariland belt loops and mounting platforms. This allows users to customize the ride height and angle of the holster to their preferences.
Because Safariland is an industry leader, there are many accessories to make the holster compatible with other mounting systems (MOLLE, drop-leg platforms, etc.). The holster is specifically designed to accommodate a variety of red dot sights, ensuring compatibility with popular optics brands like Trijicon, Aimpoint, and Leupold.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS provides a secure Level I retention, preventing unauthorized removal of the firearm.
- Fast Draw Speed: The intuitive design allows for a smooth and rapid draw stroke, crucial in high-pressure situations.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven™ material is incredibly robust and resistant to wear and tear.
- Red Dot Sight Compatibility: The open-top design accommodates a wide range of red dot sights without modification.
- Comfortable Mid-Ride Height: The mid-ride belt loop provides a comfortable and stable carry position.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS release efficiently.
- Limited Adjustability: While belt loop options exist, the holster itself offers limited adjustability.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30?
The Safariland 6390rds is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and competitive shooters who require a secure and fast-drawing holster for their red-dot-equipped pistols. It is also well-suited for anyone who prioritizes weapon retention and durability.
This product might not be ideal for concealed carry due to its size and mid-ride height. Those who prefer simpler, non-retention holsters may find the ALS system unnecessary.
A quality gun belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper holster stability and weight distribution.
Conclusion on Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-481-MS30 is an outstanding holster that delivers on its promises of security, speed, and durability. Its a top choice if you run a red dot optic on your pistol.
At $181.60, the price is justified considering the quality of materials, the innovative ALS system, and the overall performance. It offers excellent value for professionals and serious shooters who demand the best.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6390rds to anyone seeking a reliable and efficient duty holster. Don’t compromise on your gear; invest in the Safariland 6390rds and experience the difference.